Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
We had a run at checking out some of the best food in some of the smaller cities in Polk County (like Bartow, Haines City, Lake Wales and even Davenport) since we normally stick to our *main* three hubs of Polk County, Lakeland and Winter Haven — but this week we're back to look at the entire county.
At first I was surprised we haven't hit this category, but then I realized there is one very clear frontrunner to this list, and the votes ended up supporting that.
That said, I'm very happy with the list we eventually came away with, with 10 solid options for us to choose from across Polk County.
Which brings us to...
The Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, 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:
My top choice came in number one with a landslide victory BUT, I the only editorial note that I want to make is a quick shoutout for Chicken & PIg, which Katie and I reviewed not too long ago out in Depot 303 (in Mulberry; similar spot to The Joinery). Great chicken spot. Definitely deserves to be in the top five; just a little unknown and newer.
First Place: Lovebird Chicken
The Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, Florida
Lovebird Almost Famous Chicken — Locations In Both Lakeland & Winter Haven
This was another landslide decision for Polk County.
Lovebird had nearly as many votes as almost the rest of the list combined.
It won the Lakeland votes. It won the Winter Haven votes. It won the countywide votes.
This is one that Katie and I reviewed early on and call call the gold standard for fried chicken (everything else guess ranked based on how good it is compared to this being the 5* for taste).
Voters said things like:
- "Lovebirds. Period."
- "Nothing can beat LoveBird"
- "Theirs is like broasted chicken, oh so good and tender!"
If you like fried chicken and haven't been yet, what are you doing?
Second Place: Andrea's Family Restaurant
The Second Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, Florida
Andrea's Family Restaurant — 1498 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven
Before Lovebird expanded and came to Winter Haven I may have been able to call Andrea's Winter Haven's favorite spot for fried chicken, but now we'll call it Winter Haven's sit-down favorite.
A lot of people mentioned the soup, salad and sides that come with the dinner. A few mentioned the wait (I guess that happens when your food is so good?).
Voters said things like:
- "Andreas hands down.. Best chicken and best value"
- "Andreas and why? It beats my home fried chicken! Love it!"
- "Weird flex but Andreas on Havendale , when you order it takes like 30 minutes but it is fresh n good"
Not sure I'd count it as a flex, and can't say I can confirm it takes that long; but we know from the amount of votes it's definitely damn good.
Third Place: Country Chicken n' Fish
The Third Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, Florida
Country Chicken n' Fish — 1263 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland
This is the Lakeland answer.
For a second I even thought it was going to give Lovebird a run for its money in Lakeland specifically AND it was so close to Andrea's I know I need to keep an eye on the total votes to see if these two switch back and forth for the second and third slot county-wide.
One voter said they drive in from Hardee County.
Voters said things like:
- "Country Chicken & Fish is correct answer."
- "Country Chicken and Fish. Best fried chicken. Tender, crispy. And served by some awesome Christian people"
- "These people haven't lived until they had CCF gizzards and fried chicken!"
If you go, get the gizzards. Apparently that's not optional.
Fourth Place: Fred's Market
The Fourth Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, Florida
Fred's Market — 2120 Harden Blvd, Lakeland
Yes, it's a buffet. People bring that up on their own.
Fred's showed up everywhere. Countywide threads, Lakeland, even Winter Haven. That's the kind of spread that earns a spot this high.
Fred's Market made it on two of our breakfast lists as well:
Voters said things like:
- "Fred's Market. I know it's a buffet but their chicken is delicious."
- "Fred's Market in Lakeland! Crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside!"
- "Fred's Market, is the best of the best!"
You can eat it on the buffet or grab it to go.
Fifth Place: Dino's Drive-In
The Fifth Best Fried Chicken In Polk County, Florida
Dino's Drive-In — 2929 Havendale Blvd NW, Winter Haven
Old school drive-in, serious chicken.
Dino's is another Winter Haven favorite.
They even came in third on our list of the best burgers in Winter Haven.
Voters said things like:
- "Dinos drive inn has great chicken"
- "Dinos Drive Inn. It's fabulous!"
- "We love Dino's fried chicken Havendale Blvd."
Worth the stop if you're anywhere near Havendale.
Other Great Fried Chicken Spots In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best wings in Winter Haven, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here is the rest of the top ten best fried chicken in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6: Chicken & Pig (Mulberry)
- #7: Eagle Lake Diner (Eagle Lake)
- #8: Tom's Chicken Shack (Bartow)
- #9: Lucille's American Cafe (Winter Haven)
- #10: Reesecliff (Lakeland)
Which gives us the full list of the top fried chicken spots in Polk County.
And brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
My personal opinion (that no one asked for 
).
Here are my personal favorite spots:
- Lovebird
- Chicken & Pig
- Saving This Spot
Given the landslide victory I'm pretty confident Lovebird will be sticking at number one, but I'm still definitely going to save a third slot to make it to some of the other locations on this list.
We've also had the chicken sandwich from Super Duper Spot in The Joinery and it was decent — so if you don't make it all the way out to Mulberry but still want to hit a spot that has a bunch of food (Joinery, Depot 303, etc.); that could be a good option as well.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best fried chicken in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
Never Miss An Event Or Story
Best fried chicken hands down is Mike’s Drive in Bartow. If you have never been there, check it out. Lots of great food, we go every Friday night hands down fresh homemade food!!
Hey Ginger! I was so surprised this one didn’t make it onto the list. It came up A LOT in the Bartow votes for “The Best Food In Bartow” list a few weeks back.