Red Top Pit Stop in Lakeland, Florida

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.

Red Top Pit Stop Menu Page 1
Red Top Pit Stop Menu
Red Top Pit Stop Menu Page 2
Menu Page 2

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.

Red Top Pit Stop Chili in Lakeland, Florida
Chili

I planned to order two different burgers, but a tabletop sign about a smoked brisket grilled cheese caught my eye.

Lunch Specials?
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese? SOLD!
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese with Crinkle Cut Fries
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese with Crinkle Cut Fries
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese in Lakeland, Florida
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese

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.

Inside the Red Stop on our way out
Inside the Stop on our way out

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

Red Top Pit Stop Single with Cheese in Lakeland, Florida
Red Top Pit Stop Single with Cheese
Burger crust shot
Burger Crust shot
BURGER NAME Pit Stop Single Burger
COOKING METHODFlattop
CAN BE COOKED TO TEMPYes
SIZE8 ounces
STANDARD TOPPINGSCheddar Cheese and optional toppings of Lettuce,
Tomato, Pickles, and Onions

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