By Ted Hoffman

 

When it comes to neighborhood ambience, Tigertown, anchored by Joker Marchant Stadium near the heart of Lakeland, is a fastball in a Super Slo-Mo zone. At the ballpark, the beer flows and the hot dogs run with their tongues hanging out. But there is no place within walking distance to get a drink or something to eat before or after the game—unless your idea of a rollicking time is a hospital cafeteria.

Worry not. Lakeland doesn’t sprawl like Detroit. A short drive takes the adventurous baseball fan to any number of restaurants, bars, and clubs. The Tigers’ spring complex is located on Lakeland Hills Boulevard, which runs parallel to Florida Avenue/U.S. 98, the main north-south drag through town. For a more conventional dining experience, drive five minutes north of the stadium on U.S. 98 and you’ll see familiar signs of national chains: from Red Lobster and Olive Garden to TGI. Fridays and Hooters, Steak and Shake and Bob Evans. On Socrum Loop to the north, you’ll find Applebee’s and Starbucks. Or drive south down Lakeland Hills, swing west to Kentucky Avenue and a host of local restaurants and bars beckons in the amiable downtown area. Head south on U.S. 98 and within 15 minutes you’ll hit a familiar queue that includes Applebee’s, Carrabba’s, Outback, Ruby Tuesday, and the like. Then again, you can go west to Harden Boulevard and the sprawling Lakeside Villages shopping complex for other popular chains such as Mimi’s, Chili’s, Longhorn, and Abuelo’s. And fast food restaurants seem to multiply like mold in a petri dish.

For the real flavor of Lakeland, there are more interesting destinations for food and drink, many of them local hotspots. Beware: In this down economy, some of them may have been shuttered, so you’re wise to call first. L’chaim and bon apetit!

Bars, Lounges, and Clubs within 20 minutes of Tigertown

AFC Liquor & Lounge: A casual, intimate place to imbibe and, ahem, meet new friends @ 4933 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.858.8089.

Ale Gators: Ten styles of wings, live music Thursday through Saturday @ 1330 E Memorial Blvd. 863.687.3200.

Almost Home Restaurant & Pub: Like a Flying Tiger on third base, you’re almost home @ 3201 U.S. Highway 98 S. 863.665.3372

Barry’s One: Step up to the bar @ 740 N. Wabash Ave. 863.683.5283.

Beef O’Brady’s: More action on more screens than you’ll find at a video parlor; two locations @ 4810 S. Florida Ave. (863.646.7757) and @ 1070 Wedgewood Estates Blvd. (863.853.9464).

Blue Nile Cafe & Wine Bar: Simple elegance @ 3133 S. Florida Ave. 863.607.6404.

Boon Docks: Small and energetic @ 8515 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.858.3355.

The Bullseye Inn: Take your best shot @ 4204 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.1394.

Champs Sports Bar & Grill: Beer: Wings and almost 20 TV screens @ 6645 S. Florida Ave. No. 14. 863.647.5900.

Cocktail 33 19th Tee: Go slow with the first 32 cocktails! @ 4106 Lakeland Hills Blvd. 863.683.1201.

Coconuts Comedy Club: Its full bar, appetizers, sandwiches are no laughing matter, but its stand-up performers are @ 3311 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.687.2678.

Decisions Grill & Bar: Decisions, decisions @ 1621 E. Edgewood Dr. 863.686.6441.

Doc’s Place: Have a drink for medicinal purposes @ 5153 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.815.4785.

Even Par Sports Bar: Golf-theme and libations @ 5100 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.816.7995.

Frosted Mug Deli & Pub: If your whistle’s dry, you can wet it @ 5100 U.S. Highway 98 N. No. 13.

Gonzo’s Liquor Stand: Big sound system, light show, lots of drink specials @ 1239 E. Memorial Blvd. 863.688.5500.

Green Parrot: Swank, attractive, mostly gay bar @ 1319 Summit Chase Drive. 863.646.9132.

The Gym Sports Bar: Kick back with a brew and watch sports on TV @ 118 S. Kentucky Ave. 863.687.6138.

