Soul Food Restaurants near Winter Haven, FL

“What no one tells you about Big Daddy's BBQ is that it is almost scary to go inside. It's dark. There are threatening signs outside. And ordering through the plexiglass-covered windows surrounded by cinderblock makes a person feel like they're visiting a prisoner. You have to choose your sauce without having any idea what the choices taste like. (I got honey bbq.) The food isn't fast. Prepare to wait. And then, when it arrives - please, take your time. Enjoy the food. SAVOR it. Because it is the BEST barbecue you will EVER eat. I got the ribs and two weeks later, I'm still wishing we'd driven back to Big Daddy's for more ribs. I dream about them now. I'm an out-of-towner, from up north, just stopped here on vacation based on TripAdvisor reviews. We don't normally go to Florida for vacation. But honestly, I can't stop thinking about those ribs so we may have to change our "normal" vacation plans. I hope to God they are still there when I find my way back.“

“Soul Train Express is fantastic. Food was what I have been searching for. I'm new to Winter Haven and was excited to see a place where I could get some of my old home (MD) cooking without the flair of the islands. Sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, greens and fried catfish, wooo!
Now, the only downside is it is not a fast grab and go but the super good music and friendly staff makes the wait a part of the experience.

Parking: This is a food truck which is parked next to a parking garage. There seems to be another entrance on the next street but I did not go that way.“