50 Best American Restaurants near Bartow

“Out-of-towner happy to have landed at Zest for a late, Sunday afternoon lunch on a day trip to tour Bartow's interesting Wonder House, with quick, unplanned visits to the L.B. Brown House Museum and the Bartow History Center. Located on a side street a couple of blocks from the old town square Zest has a quiet, unassuming appearance with off-street parking and an outside, covered dining patio. Inside seating includes booths, tables and the bar in a large, high-ceilinged, sort of dimly lit dining area with a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Our server Regan, (I think was her name) was efficient, and attentive and just right friendly. Our food - we both had fish and chips with cole slaw - was excellent - the slaw was good - chunky cut with vinegar-based dressing rather than mayo-based, medium cut fries and the fish were very good - tender and crisp (the fish lightly battered). Definitely would be a repeat customer if I was a local. Planning to return to Bartow for a scheduled tour of the L.B. Brown House and to explore more of the History Center and it will be hard to decide whether to try a different restaurant or to return here where we really enjoyed the service, the meal and the space.“

“Great food and service! Love the new BBQ“

“My husband and I were out doing early errands and thought we would stop. Never been there before but will go back for sure. I can’t think of anything negative to say. Everyone should check it out. I don’t think you will be sorry.“

“Tantrums food truck was at Front Page Brewery in Bartow and we weren’t going to get anything we brought pizza but I kept smelling the food so we got the shrimp and grits. Best decision of my life! I love shrimp and grits but this is a different take on it. It was absolutely delicious! Like how did this come off a food truck! The crispy grits cakes the bacon peppers and onions the shrimp cooked perfectly! Can’t wait for them to come back!“

“Matt was great! He knew that I wanted hot sauce for my hash browns, got me some pumpkin pancakes and served some of the best water and coffee I could ask for. Even offered some to go.
I wish him well on his travels, and may he prosper.“

“5stars to them food is outstanding“

“The food was okay at this Waffle House, but the overall experience was pretty disappointing. I found a hair in my waffle, which is already bad enough—but what made it worse was that the hair didn’t even look like it belonged to anyone working there. That raises serious concerns that it may have been in the batter itself, meaning it could’ve contaminated more than just my meal.

They did replace the food, but by that point, my appetite was completely gone. On top of that, we were still charged, and paying $70 for four people for an experience like that is just ridiculous.

Definitely not a place I’d be eager to return to after this.“

“I absolutely love the wings at Bartow Beef O Brady’s. The staff is always friendly especially my favorite hostess Lilly. It is a tad bit cold in there so it makes it difficult for me to stay and enjoy my time. Everything else is great and I love the food.“

“The food was only second to the service! I had the biscuits and gravy while my wife and friend both had the eggs Benedict. Both meals were amazing! We also had the onion rings for an appetizer and they were delicious. The service was absolutely phenomenal! Sophia took great care of us with kindness, positivity, and knowledge. We will definitely be back!“

“I’m glad we all decided to give this cozy restaurant a try, it was well worth it. The people , coffee and food were awesome. We will be back again. 💝👍🏻🙂“

“This place is amazing! I’m hooked on the Small White in Why? heat level. Finally a place with good sauces. Nothing bland about this place!“

“The manager Tyler was super nice to my party and made sure we had the best service!“

“Listen, I’m not saying I’m obsessed, but second visit and I’m already planning my third. Nutwood in Lakeland just keeps delivering flavor punches straight to the taste buds like a cheerful boxer who really likes you. The Spanish octopus? Holy tentacle takeover. Tender, perfectly charred, I wanted to propose marriage to it right there at the table. It’s the kind of dish that makes you whisper “I’m not worthy” between bites while your dinner companion side-eye you. 11/10, would let it ruin all other octopus for me. And then… oh sweet green heaven… the Green Eggs and Ham. I’d never thought I’d say this in a grown-up restaurant, but Dr. Seuss himself would’ve dropped his hat and applauded: I would eat them here or there, I would eat them anywhere! I would eat them in a boat, I would eat them with a goat! I would eat them in Winterhaven town, Especially when Nutwood lays that green sauce DOWN! Say! I will eat them with a spoon, I will eat them morning, night, and noon! I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you, thank you, Nutwood, ma’am! It’s not just clever plating — it’s a flavor bomb disguised as whimsy. Bright, herbaceous, pesto, rich, and somehow still light enough that you don’t hate yourself afterward. Pure culinary sorcery. Nutwood continues to be the cheeky, flavorful gem of Winterhaven. Bold plates, zero pretension, and enough personality to make you laugh out loud mid-bite. If you haven’t been, fix that immediately. If you have… see you there next week (I’ll be the one pretending it’s my first time again).“

