Enjoy TLH Like a Local: Tallahassee Guidebook

Emily
Enjoy TLH Like a Local: Tallahassee Guidebook

Favorite Food Around Town

Below, we've included a mix of options for everyone, from quick and casual, to fancy-schmancy. All along the spectrum, we know you'll enjoy your experience at these places!
Hands down, best coffee in town! (Those are fighting words in Tallahassee, where the local coffee game is strong! Red Eye is another local favorite.)
66 locals recommend
Lucky Goat Coffee
668 Capital Cir NE
66 locals recommend
Hands down, best coffee in town! (Those are fighting words in Tallahassee, where the local coffee game is strong! Red Eye is another local favorite.)
Tasty and inexpensive place to get a bento box for lunch - try the shrimp and veggie tempura bento box!
9 locals recommend
Azu Lucy Ho's
3220 Apalachee Pkwy
9 locals recommend
Tasty and inexpensive place to get a bento box for lunch - try the shrimp and veggie tempura bento box!
Delicious farm-to-table food with a simple but elegant ever-changing menu about 10 minutes away.
32 locals recommend
Backwoods Crossing
6725 Mahan Dr
32 locals recommend
Delicious farm-to-table food with a simple but elegant ever-changing menu about 10 minutes away.
Traditional breakfast options serving local Lucky Goat coffee.
12 locals recommend
The Egg Cafe & Eatery
3740 Austin Davis Ave
12 locals recommend
Traditional breakfast options serving local Lucky Goat coffee.
Something to please everyone on the menu. Easy ordering for pickup and some great Italian and American fare.
19 locals recommend
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
1749 Apalachee Pkwy
19 locals recommend
Something to please everyone on the menu. Easy ordering for pickup and some great Italian and American fare.
Bottomless coffee, delicious breakfast options, and a cute 1920s vibe for this breakfast diner. Enjoy!
11 locals recommend
The Bada Bean
2500 Apalachee Pkwy
11 locals recommend
Bottomless coffee, delicious breakfast options, and a cute 1920s vibe for this breakfast diner. Enjoy!
Interested in an out-of-town adventure? Angelo’s is a wonderful restaurant on the bay about 25 minutes from our house, where you can enjoy elegant but inexpensive fresh seafood (caught by Angelo and his fisherman friends). You can ask to meet Angelo, who will invite you to see the kitchen if you wish. The dolphins are known to often play around in the bay below your table around sunset. Right near Alligator Point and St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge if you are interested in adding even more nature-watching or exploring to your excursion.
43 locals recommend
Angelo's Seafood Restaurant
5 Mashes Sands Rd
43 locals recommend
Interested in an out-of-town adventure? Angelo’s is a wonderful restaurant on the bay about 25 minutes from our house, where you can enjoy elegant but inexpensive fresh seafood (caught by Angelo and his fisherman friends). You can ask to meet Angelo, who will invite you to see the kitchen if you wish. The dolphins are known to often play around in the bay below your table around sunset. Right near Alligator Point and St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge if you are interested in adding even more nature-watching or exploring to your excursion.
