I do a lot driving through Central Florida and I’m always looking for places to pull over for a break and a bite. It’s the inspiration for my dining series, Favorite Florida Pit Stops and I have a new one to share. Wild Turkey Tavern in Avon Park is oh-so Florida and lots of fun.
Wild Turkey Tavern, referred to simply as “The Turkey” by locals and regulars, is hard to miss on U.S. Highway 27 despite the camouflage paint on the building. The T-Rex keeping guard outside is another head turning giveaway. It’s become one of those iconic roadside spots our state is so well known for.
About Wild Turkey Tavern
The Turkey the has been serving up Florida inspired cuisine for nearly 45 years. The menu has Florida specialties such as gator tail, grouper bites, fried oysters, and frog legs. It also has lots of Southern goodies the likes of fried green tomatoes, pickles and okra.
The turkey burger is not ground turkey. It’s ground beef with slices of smoked turkey on it. The Turkey is also open for breakfast.
The entrances is found underneath the thatched roof that covers a large outdoor patio. It has lots of tables, firepits and televisions.
Inside you will find walls lined with taxidermy that does indeed include a turkey or two. You’ll also see fish, wild boar heads and more. There is a lot to look at and keep you entertained if you dine indoors.
My friends and I had a great time. The ones who weren’t driving had cold beers and we were all entertained by the irreverent signs found here. It’s a right of passage to pose with the T-Rex in the front. If you are traveling to Orlando and take 27, plan to stop here for some fun and delicious comfort food.
A lot of my pit stop stories feature places inland and in Central Florida since it is a well traveled route to Orlando and the east coast. There are a few off of I-75 of you’re headed north too.
If you have a Favorite Florida Pits Sop, send me an email here. so I can discover it too.
Photos Of Wild Turkey Tavern
