Let's Eat Okeechobee Style

Okeechobee tends to give the impression of a one-horse town which happens to be next to one of the most beautiful and captivating freshwater lakes in the entire country. Given it a little time, visitors soon discover there is so much more to appreciate about life here, including the welcoming locals who really know how to do Southern hospitality. 

For those craving a true taste of Southern cuisine, Okeechobee has an array of eateries that serve up hearty dishes with a touch of down-to-earth charm. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender pulled pork sandwiches, crispy fried chicken, and classic sides like collard greens and macaroni and cheese. These soul-satisfying flavors are emblematic of the region's culinary heritage, and local diners often celebrate these traditions with a twist of modern creativity.

Beyond traditional Southern and seafood fare, Okeechobee's dining landscape offers diverse international flavors. For those seeking a departure from the familiar, you can explore Cuban-inspired bistros, Mexican taquerias, and even Asian fusion eateries that infuse global tastes into the local culinary tapestry.

Here are a few family owned gems that promise to leave your taste buds satisfied and your heart warmed..

Seafood Sensations

Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant

Lightsey's is a local gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. This family-owned restaurant serves up fresh catches, including catfish, crappie, and gator. The rustic ambiance and welcoming staff create a cozy atmosphere, making each visit a memorable dining experience. From fried fish platters to seafood baskets, Lightsey's showcases the flavors of the region's waters, and its commitment to quality and taste sets it apart.

Tin Fish

For a taste of lake-to-table dining, Tin Fish shines. This restaurant prides itself on serving fresh seafood sourced from Lake Okeechobee. This downtown venue with a nautical setting pairs well with their delectable fish tacos, shrimp baskets, and innovative seafood creations. This is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

Parrot Island Grill

An all-round restaurant and bar, Parrot Island Grill is a choice eatery with a wide menu selection in season and out. A place to sit outside on balmy evenings and bar specials most days, there is a laid-back vibe. Try the fish dip, it is one of the best in town!

For more Seafood Restaurants in Okeechobee Click Here!

Breakfast and Diner Joints

Pogey’s Family Restaurant

The simple pleasures of some good old-fashioned home cooking can be found at Pogey’s Family Restaurant. You’ll love the breakfast or brunch menu served with a wide smile and some old-fashioned Okeechobee hospitality. Bring your patience and your appetite, it is worth the wait!

Ding A Ling Deli

Ding A Ling Deli is a cherished homestyle deli that captures the essence of comfort food with a delightful twist. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, Ding A Ling Deli offers a menu that celebrates classic deli favorites while infusing them with unique flavors and creative combinations. From stacked sandwiches brimming with freshly sliced meats and flavorful condiments to hearty soups and salads, Ding A Ling Deli promises a satisfying culinary experience that feels just like a comforting home-cooked meal.

Gladys' Restaurant

A popular local spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, Gladys’ is part of the furniture on the Okeechobee food scene. Home-cooked favorites are an Okeechobee staple so be sure to check out the breakfasts cooked to perfection, with fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and superb coffee on tap.

Mom’s Kitchen

Mom’s Kitchen serves its community attentively, offering great specials all week and breakfast all day in true diner tradition. There are also a couple of Mexican entrees on the menu. Order some grits - they are the best in the town.

Crossroads Restaurant

Crossroads is a highway diner, with truckers, cowboys, tourists, and festival fiends all popping in from time to time. Sky blue with quaint décor and a friendly team of servers, it is the home-cooked menu you might expect to find in a Hollywood depiction of a classic American diner. Both Crossroads and the smiles of the Okeechobee locals won’t disappoint, so pop in any time.

Landing Strip Café

A pilot’s favorite hamburger is sure to be found at Landing Strip Café. A slightly different, but no less spectacular view, it looks out onto the bustling Okeechobee airport. It offers excellent value for money with breakfast fare, sandwiches, and traditional American dishes on offer.

Boy, o boy, do the kids adore watching all manner of small-to-medium airplanes and whooshing helicopters taking off just outside the restaurant window (and the adults, too, no doubt).

For more Breakfast and Diner options, Click Here!

All-American and Steakhouse Fare

Mabel's Place Southern Cooking

Southern Food

Here at Mabel's Place Southern Cooking, you’ll feel like family with delicious home cooking & show you true Southern hospitality. We freshly prepare food for the soul like ox tails, fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and many more generational family recipes. There are also delicious varieties of southern desserts. Welcome Home, Come eat!

Speckled Perch

Bar and Steakhouse

Don’t be fooled, the Ol' Speck is no fishery - only steaks here, but boy are they worth sneaking in through the random front entrance of this old-time restaurant. Okeechobee is well-known for its steakhouses and the Speckled Perch is a long time favorite of meat-loving locals. Grab a brew, enjoy the vibe, and chill out while you wait for a perfectly cooked steak and a decent side of spuds.

Brahma Bull

Sports Bar and All-American Restaurant

The Brahma Bull offers all you need from a homegrown sports bar near Lake Okeechobee. The vibe is awesome, order a drink and put your feet up, there are friends to call family in this place.

