(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Before I get to ranking the Lakeland Publix stores, Lakeland will always be special to me, as it's my first real memories of Florida. My uncle lives in Lakeland and my family stayed at his house when we came down from Ohio to go to Disney World. I was about 7 years old, but I remember the palm trees, the warm sun, and the little lizards running around. To a 7 year old from Ohio, tiny dinosaurs running across the pool deck was a pretty magical thing. I'm sure my Dad was happy he didn't have to pay for hotel rooms. I think when you move to Lakeland, you just accept that your out of state family will visit and use your place as a hotel.
But coming to Florida isn't just about the Orlando theme parks. You can't forget one of our true pleasures. The Publix sub.
My choice is the Chicken Tender Sub, Buffalo Style, Shaken. And it's not just any Publix we'll go to, either. Everyone in Florida has a 'Favorite Publix'.
Side note on the Pub Subs.
There's a new Publix Parmesan Chicken Tender sub and it's on sale June 22- 28.
Let's get on with the Lakeland Publix Stores rankings.
As I said earlier, everyone who shops there has a favorite Publix. For whatever reasons. I have 3 different Publix within a 5 mile radius of my house. But I always go to the same one. So how do we do the rankings? Google reviews. If people are passionate enough about grocery shopping to grab their phone and review that store, that means something. Be it positive or negative. We did a ranking of Sarasota stores and it held true. The one on top people loved, the last one. It was last for a reason. So let's do this. Starting with the best.
1. Publix Super Market on County Line
5140 County Line Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
Rating: 4.8
Number of Reviews: 1,249
This review says it all "This is one of the greatest Publix in our area. It is quite new & even has an upstairs balcony. You can buy your lunch & go up & eat inside or out." Another states "The subs at this one seem to be better than others."
2. Publix Super Market at Lake Miriam Square
4730 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813
Rating: 4.7
Number of Reviews: 1,647
Gotta love the quick serve cafeteria style Chinese food.
3. Publix Super Market at Kathleen Square
7340 Kathleen Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
Rating: 4.7
Number of Reviews: 1,115
If you're not feeling a Pub Sub, you can do the sushi bar. And the upstairs seating area is nice.
4. Publix Super Market at Plantation Square
5375 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 1,848
Someone actually gave this store a bad review because they thought the shrubbery was too high. Lol.
5. Publix Super Market at Lake Gibson Shopping Center
6767 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 1,778
Grab a sub, then head upstairs and watch people shop. It's a weird thing to do, but strangely fun.
6. Publix Super Market at Southgate Shopping Center
2515 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 1,569
I hear they just switched up the layout. That can be confusing. I like knowing where everything is.
7. Publix Super Market at Imperial Lakes Plaza
2040 Shepherd Rd, Mulberry, FL 33860
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 1,349
A reviewer states "Great Publix. My favorite, as I have 3 close by." That's what I was mentioning earlier. We all have a favorite.
8. Publix Super Market at Highland City Town Center
5185 US Hwy 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33812
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 1,239
More than one reviewer noted driving past another store to get to this one.
9. Publix Super Market at Grove Park Shopping Center
1617 US-98, Lakeland, FL 33801
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 957
Bring cash, there's usually kids doing fundraisers by the front.
10. Publix Super Market in the Highlands
2125 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813
Rating: 4.6
Number of Reviews: 792
A smaller store. Some love it because it's smaller, others want more selection.
11. Publix Super Market at Town and Country Square
2300 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33810
Rating: 4.5
Number of Reviews: 2,788
An older store, probably not as classy as some of the other ones nearby. Also, someone said they overcooked their chicken tenders. Total deal breaker for me.