“This our 2nd time eating here and the food was even better the second time around. We had amazing service and drinks at the bar. Ryan was amazing and very attentive. He made me one of the best coconut margaritas I've had.“

“Tasty food and friendly environment“

“♥️Highly recommended Twisted Prop to have a private Event on the back deck the Service & food was “Great “ Thank you to the Management for making our Party “FUN” 🎈🍻🎉“

“NO SEED OILS! Will definitely be a repeat customer. fries were nice and hot, chicken club and the Lakeland burger were great.“

“Southern traditional fried chicken and tasty fries the Best! Great service and friendly smile's. A family atmosphere and highly recommend. A hidden little treasure!“

“Service was great. We love Nugget! And food was hot and delicious.😘“

“Having eaten in this restaurant multiple times over the years I quite honestly can say that Eric has done an amazing job with the restaurant, food, and waitresses. They are pleasant and professional with one waitress truly making people smile. She is a consummate mom to her little man Xander and one of the main reasons why I eat there.“

“Great food and customer service. The wait staff was very tentative. Great prices too! Hard to find these prices any more for the amount of food and service. Highly recommend.“

“I just wanted something quick and yummy that wasn’t a ton of unhealthy calories. I ordered their supergreen wrap with the fire braised chicken thigh 👌🏻. First of all. The thing was massive. I opened it and was like my goodness. 😋. It was so delicious. I about downed the whole thing. 😅 Also, when I went to pick it up, they were super friendly. My food was ready to go and neatly package. I’ll definitely be back again for lunch soon.“

“I was so happy to run into this spot after just reminiscing about the old location by Winter Haven high school stadium!! The burger was just as good as I remember 😋, can't wait to go back!!“

“Service was great. The food was decent. I didn't pay for the party I was part of, but the prices seemed a bit high especially for a childs menu option, however the portion sizes for the child's option we got was rather large. The AC seemed to have been broken or malfunctioning or something, because fans were in use for cooling, but it was cooler than the Florida heat outside that we all know and love.“

“We had a 65th anniversary party there this past weekend. The staff was very accommodating! We forgot a few things we needed for decorating and they were eager and willing to help us out. The food and service was great! I know if is hard to accommodate a large party and everything go well but it was perfect. The food was hot, delicious and the portion size was good. I would not hesitate to recommend them for a large group gathering! Thanks to all of the staff!“

“To good to be true! Love i only live 5 mins from here“

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“Beautiful driving range very big, nice grass and super friendly and helpful service. So this was my first time going here since I’ve just been getting back into golf and I’ve been having trouble making good contact with the ball and a man that works there named GOAT came up and helped me with my stance and wow what an improvement! I’ve been to a few other places and you never get any help like that from the staff I will definitely be going back here ASAP and often! Can’t wait to play the course here! Thanks again to Goat for the amazing advice!“

“Was in town watching dogs for someone, and saw that this place A) exists and B) has cheesesteaks. I will try a cheesesteak anywhere, even if gunfire is happening around me. Thankfully, this restaurant is in a no fire zone. But for this sandwich, it would be worth the risk and the added expense of kevlar. I kid you not, their “Awesome Philly Sub” is that and more. I can’t remember eating a better cheesesteak in 2 decades, and I’ve most certainly tried. Two thumbs up isn’t quite enough… I’ll have to borrow some extra thumbs from my enemies to add to the score. Highly recommended! And I’m a cheesesteak snob… they conquered my appetite and I’ll most definitely be back when I’m out this way again. If you live in Lakeland and love sandwiches and HAVEN’T TRIED THIS PLACE, you are missing out and are making a bald eagle cry. I can’t prove that second one, but it sounds legit.“

