Titusville may be best known for its space launches, but its culinary scene has been quietly launching its own stars. As a local who’s watched this Florida city evolve bite by bite, I can attest that its American dining landscape now rivals any orbit. Here are the establishments that have truly landed.
Honeysuckle
$ | (321) 267-9533 | WEBSITE
My go-to American comfort food spot in Titusville, Honeysuckle serves my favorite fried chicken. I also always get their country fried steak, which is a crispy breaded cutlet that you can smother with gravy, and they have a really good pasta salad with a creamy dressing, that’s called delicious pasta salad. The restaurant is always busy and it’s easy to spend less than $25 if you want—even less if you only order the fried pickles.
Wayback Burgers
$ | (321) 567-5012 | WEBSITE
Any American burger joint list, this place needs to be on there. I believe it’s one of the best burger spots in Titusville. I usually order the A-1 burger, which has that classic char-grilled flavor, and I also enjoy the thick milkshakes. The friendly staff makes you feel welcome right when you walk into the strip mall location, and the ample parking with wheelchair access is a practical plus.
While some ingredients have been inconsistent lately, the smash burgers and crispy onion rings still hit the spot. For about thirty bucks, a family meal can feed four people comfortably. The place has definitely gotten cleaner under new management, and even with the occasional missing topping, I’ll be back for those great eats.
Dixie Crossroads
$$ | (321) 268-5000 | WEBSITE
This Titusville institution is a local legend and has become something of a landmark along the Space Coast, right up there with the Kennedy Space Center, say regulars. “They have incredible rock shrimp that’s perfectly seasoned and served with those addictive little corn bread nuggets that are a must-order appetizer,” they note. “They have a dedicated kitchen station for them so the corn fritters come out hot and golden, and they drizzle that sweet surprise right inside the batter.”
River City Bar & Grill,
$ | (321) 267-7118 | WEBSITE
For the kind of casual, satisfying meal you want when you’re out with family or friends, River City Bar & Grill is the spot. They have these dishes like fresh oysters and crispy fried grouper that are just done right. The fried grouper is really good, and you eat it with a side of their tasty salad. A wide selection of beverages is another highlight of the menu, and a cold drink on the dock is almost like the perfect pairing.
Sometimes they’ll serve the oysters fresh or have other tasty items from their varied menu.
Waffle House
$ | (321) 268-8311 | WEBSITE
“Waffle House is one of the nicer-looking restaurants in Titusville,” says a regular. They serve classic American breakfast dishes. “They have these pork chops that are really good and perfect,” says the regular. “And they do amazing waffles as well.”
The Local – Kitchen and Tap
$ | (321) 383-0200 | WEBSITE
“The Local” in Titusville literally means “the neighborhood spot,” says the manager, of this restaurant found inside the Holiday Inn. The Local, similar to other hotel restaurants (although this one stands out, the manager points out), serves American comfort food like smothered pork chops.
“It’s similar to the classic Southern dish,” he says, which are made from tender pork chops topped with rich gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients before the friendly staff brings it to your table.
Pier 220 Seafood and Grill
$$ | (321) 269-0007 | WEBSITE
Seafood restaurants in Florida are constantly being tied up and confused with each other, because many do share a lot of the same ingredients and preparations, and some waterfront spots will also serve a lot of generic fried platters. Pier 220 specifically stands out with dishes like the Mahi skewers and coconut shrimp, because you won’t find that same Caribbean flair at other Titusville seafood joints.
Culver’s
$ | (321) 225-4867 | WEBSITE
We’re also really big into fast food. Culver’s has locations across Titusville and they serve classic American fast food. Their concrete mixers are a big deal.
Dogs ‘R’ Us
$ | (321) 269-9050 | WEBSITE
This Titusville spot has been a favorite since it first opened, and I’m definitely a fan. They’re more classic American with a twist, and their WV dog with fried pickles is really good. Dogs ‘R’ Us is casual and friendly at the same time, something the owners clearly aimed for in creating a place people would want to return to. Other standout dishes include the Philly cheesesteak, chicken wings, Greek salad with turkey, and mushroom bisque.
The service is quick and super awesome, even for takeout orders, which keeps customers coming back for more. Despite some occasional mix-ups with orders and a few dishes with too much pepper, the affordable prices and unique hotdog choices make it a must-visit spot.
Playalinda Brewing Company – Brix Project
$ | (321) 567-5974 | WEBSITE
With American brewery fare, you’ll find the food we crave when celebrating, which is heartier, with more burgers and fried chicken and loaded fries; and the food we enjoy casually, which is lighter, with more soups and shareable pretzels. Playalinda has both, but they are known for the heartier stuff, like their daily burger with fries and a hot chicken sandwich, which comes with a crispy coating and spicy sauce.
Their beer selection is also really good, it’s akin to a craft beer tour, but not as overwhelming, and heavy on the unique brews and something called flight samples, which are like small pours, with a fun and educational tasting experience.