Soul Veg (sometimes spelled "Swhole Veg") is a relaxed eatery that specializes in all natural, vegan Soul Food! Vegans, rejoice at how amazing the food is! Non-Vegans, prepare to be amazed! Everything from vegan macaroni & cheese, fresh steamed collard greens & candied yams...to vegan lasagna, portabella mushroom burgers, sauteed eggplant and red beans over rice. They also specialize in delicious gluten free items such as gluten free macaroni & cheese, live/raw food items, gluten free cakes & pies and much more!
9 locals recommend
Soul Veg Juice Bar & Cafe
1205 S Adams St
9 locals recommend
Soul Veg (sometimes spelled "Swhole Veg") is a relaxed eatery that specializes in all natural, vegan Soul Food! Vegans, rejoice at how amazing the food is! Non-Vegans, prepare to be amazed! Everything from vegan macaroni & cheese, fresh steamed collard greens & candied yams...to vegan lasagna, portabella mushroom burgers, sauteed eggplant and red beans over rice. They also specialize in delicious gluten free items such as gluten free macaroni & cheese, live/raw food items, gluten free cakes & pies and much more!
Reasonably-priced, and incredibly delicious, Mediterranean food! Lots of healthy options, as well as some standard fare for picky eaters.
Zoës Kitchen
1817 Thomasville Rd
Reasonably-priced, and incredibly delicious, Mediterranean food! Lots of healthy options, as well as some standard fare for picky eaters.
This is a fast casual smokehouse for folks who love BBQ - conveniently located in the same shopping plaza as Whole Foods Market. We love their pulled pork!
16 locals recommend
4 Rivers Smokehouse - Tallahassee BBQ
1817 Thomasville Rd
16 locals recommend
This is a fast casual smokehouse for folks who love BBQ - conveniently located in the same shopping plaza as Whole Foods Market. We love their pulled pork!
One of my undergraduate students told me I couldn't make a guidebook without including the amazing Lindy's Fried Chicken. In a non-scientific poll, everyone else agreed that Lindy's is the superior Fried Chicken Of Choice in Tallahassee. While fried chicken isn't my thing, I'm going to trust the discerning tastes of my students in guiding you to the right place :)
Lindy's Fried Chicken Inc
1231 E Lafayette St
One of my undergraduate students told me I couldn't make a guidebook without including the amazing Lindy's Fried Chicken. In a non-scientific poll, everyone else agreed that Lindy's is the superior Fried Chicken Of Choice in Tallahassee. While fried chicken isn't my thing, I'm going to trust the discerning tastes of my students in guiding you to the right place :)
WE LOVE VERTIGO! This place has an awesome cheap-eats menu that fits all dietary needs - they do a lot more than standard burgers and fries fare! Some of our favorite items on the menu include the Thai salad (available with an awesome cilantro lime vegan dressing), a vegan okra slaw (!!!), the Texican Twist chorizo-beef burger, the Black Bean Maduro burger with plantains, the jalapeño poppers, and their fabulous sweet potato fries. Ask for the vegan red pepper sauce for dipping your fries!
14 locals recommend
Vertigo Burgers and Fries
1395 E Lafayette St
14 locals recommend
WE LOVE VERTIGO! This place has an awesome cheap-eats menu that fits all dietary needs - they do a lot more than standard burgers and fries fare! Some of our favorite items on the menu include the Thai salad (available with an awesome cilantro lime vegan dressing), a vegan okra slaw (!!!), the Texican Twist chorizo-beef burger, the Black Bean Maduro burger with plantains, the jalapeño poppers, and their fabulous sweet potato fries. Ask for the vegan red pepper sauce for dipping your fries!