Hurricane Alley: Jimmy Buffett might be comfortable here @ 112 S. Kentucky Ave. 863.680.3176.

Isle of Capri Bar: Excellent service, strong drinks, no cover @ 541 S. Combee Road. 863.665.6246.

Kau-Kau Korner Pub: Kome get a Koors @ 1109 E. Main St. 863.686.1731.

La Dolce Vita Lounge: Ah, the sweet life @ 3405 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.5731.

Latino Night Club: Enjoy yourself, por favor, @ 1325 N. Combee Road, 863.665.5289.

Lucky’s Orange Bowl Lanes: You’ll hear a lot of gutter talk @ 4318 U.S. Highway 98 N., 863.858.3878.

Martini’s Lounge: Your experience will be better than George Bailey’s @ 3239 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.8993.

Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub: Another Lakeland legend! Lots of blarney, large selection of beers and ales @ 111 S. Kentucky Ave. 863.686.6231.

Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill: Upbeat, friendly, good food, as the beer and broadcasts flow @ 3120 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.6000.

Overboard Tavern: Be careful not to drown @ 2212 E. Peachtree St. 863.666.2434.

Pat’s Tavern: Take a load off @ 218 N. Wabash Ave. 863.682.0188.

Pit Stop: Get your engine running @ 3415 E. County Road 542. 863.666.6898.

Pulse: If you have one, share it @ 1030 E Main St. 863.683.6021.

Quackers 2: Alcohol is served @ 4210 New Tampa Highway. 863.682.3435.

Sassy’s Restaurant & Lounge: More alcohol is served at @ 4645 N. Socrum Loop Road. 863.859.3000.

Sesame Grotto: Even more alcohol is … but you’re way ahead of us @ 3030 Morgan Combee Rd. 863.665.2156.

Sharky’s: Get in the swim @ 4525 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.8996.

Shuckey’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Co.: Aw, shucks @ 1401 E. Gary Road. 863.687.1733.

Southern Comfort Saloon: Treat the cowboy in you @ 1239 E. Memorial Blvd. 863.688.5500.

Southside Package & Lounge: Just what it sounds like @ 1122 S. Florida Ave. 863.683.4703.

Swan Lounge: @ 4141 S. Florida Ave. 863.647.3000.

T A Slammers: Modest in appearance, raucous in atmosphere @ 1011 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.1394.

Vet’s Tavern: @ 307 E. Magnolia St. 863.688.7245.

Wally’s: @ 1136 E. Main St. 863.688.4460.

The Warehouse Bar & Grill: 3070 New Tampa Hwy. 863.688.4341.

Winner’s Circle: Lively and always on the air @ 3234 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.8883.

XYZ East Gate: @ 2190 U.S. 92 E. 863.666.3859.

XYZ: @ 3050 Highway 98 S. 863.665.2310.

Ybor Cigars & Spirits: @ 5263 S. Florida Ave. 863.619.6799.

210 City Club: @ 210 E. Pine St. 863.413.1216.

Restaurants and Cafes within 20 minutes of Tigertown

Abuelos Mexican Food Embassy: Spacious, lively and spicy @ 3700 Lakeside Village Blvd. 863.686.7500.

Anthonys Pizza Subs & Salad: @ 950 N. Combee Rd. 863.510.0011.

Antiquarian: A Lakeland legend in the heart of downtown; classy yet informal, with a diverse menu @ 211 E Bay St. 863.682.1059.

Asian Chao 64: @ 3800 U.S. Highway 98 N. No. 67. 863.853.8835.

Athenian Restuarant: @ 1215 Ariana St. 863.682.6477.

Bamboo Garden: @ 1523 U.S. Highway 98 S. 863.682.2222.

Barnhill’s Buffet: American cuisine, family atmosphere @ 5216 S. Florida Ave. 863.619.6365.

bd’s Mongolian Grill: @ 1474 Town Center Dr. Spc N. 863.688.3700.

Beef O Bradys: @ 5295 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.7757.

Belly’s Cafe: Try one of their Cuban sandwiches @ 1747 E. Edgewood Dr. 863.687.4661.

Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro: Not your average joe @ 205 E. Main St. 863.682.1210.

Brima: @ 3131 Flightline Dr. Ste. 200. 863.619.2100.

Britt’s Cafe, Inc.: @ 3662 Harden Blvd. 863.607.9637.

Brother’s Barbecue: @ 1046 Martin L. King Jr. Ave. 863.688.5303.

CDB Italian Restaurant: @ 804 E. Memorial Blvd. 863.688.6444.

Champs Sports Bar & Grille: @ 6645 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 14. 863.647.5900.

Chartwells: @ 1000 Longfellow Blvd. 863.666.5342.

Chicano’s Tex Mex Restaurant and Cantina: Maybe the best, most affordable Mexican food in town, served by a friendly staff @ 3615 S. Florida Ave. No. 110. 863.648.2403

China Max: @ 3800 U.S. Highway 98 N. Ste. 688. 863.858.7886.

China Pearl: @ 6960 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.3343.

Ciao Bella: @ 5369 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863.859.9075.

Country Chicken & Fish of Lakeland: @ 1263 Kathleen Rd. 863.686.2564.

Cozy Oaks Restaurant: @ 1201 E. Orange St. 863.802.8121.

Crispers: Friendly, bustling atmosphere; excellent salads, soups, sandwiches and sumptuous desserts @ 1568 Town Center Dr. 863.646.2299.

Crispers: Ditto @ 217 N. Kentucky Ave. 863.682.7708.

Curest: @ 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. 863.680.7259.

Dale’s Kitchen: 223 N. Wabash Ave. 863.683.3702.

Deli Delicacies: Lakeland legend alert! Dazzling array of fresh meats, cheeses, and desserts @ 4110 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.3363.

Dona Maria Mexican Restaurant: Food and prices are muy bueno @ 6842 S. Florida Ave. 863.686.3662.

Dragon Buffet: 4252 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.858.7036.

Dreams Caribbean American Grill: @ 1295 E. Main St. 863.687.4449.

Elena’s Cuban Cafe: @ 635 Robin Road. 863.646.7616.

The End Zone Family Sports Restaurant: @ 6771 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.858.7226.

Fat Jacks Deli & Pub: Lakeland favorite for legendary sandwiches, burgers, salads, and for breakfast all day; the portions are huge, the prices aren’t @ 2940 S. Florida Ave. 863.687.0262.

Fish City Grill: @ 1485 Town Center Dr. 863.683.1243.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: Bring an appetite and a desire to be happy part of a large, loud crowd @ 2641 S. Florida Ave. 863.686.5552.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: @ 4660 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863.853.3183.

Fred’s Southern Kitchen: @ 2120 Harden Blvd. 863.603.7080.

Golden Dragon: @ 3117 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.683.1871.

Good Buddies BBQ: @ 127 S. Kentucky Ave. 863.686.8500.

Gosh! Bistro: @ 246 N. Kentucky Ave. 863.682.4531 and @ 4742 S. Florida Ave. 863.701.9818.

Grille 498: @ 3260 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.688.8080.

GrillSmith: Fresh fire-grilled food with an elegant selection of beer, wine, and cocktails @ 1569 Town Center Dr. 863.688.8844.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: Lakeland legend famous for its New Orleans-style food and jazzy fun @ 101 N. Kentucky Ave. 863.686.2228.

Harry’s Sandwich Shop: @ 1003 E. Main St. 863.682.7974.

The HoneyBaked Ham Co.: @ 3615 S. Florida Ave. Ste. 950. 863.648.0708.

Hunan Restaurant: @ 4215 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.1955.

Il Forno Restaurant and Pizzeria: @ 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 1310. 863.607.6030.

Jay Birds BBQ: @ 6120 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.858.1970.

Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q: @ 1215 E. Memorial Blvd. 863.683.3777.

JJ’s Cafe: @ 132 S. Kentucky Ave. 863.683.5267.

Julianne’s Fine Dining & Catering: @ 3125 U.S. Highway 98 S. 863.937.8031.

Julio’s Sandwich Shoppe: @ 1825 E. Edgewood Dr. 863.686.1713.