Josiah's Restaurant

Seminole Casino and Steakhouse

When you’re having this much fun, you’re bound to get hungry. Indulge your appetite with savory down-home style comfort food selections including the “Best Steak on the Lake,” our tender and delicious bone-in ribeye and an all-you-can-eat salad bar that is sure to satisfy.  Our fun, upbeat casual dining atmosphere makes Josiah an excellent choice for everyday dining with friends and family or for celebrations complimented by a selection of beers, wines, spirits and handcrafted cocktails. Featuring a hand painted wall mural and many historic photographs depicting Seminole culture, Josiah is a must-visit dining destination and since it is located inside Seminole Brighton Casino, you’re never more than a few steps away from winning!

Lunkers

Sports bar and All-American Restaurant

Lunkers in Okeechobee, FL, is situated close to the shores of Lake Okeechobee. This charming restaurant offers a unique blend of fresh catches and delectable flavors. Lunkers stands as a must-visit destination for those looking to indulge in both nature's beauty and culinary delights. There is outside seating and bar with several pool tables. Or, if you prefer, you can dine inside.

For other All-American/Steak dinner options, click here!

Mexican la Cena (Dinner)

Los Cocos

Mexican, Latin American

Since opening it's doors in 1982, Los Cocos has been a staple in the community. Providing Okeechobee with years of fresh home made flour tortillas and savory salsas made on a daily basis.  It's no secret why they're popular, so come in and taste for yourself.

Pueblo Viejo

Bar and Restaurant

Serving fresh Mexican food, we focus on delicious signature recipes and delivering each meal with unequaled hospitality. You will taste the tradition at every table, in every dish, and within every savory ingredient! Every family has their secrets, ours just happen to be recipes.

Rio Bravo

Mexican and Tex-Mex

Rio Bravo is fresh, spicy, and reasonably pitched to compete with local traditional eateries. Take the whole family and enjoy professional service under the backdrop of true Florida charm. Not Mexican as such, but the chocolate cake with ice-cream dessert is a winning combination, too.

Santa Fe

Mexican

Santa Fe will delight with authentic Mexican flavors and a few other surprises on the menu as well. Need boots? Get those here, too.

La Mariposa Mexican Restaurant

Mexican

One of the best reasons to visit Okeechobee is to experience La Mariposa Mexican Restaurant. We offer a great time for people everywhere and our tasty nachos is the reason people keep coming back for more.

For more Mexican Cuisine, click here!

Pizza & Pasta 

Joey’s Pizza and Subs

Italian

Dreaming of pizza again? Okeechobee takes care of the whole family with some of the best Italian joints around! Boasting a little taste of authentic Italy, Joey’s Pizza and Subs offers huge slices of tasty pizza favorites, with a hint of New York’s finest.

Pizza Heaven

Italian

Another family-owned Italian restaurant, Pizza Heaven offers signature sauces, homemade pizza bases, and lots of love into every dish. The meatball subs are one of the most popular items on the menu, with slow-cooked pasta meatballs a real highlight for Okeechobee locals.

For more Pizza & Pasta, click here!

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Brown Cow Sweetery

Café, Sandwiches, and Gourmet Chocolates

 Searching for a unique setting with a penchant for sweet things and an impressive selection of hot beverages on offer?  You will not want to miss out on the Brown Cow Sweetery, From sandwiches and soups to salads and sweet treats, the menu is sure to have something for everyone, including the warm and friendly service of long-time local owners.

Nutmegs

Light Meal Café and assorted Home Made Desserts

Nutmegs may be summed up in two words: simple and delicious. The meals are healthy, full of flavor and it is recommended you follow up the mains with a treat (or two) from the sweet selection, cupcakes in particular. No rushing here, good food takes a lot of love and attention to detail.

Serenity Coffee Shop

Coffee Shop

As the name suggests, Serenity Coffee Shop is a quiet little spot with bagels and beverages. It serves some of the best coffee in town. The service from friendly local entrepreneurs is also some of the best you’ll find in Okeechobee County.

For more Coffee Shops in Okeechobee, click here!

Sushi Eats

Omino Japanese Restaurant

Sushi and Hibachi

Omino Japanese Restaurant invites you to embark on a culinary journey that embraces the artistry and flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Okeechobee, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience where traditional techniques and modern creativity collide. From exquisitely crafted sushi rolls to sizzling hibachi dishes, Omino Japanese Restaurant captures the essence of Japanese gastronomy with every bite. With its serene ambiance and dedication to providing an unforgettable dining adventure, Omino is a destination for both sushi aficionados and those eager to explore the diverse tastes of Japan right in the heart of Florida. 

Okee Poke'

Sushi

 Hawaiian fusion! Sushi rolls, poke bowls, steak teriyaki, chicken teriyaki, full salad bar!

Local Ice Cream Parlors

Milking R Dairy

Outdoor Playground and Homemade Ice Cream

Tropical Colima

Fresh Fruit and Ice Cream

Where there is good food, there is happiness - it is the Okeechobee way. Bon appetit!

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