If you’ve lived in your town for long enough, chances are you’ve tried nearly every good restaurant (and nearly every item on the menu). If you’re getting bored with your local establishments, why not take a little road trip to one of these awesome eateries? If you love a good greasy spoon or hole in the wall, you will enjoy every single place on this list. These places might be a little out of the way, but the food is worth the drive. Bring your appetite, because we’re about to travel off the beaten path to 8 little-known restaurants in Florida.
- Fisherman’s Corner, Perdido Key
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor/Rebecca B Don’t judge this tiny restaurant by its exterior. The Cajun-style seafood here is out of this world. Don’t leave without some of their famous bread pudding. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Emmy’s Time Out Tavern, DeLand
Facebook/Emmy’s Time Out Tavern
Facebook/Emmy’s Time Out Tavern If you’ve been searching for delicious, authentic German food, your prayers have been answered. Emmy’s has a great comfy vibe that will make you feel right at home. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda
Facebook/Peace River Seafood
TripAdvisor/Tia D If you love fresh seafood and an Old Florida setting, this will be your new favorite restaurant. Seafood fanatics will be especially pleased with the AYCE blue crab. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Mister Fish, Lakeland
Facebook/Mister Fish
TripAdvisor/nic_leon2005 This tiny family-owned place on Lake Morton has only one table, yet it’s a longtime local favorite. Must-try items include the fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and fried mac ’n cheese, just to name a few. This scrumptious eatery has been dazzling diners since 1968. Come see why it’s one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida! To learn more, visit their website here.
- Harry’s Old Place, Winter Haven
TripAdvisor/Paula I
TripAdvisor/Olivia B This restaurant doesn’t look like much at first, but it’s actually one of the best restaurants in town. Every dish is lovingly prepared with Southern flair. Come early because this place is no secret to locals. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Big Lee’s, Ocala
Facebook/Big Lee’s - Serious About Barbecue
Facebook/Big Lee’s - Serious About Barbecue Big Lee’s knows that mastering the art of barbecue is serious business. Big Lee’s is a food truck and relatively new to the game, but it ranks as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. To learn more, visit their website here.
- TC’s Front Porch, Navarre
TripAdvisor/wishintogofishin
Facebook/TC’s Front Porch This unique indoor/outdoor cafe was converted from one of Navarre’s early gas stations. It’s now a fun cafe with lots of character. Come for a bite, a few drinks, or just for the experience. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, Land O Lakes and Seffner
TripAdvisor/Clubess1
TripAdvisor/Clubess1 You know from the minute you see the barn-style building or the American flag tin roof, you’re in for a treat. Since its founding in 1985, Hungry Harry’s has earned its reputation as some of Tampa Bay’s best BBQ. To learn more, visit their website here.
Have you been to any of these little-known restaurants in Florida? What are your other favorite hidden gem restaurants in Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor/Rebecca B
Don’t judge this tiny restaurant by its exterior. The Cajun-style seafood here is out of this world. Don’t leave without some of their famous bread pudding. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Emmy’s Time Out Tavern
If you’ve been searching for delicious, authentic German food, your prayers have been answered. Emmy’s has a great comfy vibe that will make you feel right at home. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Peace River Seafood
TripAdvisor/Tia D
If you love fresh seafood and an Old Florida setting, this will be your new favorite restaurant. Seafood fanatics will be especially pleased with the AYCE blue crab. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Mister Fish
TripAdvisor/nic_leon2005
This tiny family-owned place on Lake Morton has only one table, yet it’s a longtime local favorite. Must-try items include the fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and fried mac ’n cheese, just to name a few. This scrumptious eatery has been dazzling diners since 1968. Come see why it’s one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida! To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/Paula I
TripAdvisor/Olivia B
This restaurant doesn’t look like much at first, but it’s actually one of the best restaurants in town. Every dish is lovingly prepared with Southern flair. Come early because this place is no secret to locals. To learn more, visit their website here.
Facebook/Big Lee’s - Serious About Barbecue
Big Lee’s knows that mastering the art of barbecue is serious business. Big Lee’s is a food truck and relatively new to the game, but it ranks as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/wishintogofishin
Facebook/TC’s Front Porch
This unique indoor/outdoor cafe was converted from one of Navarre’s early gas stations. It’s now a fun cafe with lots of character. Come for a bite, a few drinks, or just for the experience. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/Clubess1
You know from the minute you see the barn-style building or the American flag tin roof, you’re in for a treat. Since its founding in 1985, Hungry Harry’s has earned its reputation as some of Tampa Bay’s best BBQ. To learn more, visit their website here.
