Harry’s Old Place, Winter Haven, FL.
Harry’s Old Place originally opened in 1980 as Harriston’s before being renamed Harry’s Old Place in 1992. It is tucked away in a residential area along Cypress Gardens Road, just off the boulevard near LEGOLAND.
There are still a few pockets of what I call “old Florida restaurants” throughout the area, but they are slowly beginning to disappear. Harry’s had that classic old Florida feel until a fire in 2024 forced the restaurant to close for approximately seven months. From what I understand, the restaurant was also sold to new owners around that time.
Following the fire, the remodeled dining room seems to have lost some of its old Florida character. It is still a small and comfortable place, but it no longer has quite the same charm. That is not necessarily the restaurant’s fault, though—sometimes these things simply happen.
The chalkboard featuring the daily specials and fresh catches still hangs in the small dining area, and I am happy to say the food is still quite good. I would definitely return for another visit.
THE RATINGS:
Onion Loaf: 9/10
French Onion Soup: 9/10
Ultimate Seafood Boil: 8/10
New York Strip: 8.5/10
Haddock: 8/10
Fish & Chips: 7.5/10
