The world needs more little mom and pop shops and hole in the wall restaurants. There’s nothing better than finding a really special place in the sea of chain restaurants, where everyone knows your name (and your order) when you walk in the door. If you’re looking for unique places to add to your restaurant bucket list, check out the best unassuming restaurants in Florida.

1. Granger & Sons Bar-B-Que, Lakeland
Yelp/Deke K.
Yelp/Deke K.
Though it may be small, this beloved barbecue joint has been going strong for 20 years, when it was bought by the current owners. Even before that, it was a popular BBQ joint, but plenty of things have changed. They're probably most famous for their lipsmacking baby back ribs and their weekend steak dinners. You'll find them at 8121 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2. The Stein & Vine, Brandon
Yelp/Chris W.
Yelp/Joanna H.
You probably couldn't have a more generic storefront than this (it literally just says PUB), but this gem hidden in the Kings Row Shopping Center is guaranteed to surprise you. This craft beer and wine bar specializes in upscale twists on comfort classics like tator tots, "pig wings," and a burger that's 1/3 bacon. The Stein and Vine is located at 827 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. The Dog House and More, Ruskin
Yelp/Chad M.
Yelp/Jude B.
Don't let the humble digs fool you, this is no ordinary hot dog stand. This local favorite serves everything from excellent barbecue to grouper sandwiches to hand-dipped milkshakes, and it's all delicious. Visit them at 106 N U.S. Hwy 41, Ruskin, FL 33570. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
4. Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak, Lake Wales
Yelp/Lori H.
Yelp/Ernestine E.
Who doesn't love a good fish camp? This rustic slice of Old Florida sits on Lake Pierce. They specialize in seafood, steaks and gator. Cherry Pocket Steak and Seafood Shak is located at 3100 Canal Dr, Lake Wales, FL 33898. Click here to learn more.
5. B.O.'s Fish Wagon, Key West
Yelp/AaronErin D.

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Yelp/Amanda C.
This modest little shack might just have the best conch fritters on the island. Compared to other places in the area, the prices are reasonable, too. Visit them at 801 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040. Click here to learn more.
6. Hole In The Wall Seafood, Apalachicola
Yelp/Tabea T.
Yelp/Michael P.
If you're in Apalachicola, you're probably looking for oysters. Look no further. Hole In The Wall is exactly the sort of casual, cozy seafood place we love. You can't go wrong with any of the fresh seafood here, but try to save room for some Key lime pie. You'll find this delicious eatery at 23 Ave D, Apalachicola, FL 32320. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
7. A1A Burrito Works Taco Shop, St. Augustine
Yelp/Thomas B.
Yelp/Thomas B.
Florida isn't exactly known for its Mexican food, but this local chain could change that. The owner took his dream of bringing So Cal freshness and flavor to the East Coast and made it a reality. Chow down on delicious eats at 671 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080. Click here to learn more about their other locations.
8. The Burger Inn, Melbourne
Yelp/Shannon M.
Yelp/Shannon M.
You'll never eat at another chain burger place again after you try The Burger Inn. The classic American decor (and food) will make you nostalgic for the good old days. Visit them at 1819 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935. Click here to learn more.
9. Frog's BBQ Pad, Williston
Mark Lyon via Facebook/
TripAdvisor/encienzoj
This unassuming little place has been an institution in Williston for decades. Everything is smoked on site, and the sauces are so good you'll want to buy a few bottles to take home. Frog's BBQ Pad is located at 21031 NE US Hwy 27, Williston, FL 32696. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

Have you been to any of the best unassuming restaurants in Florida? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another hidden gem restaurant in the Sunshine State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Hungry for more? Then check our Ultimate Florida Restaurant Bucket List.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best unassuming restaurants in Florida

Elisa Regulski | June 17, 2020

What are the best places to eat in Florida?

Joe's Stone Crab, located in Miami Beach, is one of the best places to eat in Florida. This classic seafood restaurant is only open seasonally, and you’ll look forward to its opening date every year. Here, you can enjoy some scrumptious fresh seafood and finish your meal with a wonderful slice of key lime pie. If you loved this eatery, you should also check out Blue Heaven in Key West. The gorgeous outdoor dining area and delicious meals will absolutely dazzle you.

What are the best little-known restaurants in Florida?

Some of the most delicious restaurants in Florida are tucked off the beaten path. Discover your new favorite eatery by checking out our list of the best little-known restaurants in Florida. Each restaurant in this article serves scrumptious dishes.

What are the best pizza places in Florida?

Almost everyone loves pizza! For some truly tasty eats, visit PizzAmore. This mom and pop restaurant in Mount Dora always brings the flavor. Satchel’s Pizza, located in Gainesville, is another fantastic place to get some delicious pizza. Check them out -- you won’t be sorry!

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Featured Addresses
8121 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809, USA
827 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511, USA
106 N U.S. Hwy 41, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA
3100 Canal Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA
801 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
23 Ave D, Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
671 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
1819 N Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935, USA
21031 NE US Hwy 27, Williston, FL 32696, USA