3 New and Coming Soon Highlands County Restaurants
Here's what you may have missed in Highlands County's restaurant news.
Between Lake Placid and Avon Park, we have 3 restaurants (one just opened the other two are coming soon) to share about.
Barley's Hideaway and Sophie's on Main Street will open right next door to each other on E Main St, and Porchop's Barbecue is opening on E Interlake Boulevard.
More details below.
Image's from Barley's Hideaway on Facebook
Barley’s Hideaway
Address: 2 E Main St, Avon Park, FL 33825
Status: Now open. Official grand opening was on 12/5/25.
What to expect: Family-friendly spot running the kitchen inside The Pour House self-pour taproom (40 taps), with QR-code ordering and counter pickup.
Menu highlights: Spam fritters; brisket tacos; BBQ sliders; pizzas (build-your-own and specialties); protein bowls; in-house “BBQ Uncrustables” for kids.
Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Co-owners Cassandra Vasquez and Francisco; chef-driven comfort food with pet-themed menu names.
Sophie’s on Main Street
Address: 4 E Main St, Avon Park, FL 33825
Status: Coming soon (opening date TBA; final kitchen permitting in progress).
What to expect: Small, casual Cuban café (~20–25 seats) mirroring the two Sebring Sophie’s Café locations; beer & wine planned once licensed.
Menu highlights: Cuban dishes and all-day café staples consistent with the Sebring menus.
Hours: Expected to match Ridgewood Dr. Sebring—Mon–Sat 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Owners Yuni and Javier Del Cueto; this will be their third Sophie’s location, with prior HGTV exposure for the Sebring café.
Porkchop’s Barbecue
Address: 295 E Interlake Blvd, Lake Placid, FL 33852
Status: Coming soon (targeting mid-January).
What to expect: Casual counter-service barbecue with ~25–30 seats; pick meats at the counter, choose 4–5 sides, then grab a table.
Menu highlights: Smoked beef brisket, pulled pork, and house-made jalapeño-cheddar sausage; rotating poultry option and specials.
Hours: Launch plan—Fri–Sun from ~11:30 a.m. until sellout (typically 7–8 p.m.); Mondays may be added later.
Who’s behind it: Owner Gage Pennisi, a Lake Placid local transitioning from a tech career; named in honor of his late dog, Porkchop.
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