12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Florida, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Marisa Roman
Author
While you’re planning your list of things to tackle this year and goals to accomplish, make sure to pepper in some fun stuff, too, right? What’s more fun than exploring restaurants that you’ve never been to before?! Florida has such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Historical restaurants, famous restaurants, and so many underrated or hidden restaurants. We’ve come up with the ultimate list of bucket list restaurants in Florida to add to your calendar, one for each month of the year. So if your stomach is rumbling, and you’re ready for an adventure, let’s kick it off with January.
Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA
We’re going to kick off this restaurant bucket list with a visit to the largest restaurant in the entire state - Columbia Restaurant. With 52,000 square feet of space, 15 dining rooms, and 1,700 seats, this is one experience you do not want to miss. Plus, did we mention Columbia Restaurant is also the oldest in Florida, too?!
Latitudes, 245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
What better way to celebrate February than with a trip to one of the most romantic restaurants in the state? Latitudes is a secluded restaurant on Sunset Key that has been highly ranked over the years. What makes this place so special is the location - you’ll need a ferry ride to get there, and then will be able to dine right on the water!
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Linger Lodge Restaurant & Bar, 7205 85th St Ct E, Bradenton, FL 34202, USA
We’re going to switch it up quickly for the month of March and adventure to one of the strangest swamp restaurants in the state. Linger Lodge offers a menu that strays from mainstream cuisine, so make sure you’re feeling a bit brave before you go. This Bradenton gem has made waves over the years and we guarantee this is one experience you’ve never had before.
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Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar, 400 E 2nd Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, USA
As soon as the weather starts to warm up in New Smyrna Beach, it becomes the perfect time to visit Norwoods Treetop Restaurant. Dine high above the ground in an actual treehouse restaurant and enjoy a bevy of American food with craft cocktails to boot.
Rum Bay, 7092 Placida Rd, Cape Haze, FL 33946, USA
A visit to Rum Bay Restaurant in Florida starts off with a water taxi ride which will take you directly to the tropical, secluded eatery. Picture dining outdoors right in the sunshine, with hand-tossed pizza peppering the menu. Grab a few frozen cocktails and sit outside as you enjoy the privacy and picturesque views.
The Knife Parrilla Argentina Bayside, Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd #2175, Miami, FL 33132, USA
With the smell of grills heating up on weekends and BBQ in the air, meat is on the menu in June. At The Knife, guests will be able to snag an all-you-can-eat Argentinian steak menu bursting with flavor. Meat lovers, bring your appetites because this steakhouse does not disappoint.
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Capt Hirams Resort, 1580 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958, USA
We finally made it to summertime, friends. This means that waterfront dining is on our horizon. Head on over to Captain Hiram’s Resort for one of the best waterfront restaurants around. This tropical-inspired resort resembles that of a place in the Caribbean and will have you feeling like you’ve entered into vacation mode. Did we mention you can grab a cold beer and sit at tables smack-dab in the middle of the water?!
Miceli's Restaurant, 3930 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL 33993, USA
Miceli’s Restaurant is a fun, family-friendly spot in Matlacha that is smack dab on the water. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Italian-American eats while sitting on the patio right on the docks. Arrived by car, boat, or canoe and feast on pizzas, calamari, calzones, and more.
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High Jackers Restaurant, 202 Airport Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32164, USA
For September, we have a high-flying adventure of a restaurant located on the Palm Coast. High Jackers Restaurant next to the Flagler County Airport allows guests to watch planes take off and land as they dine. With tons of airplane memorabilia lining the walls and an impressive menu of bar food staples and American comfort food, this place is perfect to unwind.
Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
For this hauntingly horror-filled month, we recommend taking a trip to Orlando for the ever-frightening Monsters Café. This themed restaurant focuses on classic monster movies, not just with décor but also on the menu, too. Try one of the themed dining areas, like Dracula’s Castle or The Swamp! The memorabilia alone is worth a visit to this restaurant.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
We’re going to focus a bit on breakfast for the month of November with a trip to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. This popular restaurant offers guests a chance to cook their own pancakes right on a griddle in the middle of the table! Choose your own homemade batter and whichever toppings you’d like and cook your own pancakes right at your own table. Bring the whole family for this one!
Tonys Clam Chowder Seafood Restaurant, 622 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
When the weather gets cold, even if it’s "Florida cold" then we recommend taking a trip to Tony’s Seafood Restaurant for some of the best clam chowder in the state. Tony’s Restaurant in Cedar Key was awarded the best clam chowder for three years in a row at the Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off in Rhode Island, before retiring from the competition. Come warm up your soul with a delightful bowl.
So, what do you think about the ultimate list of Florida bucket list restaurants? Will you add any of these to your calendar list this year? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have any other restaurants that you think we should know about, make sure to shout them out, too. In the meantime, take a look at these seven truly unique restaurants in Florida.
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More to Explore
The Best Food In Florida
What are the most iconic foods in Florida?
These are the most iconic foods in Florida:
- Orange Juice. While oranges were introduced here by Spain, Florida has become famous for its orange juice.
- Key Lime Pie. Another Florida citrus creation, this confection is a Florida staple.
- Cuban Sandwich. There is a ton of Cuban culture in Florida, and this sandwich is a popular treat all over the state.
- Apalachicola Oysters. The small town of Apalachicola has some of the best oysters in the country.
These are just a few of the most iconic foods in Florida. Find out more about these and several more.
What are the most historic restaurants in Florida?
Here are some of the most historic restaurants in Florida:
- Sundy House. Located in Delray Beach, this is the oldest house in this town. Built in 1902, it was also the town’s first schoolhouse, church, and bank, and was home to the first mayor.
- Beefy King. This Orlando burger joint has been owned and operated since 1968 by the same family for three generations.
- Mai-Kai Restaurant. This is a Fort Lauderdale institution and one of the original tiki restaurants.
- Desert Inn. This is a hotel and restaurant in Yeehaw Junction that has been open since 1889 and was once a trading post, a gas station, a brothel, a dance hall, and a bar.
There’s a lot more to learn about these and several more of the most historic restaurants in Florida.
What are some hidden gem restaurants in Florida?
Some hidden gem restaurants in Florida include:
- Emmy’s Time Out Tavern. This restaurant in DeLand is a comfortable place that serves excellent German food.
- Peace River Seafood. This old-fashioned Florida restaurant in Punta Gorda has some of the freshest seafood around.
- Harry’s Old Place. This unassuming, nondescript place is a hidden gem in Winter Haven that is beloved by locals.
- Mister Fish. With only one table, that doesn’t stop Lakeland locals from coming here for fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and fried mac-and-cheese.
There are quite a few more wonderful hidden gem restaurants in Florida to discover.