What are some good local restaurants in Lakeland, FL? No chain restaurants, please. We are going to watch the Detroit Tigers at spring training in March.

Try tripadvisor and chowhound. Between those two sites you should get some good info.

You might try Harry's Seafood Bar & Grill downtown.

Also, here is a link that might prove helpful:

http://downtownlakelandfl.com/category/dining/

Thank you rizzo0904 and sludick. Both suggestions are very helpful.

Harry's is decent, but it is a chain, albeit a small one.

In fact, just about everything in Lakeland is a chain, I'm sorry to say. We often meet family there, as it's a halfway point, and the pickings are slim.

That said, try The Red Door. I haven't been, but it looks great and is always on our list to try next.

Here's the link:
http://reddoorwinemarket.com

Just remembered, there's also Texas Cattle Company, which is right on Lake Mirror near downtown. It's also part of a chain, but has a kind of quaint local charm. It's not a high-end steakhouse at all, very rustic.

Btw, dmrt, the Red Wings are playing in Tampa in March...

NewbE, thanks for the tip on the restaurants. Both look to have pretty tasty food. I'll also be checking out about tickets to the Red Wings. They play the night we arrive. I can't think of a better way to spend a day than to go to a Tigers game in the afternoon and a Red Wings game in the evening.

Indeed, neither can I! We have tickets to the Red Wings game at the end of the month--they're SO's favorite team
Enjoy!

Let's see, what can I come up with?

Mexican - Dona Julia's on South Florida, south of the Polk Parkway
Italian - Il Forno's is a popular mid range mom and pop on South Florida at Merchant'a Walk, with Mario's ( if still called that ) upscale.
Seafood - Jimmy Belle's Seafood on South Florida, Mister Fish for the casual pickup meal
lunch - Crisper's is sort of a localized chain - sandwiches and salads, as well as soup

I can,t think of anything else at the moment
PS. If you go to Winter Haven, check out the GREAT Milkshakes at Local landmark, Andy's Igloo.
For my part, I ignore the food, but the ice cream is great!

Two thumbs up for Andy's--legendary!!

bkington1858, thank you for the suggestions. Those milkshakes sound yummy.

Don't miss Fat Maggie's! Here's a link to a recent review I posted in my blog:

http://sweetpollyfood.blogspot.com/2...keland-fl.html

Thanks Sweet Polly. I'll be sure to take a portable defibulator with me.