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.
As we arrived, the lunch rush was letting out. 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 request them this way in the future since 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 Red Stop Pit Stop‘s burgers are half-pound steak burgers. Burger combinations I’ve never heard of for $100, Alex!
Swamp Mafia burger is stuffed with jalapeños and 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 Red Stop Pit Stop single patty 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 well-seasoned flattop gave the outside of the patty a thick crust. 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 there is no dinner on Tuesdays.
Got it? Good!
Red Top Pit Stop
12160 US Hwy 98 N
Lakeland, FL
(863) 853-9222
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theredtoppitstop
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100043344565406
Monday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday 7:30 am – 7:00 pm