Just Plain Good dba Carter’s Barbeque: @ 4525 S. Florida Ave, Ste. 33. 863.661.9350.

Kazbors Grille: Part of a small, charming chain @ 1535 U.S. Highway 98 S. 863.686.3000.

Ker’s Wing House Bar & Grill: Modeled after Hooters—eat wings or bust @ 4515 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.0303

Lakeland Airport Restaurant: @ 3900 Don Emerson Dr. 210. 863.644.8684.

Lakeland Ale House: Sports, sports, and sports; extensive menu featuring fried everything plus beer @ 5650 S. Florida Ave. 863.709.9262.

Lings Buffet: @ 4320 S. Florida Ave. 863.701.8787 and @ 4947 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.816.8818.

Mammitas Diner: @ 6775 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.815.1023.

Mimi’s Cafe: @ 3770 Lakeside Village Court. 863.686.6477.

Mister Fish: @ 715 E. Palmetto St. 863.688.4280.

Mitchell’s Coffee House: @ 235 N. Kentucky Ave. 863.680.2944.

Moe’s Southwest Grill: @ 1326 Town Center Dr. 863.616.9700.

Mojo’s Winghouse: @ 1853 E. Memorial Blvd., Unit 105. 863.583.9119.

Mt Fuji Steak House & Sushi Buffet: @ 2607 S. Florida Ave. 863.688.2288.

Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill: @ 3120 S. Florida Ave. 863.644.6000.

Pat’s Tavern: @ 618 N. Wabash Ave. 863.682.0188.

Peking House Restaurant: @ 2411 S. Florida Ave. 863.688.9022.

Plantation Cafe: @ 5369 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863.858.8445.

Primo’s I Pizzeria: @ 1031 S. Combee Rd. 863.665.1020 and II @ 3114 S. Florida Ave. 863.607.6767.

Reececliff: Very popular dining spot with casual, versatile menu @ 940 S. Florida Ave. 863.686.6661.

Rib Crib: Some of Lakeland’s best barbecue, plus good desserts @ 4960 S. Florida Ave. 863.709.9090.

The Rib House: @ 2918 S. Florida Ave. 863.687.8260.

Ryan’s Family Steak House: @ 2815 Lakeland Hills Blvd. 863.688.0355.

Shane’s Rib Shack: Great family BBQ @ 1529 Town Center Dr. 863.686.5206.

Shanghai Express: @ 2914 S. Florida Ave. 863.687.0098.

Shingetsu Sushi Bar & Grill: @ 4231 S. Florida Ave. 863.647.1212.

Shogun Japanese Steak House: @ 2306 E. Edgewood Dr. 863.665.1165.

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q: Beef, pork, and ribs all served tangy Southern style @ 3611 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.607.9445 and @ 5910 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.2990.

Spice Thai Sushi: @ 3615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 1350. 863.709.8321.

Strollos Cucina: @ 1722 Comanche Trl. 863.682.8446.

Subs N Such: @ 1008 S. Florida Ave. 863.686.9035.

Syd’s Real New York Pizza: @ 2125 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.603.7937.

T J Roosters: @ 2905 Duff Rd. 863.815.5611.

Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano: @ 6645 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 11. 863.646.2199 and @ 734 E. Memorial Blvd. 863.686.6958.

Texas Cattle Company: @ 735 E. Main St. 863.686.1434.

The Terrace Hotel: One of the city’s more elegant spots, set in a grand, restored building designed to impress @ 329 E. Main St. 863.688.0800.

Tom’s Drive-In & Restaurant: @ 1349 N. Combee Rd. 863.665.2285.

Touch Down Eddies: @ 6617 N. Socrum Loop Rd. 863.859.2997.

Vito’s: @ 3345 Turnberry Dr. 863.603.2129.

Westshore Pizza: @ 3114 S. Florida Ave. 863.607.6767.

Whataburger: @ 5710 U.S. Highway 98 N. 863.859.9122.

Winners Circle: @ 3234 S. Florida Ave. 863.646.8883.

Zohra’s Restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine with exceptional desserts @ 101 Lake Wire Dr. 863.687.6114.