EAT LIKE A LOCAL
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Locals know all the best spots to wine and dine. Don’t you want to know too? Eat Like a Local is an annual dining guide chockfull of the best food around Polk County. Whether you’re looking for a pub with great grub, a crave-worthy cheeseburger, or a restaurant with culinary delights – we’ve got you covered. Welcome to our community, newcomers and visitors. Locals, check us out for your new favorite spot. Flip through our one-of-a-kind dining guide and Eat Like a Local!
THE FLORIDA MAGIC IS HERE REAL
PEEBLES BAR-B-Q :: AUBURNDALE, FL
Get a taste of The Real Florida Magic at charming, original restaurants serving up fresh local flavor here in the BBQ Capital of Florida. Enjoy Florida’s best barbecue from some of the most acclaimed pit masters in the nation. Our exceptional culinary scene, attractions and natural beauty offer experiences you won’t soon forget. Come savor every moment . Scan the QR code to see where to get your fix.
Polk County Burger Week
Every July, it’s time to loosen your belt and bring your appetite! Polk County Burger Week gets bigger, bolder, and beefier every year. Presented by Visit Central Florida and Destroyer Media & Marketing, this ten-day celebration every July is a mouthwatering tribute to one of America’s most beloved comfort foods: the hamburger.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic cheeseburger or on the hunt for something a little more daring, this is your chance to explore the full spectrum of burger brilliance. Dozens of local restaurants across the county participate, each crafting a special burger experience just for the occasion. From towering patties stacked with creative toppings to chefdriven gourmet takes you won’t find anywhere else, Burger Week promises to delight adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.
Each participating location will feature either a budget-friendly burger meal or an exclusive, one-of-a-kind creation that goes beyond the bun. Think local flavors, bold ingredients, and the kind of crave-worthy combinations that will have you planning your next bite before you’ve even finished the first. For many chefs, it’s a chance to let their creativity shine, and for diners, it’s an invitation to discover new favorite spots or revisit longtime local gems.
But Burger Week isn’t just about indulgence—it’s also a celebration of Polk County’s vibrant and evolving culinary scene. With new eateries popping up and familiar favorites raising the bar, this event shines a spotlight on the passionate chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers who make our community so deliciously unique.
Whether you live here or are just visiting, Burger Week offers the perfect excuse to get out and eat local. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to taste your way through Polk County—one juicy burger at a time. If you happen to be around Polk County in July, visit polkcountyburgerweek.com
Polk County Taco Week
If you happen to be around Polk County in early Spring of 2026, you’re in for a super special treat! Polk County Taco Week is the official celebration of all things taco, and trust us, it’s nacho average event! For ten days, restaurants across Polk County will be serving up their most crave-worthy, creative, and flavor-packed taco creations. It’s a chance for local chefs to flex their taco talents and for you to support your favorite spots (or discover a few new ones) one delicious bite at a time.
Taco Week was born from our community’s hunger for unique food events, and tacos were the obvious choice. They’re fun, versatile, and totally beloved. With around 50 local restaurants participating, you’ll find everything from the traditional flavors to the totally unexpected taco twists. (Think ice cream tacos!)
You know you won’t be able to try just one, so go out and have as many tacos as your heart desires! Don’t forget to vote for your favorites at polkcountytacoweek.com, and share your taco pics on Facebook and Instagram with the tag @polkcountytacoweek. Let’s see those cheesy close-ups, saucy selfies, and that first perfect bite.
Wanna know more? Head to polkcountytacoweek.com for the full list of participating restaurants and their mouthwatering taco specials and the dates for 2026. And don’t forget to follow @polkcountytacoweek for all the latest updates, taco teases, and spicy content!
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TAKIN ’ CARE OF BURGERS • WINTERHAVEN
& DAVENPORT
A FEW OF THE BEST LOCAL SPOTS
Every September, Haven and LKLD Magazines proudly unveil the winners of the county’s “Best Of” awards, celebrating the people, places, and businesses that make our community shine. Voting takes place each year in June and July, and everyone is invited to cast their ballots for their local favorites. Local voices help spotlight the hardworking restaurants that make Polk County such a special place to live. Here are a few of the winners for 2024:
BEST PIZZA
BEST OF HAVEN: J Burns’ Pizza Shop at 5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven. This Ohio-style pizza has been a staple of the community for over 50 years. They have locations in Lakeland, as well.
BEST OF LKLD: Palace Pizza Downtown at 114 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland. The traditional-style pizza wins year after year, and will have you coming back again and again.
BEST BURGERS
BEST OF HAVEN: Adler’s at 543 Ave B SW in Winter Haven and 113 Ambersweet Way in Davenport. Adler’s smash burgers are a local favorite. Try any of the classics on the menu or check their socials for special, sometimes over-the-top burger combinations.
BEST OF LKLD: S&L Restaurant at 2915 S Combee Road in Lakeland. This hidden gem is a micro burger shack that has been serving up some of the best burgers since 1983.
BEST BRUNCH
BEST OF HAVEN: Lucille’s American Cafe at 205 3rd St SW in Winter Haven. The weekend brunch is a local favorite. This retro cafe serves up all of the classics from scratch, with an outdoor patio perfect for groups or just the two of you.
BEST OF LKLD: Fresco’s Southern Kitchen & Bar at 132 S Kentucky Ave in Lakeland. Weekend brunch at Fresco’s offers the best Southern classics like shrimp and grits alongside a tasty Bloody Mary. This place gets crowded so don’t sleep in!
BEST FINE DINING
BEST OF HAVEN: Arabellas Ristorante at 346 W Central Ave in Winter Haven. This is celebrated as the go-to spot for the Best Italian and the Best Fine Dining. It’s the locals first choice when celebrating a special day.
BEST OF LKLD: Nineteen61 at 215 E Main St in Lakeland. This is fine Latin dining at its best. This swanky downtown spot is a benchmark of the Lakeland restaurant scene, offering authentic and modern Latin cuisine.
BEST BAKERY
BEST OF HAVEN: Honeycomb Bread Bakers at 140 6th St SW in Winter Haven. This has become the most popular spot for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. Buy housemade sourdough, croissants, cookies, quiche and more.
BEST OF LKLD: Born & Bread Bakehouse at 113 S Florida Ave in Lakeland. This is a local favorite! They offer fresh sourdough, cruffins, breakfast sandwiches, and more. If you see a line, don’t let that stop you, it’s worth it. Open Wed – Sat only.
Find more of the Best at havenmagazines.com.
