Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
We've already covered The Best Breakfast In Polk County, but now it's time to find out how many of those retain their spots when covering the best BRUNCH in Polk County.
Spoiler Alert: None.
One spot in our top five HAS made it into a top five previously, but it was actually for their burgers (best burgers in Winter Haven, to be precise), not the breakfast list!
I hope that doesn't give it away, because this list did NOT disappoint.
This list left eager to get back to a few of our local favorites, and very excited to try a handful of new places.
But, without further ado:
The Best Brunch Spots 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:
Katie and I DO love a fancy meal, but we just tend to make that dinner when we go out. No specific reason why. We just have never got TOO fancy for brunch. You'll see by our top choice that it's semi-fancy, just maybe not what some of you prefer. Good news is, some of the voters DO prefer that!
First Place: Frescos
The Best Brunch In Polk County, Florida
Frescos — 132 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Coming in as the number one brunch spot in Polk County is Frescos.
This one absolutely dominated the brunch conversations.
If you’re looking for the classic Polk brunch experience with bottomless mimosas, incredible French toast, and a lively downtown brunch atmosphere, this is your spot.
Voters said things like:
- “Hands down....Fresco's!!!”
- “Frescos for sure. Their French toast is delicious!!!!”
- “Fabulous Sunday morning brunch!”
This is also Katie and my favorite choice, and we're super excited for The Abigaile to open in Downtown Auburndale (from the same owners).
That said, Frescos clearly owns the brunch conversation in Polk County.
Second Place: Nineteen61
The Second Best Brunch In Polk County, Florida
Nineteen61 — 215 E Main St, Lakeland
Coming in second among the best brunch in Polk is Nineteen61.
If Frescos wins the broad brunch crowd, Nineteen61 wins the upscale brunch / special occasion brunch crowd.
This is where you go for craft cocktails, elevated brunch plates, and a brunch that feels like an actual event.
Voters said things like:
- “We love Nineteen61 in Lakeland.”
- “Best place is Nineteen61.”
- “Nineteen61.”
This is the kind of place that we would take family out for a fancier brunch if we were hosting some kind of special gathering.
Third Place: Lucille’s American Cafe
The Third Best Brunch In Polk County, Florida
Lucille's American Cafe — 205 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Coming in third is Lucille’s American Cafe.
Lucille’s is the classic local brunch staple.
Big comfort food energy. The kind of place locals happily drive across town for.
It's also the spot I referenced above that came in on our list of the best burgers in Winter Haven (and one that was is consistently mentioned on SO MANY of our Best Food In Polk lists).
Voters said things like:
- “Lucille's American Cafe - Winter Haven have the best brunch”
- “Lucille’s! Best around.”
- “Lucille’s American cafe, hands down!”
Lucille’s is clearly one of Polk County’s favorite local spots.
Fourth Place: Garden Bistro
The Fourth Best Brunch In Polk County, Florida
Garden Bistro — 702 E Orange St, Lakeland
Coming in fourth is Garden Bistro.
If your ideal brunch includes waterfront views, mimosas, and a slower brunch vibe where you actually hang out for a while, this is your move.
Similar to Lucille's and Nineteen61 getting bonus points (in my opinion) for being right in downtown Lakeland and Winter Haven, Garden Bistro lets you walk right out for a stroll around Lake Mirror and a hop into downtown.
Voters said things like:
- “Garden Bistro, Lakeland. Great food and the best view.”
- “Garden Bistro the view is phenomenal!”
- “Garden Bistro, Lakeland. On the shore of Lake Mirror.”
Brunch with a view always plays well.
Fifth Place: Sauvage
The Fifth Best Brunch In Polk County, Florida
Sauvage — 254 W Central Ave, Winter Haven
Rounding out the top five best brunch spots in Polk County is Sauvage.
If Nineteen61 is your upscale Lakeland brunch...
Sauvage is your elevated Winter Haven brunch.
Nineteen61 is right in the heart of downtown Lakeland, and Sauvage is the same for Winter Haven.
Voters said things like:
- “Sauvage.”
- “Sauvage on Sundays.”
- “Absolutely worth brunch if you want something a little nicer.”
Sauvage gives Winter Haven a more elevated brunch option that clearly deserved a place in Polk’s top five.
Other Great Brunch In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best brunch spots in Polk County, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here are the rest of the top ten brunch spots in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Smith’s American Tavern
- #7 — Food + Beer
- #8 — Nutwood
- #9 — Terrace Grille
- #10 — Mulberry Cafe
Which gives us the full top 10 brunch spots 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 top brunch shops:
- Frescos
- Lucille's
- Saving This Spot
As always, I'm reserving my third spot until I hit all 10 spots and feel like I can be fair with my top three.
That said, Katie and I aren't normally the super-fancy brunch-goers, so Frescos is more than enough for us.
We enjoy a fancier dinner, but haven't really felt like we needed to step it up for brunch, so keep that in mind if you're wondering why Sauvage or Nineteen61 didn't make it into the top three.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best brunch in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
Never Miss An Event Or Story
Any brunches with champagne?
Frescos has all you can drink mimosas with different flavor options as you go!