The Red Top Pit Stop
Nestled at 12160 US Hwy 98 N in Lakeland, Florida, The Red Top Pit Stop is a popular dining destination for locals and travelers alike, offering a delightful array of comfort food and smoked specialties that are hard to beat. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a savory BBQ lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this family-owned restaurant has something to please every palate.
Diverse and Flavorful Menu with a Southern Twist
At The Red Top Pit Stop, the menu is a delightful journey through Southern comfort food with an emphasis on smoked meats and hearty sandwiches. Known for their pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken, each dish is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The BBQ sampler gives you a taste of everything, while redneck nachos topped with smoked pulled pork offer a perfect shareable appetizer.
For sandwich lovers, the brisket grilled cheese and pulled pork grilled cheese are local favorites, offering a deliciously melted twist on classic comfort food. If you're craving something more substantial, the pit stop single combo burger or the shroom burger pile-up will surely hit the spot. For those who prefer a lighter option, the fresh tossed salad or homemade chili make great accompaniments to any meal.
The breakfast menu is equally impressive, with a variety of egg omelets, including options like pulled pork omelet or a classic Western omelet. You can also indulge in French toast, Belgian waffles, or even a breakfast Cuban if you're looking for something unique. To satisfy your morning cravings, the homemade sausage gravy and corned beef hash & eggs are sure to keep you full until lunchtime.
Exceptional Service and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
What truly sets The Red Top Pit Stop apart is the warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Customers rave about the friendly staff who are always ready to make your experience enjoyable. One reviewer shared how they were greeted promptly upon entering the restaurant, setting the tone for an overall pleasant dining experience. Another customer highlighted the great service and delicious food, noting that the burgers and fries, along with the nachos with smoked pulled pork, are particularly noteworthy.
For those who value local businesses, The Red Top Pit Stop is proudly family-owned, and it’s easy to see why the community has rallied behind this spot. Located on the north side of Lakeland, it’s a perfect stop for anyone heading home from vacation or looking to enjoy some flavorful BBQ with friends and family.
Reviews
This food stop was on a strong recommendation from a local Wisconsin friend. While visiting friends in the Lakeland area, I suggested we give the Red Top Pit Stop a try for lunch. Our friend had never been there before. The place from the outside reminded me of a restaurant of years gone by. We were greeted by staff as soon as we entered the door. We told the staff this was a well recommended place to try while visiting in the Lakeland area. He welcomed us and presented us with their menu. The menu also had a nice selection of breakfast items. I'm a fan of southern BBQ, so decided to try the BBQ Sampler (ribs, brisket and pulled pork) with potato salad and collard greens and my wife and our friend tried the Pit Stop Single Combo with potato salad. We were not disappointed! Very flavorful meals! It was delicious enough that our friend will bring her husband next time to share the experience with him!
The Red Top Pit Stop has the most amazing Brisket!! Their hamburgers are also some of the best in town. Please support this local family owned (new owners for the last year) business. Located on the northside of Lakeland makes it a great stop if you are headed home from vacation.
The food was excellent. The burger was very tasty and well cooked. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and got us our food quickly. The inside of the restaurant is very rustic and a very typical country restaurant. There were only about 8 tight tables inside and 2 plastic tables outside. They had a very reasonable price for such good food. Though in the middle of nowhere, is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
This is a dive with delicious food. The servers go out of their way to be helpful and friendly. When we were in there this morning, the brisket and pork were still on the smoker. We pivoted and ordered some other things. My husband ordered the rack of ribs with beans and macaroni and cheese. I ordered the hamburger with cheese and bacon and a side of onion rings. I can't say there's any ambiance because this is a down home country restaurant. If you want great food, this is the place.
Good food & great service!! Ambiance is not anything to get excited about but if you're looking for great burgers & fries or nachos with smoked pulled pork, then I highly recommend this establishment.