Polk County’s culinary identity is built on deep roots, with many institutions serving the community for over 50 years. From lakeside fish shacks to legendary downtown diners, here are seven restaurants that have truly stood the test of time.
1. Reececliff Family Diner (Lakeland)
Est. 1934 As the oldest restaurant in Polk County, Reececliff is a living monument to the American diner. Originally opened as “The Ducky Wucky,” it has remained a South Florida Avenue staple for over 90 years.
- The Vibe: Classic, unpretentious Southern hospitality with wood booths and nostalgic decor.
- The Must-Order: Their world-famous fruit pies. The same pie expert baked for them for nearly 60 years, and the tradition of scratch-made crusts continues today.
2. Peebles Bar-B-Q (Auburndale)
Est. 1947 Tucked away in what was once a simple chicken shack, Peebles is the oldest BBQ joint in the county. It’s a “pilgrimage” spot for anyone who values the low-and-slow tradition over modern frills.
- The Vibe: Rustic and authentic. You’ll often find a line of locals trailing out the door, drawn in by the smell of the hickory wood smoke.
- The Must-Order: The sliced pork sandwich or a slab of ribs, served with their signature pit-cooked sides.
3. Old Man Frank’s (Winter Haven)…