The Florida sun is already blazing, there’s no sense in sweating through another heavy meal. But you’ve never explored Bushnell’s dining scene, and you honestly don’t really know where to start, which means you’re in need of a great meal -stat. Fortunately, there are spots around town that do casual comfort just as well as upscale fare – and in some cases, even better.
Odd Cuples Cafe
$ | (352) 568-0408 | WEBSITE
You might drive past Odd Cuples Cafe a time or two before spotting it, but it’s worth finding this cozy spot in the heart of Bushnell. There aren’t many places around where we’d suggest dropping $8.50 on a lunch plate, but their vegetarian burrito is worth the few extra dollars – it’s a hearty wrap packed with fresh ingredients that is flavorful, satisfying, and very filling.
Tacos Mi Mexico
$ | (352) 457-3169 | WEBSITE
Sure, Tacos Mi Mexico is everything people might dismiss about roadside eateries: plastic tables under a simple awning, $3 tacos, and a location right off the highway in Bushnell. But they also serve some damn good food—especially the street tacos, made with their fresh corn tortillas and savory meats. Their asada and asada/chorizo tacos are also fantastic here.
Buddys Tavern
$ | (352) 793-3749 | WEBSITE
We suspect that at some point, Bushnell announced there would be free rent for any bar that opened on Main Street. But the best of the many, many taverns in this Florida town is Buddys, a welcoming spot serving reasonably priced drinks. Their chili fries are hearty and satisfying, and if you’re looking for something a bit less filling, they’ve got our favorite jukebox around. There’s also a location in the hearts of the regulars.
Darrell’s Diner
$ | (352) 444-2318 | WEBSITE
Darrell’s Diner, the cozy spot on Bushnell’s main strip, serves some of the most satisfying breakfasts around, which is perfect when it’s 8am and your stomach is showing no signs of settling down anytime soon. They’ve also got a reputation for friendly service and a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
Fujiyama Japanese Steak House
$ | (352) 569-1017 | WEBSITE
A cozy spot to enjoy dinner, Fujiyama is also a Japanese steak house with a family-owned feel in Bushnell. Their regular hibachi filet mignon is tender and flavorful, and the shrimp dishes are like eating seafood perfection – we love them. We like the sushi here, too, so you wouldn’t be wrong if you wanted the spicy salmon or Yellowtail, instead.
Howie’s Family Restaurant
$ | (352) 793-8582 | WEBSITE
A Bushnell staple since it opened in the old Winn-Dixie shopping center plaza, Howie’s Family Restaurant serves tremendous breakfast sandwiches and short stacks. It’s a very serious family restaurant that serves near-perfect versions of down home cooking, but doesn’t take itself seriously at all. The fish fry dinner is $14.99. And, as any local or traveler passing through will tell you, enjoying a hearty meal after unexpected adventures at Howie’s is a true Florida comfort food rite of passage.
Starbucks
$ | (352) 815-2756 | WEBSITE
Starbucks has become that reliable neighborhood anchor in Bushnell, with its welcoming open-concept layout and abundant seating making it the perfect spot to settle in for a few hours. The secret to its appeal? The fact that the coffee is consistently hot, fresh, and made just right, from the simple, satisfying drip coffee to the perfectly balanced lattes.
They surprise customers with free samples and drinks by the way, which is as delightful as it sounds – we usually savor them slowly, appreciating the unexpected kindness. The staff provides exceptional service with their cheerful demeanor, making your day better with each visit to this airy, comfortable space.
Sweet Lickz
$ | (352) 569-8260 | WEBSITE
If you think all ice cream tastes the same, we’re very sorry for all the mediocre scoops you’ve been eating. And also, you should head straight to Sweet Lickz in Bushnell to have your mind changed. They craft their favorite flavors like Hershey’s marshmallow and Blueberry Cheesecake, and serve them in generous portions for a perfect frozen treat.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
$ | (352) 568-7000 | WEBSITE
The Philly Cheesesteak at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s sparked some debate among our group – a few of us thought it was perfectly satisfying, others found it a bit greasy. But we all agreed on their burgers, which were consistently decent. We got ours with curly fries, but whatever you choose, you’ll leave full, because the portions are generous and come out quickly.
Coney Island Bushnell
$ | (352) 569-4566 | WEBSITE
Before discovering Coney Island Bushnell, I thought classic American diners were just places to grab a quick hot dog and milkshake. Now, it’s an absolutely essential spot, with a large screened porch that’s ideal for beating the Florida heat, and some really great foot-long hot dogs to go along with it. Coney Island is also one of those elusive spots with both nostalgic charm and a fantastic selection of burgers and baskets to transition into later in the day.
Wood Shed
$ | (352) 793-6666 | WEBSITE
Bushnell’s Wood Shed keeps things straightforward, with pool tournaments, dart tournaments, and karaoke on Saturdays. But we wouldn’t want any more than that, because the atmosphere is lively and not the least bit pretentious. Plus, Wood Shed offers must-try Jell-O shots, and, if you’ve ever been to a biker-friendly bar, you know Florida takes its casual fun very seriously.