Best Places to Eat in Tallahassee: Cross Country Edition

From quick bites to hearty meals, Tallahassee is ready to fuel athletes, coaches, spectators, and families visiting for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 at the world-class Leon County Apalachee Regional Park on January 10th, 2026. While race day is the main event, the city’s dynamic food scene is calling!

Whether you’re grabbing a grab-and-go breakfast, carb-loading for peak performance, or enjoying a post-race celebration, Tallahassee has something for every appetite. Looking for healthy meals for runners, local favorites, or must-try eateries near Apalachee Regional Park? We’ve rounded up the best spots to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the weekend.

Best Catering Options for Sports Teams & Groups in Tallahassee

Planning for your team or group? Several local catering companies offer delicious and convenient options to suit your needs: 

Social Catering – Sophisticated yet accessible dishes, perfect for groups. 

Catering Capers – Extensive menus spanning global flavors. 

Hotel Catering – Convenient and efficient catering from your host hotel. 

Simply Entertaining – Fresh and creative offerings tailored to your event. 

Pro tip: Don’t miss the food trucks at Apalachee Regional Park, serving up a wide variety of quick bites right on-site at every cross-country meet!

Where Can I Find Quick Bites Near Apalachee Regional Park?

If you’re short on time but still looking for tasty meals, these quick-service spots near the park have you covered. Whether it’s sandwiches, wraps, or salads, these restaurants offer convenience without sacrificing flavor. 

Hopkins Eatery – Sandwiches, salads, wraps, and quick-service offerings perfect for on-the-go. 

Jimmy John’s – Fast, reliable sandwich service ideal for quick stops before or after race events. 

Jason’s Deli – Fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads with reliable hours to accommodate race-day schedules.

What are the Local Favorites?

Discover Tallahassee’s culinary gems beloved by locals and visitors alike. From eclectic menus to classic comfort foods, these restaurants showcase the best of Tallahassee’s vibrant food scene. 

Backwoods Crossing – Known for a casual, eclectic menu with farm-to-table offerings and a cozy atmosphere. 

Midtown Caboose – A Tallahassee staple famous for its inventive and hearty burgers. 

Madison Social – Located in lively CollegeTown, perfect for post-race celebrations and gatherings. 

Canopy Road’s Café – A local favorite for hearty breakfast plates, stacks of pancakes, Southern-style comfort food, and lunch. 

The Bada Bean – This casual coffee shop with health-conscious options serves classic morning eats & sandwiches.

(Tip: CollegeTown is a hotspot for athletes and visitors looking for post-event festivities!) 

Best Food Spots in Tallahassee: Healthy Fuel for Athletes 

Optimal nutrition is crucial for peak athletic performance. These spots offer nutritious and customizable options designed to fuel your body for the race or recovery. 

The Bark – Vegan and vegetarian-friendly fare offering nutritious, performance-enhancing meals. 

Lemon and Thyme – Customizable bowls, packed with lean proteins, greens, and grains, ideal for athletes. 

Vale Food Co. – Quick, healthy meals that focus on customizable bowls loaded with proteins and veggies.

Tallahassee Dinner Spots for Carb Loading

Proper carb-loading is essential for endurance events. Enjoy delicious, carb-rich dishes from these Italian eateries and steakhouses that promise a satisfying pre-race meal. 

Bella Bella – A cozy Midtown Italian restaurant serving homemade classics in a warm, inviting environment with lunch and dinner. 

Riccardo’s – Authentic Italian dishes, perfect for pre-race carb-loading. 

Little Italy – Classic Italian favorites in a friendly and welcoming environment. 

Piesanos – Cozy atmosphere serving delicious pastas and pizzas. 

Shula’s 347 Grill – Upscale steakhouse option for a celebratory meal after a successful race day. 

Glory Days – A laid-back sports bar offering wings, burgers, and hearty pasta plates. 

Ted’s Montana Grill – Classic American dining with an emphasis on bison dishes and warm, Western-inspired hospitality. 

Walk On’s Sports Bistro – A lively spot blending Louisiana-style flavors with burgers, fried fare, and party platters ideal for groups and team gatherings.

Top Coffee & Breakfast Stops in Tallahassee (Grab and Go Spots)

Start your race day with a boost of energy from these convenient coffee and breakfast spots. Quick, delicious, and perfectly located for easy access on your way to the course. 

Lucky Goat – Beloved local roaster with multiple convenient locations around Tallahassee. 

Catalina Café – Ideal for breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and delicious specialty coffees. 

Panera Bread – Conveniently located en route to Apalachee Regional Park, offering quick breakfasts and coffee to start your race day right. 

(Tip: Double-check opening hours, especially for early weekend races!) 

Explore Tallahassee Like a Local with HipMaps 🗺️

Whether you’re pre-race, post-race, or just exploring Tallahassee’s great outdoors, delicious and nutritious options await. 

We collected the best hot spots and hidden gems in our area for you to explore! Simply download the HipMaps app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, allow access to your location while using the app, and enter the access code ILOVETALLY. You will see your location right on our map – and click on the blue strip at the bottom of the app to read our inside scoop on each place, link to websites, and get directions!