Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
Next up on our journey through different lists of the Best Food In Polk we have the ten best steakhouses in Polk County.
And after going through all of the votes and mentions I have to tell you: they're not necessarily the ten best steakhouses, but rather, the ten best places to great a great steak.
I gave priority to steakhouses for the list, but if there was enough support for a specific location's steak, I included them.
I also noticed that even though only a couple of these locations made the list for our Best Date Night Restaurants In Polk County, I think there are quite a few great options here as well.
But, without further ado:
The Best Steakhouses In Polk County.
And, as always, this isn’t just a list I’ve put together based on my own preferences…
This list was built from HUNDREDS of votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
Special Author’s Note:
As I'll mention below as well: Katie and I don't frequent steakhouses and really don't often go out specifically for a good steak. If it's on the menu, on occasion, Katie enjoys a good steak, but it's not something we go out of our way for; so I apologize for the lack of extra commentary on some of our top picks (I'd rather be honest in my lack of knowledge rather than try to fake it)!
First Place: Texas Cattle Company
The Best Steakhouse In Polk County, Florida
Texas Cattle Company — 735 E Main St, Lakeland
Coming in as the best overall steakhouse in Polk County is Texas Cattle Company in downtown Lakeland.
This is one of Polk County's most iconic restaurants and, based on our polling, it's still the place locals trust most when they're craving a great steak.
Known for its wood-fired steaks, old-school atmosphere, and consistently high-quality food, Texas Cattle Company was recommended more than any other steakhouse we found.
Voters said things like:
- "Texas Cattle Company. Hands down."
- "The best steaks anywhere."
- "Texas Cattle Company by far is the best place—not only in Lakeland but one of the best places, period."
If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want one of the best steaks in Polk County, Texas Cattle Company earns our top spot.
Second Place: Manny's Chophouse
The Second Best Steakhouse In Polk County, Florida
Manny's Chophouse Manny's Chophouse — Haines City & Winter Haven
Coming in at number two is Manny's Chophouse.
Manny's isn't trying to be a fine-dining steakhouse—and that's exactly why so many locals love it.
It's consistently recommended for generous portions, dependable steaks, fresh rolls, and an atmosphere that's perfect for birthdays, family dinners, or casual nights out.
It was one of the most consistently recommended restaurants across every thread we looked through.
Voters said things like:
- "Manny's Chophouse. The steaks are always consistently great."
- "Manny's in Winter Haven. Prime rib is great."
- "Manny's is the only choice if you're looking for a good steak."
For great value and consistently good steaks, Manny's comfortably lands in our number two spot.
Third Place: GrillSmith
The Third Best Steakhouse In Polk County, Florida
GrillSmith — 1569 Town Center Dr, Lakeland
Coming in at number three is GrillSmith in Lakeland.
While it didn't receive quite as many total recommendations as the top two, the people who recommended GrillSmith were incredibly specific about why they love it.
From the Port Wine Filet to the Churrasco and perfectly cooked ribeyes, GrillSmith has quietly built one of the strongest steak reputations in Polk County.
Voters said things like:
- "The steak was so tender I cut it with my fork."
- "GrillSmith never disappoints."
- "The Port Wine Filet is amazing."
If you're looking for an upscale steak dinner without the traditional steakhouse feel, GrillSmith is one of the county's hidden gems.
Fourth Place: Low & Slow Smokehouse
The Fourth Best Steakhouse In Polk County, Florida
Low & Slow Smokehouse — 1853 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
Coming in at number four is Low & Slow Smokehouse.
This one surprised me a bit.
Even though it's best known as a barbecue restaurant, locals repeatedly singled it out for serving one of the best steaks in Polk County.
When people go out of their way to recommend the steak at a BBQ restaurant, it's usually a good sign.
Voters said things like:
- "Low & Slow Smokehouse has the best!"
- "Best steak around."
- "Low & Slow Smokehouse 100%."
If you're willing to think outside the traditional steakhouse box, Low & Slow has earned a spot among Polk County's very best.
Fifth Place: Aria Steakhouse
The Fifth Best Steakhouse In Polk County, Florida
Aria Steakhouse — 325 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Rounding out our Top 5 is Aria Steakhouse in Winter Haven.
As one of the county's newer upscale steakhouses, Aria has quickly built a loyal following.
While it doesn't have the decades-long reputation of some of the restaurants above it, locals consistently praised both the quality of the steaks and the elegant atmosphere.
Voters said things like:
- "Aria Steakhouse will not disappoint."
- "If you haven't tried Aria, you shouldn't be recommending any other steakhouse."
- "Better than any place in Orlando or Tampa."
If you're looking for an upscale steakhouse experience in Winter Haven, Aria is quickly becoming one of Polk County's favorite destinations.
Other Great Steakhouses In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best steakhouses in Polk County, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here are the rest of the top ten steakhouses in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Nineteen61
- #7 — Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern
- #8 — Bay Street Bistro
- #9 — Sizzling Grill
- #10 — Lucille's
Which gives us the full top 10 steakhouses in Polk.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my steakhouses in Polk:
- Manny's Chophouse
- Nineteen61
- Saving This Spot
Full transparency, Katie and I aren't really big on going out for steak.
There are times we may drive up to a Disney resort for a special occasion and she orders a steak; but more often than not we're going out for Italian on a special occasion (or date night).
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best steakhouse in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
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