Slow down when driving down on US Hwy 98 in Lakeland, Florida, or you might drive right by Red Top Pit Stop. This homey little spot has excellent comfort food and service.
Asking a local is the easiest way to uncover a hidden gem in their town; that’s precisely how I ended up at Red Top Pit Stop (12160 US Hwy 98 N).
The lunch rush was letting out as we arrived. Marcela and I scored a couple of seats at a communal table right at the entrance.
She wants a bowl of chili, where my only complaint would be that I prefer the shredded cheese to be a little more melted. But, on the taste side, it was delicious.
I planned to order two different burgers, but a tabletop sign about a smoked brisket grilled cheese caught my eye.
The Pit Stop Single burger and Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese came with well-done crinkle-cut fries. I may be requesting them this way in the future; the fries were crispier and sturdier for dipping.
Imagine a beautifully executed grilled cheese that happens to have some smokey brisket in it. Well, I ate that, but it’s more like I shared it with Marcela.
Burger Talk
So the Pit Stop Red Stop’s burgers are 1/2 lb steak burgers. Burger combinations I’ve never heard of for $100, Alex!
Swamp Mafia burger is stuffed with jalapeños then topped with pulled pork, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The Trucker is covered with cheddar cheese, brisket, and smoked pulled pork.
It’s my first time here, so I went simple with the Pit Stop Single with cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, and mustard. Those are my preferred toppings on a griddled burger.
The fresh beef burger was soft and almost crumbly. The outside of the patty had a thick crust from the well-seasoned flattop. I loved the Pit Stop Single, and I’m ready to graduate to another burger on my next visit.
In the meantime, when you stop in, remember that they’re open every day of the week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but Monday & Tuesday, there is no dinner.
Got it? Good!
Red Top Pit Stop Burger Spotlight
| BURGER NAME | Pit Stop Single Burger |
| COOKING METHOD | Flattop |
| CAN BE COOKED TO TEMP | Yes |
| SIZE | 8 ounces |
| STANDARD TOPPINGS | Cheddar Cheese and optional toppings of Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, and Onions |
