Let’s be honest, Polk County isn’t exactly known for its sandy beaches or photo-perfect sunsets over the coastline. With cities like Lakeland and Winter Haven, there’s plenty of places to enjoy fresh seafood and creative cocktails while enjoying a breeze off a lakefront on a hot summer day.
That doesn’t mean you have to drive an hour to kick back and enjoy a meal or drinks with a waterfront view. Its more a matter of knowing where to go.
Here’s a list of some favorite places with waterfront dining in Polk, ranging from beloved mom-and-pops to well-established restaurants lucky enough to have an outdoor porch or dock.
We’ll lead with a restaurant that was mentioned in a list of 10 favorites around the state by USA TODAY Network-Florida: Harry’s Old Place.
Harry’s Old Place
3751 Cypress Garden Road, Winter Haven; 863-324-0301; harrysoldplace.com
This longtime local favorite is back after after sustaining severe fire damage last year. Kick back at this casual dining hotspot with lakeside dining on the shores of Lake Ned in southeast Winter Haven. Harry’s Old Place has been in business for over 30 years offering fresh seafood and steaks. It specializes in fresh fish usually found in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast with daily catch specials. See what the USA Today Network-Florida had to say about it.
The Back Porch Restaurant
115 County Road 557, Lake Alfred 33850; 863-956-2227; stablehomedecor.com
Here’s a restaurant to grab a quick, light bite that’s hidden inside The Stable Home Decor and The Barn in Lake Alfred. The Back Porch lives up to its name with plenty of outdoor dining overlooking gardens and spots with a waterfront view. A limited menu offers a combination of a soup, sandwich and dessert delivered to the table in a picnic basket. The menu changes regularly, so check out their Facebook page before visiting for the latest changes. Those who love shopping can browse antiques and home decor at this family-owned business.
Cherry Pocket Steak N Seafood Shak
3100 Canal Road, Lake Wales, FL, 33898; 863-439-2031; www.cherrypocket.com
It can be easy to overlook the “world famous” Cherry Pocket Steak ‘n Seafood Shak in Lake Wales, but missing out on its Old Florida charm would be an error. Adventurous foodies will find this humble restaurant in East Polk serves up a variety of surf ‘n turf in a waterfront setting overlooking a canal to Lake Pierce. Its boat bar is made from an actual fishing boat. Try the fried oysters or fried green tomatoes to start, and its homemade salad dressing is already bottled to take home. There’s a Cajun flare to the menu, as seafood and steaks are available blackened, dirty rice on the side and Cajun spice available for the fries.
Floridino’s Italian Kitchen
30650 U.S. 27, Lake Hamilton; 863-353-2670; floridinositaliankitchen.com
Grab a slice of pizza or your favorite Italian dish while sitting in the comfort of a screened porch on Lake Hamilton. There’s a rumor diners can enjoy their meal with a view of the sunset, if the timing is right. This local chain was launched by the son of two Italian immigrants, mixing American classics with Italian offerings in their home cooking-styled meals.
Garden Bistro
702 E. Orange St., Lakeland; 863-686-3332; gardenbistrofl.com
This bistro in Lakeland is well known to locals for its simple, fresh lunch options, but outdoor seating allows guests to eat while enjoying a tranquil view of Lake Mirror. That’s waterfront dining in the heart of the city. The family-run establishment offers a variety of soup, salad and sandwiches that can be served with soda, tea, beers and wine. It’s also a popular location for a Sunday brunch, and make sure to save room for homemade dessert. Afterward, walk it off along the Frances Langford Promenade, which circles the lake.
Harborside
2435 7th St. SW, Winter Haven; 863-293-7070; harborsidefl.com
Its name might say it all, as Winter Haven’s Harborside offers waterfront views of Lake Shipp whether you choose to eat indoors or on its outdoor patio. This boat-friendly restaurant allows travelers to dock at Harborside for a meal or drinks, as Lake Shipp is on the southern end of the Chain of Lakes. The menu features a variety of steak, seafood and American classics. It hosts a number of special events throughout the year.
Tanner’s Lakeside
1006 S. Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven; 863-662-5948; tannerslakeside.com
A local favorite, Tanner’s Lakeside Restaurant and Bar tells you in its name that it offers a great view of Lake Howard on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. It has a large outdoor seating area, covered and uncovered, to enjoy their diverse menu of seafood and classic American fare. There’s often live music on Thursday to Saturday nights with a family-friendly vibe. Dogs are welcome in the tiki. One of the restaurant’s mottos is, “Welcome to the water.”
Twisted Prop Bar & Grille
615 7th St. SW, Winter Haven; 863-293-1937
Grab at seat at this casual dining place for a plate of wings or a burger and enjoy waterfront dining on Winter Haven’s Lake May. If you’re out for a day on the water, there’s a dock and boaters are welcome. There’s regular specials announced on Twisted Prop’s Facebook page along with a regular lineup of live musical performances.
Old Man Frank’s
1005 S. Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven; 863-294-9179; oldmanfranks.com
A list of Polk’s waterfront dining probably wouldn’t be complete with arguably one of the oldest venues in the county, Old Man Frank’s. Local legend says it was established in 1954 by generations of Winter Haven locals and seasonal restaurants on the shore of Lake Howard, western facing so as to offer a good view of the sunset. It’s got an old Key West style and there’s no making reservations; it’s walk-in only. There’s an oyster bar, and the restaurant features seafood prominently on its menu paired with a full bar. Old Man Frank’s offers karaoke on Wednesday and live music on weekends.