Whistle Stop Cafe
Whistle Stop Cafe — photo 2
Whistle Stop Cafe — photo 3
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Whistle Stop Cafe — photo 5

Whistle Stop Cafe

102 S Collins St, Lakeland, FL

★★★★★4.7(492 Google reviews)

What to expect

PastriesSlow sitFamily friendlySpecialty drinksLight foodMeetingsTraditional drinks

Google Reviews

Dan Kaufman
★★★★★5 months ago

Enjoying the Christmas season. This eclectic Cafe that goes by the name of Whistle Stop Cafe is one of those hidden diamonds in plant City. The atmosphere is astounding and from the moment we walked through the door we realized this was a God wink moment. We were greeted at the door not only by the people working there but the classical music being played on a beautiful piano by Julius. You seat yourself at this restaurant and it is clearly marked the decor is nostalgic and we were lured by the music to a table in the back. The woman Marti greeted us at our table , after a young man that worked there dropped off our drinks which I had coffee and water and my wife had only water. They did have other soda products. The room was full of the smell of food cooking in the kitchen and was decorated for Christmas. Marti took our food order and we sat there enjoying the sights and sounds. Definitely one of those great experiences not just a meal. The food was fresh and delicious I had the I believe Sarah pastrami sandwich. My wife had roast beef and Swiss cheese both on seeded rye bread that they make there at the cafe fresh daily. I had half a sandwich and beef vegetable soup which was full of fresh vegetables. While we were enjoying our meal, Julius, the pianist asked if we had any particular songs we'd like to hear. We requested Christmas songs of any type. He changed the book in front of him and masterfully played every Christmas song that was in his Christmas book. It was a regular concert for us. We had asked Marti if the trains actually worked and she turned on the trains for us, which was very pleasing to view. And we're not trained fanatics. Since we were sitting behind the piano the tables had enough room there between them to be able to dance to the music which we did. There was a loud horn sound as the Amtrak train passed by the cafe. As we sat there listening to the music after a meal we had noted that everyone that came in weer greeted at the door and sometime during their visit we're hugging by Marti the waitress, possibly the owner. When you first walk in on the right there's a children's play area so children are welcome. Then on your right behind the counter is the dessert area. This is the first time in a while that we had dessert after a meal which was a warmed brownie on the bottom and vanilla and chocolate ice cream on top ,not soft serve. Whipped cream and chocolate syrup on top. It was quite large and we were not able to finish it all due to being full. They do have a room attached to it that is decorated in automobile decor so I imagine you can bring a small group of people there. This was a total awesome experience that just happened to serve good fresh food and service. I highly recommend if you're in the area to visit this cafe, there is street parking and a parking lot of some type behind it. Definitely handicap accessible. The funny part is we went to plant City to go to a Christmas store nearby and I suggested it we should get something to eat first. When I searched I found the place nearby we went there parked in front of it and then my wife said hey let's try that place out over there. So we walked across the street into the Whistle Stop Cafe. And I am so glad we did and now we'll have those fantastic memories to look back on. Yes we will go back there when we're in the area for sure.

Ann Shaw
★★★★★6 months ago

I wish that I could give more than 5 stars. My husband and I really enjoyed our lunch in this quaint little restaurant that had a days gone by vibe. The sandwiches we ordered were delicious and were served up very quickly. The pumpkin spice cake was absolutely divine. Spiced pumpkin and whipped cream frosting were layered between moist, light spice cake layers. The warmth of the spices and the creamy frosting complemented each other perfectly. The live piano music was a pleasant surprise. Marti and her son Jeremy were wonderful hosts-providing excellent service. Their love of what they do is demonstrated in the care and attention they pay to their customers.

Dann Del Rosario
★★★★★6 months ago

We are so glad we found the whistle stop! The food was great and the service was great also. The owner spoke with me and my family like we had known each other for years, just very welcoming. We had the Ruben sandwich which was fantastic! We also had some of their cakes which were sooo good! The soup is great also. I loved the decor, the train running on a track around the ceiling. Loved the live piano playing that just really made the vibe that much better. Over all this will be a go to from now on for us.

Erin Stapleton
★★★★★10 months ago

Simply lovely! What a wonderful place. Located in the old Herring Drug Store (1896). Address is located downtown Plant City at 102 South Collins. Homemade breads. Homemade soups and a well-rounded large menu. Family owned and run. It is a wonderful surprise to have in historic downtown. I hope you stop by and support this family business. Be sure to read the hours. Operate on Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 3:30, on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. And every third Saturday of the month there's a classic car show and they run typically longer hours. Look for their Facebook page Look for whistle stop Florida. Come stop by and enjoy.

Linda FL
★★★★★2 years ago

While visiting Plant City chose the Whistle Stop Cafe for lunch and was not disappointed. Cafe had convenient parking on the street as well as a small lot adjacent. There was not a wait on a Saturday and sat in a comfortable booth and experienced very friendly, efficient service. We tried sandwiches on their own fresh baked bread and the potato soup special. Our half sandwiches were the size of an entire one from other restaurants. The food menu is extensive and in my estimation would equate to old fashioned home cooking, fresh and tasty. Our waiter took time to explain the menu and choices and guided us to their signature food. The cakes looked fantastic although did not sample on this trip. My husband enjoyed his root beer float, the potato soup was very good and my cherry crush of seltzer and cherry syrup was a nice change. While dining there was live piano music and we even got to see a train pass as next to the tracks. The sandwich and soup combo with potato chips was $9.50 a person and. much better than any fast food. There was a play area with toys int he front of the shop as well. I would visit again and highly recommend.

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