From the outside the Donut Shoppe looks like a typical bakery making run of the mill doughnuts, but once inside it’s easy to realize that this is an old-school treasure. While all of the doughnuts look tempting, don’t leave without getting an “ugly,” which are the Donut Shoppe’s signature apple fritters. The location is open only as long as it has doughnuts, and on many weekends it sells out quickly — so get there early for the best selection.

At Crane Ramen the bowls come out of the kitchen piping hot, loaded with noodles and toppings. Most of the vegetables used come from local farms within 100 miles of the restaurant and stocks are simmering away in the kitchen 24 hours a day. And while every ramen is worth an order, make sure to order a bowl with a side of house hot sauce to give your bowl an extra spicy kick of flavor.

Step back in time at Johnny Angle’s Diner, where checkerboard floor tiles and neon signs greet guests as they walk in. The menu here is filled with comfort food favorites like grilled reuben sandwiches and piled high burgers, each of which has a throwback name like The Thunderbird, The Elvis Special, and the Laverne and Shirley. Breakfast is served all day, and a diner favorite is the Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which is Captain Crunch cereal crusted French toast topped with fruit, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of graham crackers.

Southern comfort food is the star of the show at Simply Sara’s. Everything at the restaurants, right down to jams and dressings are made in house. While the dishes rotate frequently some favorites include the beef pot pie, chicken tortilla soup, and strawberry pie. Pro tip: each week the menu changes, but the restaurant’s website lists the weekly menu for the entire month so guests can plan their visit in advance. 

When comfort food means baked goods, warm quiche, and creamy chicken salad, Liberty Bakery is the spot to be. The small drive-thru location often has a line, but it’s certainly worth the wait. Fans of the bakery are known to plan their week around specials like homemade oatmeal creme pies that will immediately take diners back to their childhood.

There’s something about barbecue that makes it comforting on a warm Florida day. At Berndt Ends BBQ, it serves barbecue favorites like ribs, brisket, and turkey throughout the day — although it’s not uncommon for it to close early or be out of one type of meat by the middle of the afternoon. No matter which meat is chosen, be sure to add on a side of “crack mac,” which is its addictive macaroni and cheese.

Coastal comfort food is on the menu at Barbara Jean’s On The Water, which is nestled along the Intercoastal Waterway. The down home restaurant serves southern favorites like fried catfish and shrimp and grits. For those who aren’t seafood fans, pot roast and turkey and dressing are both notable options. And if given the option, choose to sit outside and dine while waving as boats pass by.

When it comes to New Orleans-style comfort food like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and po

boys, Mackey’s Munchies is the spot to be. The restaurant is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who are just as warm and welcoming as the food the kitchen is dishing out. Do not leave Mackey’s Munchies without trying its Gumbo Jumbo, which combines the restaurant’s back of the house gumbo with jambalaya rice, seafood, sausage, and okra for a unique take on a classic dish.

At Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub and Restaurant it serves up classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and corned beef and cabbage. But for the ultimate in warm comfort food get its take on shepherd’s pie, which combines lamb and vegetables in a silky smooth gravy, topped with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese. Everything is then wrapped in a sheet of puff pastry, baked, and served piping hot. This dish is definitely big enough to share, or bring part of it home for a second comfort food filled dinner.