Just like visiting some of Florida’s quaint old towns requires that you get away from the interstates and major highways, so too does finding places to experience some of the state’s best food in an old Florida atmosphere. In the center of the state, about 12 miles south of Interstate 4 in Polk County is one of those places – Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant and Igloo in Winter Haven. This landmark diner is on the menu in this installment of Florida Eats.
Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant and Igloo
Andy’s has been serving up meals for nearly 70 years. Roger “Andy” Anderson opened the restaurant as a Dairy Queen in 1951, when it was surrounded by orange groves. As the city grew, the landscape changed, and Andy’s now occupies a corner at the busy intersection of Avenue G Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest. It was, and still is, a favorite gathering place for folks living in Winter Haven and the surrounding communities.
The day of our visit, the restaurant filled up quickly. On the way to their tables, guests stopped at other booths to say hello to their neighbors. That friendly attitude extended beyond the diners, as the servers were just as friendly. From the time we sat down, until the time we were handed our check, service was prompt, polite and precise.
Ambience
From the iconic sign in the parking lot to the retro interior, Andy’s serves up a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. Booths with turquoise seat cushions and Formica table tops wrap around the main dining area. Tables and chairs fill the center of the room. Near the kitchen area, stools line a lunch counter and provide additional seating. Everywhere you look, painted signs on the walls carry out the retro theme – from breakfast to burgers. And on the wall by the register, autographed photos of some of those who have dined at Andy’s.
On the Menu
The menu says it all. “Hungry? You’re in the Right Place!” Even though there’s a chunk taken out of the upper right-hand corner, don’t worry, the menu offerings are much tastier. Andy’s describes its menu as “American standard fare featuring burgers, seafood, steaks & ice cream in a simple setting.” Although there is a wide variety on the menu, the cheeseburger basket is to die for – a juicy burger served with crinkle cut fries and slaw. Of course, don’t forget to top off your meal with one of their delicious award-winning milkshakes. If you’re just stopping by for a cold ice cream or milkshake, Andy’s Igloo offers a walk-up counter. And the prices? Very reasonable.
If you are anywhere near Winter Haven, Andy’s is definitely worth the drive! Great food. Great prices. Great service. What more can you ask for?
Location and Hours
Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant & Igloo
703 3rd St SW Winter Haven, Florida 33880
863-293-0019
Andy’s Drive-In Restaurant
Sunday Noon–11PM
Monday 8AM–11PM
Tuesday 8AM–11PM
Wednesday 8AM–11PM
Thursday 8AM–11PM
Friday 8AM–11PM
Saturday 8AM–11PM
Andy’s Igloo
Sunday 2PM–11PM
Monday 9AM–11PM
Tuesday 9AM–11PM
Wednesday 9AM–11PM
Thursday 9AM–11PM
Friday 9AM–11PM
Saturday 9AM–11PM
Floridiana Magazine (FM) Notes
Make sure you take along cash with you when you go. Andy’s does not accept credit cards. If you forget, there is an ATM inside.
We used to eat at Andy’s every week, Loved it but we moved to North Carolina there is nothing like Andy’s. We would order roast beef dinner and could eat and take home another meal, tender and tasty. It is always perfect and well missed by us.
Thank you for sharing your experiences! The sign outside is what drew us in. We loved it!
We just rode up to Andy’s Saturday to try it out; great food, service, and price. The hamburger was delicious and friends enormous Omelet turned out to be too much for even him.
I agree! The hamburger was delicious! Will have to try the omelette next time I get that way! Thanks for the comment!