Lucille's American Cafe — Restaurant in Winter Haven

An American Diner located in Downtown Winter Haven. Staff was super attentive. Seating was offered both indoors and out doors. Having arrived during a rainstorm wife and I decided to sit outside so as to not be under a/c while wet. Wind shifted and both our table and another table moved inside. Our amazing waitress Lanie quickly moved both tables and also got that section of the restraunt. Heated for us.

Lanie upon initial greeting confirmed my first time and gave what I am sure is required information about their local sourcing from nearby businesses like the microbrewery down the road for their craft beers. And required though it may have been it was said with a true passion and enthusiasm and belief in the supportive nature of local business and creating a neighborhood of business. During the entire service Lanie was always attentive warm friendly and welcoming without ever hovering. Rest of staff was busy but having fun. Their was a sense of camaderie and pride in their work that was clear to be read across all staff. Management doing proper checks on customer happiness and even gladly and secretly do small quiet bussing. (Yes sir I saw you and I hope your staff knows and respects that you do that stuff it's a rare thing in modern days)

The craft cocktails were cleverly named my wife having a pink lady...edit pretty sure it was pretty in pink not pink lady whatever it was yummy) and I believe my was gives me butterflies in tummy. They deserve 6 stats truth be told. Beautiful presentation top shelf spirits and perfect price point it is rare to find someone offering these types of cocktails even in a major metropolitan area that can nail all 3. In all serious hats off to who wrote the bar menu, trained that staff, and priced them drinks.

Food was classic American comfort been craving just good proper chicken tenders now and they lived up to it. Fried to just the right temperature with a good consistent batter. House BBQ sauce was sweet with a nice kick i look forward to coming back another Saturday and trying the BBQ plate. As well as giving that gimme s'more desert a shot.

Price point overall I would compare to a chili's, outback, red lobster what have you but given the dining expierence and it being a local business if that is your price point for a dinner you would be much better served in both quality of food and atmosphere by going to...

Update 3/31/23 - 3rd time here. Lost 2 stars. Last 2 times we came as a couple, this time was a group of 6 (grandfather + mom and dad + 3 kids - 16 and older). So 2 kids could not find anything on menu (ended up with that expensive Chicken Noodle soup and chicken tenders), potato skins (4 - about 1/2 a potato, onion rings (happy hour size), an order of fish fry, chicken pot pie, mac and cheese with chicken, and another chicken tenders. Onion rings and potato ski s were best part of meal (although only enough for 3 people given the size), the fries were bland and not tasty, homemade applesauce was overly mixed with cinnamon, fish fry was fish nuggets (not a piece of cod fish), coleslaw was bitter (either flavored vinegar or just way too much), pot pie was okay but needs a cream in it (was broth), mac and cheese was okay but could use more cheese, chicken tenders were good but honey bbq tasted like it had mustard in it (although they said it didn’t and coloring looked like a yellow mustard was added). We felt extremely rushed. We had our meals less than 5 minutes and was asked about dessert, we declined and within 2 minutes we had the check and the waitress was there to take payment. We had not even ate half the food. While trying to eat (we were outside), a steady group of retirees started flowing into patio. Never sat, stood next to our table, hit our chairs and knocked grandpa’s cane down at least 3 times (with no effort to pick up) and never apologized. They were so loud we couldn’t even talk. Total we sat and ate in less than 40 minutes. Most of food wasn’t eaten. Completely rushed, with so-so food, and no management to speak to about the experience. For $146, should have went to a steakhouse. Not sure what changed in last 2 months - management? Wait staff? Time of day? Not a recommended experience as a family.

Good food. FANTASTIC service. The only reason this is not 5 stars is some of the prices were a little high. The cup of soup was literally 1 Cup for $4. It was good but pricey given the amount. The meals were great tasting and filling. Atmosphere is very laid back and comfortable. It was busy but didn’t have to wait. The outdoor dining area is huge. Well...

"Lucille, baby satisfy my heart" - Chuck Berry

Second visit to Lucille's American Cafe in Winter Haven. This time for dinner and with my lovely wife as well. Our very attentive server Brayden kept things moving promptly and saw to all our needs.

We started with a couple adult beverages and their hand-cut potato chips with house made ketchup appetizer. Barb had a glass of the Pinot Noir and I opted for their Good.Vibes.Only cocktail, which had a nice bold punch of refreshing flavor. The hand-cut chips reminded me of the must-have chips appetizer from The Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati OH. There the chips are served with The Rib King's in-house barbecue sauce for dipping. Lucille's provides house-made ketchup, a fresh, light, and sweet take on the stuff we all think we know. I asked for a little mayo in which to also dip the chips. Give that a try.

For entrees, Barb selected the Black and Brie Chicken Sandwich. It comes smothered with caramelized onions on a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato, accompanied by more fries than she could finish. She reports it was very tasty and something she would happily order again.

I went with the Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, sides of rice pilaf and mixed seasonal vegetables. The veggies were sauteed summer squash, zucchini, and carrots, lightly seasoned and nicely cooked so they still had some firmness to them. The flavorful rice pilaf had hints of chicken stock, butter and garlic as well as flecks of parsley. The star attraction was the steak. Now, if you've had skirt steak you know it can be a little chewy. Not so this piece. The marinade succeeded in tenderizing the beef cut which was cooked to a lovely medium rare, and accented with a chimichurri sauce that was to die for. Practically melted in my mouth. Now I have a problem. The skirt steak was so good, so pleasing to my palate, I fear I may never order anything else! It would be a shame to not sample the rest of the menu but, there it is.

All told, a hugely successful and quick dinner. Lucille's is a great addition to the Winter Haven foodie scene. Great food, welcoming modern decor, and friendly people. My heart was...