Lakelanders’ Choice 2024 | Taste
Lakelanders are foodies at heart and many of them are sharing their favorite eats and drinks on social posts all day and night. Find out which spots locals put on the podium of restaurant lore, who the top chefs are and where to grab a drink for a fun night out.
BEST HEAD CHEF
1st Place Winner
Andrew Kippley, Scarpa’s Italian
Check him out if: you want to experience fresh handmade pasta from a New York transplant who credits his mom for his cooking prowess and who loves to create flavorful twists on Italian classics to give Lakelanders just what they’re looking for.
2nd Place Marcos Fernandez, Nineteen61
3rd Place Tina Calhoon, Frescos
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
1st Place Winner
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro
Check it out if: You’re looking for something savory like a brisket Gouda signature breakfast sandwich, something sweet like the strawberry banana Nutella tartine or just want a hot espresso drink brewed with locally roasted beans that pairs well with a variety of pastries.
2nd Place Born & Bread Bakehouse
3rd Place Frescos Southern Kitchen
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
1st Place Winner
Peach House
Check it out if: You’re on the hunt for some fun takes on old Florida classics coupled with Mediterranean flair and whimsical drinks in an eclectic Lake Morton home that now has decorum galore inspired by the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
2nd Place Mega Mercado Southside
3rd Place The Cultivated Pig
BEST FOOD TRUCK
1st Place Winner
Fat Maggie’s
Check it out if: You have a hankering for dialed in barbecue, love truffle fries or are simply looking for a perfect pairing for a refreshing beer.
2nd Place Feasts of Persia
3rd Place Tacos San Marcos
BEST COCKTAILS
1st Place Winner
Revival
Check it out if: You’re in the mood for delicious cocktails with old soul + a new twist, you’re looking for the perfect space to spread out and play board games with friends, or you are looking for friendly bartenders who will make you feel at home, whether it’s your first time or third time this week.
2nd Place Vasco Sixty One
3rd Place The Joinery
BEST BURGER
1st Place Winner
S&L Restaurant
Check it out if: You are looking for that local “dive” that has burgers more impressive than the best backyard grill master can offer in a setting that makes you feel like you momentarily exited off the interstate of life to immerse yourself in the good ole’ days, where yes, it’s cash only when it’s time to pay for the meal.
2nd Place Five Guys
3rd Place Chop Shop
BEST ICE CREAM
1st Place Winner
Mayday Ice Cream
Check it out if: You agree one of the best smells on Earth is freshly made waffle cones, you ever wondered what matcha berry marble ice cream would taste like or you simply want to try a “flight” with friends without having to make sure you bring a designated driver.
2nd Place Andy’s Frozen Custard
3rd Place Lakeland Ice Cream Company
BEST PIZZA
1st Place Winner
Palace Pizza Downtown
Check it out if: You’re hungry for a slice of authentic Italian pizza (or a bowl of pasta) made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes backed by more than 25 years of history in downtown Lakeland.
2nd Place J Burns
3rd Place That 716 Pizza Joint
BEST BARTENDER
1st Place Winner
Mercedes Mejia, Food + Beer
Check her out if: You’re looking for a kind, attentive personality serving you up perfectly cold beer or expertly crafted cocktails in a spot known for its scratch-kitchen food, lively trivia nights and fun creations like Tin Can Nachos.
2nd Place Madison Key, Union Hall
3rd Place Hannah Smith, Union Hall
BEST BAR & GRILL
1st Place Winner
Cob & Pen
Check it out if: You want to enjoy delicious fish and chips, garlic fries, mushroom risotto and craft cocktails in a gorgeous, repurposed tudor style house while playing trivia (Mondays at 7:30 p.m.) or enjoying a ladies night.
2nd Place Harry’s
3rd Place Food + Beer
BEST TACO SPOT
1st Place Winner
Tapatios
Check it out if: Authentic Mexican dishes including chilaquiles, menudo and tacos of all kinds (and some horchata to wash it down with) are on your mind for an affordable dinner in a lively, fun atmosphere.
2nd Place Mega Mercado
3rd Place Dona Julia’s
BEST BEER SELECTION
1st Place Winner
Swan Brewing
Check it out if: You’re interested in finding your new favorite brew with more than 30 in-house taps on the menu as well as guest beers, hard ciders, flights, seltzers and wine by the glass or bottle and you dream of live music and rotating food truck options at the family and pet friendly outdoor stage area.
2nd Place Brass Tap
3rd Place The Joinery
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
1st Place Winner
New Moon Sushi
Check it out if: You love the taste of fresh sushi or other traditional Japanese dishes, you are interested in trying one of their 20 signature cocktails, or you want to branch out in your food preferences and try something new like chicken katsu or baby octopus salad.
2nd Place Sushi Masa
3rd Place Hibachi Express
BEST COFFEE
1st Place Winner
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro
Check it out if: You need a cozy and inviting spot to have coffee with a friend, you love trying unique, seasonal latte flavors or you love to support local roasters–Patriot Coffee Roasters–who add to the delicious quality of classic espresso and cold brew drinks.
2nd Place Concord Coffee
3rd Place Mitchell’s Coffee House
BEST FINE DINING
1st Place Winner
Nineteen61
Check it out if: You believe dinner should be a memorable experience as well as a delicious dish and you are hungry for Spanish cuisine with Latin American and Southern twists like the seafood paella, filet mignon or executive chef Marcos Fernandez’s take on the traditional Cuban dish Ropa Vieja.
2nd Place Scarpa’s Italian
3rd Place Fresco’s Southern Kitchen