Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
Last week we broke down The Best Places To Eat In Bartow and I mentioned doing some smaller town breakdowns in the future.
Well, welcome to the future...
We've been covering The Best Food In Polk County by breaking down lists of food categories broken down for Polk, Lakeland and Winter Haven because those are the big hubs that allow for lists of 10.
That said, Haines City is exploding right now, so it's nice to know where you show be eating...
Which brings us to...
The Best Places To Eat in Haines City, Florida.
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:
Port 27 didn't make the list, but I felt it was important to note that there are a quite a few good places to eat there, and while no specific spot topped our list, locals are still getting used to it being a hub to grab a bite and hang out.
First Place: Dora's Pizza
The Best Place To Eat In Haines City, Florida
Dora's Pizza — 35562 US-27, Haines City
Not even close.
Dora's Pizza took first by a mile.
Tucked into a small plaza on Hwy 27S — between a tire shop and a barber shop — the locals came out and made sure it was known that Dora's is the top spot to grab a bite in Haines City.
Voters said things like:
- "Dora's Pizza!!! Everything is fresh, and pastas are amazing as well. Excellent service!"
- "Dora's Pizza. More than just yummy pizza! On Hwy 27S in a very small plaza between a tire shop and barber shop."
- "Dora's. Pizza, pasta, it's all great and the owners are great people."
Dora's, I hope you're feeling the love, because Haines City made it known.
Second Place: Manny's Chophouse
The Second Best Place To Eat In Haines City, Florida
Manny's Chophouse — 35496 US-27, Haines City
Right behind Dora's is Manny's Chophouse.
This was the only spot on the list that even came close to touching the love that came in for Dora's.
Manny's also came in at number two on our list of the best steakhouses in Polk County, so this one shouldn't be a surprise.
Voters said things like:
- "Manny's Steakhouse is not expensive and has a really good menu. We've been going for several years."
- "Without a doubt Mannys is your best choice on Hwy 27. In Haines City."
- "Floridino's and Manny's also serve very good food."
Also known as Manny's Steakhouse, Manny's Original Chophouse, or just plain "Mannys" depending on who you ask.
Whatever you call it, locals point out-of-towners here for a reason.
Third Place: Egg City Diner
The Third Best Place To Eat In Haines City, Florida
Egg City Diner — 35510 US-27, Haines City
Closing out our top three is Egg City Diner.
Breakfast and lunch only, and it shows in how often people bring it up first.
More than one person mentioned they close early, so plan your visit accordingly.
Voters said things like:
- "Egg city is a great diner. Breakfast and lunch."
- "Egg City for breakfast or lunch. They close at 2."
- "Without any hesitation, Egg City."
A classic diner that people recommend without even thinking twice.
Fourth Place: Zocalo Fish Market & Grill
The Fourth Best Place To Eat In Haines City, Florida
Zocalo Fish Market & Grill — 308 U.S. Hwy 17-92 N, Haines City
Coming in fourth is Zocalo Fish Market and Grill.
A seafood spot with enough non-seafood options that everyone in your group can find something.
Voters said things like:
- "I'm new here but am so happy I found Zocalo. Seafood place that has non-seafood options and a market."
- "Zocalo Fish & Grill restaurant. Not the supermarket."
- "Zocalo. Mmmm."
It's part seafood market, part restaurant, and a spot that would definitely classify as a hidden gem to the locals.
Fifth Place: The Proper Pie Company
The Fifth Best Place To Eat In Haines City, Florida
The Proper Pie Company — 511 U.S. Hwy 17-92 W Unit 520, Haines City
Rounding out our top five is The Proper Pie Company.
This one is tucked in the Publix shopping center, and apparently worth bringing a cooler bag for.
More than one local told us to stock up and take extras home.
Voters said things like:
- "It's so good!"
- "You won't be disappointed. Bring a freezer bag with you to take home lots of extra goodies."
- "Fish and chips are delicious as well as the meat pies. Definitely worth checking them out. In the Publix shopping center."
Meat pies, fish and chips, and apparently a strong case for buying enough to save some for later.
Other Great Places To Eat In Haines City, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best places to eat in Haines City, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here is the rest of the top ten best places to eat in Haines City, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — La Fiesta Mexicana (Mexican)
- #7 — Juancho's Birrieria
- #8 — DeAngelo's Neapolitan Italian Eatery
- #9 — Floridino's Italian Restaurant
- #10 — Davenport Diner
Which gives us the full top 10 best places to eat in Haines City (and surrounding areas).
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my top Haines City food spots:
- The Proper Pie Company
- Egg City Diner
- Saving This Spot
I should point out though: I have only been to Manny's and Floridino's from this list, so my top spots are actually the two I'm most excited to try based on the votes, comments and what I've now discovered about them.
Look for them in Mike & Katie's Polk Food Quest soon!
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best places to eat in Haines City.
- Mike Romaine
Never Miss An Event Or Story
we really like the Davenport Diner. we go there from Dundee where we live and we have never been disappointed with the service or the size of our meal and the amount of food. Always have food to bring home. I think number 10 is a very low number for their diner. Just my opinion.
Davenport Diner is one that came up over and over. Even by voters who would say a Haines City location and then throw in “But also Davenport Diner!” 😂 Definitely very loved!
No one in Florida wants to eat outside!
I love eating outside, just not in the summer lol.