What’s New in Lakeland

Visitors returning to Lakeland the Spring Training or SUN ‘n FUN will be able to enjoy a few new restaurants and boutique shops. Read on to see what new things you can see and do in March and April.

Cafe Roti isn’t new but they’ve moved a great new location in downtown Lakeland. Check out our related blog post.

Ford’s Garage is a Fort Myers based restaurant specializing in awesome hamburgers and craft beer. Read more about this North Lakeland restaurant in our related blog post.

Downtown, 130 S. Tennessee Ave.

Serving smoked meats, homemade sides and sauces, over 200 whiskeys, and handcrafted cocktails, MOJO Federal opened in early 2018 to rave reviews.

There’s something for everyone here – even vegetarians.

Midtown, 119 Hillcrest St.

This locally owned coffee shop features locally roasted coffee, live music, board games and more in a warm, comfortable, renovated bungalow just south of downtown.

Midtown, 1212 S. Florida Ave.

If you’re looking for a more formal dining option, this Latin-inspired restaurant consistently receives rave reviews for Chef Marcos Fernandez’s delicious dishes made from locally grown foods, beautiful atmosphere and quality service.

Midtown, 1037 S. Florida Ave.

This craft coffee shop and espresso bar in Lakeland focuses on quality craft coffee and community. From pour overs to cold brews, Concord Coffee uses beans grown by direct-trade farmers worldwide. Late last year they began offering coffee subscriptions – fresh roasted coffee shipped to your mailbox in 1, 2 or 4 week intervals. Yes, their coffee is that good!

Midtown, 1113 Florida Ave S

One of Lakeland’s favorite bakers has her own bakery now, which means she is able to produce even more baked goodies, which she sells on Saturday morning in the Dixieland neighborhood. Offerings include handmade bread: Sourdough varieties, baguettes, ciabatta, rye, and handmade pastries: morning bun, croissant varieties, cruffin, scones.

Midtown, 1221 S. Florida Ave.

Bar specializing in craft beer, wines and elevated pub food. It’s located in Dixieland’s Tudor House, which provides a unique, even romantic ambiance.

S. Lakeland, 3411 Florida Ave., S.

This Texas-based restaurant boasts a diverse menu filled with homemade options with most of their food being made from scratch on site, hence the name. They also have a full bar with lots of fun drink options!

Lakeside Village, 3790 Lakeside Village Ct.

One of the area’s newer sports bars, Glory Days has a fun atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating delicious food and is conveniently located in the Lakeside Village Shopping Center.

Downtown, 801 E. Main St.

The Poor Porker has become a household name here in Lakeland by gracing Saturday and Sunday mornings with beignets and campfire coffee that keep you coming back for more. Their new digs at, you guessed it: 801 E Main St, provide a secluded hideaway with a gift shop (Bearcat and Big 6 Trading Post), bar (The Ruins) and of course, The Poor Porker food truck. With a teepee, occasional live music and all kinds of unique décor and seating at each corner, it’s definitely one of Lakeland’s most unique hangouts day and night.

You may also be interested in Local Brews & Foods, Restaurants or Lakeland.