Sebring, Florida

Refresh & Refuel

Sebring has plenty of dining options for a quick bite or a leisurely meal

By Lindsay Lawson

Whether dining is a highlight of your vacation or a quick stop between activities, you’ll discover delicious options throughout the Sebring area. From perfectly prepared pastas to seared and seasoned steaks, Southern-fried favorites to adventurous appetizers, the flavors you crave can be found at these hot spots.

Sebring

Casual cuisine

For platters piled high with your favorite finger foods, Mae Lee’s International Deli is the place to go. You’ll hear from locals that Mae Lee’s serves the best burger in town, but the hot pastrami and French dip sandwiches are equally beloved. The large menu covers soups, salads, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches and more than 15 side orders to choose from. Classic comfort food from this Sebring staple is available on location or through delivery.

In the mood for Mexican food with amazing views? Find all of your favorite dishes at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, including tacos, burritos, fajitas and enchiladas. Want to try something new? The menu features a variety of steak, shrimp, fish and chicken dishes paired with rice and black beans, including the Steak Rio Grande, which is sautéed in garlic, stuffed with cheese and topped with fresh tomato sauce, onions and mushrooms. Pull your boat up to the dock and dine in the screened-in back porch overlooking Lake Jackson.

Delicious daiquiri poolside at Chicanes Restaurant located inside Inn on the Lakes
Delicious daiquiri poolside at Chicanes Restaurant located inside Inn on the Lakes
Dedicated to dining

The Island View Lakefront Restaurant and Pub isn’t only for golfers—New Coast cuisine and great service for groups large and small make this spot a must-see. For lunch, try the fried green tomato BLT or baked meatloaf sandwich, served on griddled jalapeño cornbread. During sunset dining from May to September, enjoy views of the lake and golf course while savoring a smothered center-cut pork chop or broiled mango salmon filet.

The only thing that rivals the food at Chicanes is the ambiance. With garden and lake views, impeccable service and drool-worthy dishes, you’ll want to make your dining experience leisurely. Signature dinner entrées include Tuscan Linguine, the Chicanes BV Napa Filet and the Supreme Christina, which features a chicken breast sautéed with Gulf shrimp, fresh mushrooms and tarragon in an exquisite lobster sherry sauce.

When craft beer is calling your name, check out Faded Bistro and Beer Garden. Perfect for a true alfresco dining experience, Faded is known for dishing up delectable, creative fare that features seasonal selections. Indulge your inner foodie with Black Angus Tenderloin and Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese or the summer-inspired Shrimp Caribbean served with yellow rice, fried plantains and pineapple salsa.

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Lake Placid

Quick bites

When you’re in the mood to eat like a local, stop by Jaxson’s ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of Lake Placid restaurants, for no-fuss pub-style American cuisine. Guests recommend sitting on the screened-in porch and enjoying the view. In addition to huge sandwiches, wraps, hoagies and build-your-own burgers, you’ll discover fresh seafood and steak entrées on the menu. If you’re feeling adventurous, sample a shareable appetizer of local gator tail or the saucy, cheesy chicken in Jaxson’s Hookiemelt.

Good News Juice and Smoothie Cafe offers guests clean eating opportunities, vegan and vegetarian recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors count down the hours until they return. Sweet smoothies, seasonal salads and blissful baked goods make this the perfect spot for brunch. Whether you choose a chipotle rice bowl or an acai bowl, a tuna sandwich on wheatberry bread or a cauliflower quinoa burger with sweet potato fries, delicious flavors from organic ingredients can be found in every dish.

Fried cheesecake at Jaxson's
Fried cheesecake at Jaxson's
Instagram-worthy plates

The beautifully presented dishes at Cang’s Sushi taste just as good as they look. From bento boxes to shareable platters, specialty rolls to classic Chinese food favorites, the only problem you’ll encounter is deciding which menu items to order. Tempt your taste buds with September Sunset Rolls filled with smoked salmon, avocado and asparagus, topped with spicy tuna and white tuna, or spice up your life with the Mongolian Triple Delight, which features shrimp, beef and chicken stir-fried with veggies, hoisin sauce and chili pepper oil.

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Avon Park

Easygoing eats

Stop by the Wild Turkey Tavern to immerse yourself in the local country scene, have a cold beer and enjoy some pub grub. A list of 15 bar snacks, such as loaded chips, fried okra and cheese curds, can be paired with hot wings, gator tail, frog legs and other munchies to create a finger-licking good meal. For a heartier appetite, take on a steak or choose a sub, burger or brat basket that includes homemade chips. You’ll love the live music and laid-back atmosphere of the Wild Turkey—if you can find it among the camouflage, that is.

While the small, four-booth restaurant may be deceiving, the best fried chicken around can be found at Maryland Fried Chicken. The secret to this amazingly flavorful chicken is the 21 herbs and spices in the crispy crust created through a pressure-frying technique. Create a full meal with fresh rolls and your choice of delicious sides, such as creamy mac ’n’ cheese, cool coleslaw or fan-favorite corn nuggets. Grab a to-go bucket of juicy, golden goodness before heading out on your next adventure.

Sizzling steak at Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar
Sizzling steak at Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar
Mouthwatering meals

Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar is the place to go for sizzling, perfectly seasoned steaks in Avon Park. If you can tear your eyes away from the fillets, rib eyes and twice-baked potatoes, the freshly grilled prime rib served in a wrap, or the Philly or Reuben sandwich won’t disappoint. Juicy burgers topped with all the fixings, shrimp-and-scallop ravioli, and bone-in frenched pork chops are all worth a taste as well. For a true local experience, make sure to chat up the owner—rumor has it that he always has a good story to tell.

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