If you’re hungry for more of Florida’s best food, check out The Ultimate Florida Restaurant Bucket List.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 13486 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507, USAAddress: 2069 Old New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, USAAddress: 5337 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982, USAAddress: 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, USAAddress: 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USAAddress: 3925 SE 45th Ct, Ocala, FL 34480, USAAddress: 8558 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566, USAAddress: 2006 S Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known restaurants in Florida February 23, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida? The Freezer, located in Homosassa, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida. Sure, the atmosphere isn’t fancy, but the food is soul-satisfying and delicious. Enjoy giant servings of shrimp and stone crab in a relaxing outdoor setting. If you’re craving some fresh seafood, this is the place to go. The Burg Bar & Grill, located in St. Petersburg, is another amazing little-known eatery. Of course their burgers are scrumptious, but that’s just the beginning. People also rave about their chicken and waffle sandwich, crispy fries, and refreshing beer. What are the best small town restaurants in Florida? Momma’s Dixie Kitchen is one of the best small town restaurants in Florida. The next time you find yourself driving through Old Town, you must stop in. Sure, not many people live in this community, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t exceptional. Scarf down some cozy comfort food and relax a while. They also serve breakfast all day, so you can get your pancake fix whenever you like. For another small town gem, visit Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville. This place serves southern food at its finest. Chow down on crispy bacon, warm waffles, and buttery biscuits. What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Florida? Sam’s Subs and Soup, located in Port Charlotte, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. This mom and pop eatery may not look like much on the outside, but their dishes are full of flavor. Their chicken and dumpling soup will melt away your worries, and their hearty burgers will put a smile on your face. El Siboney Restaurant, located in Key West, is another must-visit spot. Skip the tourist traps and indulge in some authentic Cuban cuisine. This restaurant really knows how to whip up a scrumptious meal.
The OIYS Visitor Center
little-known restaurants in Florida
February 23, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida? The Freezer, located in Homosassa, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida. Sure, the atmosphere isn’t fancy, but the food is soul-satisfying and delicious. Enjoy giant servings of shrimp and stone crab in a relaxing outdoor setting. If you’re craving some fresh seafood, this is the place to go. The Burg Bar & Grill, located in St. Petersburg, is another amazing little-known eatery. Of course their burgers are scrumptious, but that’s just the beginning. People also rave about their chicken and waffle sandwich, crispy fries, and refreshing beer. What are the best small town restaurants in Florida? Momma’s Dixie Kitchen is one of the best small town restaurants in Florida. The next time you find yourself driving through Old Town, you must stop in. Sure, not many people live in this community, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t exceptional. Scarf down some cozy comfort food and relax a while. They also serve breakfast all day, so you can get your pancake fix whenever you like. For another small town gem, visit Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville. This place serves southern food at its finest. Chow down on crispy bacon, warm waffles, and buttery biscuits. What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Florida? Sam’s Subs and Soup, located in Port Charlotte, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. This mom and pop eatery may not look like much on the outside, but their dishes are full of flavor. Their chicken and dumpling soup will melt away your worries, and their hearty burgers will put a smile on your face. El Siboney Restaurant, located in Key West, is another must-visit spot. Skip the tourist traps and indulge in some authentic Cuban cuisine. This restaurant really knows how to whip up a scrumptious meal.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Freezer, located in Homosassa, is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Florida. Sure, the atmosphere isn’t fancy, but the food is soul-satisfying and delicious. Enjoy giant servings of shrimp and stone crab in a relaxing outdoor setting. If you’re craving some fresh seafood, this is the place to go. The Burg Bar & Grill, located in St. Petersburg, is another amazing little-known eatery. Of course their burgers are scrumptious, but that’s just the beginning. People also rave about their chicken and waffle sandwich, crispy fries, and refreshing beer.
What are the best small town restaurants in Florida?
Momma’s Dixie Kitchen is one of the best small town restaurants in Florida. The next time you find yourself driving through Old Town, you must stop in. Sure, not many people live in this community, but that doesn’t mean the food isn’t exceptional. Scarf down some cozy comfort food and relax a while. They also serve breakfast all day, so you can get your pancake fix whenever you like. For another small town gem, visit Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville. This place serves southern food at its finest. Chow down on crispy bacon, warm waffles, and buttery biscuits.
What are the best mom and pop restaurants in Florida?
Sam’s Subs and Soup, located in Port Charlotte, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Florida. This mom and pop eatery may not look like much on the outside, but their dishes are full of flavor. Their chicken and dumpling soup will melt away your worries, and their hearty burgers will put a smile on your face. El Siboney Restaurant, located in Key West, is another must-visit spot. Skip the tourist traps and indulge in some authentic Cuban cuisine. This restaurant really knows how to whip up a scrumptious meal.