Let's Go Outside!

One of our favorite things about Tallahassee is that it's such a green capitol city - so many parks, outdoor spaces, and wildlife to enjoy. Here are some recommendations, whether you're looking to go birdwatching, enjoy a stroll or jog in one of our city's parks, or see if you can spot a gator!
Where we go to check out wildlife and enjoy long hikes! There are many "fingers" out on the lake to go fish or observe wildlife. The trail is about 3 miles around, if you take the "Bill's Trail" loop. There's also a playground for kids, and on Bill's Trail there is a magical family-friendly spot, with benches, a free library, and craft area.
16 locals recommend
Lafayette Heritage Trail Park
4900 Heritage Park Blvd
16 locals recommend
Where we go to check out wildlife and enjoy long hikes! There are many "fingers" out on the lake to go fish or observe wildlife. The trail is about 3 miles around, if you take the "Bill's Trail" loop. There's also a playground for kids, and on Bill's Trail there is a magical family-friendly spot, with benches, a free library, and craft area.
While gorgeous year-round, this is an especially great place to visit in the springtime when everything is in bloom. A wonderful place to pack a lunch, take a stroll, and enjoy the outdoors!
102 locals recommend
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Rd
102 locals recommend
While gorgeous year-round, this is an especially great place to visit in the springtime when everything is in bloom. A wonderful place to pack a lunch, take a stroll, and enjoy the outdoors!
Admittedly, "lake" is an overstatement for this charming oversized puddle in the heart of town. It's a great place to grab a coffee from Black Dog and enjoy a walk around the lake - and meet the charming Muscovy ducks! If you're a fan of sweet treats, go check out the Big Easy snow-cone-filled-with-ice-cream shoppe :) On Thursday Nights, there are food trucks and live music - starts at 7. Let us know if you want to borrow a blanket for picnicking!
64 locals recommend
Lake Ella Park
South Lake Ella Drive
64 locals recommend
Admittedly, "lake" is an overstatement for this charming oversized puddle in the heart of town. It's a great place to grab a coffee from Black Dog and enjoy a walk around the lake - and meet the charming Muscovy ducks! If you're a fan of sweet treats, go check out the Big Easy snow-cone-filled-with-ice-cream shoppe :) On Thursday Nights, there are food trucks and live music - starts at 7. Let us know if you want to borrow a blanket for picnicking!
Another favorite space for hiking, biking, and playing on the playground!
65 locals recommend
Tom Brown Park
443-557 Easterwood Dr
65 locals recommend
Another favorite space for hiking, biking, and playing on the playground!
We LOVE visiting St. Mark's Naitonal Wildlife Refuge. Emily's a big fan of spotting as many wild alligators as possible, while most folks go for professional birding. Many rare breeds are identified each season in the refuge, and there have been big viewings of the flamingo, bald eagle, horned owl, and spoonbill families recently. Did you know this is the setting that inspired the book/movie Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer? Also, you'll spot the place in birding documentaries and was referenced in The Big Year movie, too. Bring cash for entry - it's currently $4 cash per car, well worth it. We spring for the annual pass, and go almost every week.
24 locals recommend
St Marks National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Centre
1255 Lighthouse Road
24 locals recommend
We LOVE visiting St. Mark's Naitonal Wildlife Refuge. Emily's a big fan of spotting as many wild alligators as possible, while most folks go for professional birding. Many rare breeds are identified each season in the refuge, and there have been big viewings of the flamingo, bald eagle, horned owl, and spoonbill families recently. Did you know this is the setting that inspired the book/movie Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer? Also, you'll spot the place in birding documentaries and was referenced in The Big Year movie, too. Bring cash for entry - it's currently $4 cash per car, well worth it. We spring for the annual pass, and go almost every week.
Cascades is a new park in town that Tallahassee has quickly fallen in love with. The park is full of calm little walking trails, a war memorial under shady trees, a beautiful waterfall garden, and places to sit, picnic, and play. If you visit, you may want to grab a coffee from Catalina Cafe to enjoy under a live oak tree! Don't be surprised if you happen upon a food or cultural festival taking place in the park - something fun is always happening at Cascades!
170 locals recommend
Cascades Park
170 locals recommend
Cascades is a new park in town that Tallahassee has quickly fallen in love with. The park is full of calm little walking trails, a war memorial under shady trees, a beautiful waterfall garden, and places to sit, picnic, and play. If you visit, you may want to grab a coffee from Catalina Cafe to enjoy under a live oak tree! Don't be surprised if you happen upon a food or cultural festival taking place in the park - something fun is always happening at Cascades!

