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The 25 small town Central Florida restaurants you should’ve tried by now

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Mar 9, 2018 at 8:23 pm

Look, it's easy to fall into a restaurant rut, which is why expanding your horizons is so important. With that in mind, these nearby small town restaurants are more than worth the short jog to get there. Here are a few Central Florida small town eateries packing big flavors.

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JB’s Fish Camp Seafood Restaurant

859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-5747
JB’s Fish Camp’s location on the Canaveral National Seashore allows you the option of visiting by car or boat. Kayaks, paddleboards, and even fishing equipment are available for rental (though you have to present your own fishing license). The family restaurant offers a full bar and a full menu, but you can even bring in your own catch of the day to be cooked the way you want it.

Photo via JB's Fish Camp/Instagram

Nineteen 61

1212 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, 863-688-1961
Chef Marcos Fernandez's upscaled Latin cuisine (Spanish charcuterie, a "poutine" of braised short rib, seco gravy and goat cheese over papas fritas, scallops and linguiça over boniato mash) proves he's serious about starting a food revolution in Lakeland.

Photo via thebalanceculture/ Instagram

The Crooked Spoon

200 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, 352-404-7808
Formerly a food truck famous for the "420 Burger" and helmed by the well-loved chef Steve Saelg, who passed away last year, devotees of that gut-buster now have to travel to the outer edges of Clermont to get one at this gastropub in the Citrus Tower's shadow. Sample innovative dishes like duck consommé ramen, coconut-crusted chicken over cardamom-spiced waffles with garam masala maple syrup, and probably the best homemade potato chips we've ever had. The customer service is as friendly and unctuous as the lobster grilled-cheese sandwich.

Photo via chef_acl / Instagram

Taqueria El Gordo

830 Laura St., Casselberry, 321-295-7351
This family-run establishment serves up tasty elote, authentic mole and fresh tacos. Balance out the savory bites with arroz con dulce or lime custard for dessert.

Photo via orlandoeats/Instagram

Norwood’s Eatery & Treehouse Bar

1130 S US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, 407-834-9872
As you would expect with the name, it has a great view over Lake Fairy with epic sunsets. Apart from atmosphere the Italian food served is also amazing along with their wide selection of wines.

Photo via snowflakeslim/Instagram

Porkie's Original BBQ

256 E. Main St., Apopka, 407-880-3351
A restaurant can't go wrong with the tagline, "You can smell our butts a mile away." This award-winning barbecue spot stands out not only for its delectable meat but also for its wide variety of sauces.

Photo via ohrawkey/Instagram