If there’s one place in Polk County serving soul-warming, flavor-packed Soul food, it’s Louise’s Café in Dewdney Plaza. After our visit, we can see why the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce awarded them the Small Business of the Year award in 2021. Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was, too. You can sit in to eat or get it to go. They also offer breakfast all day that includes chicken & waffles, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and more.
The Good Food Polk team stopped in for lunch, and let’s just say we left with full stomachs, big smiles, and zero regrets.
What We Ate:
10-Piece Traditional Wings & Fries: We chose the Honey Hot and Jets Special sauces for the wings and paired it with Garlic Parmesan Fries. (There are 16 sauces to choose from). The wings were crispy, saucy, and sticky in all the right ways, and had us planning our next visit before we even finished the ones we ordered. The fries are crinkle cut and were just the way you want them, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Pro-Tip: They told us that the Jet Sauce mixed with the 14k sauce is a favorite of many.
Catfish & Shrimp Plate – Served with grits because that’s how it should be done. (or you can opt for the fries) The catfish was fried to golden perfection. It was flaky and the coating on the outside was thin and crispy. The fish comes with six shrimp, which we got fried (you can get them grilled, too), and were seasoned just right. They were crunchy on the outside and so tender on the inside. The grits? Smooth, creamy, and worth every bite. We were given cheddar on the side, but honestly, they didn’t need anything.
Philly Cheesesteak & Fried Okra – A match made in comfort food heaven. The cheesesteak is made with shaved sirloin sauteed with green peppers, seasoned mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie roll. We were given the choice to add lettuce and tomato, however, we took the more traditional route and said no. The sandwich was savory, cheesy, and meaty perfection. The little fried okras were crunchy, salty delights. If you need to smile today, go get the okra. (The sandwiches come with a choice of fries, onion rings, or fried okra and a drink.)
One bite in, we knew why Louise’s Café has such a loyal fan base.
📍 Dewdney Plaza, 1654 First Street N, Winter Haven, FL
🍗 Wings, seafood, cheesesteaks, and classic Southern sides that hit every craving
FB @LouiseCafeWinterHaven
Whether you’re craving a down-home meal or want to experience one of Polk County’s best-kept secrets, Louise’s Café should be next on your list.
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