Things to Do

Wondering what the locals do for fun? Check out these recommendations!
Tallahassee Museum opens at 9, and it takes about 30 minutes to get there. The most adventurous visitors will enjoy a zipline tour over the swamps and wildlife - there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced tours to enjoy. There are farm animal exhibits, a history museum of life in the 1800s in Tallahassee, and an awesome outdoor zoo with lots of awesome animals (from endangered wolf species going through rehabilitation, to adorable otters, to big cats). There is a café on site, too.
118 locals recommend
Tallahassee Museum
3945 Museum Rd
118 locals recommend
Tallahassee Museum opens at 9, and it takes about 30 minutes to get there. The most adventurous visitors will enjoy a zipline tour over the swamps and wildlife - there are beginner, intermediate, and advanced tours to enjoy. There are farm animal exhibits, a history museum of life in the 1800s in Tallahassee, and an awesome outdoor zoo with lots of awesome animals (from endangered wolf species going through rehabilitation, to adorable otters, to big cats). There is a café on site, too.
We love kayaking (and canoeing) on the Wacissa River! It's a perfect weekend activity for getting exercise and enjoying #swamplife of the North Florida region. There are blue springs along the pockets of the Wacissa that are perfect for taking a cool dive on a hot summer's day - just stay far away from any onlooking gators! :)
13 locals recommend
Wacissa River Canoe & Kayak Rental
290 Wacissa Springs Rd
13 locals recommend
We love kayaking (and canoeing) on the Wacissa River! It's a perfect weekend activity for getting exercise and enjoying #swamplife of the North Florida region. There are blue springs along the pockets of the Wacissa that are perfect for taking a cool dive on a hot summer's day - just stay far away from any onlooking gators! :)
Food Truck Thursdays at Lake Ella! On Thursday Nights, there are food trucks and live music - starts at 7. Let us know if you want to borrow a blanket for picnicking!
64 locals recommend
Lake Ella Park
South Lake Ella Drive
64 locals recommend
Food Truck Thursdays at Lake Ella! On Thursday Nights, there are food trucks and live music - starts at 7. Let us know if you want to borrow a blanket for picnicking!
Mission San Luis de Apalachee was a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1633 in the Florida Panhandle, two miles west of the present-day Florida Capitol Building in Tallahassee, Florida. Its history is complicated, and problematic in many ways: the mission was part of Spain's effort to colonize the Florida Peninsula and to convert the Timucuan and Apalachee Indians to Christianity. The mission lasted until 1704 when it was evacuated and destroyed to prevent its use by an approaching militia of Creek Indians and South Carolinians. The site where the mission stood was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. Now, it's a living history museum that has lots of activities and festivals / events, with actors that bring the history (and all its complications) to life. Google what's going on at the Mission San Luis while you're in town!
44 locals recommend
Mission San Luis
2100 W Tennessee St
44 locals recommend
Mission San Luis de Apalachee was a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1633 in the Florida Panhandle, two miles west of the present-day Florida Capitol Building in Tallahassee, Florida. Its history is complicated, and problematic in many ways: the mission was part of Spain's effort to colonize the Florida Peninsula and to convert the Timucuan and Apalachee Indians to Christianity. The mission lasted until 1704 when it was evacuated and destroyed to prevent its use by an approaching militia of Creek Indians and South Carolinians. The site where the mission stood was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. Now, it's a living history museum that has lots of activities and festivals / events, with actors that bring the history (and all its complications) to life. Google what's going on at the Mission San Luis while you're in town!
Jump off the high dive if you dare, or just take a leisurely swim, in the safe, life-guarded waters at Wakulla Springs! There are boat tours that you can safely view manatees from without disturbing them in their habitat, too. A great spot to cool off and enjoy nature, just 20 minutes away from town!
65 locals recommend
Wakulla Springs
65 locals recommend
Jump off the high dive if you dare, or just take a leisurely swim, in the safe, life-guarded waters at Wakulla Springs! There are boat tours that you can safely view manatees from without disturbing them in their habitat, too. A great spot to cool off and enjoy nature, just 20 minutes away from town!
If you want to experience another charming Southern small town, check out what nearby Thomasville, GA has to offer. We like to drive up once a month or so (about 40 minutes away) to enjoy brunch, wander the little downtown area, and pick up some treats from the bookstore, vinyl/antique shop, and clothing boutiques. Many folks will adamantly recommend Liam's or Jonah's as THE PLACES to go for brunch - they are delicious, it's true. But we think the superior restaurant that you MUST try is Soho on Broad St. We recommend a Devo burger with a side of pimento dumplings, but you can't go wrong with their classic-with-a-twist fried green tomatoes!
33 locals recommend
Thomasville
33 locals recommend
If you want to experience another charming Southern small town, check out what nearby Thomasville, GA has to offer. We like to drive up once a month or so (about 40 minutes away) to enjoy brunch, wander the little downtown area, and pick up some treats from the bookstore, vinyl/antique shop, and clothing boutiques. Many folks will adamantly recommend Liam's or Jonah's as THE PLACES to go for brunch - they are delicious, it's true. But we think the superior restaurant that you MUST try is Soho on Broad St. We recommend a Devo burger with a side of pimento dumplings, but you can't go wrong with their classic-with-a-twist fried green tomatoes!
Bird's is a no-frills, funky dive, and that's not a bad thing. They might be famous for their oysters straight from the bay, but their other bar grub is great, too, and their karaoke and comedy nights that are a blast.
28 locals recommend
Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack
325 N Bronough St
28 locals recommend
Bird's is a no-frills, funky dive, and that's not a bad thing. They might be famous for their oysters straight from the bay, but their other bar grub is great, too, and their karaoke and comedy nights that are a blast.
Check out Railroad Square on First Fridays - the town comes out to enjoy wandering around the district, with food trucks, live performances, and other activities and entertainment! Railroad Square is a fun district featuring Black Dog Coffee, a rock gym, lots of local shops, art galleries, vintage stores galore, no-frills restaurants, and an overall artist/hipster/hippie vibe.
89 locals recommend
Railroad Square Art District
661 2 Railroad Square
89 locals recommend
Check out Railroad Square on First Fridays - the town comes out to enjoy wandering around the district, with food trucks, live performances, and other activities and entertainment! Railroad Square is a fun district featuring Black Dog Coffee, a rock gym, lots of local shops, art galleries, vintage stores galore, no-frills restaurants, and an overall artist/hipster/hippie vibe.