Welcome back, Polk County.
Mike here.
Back in April we ranked the best seafood restaurants in Winter Haven, and ever since, people have been asking the obvious follow-up question...
What about the rest of the county?
Fair enough.
We're about as far from the beach as you can get in Florida, but that hasn't stopped this county from having some VERY strong opinions about where to get crab legs, grouper and a good basket of shrimp.
I've told you guys in the past that seafood isn't mine and Katie's first choice, so thankfully these lists are based on local votes.
Which brings us to...
The Best Seafood Restaurants 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 over SIX HUNDRED votes, from locals just like you.
Let’s go 
First Place: Harry's Old Place
The Best Seafood In Polk County, Florida
Harry's Old Place — 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven
Coming in at number one, and being named THE BEST seafood restaurant in Polk County, is Harry's Old Place.
If that sounds familiar, it's because Harry's also won the best seafood in Winter Haven.
And it turns out the rest of the county agrees.
It got more votes than any other spot, and it got them everywhere: people emailing in from Lakeland, Lake Wales, and all throughout Polk put Harry's at number one.
Voters said things like:
- "Harry's Old Place has the best seafood and largest selection of fresh fish in Polk"
- "Harry's Old Place has amazing seafood and a beautiful lake view!"
- "HARRY'S OLD PLACE IS THE GREATEST"
This is an old school spot that earned its spot among the locals and will just need to keep it going and keep doing what it is doing to maintain the top slot.
(It reminds me of S&L in Lakeland with all the local pride.)
Second Place: The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern
The Second Best Seafood Spot In Polk County, Florida
The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern — 1010 N Scenic Hwy, Babson Park
Coming in at number two is The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern.
And this one was close.
Like, really close. Only a couple of votes behind first place.
Babson Park isn't exactly on the way to anywhere, but that didn't matter one bit to the people voting for it.
Crab legs came up over and over (one voter said there's a crab leg special most days), and another said to go on a Friday for the live music.
Voters said things like:
- "Crooked Bass. Not just the best. More bang for your buck"
- "Crooked Bass. The best crab legs I have ever eaten
" - "The Crooked Bass Grill & Tavern peel and eat shrimp
"
Worth the drive.
Third Place: Catfish Country
The Third Best Seafood Spot In Polk County, Florida
Catfish Country — 2400 EF Griffin Rd, Bartow
Coming in third is Catfish Country.
It sits between Lakeland and Bartow (technically Bartow, as one voter was quick to point out), and Lakeland people claim it anyway.
But the fact that Lakeland was quick to want to *try* to claim it should tell you something.
Voters said things like:
- "Catfish Country Restaurant is the only local seafood house. Great food and the best service!"
- "We always take guests to Catfish Country and start with Gator nuggets!"
- "Catfish Country! Great food and best crab legs."
Apparently the move is to start with the gator nuggets.
Fourth Place: Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
The Fourth Best Seafood Spot In Polk County, Florida
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille — 101 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
Coming in at number four is Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille.
This is the downtown Lakeland one, right on Munn Park, with a New Orleans-style menu.
And while we normally wouldn't add a chain to our list, this is one that is CONSTANTLY sent in as the go-to restaurant recommendation when I ask people as they join the newsletter.
(Plus it's a small Florida chain which makes me like it a bit more.)
Voters said things like:
- "Harry's in downtown Lakeland. A bit on the Cajan...you will not regret! Reasonable prices, Excellent menu! IMO, best restaurant in Lakeland!"
- "Harry's Seafood downtown Lakeland! The best!! never ever had a bad meal there"
- "Harry's seafood downtown Lakeland for a date night. You can even sit outside if the weather is good. It overlooks Munn Park"
A good pick for date night.
Fifth Place: Harborside
The Fifth Best Seafood Spot In Polk County, Florida
Harborside — 2435 7th St SW, Winter Haven
Rounding out the top five is Harborside.
Harborside came in second on our Winter Haven seafood list, and once again, it showed up just about everywhere.
It's on Lake Shipp, and if you want seafood with a view of the water, this is the one people kept sending us to.
Voters said things like:
- "Harborside in Winter Haven has a great water view"
- "Harborside I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a bit pricey, but if you want quality seafood I wouldn't go anywhere else."
- "Harborside!!!!"
Go at sunset.
Other Great Seafood Spots In Polk County, Florida
If you’re anything like me, you want to try all the best seafood spots in Polk County, Florida so you can be the judge for yourself.
So here is the rest of the top ten best seafood spots in Polk County, Florida (in order 6-10):
- #6 — Mr. Fish (Lakeland)
- #7 — Crazy Fish Bar & Grill (Lake Wales)
- #8 — Gary's Oyster Bar (Lake Alfred)
- #9 — Charm City (Bartow)
- #10 — Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak (Lake Wales)
Which gives us the full list of the top seafood 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:
- Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
- Gary's Oyster Bar
- Leaving This Spot Open
I'm very excited to try both Charm City and Catfish Country.
It seems like Bartow is a champion in the seafood category, but that's just my perspective.
I'm also a BIG fan of Harry's in Lakeland, and VERY excited for Bebos Cajun Kitchen to be opening in Auburndale.
THANKS!
Thanks for reading this edition of The Polk Squeeze today.
Share this with a friend who's been looking for the best seafood in Polk County.
- Mike Romaine
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