Ah, college, I have missed you.
When I was a new freshman last year, I had no idea about any of the local restaurant joints near the school. Throughout the year I tried some spots, had some successes as well as failures, and found my way around Lakeland.
Here are some restaurant pointers for everyone in the Lakeland, Florida area.
First, I am going to start off with some good Breakfast/ Lunch spots:
1. Fat Jacks (Located: 2940 S. Florida Ave * $ )
Fat Jacks is open all day, but I highly recommend going there for either breakfast or lunch. It is a small diner, with a big menu. They have tons of great options to choose from, and I highly recommend their biscuits and gravy (for breakfast) or their burgers (for lunch).
2. Cozy Oaks (Located: 1201 E Orange St *$$ )
Cozy Oaks is only open until 3pm, but is a great place to go to for brunch. It is a nice diner, with plenty of options to choose from. It is inexpensive, and you get a lot of food for what you pay for. I highly recommend their french toast, or pancakes (they are amazing!!).
3. Black and Brew Coffee House (Located: E Main St * $ )
This coffee place is right in downtown Lakeland. It has yummy cafe choices as well as homemade bakery items. I would recommend their bacon, egg, and cheese bagel and a cold brew coffee.
Now, we are going to switch gears to dinner choices.
4. Palace Pizza (Located: S. Kentucky Ave * $$ )
Palace Pizza has some of the best pizza I have ever tasted. It is also located in downtown Lakeland. You can order pizza just by the slice or you can buy a whole one. They also have other options like Stromboli, and fantastic garlic knots. Palace even offers Gluten free options. I would recommend trying their buffalo chicken pizza if you like spicy foods, and definitely get a cannoli for the road.
5. Patio 850 (Located: Frank Lloyd Wright Way * $$$ )
Yes, you read the location correctly, it is located on the same street the school is. This restaurant has amazing food, and is very accessible if you don't have a car. They have different options every time you go, but they have incredible pizza (I recommend ordering Swine Smacking' Good). In the evening they sometimes have local music performing outside.
6. Texas Cattle Company (Located: E Main St * $$$ )
This is located right outside of downtown Lakeland. It is a nice restaurant, with a lake view. Be prepared to order a steak, because that is their main dish. They also have a good beer selection if you are of age.
Lastly, here a few miscellaneous places you should try.
7. Gelati Joe's (Located: S. Florida Ave * $ )
I actually just tried this place recently. It is an ice cream and snow cone stand. They serve what are called "Gelati's" which consist of ice cream and a snow cone swirled together. I would recommend ordering vanilla ice cream with orange snow cone, I promise you won't regret it.
8. Buttercup Gourmet Bakery (Located: S. Florida Ave * $$ )
This is one of my all time favorites. They have gourmet cupcakes and, wait for it, FRENCH MACARONS. I recommend the Lemon Macarons or really any cupcakes. They have tons of different flavors, don't even think about it, just go try!
All of these places are great, and you can't go wrong trying them!
