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§ Nearby · 20 min northwest of Lake Wales

Winter Haven.

Polk County's Chain of Lakes town — restaurants, lakeside bars, live music, and downtown storefronts along Central Avenue.

The town

A city stitched together by lakes.

Winter Haven is built on the Chain of Lakes — 25 interconnected lakes with canals cut between them in the 1910s. Downtown wraps around Lake Silver, Legoland sits on Lake Eloise, and Lake Howard hosts the sunset crowd. It's a 20-minute drive from Lake Wales up SR-60 or US-27.

Come for lakeside dinners, catch live music at Old Man Franks, and browse the Central Avenue food hall and downtown restaurants before heading back east.

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31 matches

Featured restaurant

Old Man Frank's.

Lakeside seafood bar on Lake Howard — oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, mahi, wings, and sunset seats. Host venue for Polk County Open Mic Night on Aug 5.

Seafood · Bar · Live music1005 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven· (863) 294-9179
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Where to eat

Winter Haven restaurants.

A working list of standout kitchens and lakeside bars in Winter Haven. Call ahead — hours shift with the season.

American · Steakhouse · Seafood

Harborside Restaurant

Classic waterfront dining experience on Lake Shipp with docked-boat seating, steaks, and fresh seafood.

701 6th St SE, Winter Haven

(863) 293-7070

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American · Seafood

Harry's Old Place

Longtime local favorite for fried seafood, burgers, and homestyle plates.

2499 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven

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Steakhouse · BBQ · Happy Hour

Ovation Bistro & Bar

Barbecue and smoked meats in a downtown bistro setting — ribs, brisket, craft cocktails, and a popular happy hour.

363 3rd St NW, Winter Haven

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Classic American Diner

Andy's Driven In

Classic Florida drive-in famous for burgers, shakes, and homemade pies.

2030 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

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Breakfast & Lunch

Lucille's American Cafe

Family-run cafe known for breakfast, meatloaf, pot roast, and classic American comfort plates.

1008 6th St SE, Winter Haven

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Steakhouse

Texas Roadhouse

Popular chain known for hand-cut steaks, ribs, and fresh-baked rolls.

300 Cypress Gardens Blvd SW, Winter Haven

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Seafood

Red Lobster

Well-known chain for lobster, shrimp, and seafood classics.

5500 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

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American · Waterfront Views

The Twisted Prop Bar & Grille

Burgers and seafood with waterfront views, airport-adjacent — casual dine-in and takeout.

615 7th St SW, Winter Haven

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Italian

Arabellas Italian Ristorante

A go-to for special occasions and celebrations — white-tablecloth Italian in historic downtown.

231 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

(863) 293-0641

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Downtown Food Hall

The Bowen Yard

A downtown food hall with multiple vendors, live music, and a full bar — relaxed outdoor venue.

308 4th St SW, Winter Haven

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American · Seafood · Lakeside

Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar

Casual lakeside dining with live music on Lake Howard — seafood, steak, and weekend bands.

1006 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven

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Steakhouse · Brazilian

Manny's Original Chophouse

Local steakhouse and Brazilian-style churrascaria with a generous salad bar.

4790 S Florida Ave, Winter Haven

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Latin American · New American

Nineteen61

Downtown chef-driven kitchen with a rotating Latin-inflected menu, cocktails, and a strong wine list.

20 3rd St SW, Winter Haven

(863) 293-1961

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Food hall · Multiple vendors

The Joinery Food Hall

Downtown food hall with rotating stalls — pizza, sushi, tacos, coffee, and a full bar under one roof.

302 W Central Ave, Winter Haven

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Cocktails & pints

Bars & lounges.

From craft cocktail rooms on 3rd Street to a whiskey bar with a patio and the town's oldest dive — Winter Haven's bar scene runs the full range.