When someone starts throwing around the phrase "world's best" then it's fair to say that you're in for a treat no matter what it is. There is a rustic pancake restaurant in DeLeon Springs that has been dubbed one of the best places to snag pancakes ever. Why? Because these pancakes are cooked tableside on your very own griddle and you get to determine what toppings and fillings are used every time. Check out the Old Spanish Sugar Mill in Florida for a delightful breakfast experience.
Editor’s Note: As of Sept. 12, 2022, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill closed its doors after 61 years of delightful service.
Many people visit DeLeon Springs State Park, Florida for the refreshing spring water and the laidback swimming hole.
This pancake haven is not your average pancake restaurant—rather than being served your pancakes already-made, you instead start by sitting down at a table with an actual griddle right in the center.
But you don’t need to just stick to regular ol’ pancakes, you can jazz up these flapjacks with things like apples, banana slices, blueberries, applesauce, pecans, real peanut butter, chocolate chips, and more!
Have you ever been to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you're looking for more information about this pancake restaurant, check out the website here. If you know another scrumptious breakfast place in Florida, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Stand in Florida
H&M Hot Dogs is a DeFuniak Springs tradition serving up classic flavors with a hometown touch. Stop by and see what was once a lunch cart started 74 years ago!
H&M Hot Dogs, located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, is a hidden gem that has been serving the community and visitors for years. This quaint, family-owned hot dog stand has earned a reputation for its delicious, no-frills hot dogs and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It isn't too often you can find a historical hot dog stand slinging delicious food at such responsible prices. But here at H&M, you'll find that and so much more.
Situated in the heart of DeFuniak Springs, H&M Hot Dogs has a quaint and welcoming appearance that invites you in for a tasty treat. The stand is a modest setup, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor. The menu is centered around its star offering: hot dogs. These aren't just any hot dogs, though—H&M is known for its high-quality, perfectly cooked dogs that are served on fresh, soft buns.
One of the standout features of H&M Hot Dogs is the wide array of toppings and styles available. Whether you're in the mood for a classic dog with mustard and relish or something more adventurous like a chili cheese dog, H&M has you covered. The stand also offers a variety of other options, including sausages and bratwursts, all of which are cooked to perfection and packed with flavor.
Beyond the hot dogs, H&M also offers a selection of sides, such as chips and cold drinks, to complement your meal. Many patrons enjoy grabbing a bite and then taking a stroll around the charming town of DeFuniak Springs, making it a perfect stop during a day out.
H&M Hot Dogs has earned a loyal following thanks to its consistency and quality. The owners take pride in their food and customer service, making every visit a pleasant experience. For many, stopping by H&M has become a tradition, whether they're passing through town or live nearby.
And don't worry if you aren't a hog dog fan, there are other options for you at a similar price point! The cheeseburgers, for instance, are a huge hit amongst the locals. One guest even went so far as to say, if you order the double cheeseburger, you BETTER come hungry!
For being a lunch cart started 74 years ago, it is easy to see why they are so popular. What do you think about this incredibly historic hot dog stand in Florida? Did you know it existed? Sound off in the comments section! Or, if you're looking for more information about this hot dog haven, then visit The Original H&M Hot Dog Stand Facebook Page.
Do you want to hear my hack for finding new restaurants in my area? I simply open up Google Maps, type in restaurants, and then move the map around clicking on all of the restaurants within a 15-mile radius. Of course, this works because I live in South Florida, so I'm forever finding new restaurants to check out when the cravings hit. That's how I stumbled across Shimuja Ramen in Southwest Ranches. It was fate and a solid Google search that led me to now my new favorite restaurant for a night of delicious dining—oh, and probably one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Southwest Ranches as a whole.
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Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
Shimuja Ramen is a solidly scrumptious ramen restaurant that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its dedication to traditional Japanese ramen-making. From its rich history to its diverse menu offerings, Shimuja Ramen is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional ramen experience in the area.
Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
This restaurant's ramen style originated in Kagoshima, Japan, focusing on a simmering 18-hour, 100% pork-bone, housemade ramen broth. In 2016, Shimuja opened in the United States, setting up its first U.S. location in Southwest Ranches. The founder and head chef, Keiichi Maemura, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for ramen-making, having been trained in the art of Japanese cuisine for decades. His goal was to introduce the South Florida community to the flavors of authentic tonkatsu ramen, a style that is especially beloved in the southern regions of Japan.
Since its opening, Shimuja has garnered a loyal following, praised for its attention to detail in both food and ambiance. The restaurant blends Japanese tradition with a cozy, intimate setting, allowing diners to immerse themselves in the ramen experience while enjoying a relaxed, inviting space.
Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
I started out with a Kirin Light and hot sake to ease myself into the meal. The sake arrived piping hot and the Kirin Light ice cold. I visited on a Thursday night and was surprised to find the restaurant packed. But as soon as I tasted the various plates, I knew why people flocked here during the week.
Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
I first ordered the Homemade Cucumber Pickle, which came beautifully arranged, packing a punch of sesame flavor. The cucumbers were thinly sliced and topped with arajio, sesame oil, and pepper flakes. It was a tasty appetizer that was cool but spicy on the palate.
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Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
I tried the Harumaki next, and these were an immediate hit. Harumaki are spring rolls, packed with cabbage, carrots, scallions, and more, paired with a sweet chili dunking sauce. Extremely tasty and perfect for sharing with friends.
Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
I think my favorite appetizer though of them all would be the vegetable gyoza. These beautifully folded dumplings are like little pockets of happiness, packing in a ton of flavor in one bite. When paired with the saltiness of the dumpling sauce, it was a really scrumptious bite.
Megan Todaro/ Only In Your State
And then the coup de grace - the ramen. On my server's recommendation, I ordered the Sansai Veggie ramen and was blown away. This veggie-forward ramen featured natural-growing Japanese mountain vegetables (sweet potato vines, bamboo shoots, flowering fern, wood ear, nameko mushroom, stem lettuce), fried tofu, bean sprouts, scallions, and thin straight noodles. The broth was rich and packed with garlic flavor. I didn't miss the meat one bit.
The menu offers a variety of ramen bowls outside of what I ordered, each with its own unique flavor profile. A few of the stand-outs from the menu include:
Tonkotsu Ramen: The star of the menu, this ramen is made with a rich, creamy pork broth that simmers for hours to achieve its signature flavor. It’s served with chashu (braised pork belly), bamboo shoots, a soft-boiled egg, and thin noodles.
Miso Ramen: This bowl features a savory, umami-rich miso broth, balanced by hearty toppings like corn, green onions, and slices of tender pork.
Shoyu Ramen: A lighter soy sauce-based broth, this ramen offers a more delicate flavor while still packing plenty of depth. It's garnished with classic ramen toppings like nori (seaweed), soft-boiled eggs, and marinated pork.
Vegetarian Ramen: For a meatless option, Shimuja offers a vegetarian ramen featuring a broth made from vegetables, accompanied by mushrooms, tofu, and greens.
Spicy Ramen: For a kick, this option includes a spicier broth, which adds heat to the savory depth of the tonkatsu base.
With its deep-rooted commitment to traditional ramen preparation, a diverse menu that caters to various preferences, and a growing list of accolades, Shimuja remains a beloved culinary destination that transports diners straight to the heart of Japan.
For more information about some of the best Japanese food near Southwest Ranches, check out the Shimuja Ramen Facebook Page.