“The buffet style restaurant was nice. It was very busy. The selection of food was good I loved the dessert bar the most. Haha.... there was 1 rude worker that ran my foot over with the dish cart but I was hungry and didnt speak up so my fault for not but they should habe noticed the big lump in the floor and apologized. I would still go back.“

“A bit out timing one order but I guess it was crowded today“

“Good fresh food. A little on the higher side on the pricing. Staff was very helpful and attentive. Place was clean, and most importantly the Fish was Fresh and cooked just right. They have both the traditional menu items like fish and chips etc as well as several available only here choices as well. No regrets. Will visit again. 4 stars due to the price.“

“Awesome food!!! So tired of spending $$ on crapy food ..glad to find a good place with goodfood!!“

“First timer, only went there because the wife wanted to stop there (she's been there before). I VERY much enjoyed it. Got the Cheese ButterBurger w/fries. The burger was a little thin but the flaver made up for it. AND, much to my surprise, they have Custard Ice Cream! Something I haven't had in years. And, they make it fresh there. Overall, it was a good experience and yes, I will definetly go back!“

“I preordered food through Door Dash for a pickup and arrived at the restaurant when it was convenient for me. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, they greeted me, helped with a quick pickup and helped me with the food on the way out. The food itself tasted fresh and was extremely flavorful. We will definitely come back to try their milkshake selection.“

“9/23/23 Was the first time I had gotten their pizza. Got a cauliflower pizza ( supreme) for myself and a regular supreme pizza for my birthday boy, husband. The BEST pizza I have had since moving to Florida 4.5 years ago! What a gem!! Thank you!!“

“good food and nice people also amazing strawberry lemonade“

“Me and my boyfriend came here to eat and spent less than $35, which honestly in this economy you can’t beat for delicious food for 2. It was our first time coming and it was raining so it definitely helped that they had a drive through! Anyways I got the fried catfish & shrimp combo with broccoli and fries. Everything was so amazing even the broccoli and I do plan on coming back! My boyfriend got wings & shrimp with fries and he said his food was very good as well. We both got sweet tea and it was very good southern iced tea for sure! All in all customer service was amazing and the cashier was very sweet and the wait was less than 10 minutes. Can’t wait to come back and can’t recommend enough!!!“

“My server was Joel. I ha be been coming her for years! The food was excellent. But the service was 2nd to none. He was very personable, he KNEW what he was doing, I recommend he is a trainer! This is how tables should be waited on,! It’s so hard to find someone who cares about, and has the attitude that he likes his job! Best service I’ve had in forever. And I’ve worked as a server/bartender for 25 years! Cheers to the service and to the Apple! Find more like Joel!“

“I have been to several locations, all have there own cool vibe to them! Food is excellent! Drinks well balanced! Sunday Brunch is a must!“

“food was good...........“

“They have some of the best staff. Shannon is the best“

“The avocado toast and grits were perfectly cooked. The chicken and waffles were amazing!! Amanda is the very best waitress EVER!! I love the way she decorated the restaurant patriotically!!! I love her appreciation of her country!!! My favorite restaurant!“

“KIM WAS VERY ATTENTIVE TO MY HUSBAND AND I SHE GAVE US AN EXCELLENT QUALITY SERVES VERY FRIENDLY I GIVE YOU GUY AN 5 STAR RHE FOOD WAS FRESH, ATMOSPHERE, SERVICE ALL IN ONE AND KIM SHE DESERVE A RAISE GREAT PERSONALITY AND ALWAYS SMILING 😃“

“Culver’s does everything a fast food restaurant should do! They give you quick service and deliver your food to your table and they are so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The smash burgers paired with a chocolate Custard is a dream mouth watering treat 😁 the food here knocks my socks off!

…cant forget about those curds.“

“friendly staff great food“

“Our waitress Destiny was AMAZING! Best service I have had anywhere in a LONG time. We had a large party. She was quick, kind and all our items were exactly as ordered. Thank you Destiny, for making our "mini family reunion" that much better.“

“I recently had dinner here on a visit to my parents from Wisconsin and I can honestly say that this place surprised me as far as their taps go. I love the fact that I could get the Bourbon County from Goose Island. The Street Tacos are also amazing with the pickled onions“

“This place is amazing! I’m hooked on the Small White in Why? heat level. Finally a place with good sauces. Nothing bland about this place!“