Sure, fancy restaurants with exotic menus are great, and there are even some pretty cool restaurants in Central Florida’s theme parks, but nothing beats long-standing local eateries, especially when they’ve been in the family for generations. Whether you live in the area or you’re just passing through, you have to check out the best hole in the wall restaurants in central Florida.

1. Big Lee's, Ocala
Facebook/Big Lee's - Serious About Barbecue
Facebook/Big Lee's - Serious About Barbecue
If you consider yourself a barbecue connoisseur, you have to try this hidden gem in Ocala. Although the set up is a food truck and a couple of picnic tables, you can expect a long line of loyal patrons on Fridays and Saturdays when Big Lee's is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Whether you order the tender brisket, massive ribs, pulled pork or chicken, you will be transported to BBQ heaven the moment you sink your teeth in. Visit them at 3925 SE 45th Ct, Ocala, FL 34480. To learn more, check out their website here.
2. The Front Porch, Dunnellon
Facebook/The Front Porch
Facebook/The Front Porch
The Front Porch has a charming small town atmosphere and home-cooked country meals (think fried chicken, meatloaf, etc.), but it's most famous for something else. Don't leave without trying some of the best pie you will ever taste, no matter which one you choose. The Front Porch is located at N 34434, 12039 N Florida Ave, Dunnellon, FL 34434. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. The Freezer, Homosassa
TripAdvisor/Ed G
Janis H./TripAdvisor
The Freezer Tiki Bar isn't the kind of fancy place you take your spouse for your anniversary. It's more like the opposite, with a stripped-down, Old Florida feel and steamed shrimp served in take-out boxes with plastic utensils. Of course, that's exactly why local folks dig it. The Freezer is located at 5590 S Boulevard Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
4. Mister Fish, Lakeland
Facebook/Mister Fish
TriipAdvisor/nic_leon2005
The fish sandwiches, corn nuggets, and sweet tea at Mr. Fish have been a tradition in Lakeland since 1968. It has only a walk-up window and a picnic table, but that doesn't deter hungry locals. So next time you're hungry, skip the burger chains and give Mr. Fish a try. You'll find this hidden gem at 715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, Lake Wales
TripAdvisor/Sadmoon
TripAdvisor/Patty M
You might think it's a little "crazy" to open a seafood restaurant in landlocked Central Florida, but Crazy Fish will make you glad they did! You have to try the smoked fish dip and just about any fish dish. And if you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other options, too. Check them out at 802 Henry St, Lake Wales, FL 33853. Click here to learn more.

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6. King Bao, Orlando
Tyler G./Yelp
Yelp/Lisa W.
Chances are you've never tried anything like the creative dishes being served at this little hole in the wall in Mills 50. Bao is a steamed bun that can be filled with just about anything savory or sweet. Get the combo and try three different varieties for a low price. King Bao is located at 710 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Click here to learn more.
7. Emmy's Time Out Tavern, DeLand
Facebook/Emmy's Time-Out Tavern
Facebook/Emmy's Time Out Tavern
It's easy to find Italian food or Chinese food whenever the craving strikes, but that's not exactly the case with German food. If you want some delicious comfort food or a place to try German cuisine for the first time, check out Emmy's Timeout Tavern in DeLand. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but inside there's some really great food, beer, and even live polka music waiting for you. You'll find this delicious restaurant at 2069 Old New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32720. Click here to learn more.
8. Pudgee's Hot Dog Stand, Floral City
Facebook/Pudgees' Hot Dog Stand
Facebook/Pudgees' Hot Dog Stand
You're probably wondering how a hot dog stand made the list, but this is no ordinary hot dog stand. Loyal customers will drive miles for a juicy burger or flavorful hot dog from this eatery. It's located at 8435 Roscoe Ct, Floral City, FL 34436. To learn more, visit their website here.
9. Harry's Old Place, Winter Haven
TripAdvisor/Paula I
TripAdvisor/Olivia B
Want to enjoy waterfront dining with a casual atmosphere? Check out Harry's Old Place on Lake Ned in Winter Haven. Fill up on fresh fish, steaks, and Florida specialties. Harry's is no secret to locals, so arrive early or expect a wait. You'll find Harry's Old Place at 3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884. To learn more, visit their website here.
10. Dixie Crossroads, Titusville
TripAdvisor/michelle M
TripAdvisor/Beth W
This laid-back seafood spot in Titusville is famous for a Florida delicacy, rock shrimp, along with other seafood and Southern comfort food classics. Kids will get a kick out of feeding the fish and turtles in the pond, too. Visit them at 1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL 32796. Click here to learn more.

Have you been to the best hole in the wall restaurants in central Florida? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another must-visit eatery in the Sunshine State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

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Featured Addresses
3925 SE 45th Ct, Ocala, FL 34480, USA
n 34434, 12039 N Florida Ave, Dunnellon, FL 34434, USA
5590 S Boulevard Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, USA
715 E Palmetto St, Lakeland, FL 33801, USA
802 Henry St, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
710 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
2069 Old New York Ave, DeLand, FL 32720, USA
Pudgee's Eatery and Market, 8435 E Rosko Ct, Floral City, FL 34436, USA
3751 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA
1475 Garden St, Titusville, FL 32796, USA