The 9 Best Mom and Pop Restaurants in Florida! By
Alli Hill
What’s better than home cookin’? When you’re in the mood for a meal that will stick to your ribs and transport you to your grandparents’ kitchen, Florida’s mom and pop restaurants have the answer. From hearty burgers to decadent homemade pies, satisfy your appetite at the best mom and pop restaurants in the state!
1. The Crackerbox, Fort Myers, FL
This cozy little diner doesn’t look like much from outside, but inside it’s packed with flavor and downhome hospitality. Having been around for over half a century, you can homemade dinner favorites, and even a little live music if you’re lucky! The fans rave this is the best place in the area to get fresh seafood.
2. Pop ‘n Sons Diner, Tampa, FL
This family-owned diner has been serving up tasty homemade meals for over 40 years and counting. They’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so there’s never a bad time to grab a meal here. Breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, soups—you name it, they’ve got it on their menu and know how to make it to perfection.
3. Chubby’s Family Restaurant, Orlando, FL
This retro-themed diner features an all-American menu with a heaping side of nostalgia. Prices are fair, especially compared to the portions you receive—you’ll always leave full. Fans rave about the friendly service here that makes them feel like part of the family.
4. Central Park Family Restaurant, St. Petersburg, FL
Bringing the flavors of New York City to St. Pete, this family-owned eatery is all about home-style flavors and reasonable prices. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s plenty of traditional diner fare and elevated favorites to choose from (pasta, steak, seafood, burgers, meatloaf, wraps, and more!). And make sure you save room for dessert—portions are very generous and tasty til the last bite!
5. Snellgrove’s Restaurant, Plant City, FL
This little downtown family diner has been a Florida tradition for over 50 years. The classic retro vibe is sure to take you down memory lane. Service is quick and friendly, but if you’re in a hurry they also have an outside pickup window for call-aheads.
6. Osteen Diner, Osteen, FL
This place has everything going for it: homemade pies, a lengthy menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a generous list of beer and wine to make every meal complete. Their fare covers just about every category, from sandwiches and popular breakfast dishes to wings, nachos, and seafood. They know how to please any appetite, and the prices make it easy to get a quality meal on a budget.
7. Grampa’s Bakery & Restaurant, Dania Beach, FL
Part bakery, part diner, you’ll want to eat here simply for the fresh-baked breads and pastries. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this family-owned hotspot has one of the largest menus in town, offering an extensive list of sandwiches, sides, and upscale dinner favorites. They’ve been cooking up delicious food since 1957, and still have that same Southern hospitality that’s made them so successful.
8. This Is It Cafe, West Palm Beach, FL
Open for breakfast and lunch, this nautical eatery is a hometown favorite. Every meal is made fresh to order, offering plenty of options for vegetarians and omnivores alike. Fans love coming here because they can fill up for less.
9. Dino’s Family Restaurant, Fort Pierce, FL
If you’re craving a home cooked meal but don’t want the hassle or the cleanup, Dino’s is the best choice in the area. Offering better-than-average diner fare, you can expect elevated choices like short rib, seafood, Italian dishes, and lamb, to name a few. Don’t let the outside fool you—inside it’s warm, inviting, and makes you feel like family.
