I live in the Orlando area. My step-son and grandsons, who live in Ohio, will be in the Punta Gorda area next week.

I woud like to meet with them for dinner, some place in between -- Lakeland maybe? -- and I'm looking for a restaurant recommendation.

We are open to pretty much any type of food, as long as the quality is there. Important, I would really like to avoid a noisy place. I am hearing impaired, background noise tends to saturate my hearing aids and this makes conversation very difficult.

I live a couple of minutes from the 429 toll road, which would give me easy access to I-4 west of Orlando, avoiding the Orlando and Disney area traffic mess.

Not much experience in that area V-Tail, other than Tiger stadium. If you do find yourself around St Pete, I would recommend the Pierogi Grill. Great polish food, pretty waitresses, quiet setting and a little market attached. We always hit it at least once a trip. Also Sweet Tomatoes is a great salad, soup and hot bar cafeteria. Hope you have a nice visit.

There is a BBQ place in Plant City called Smokin Aces where I met relatives last year. The food was good and not too noisy, just off the Interstate.

http://www.smokinacesbbq.net/

You didn't ask for it, but The Perfect Caper in Punta Gorda is our favorite restaurant in Charlotte County. It meets your noise requirements. Maybe your step son can pick you up at PGD?

Here are Tripadvisors ratings and a lot of information on each restaurant by atmosphere, food, price, etc.

TripAdvisor 10 best restaurants in Punta Gorda

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Re...a_Gorda_Florida.html

Lakeland
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Re...akeland_Florida.html

edited to changed link to punta gorda, fl

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jimmy123x,

Johnson’s BBQ in Plant City is also very good.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Here are Tripadvisors ratings and a lot of information on each restaurant by atmosphere, food, price, etc.

TripAdvisor 10 best restaurants in Punta Gorda

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Re...tan_Bay_Islands.html

Lakeland
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Re...akeland_Florida.html

I've never heard of a single one of those restaurants, but I don't live in Punta Gorda, Honduras and I'm fairly certain V-Tail's step-son and grandsons won't be there either.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189,

Fords Garage looks good, haven't been there it is a chain around FL, several locations and one in Lakeland.

https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/

Two good places in Dade City.

1st one is lunch only - reservations recommended.
We have had some good lunches there.

The second one we have not tried but gets very good reviews - lunch, brunch and dinner menus.

http://www.lunchonlimoges.com/lunchonlimoges.html


https://www.kafekokopelli.com/menus-1