Great restaurants within driving distance of Disney?

[mla973]

For our Labor Day trip... We are staying at the BCV, but will have a car. It's been a while since I drove out in Orlando, so I wondered if there are any new and exciting places. Nothing over about $50 per couple (not including drinks). It will be DH and myself, as well as my sister and BIL.

We like tradition american food (burgers, pizza, etc.). My BIL loves steak and ribs. We like seafood if it's fried. Nobody is into Thai or Indian food.

Any suggestions on places to try within a half hour or so of WDW? (Both sit down and "fast food.")

Thanks is advance!

 

[mrswh]

We just got back from WDW and went to Portobello Yacht Club at DTD for dinner one night. It was great upscale Italian food (not cheap), the only decent meal we ate the whole trip! Also has an extensive wine list. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[dioxide45]

There are plenty of placed on 535 to pick from. I know it isn't off property but House of Blues is great and has good food. Though you may be looking at more around $70 for two people. Are you interested in chain restaurants or independants? How far are you willing to drive. Universal City Walk has lots of great restaurants that would probably be close to your price range and isn't hard to get to from Disney. If you go after 6:00 p.m. there is no charge for parking.

 

[mla973]

I like chains, but either chains or independants are fine for our group. I'd be willing to drive to CityWalk, particulary b/c we coudl drive there and then walk around. I just want to drive an hour for food and then drive an hour back, KWIM?

 

[MattM]

In Disney: O'hana, California Grill,

Off 535 near you: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze

On International Drive not far from you: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Texas de Brazil

Sand Lake Road's "Restaurant Row" Not far either: Seasons 52, Bonefish Grill

City Walk: Margaritaville

Hope that helps!

 

[A&CsMom]

The best meals we had on our trip last week were at Carraba's (we at there 3 times in 8 day!). After you go past Downtown Disney, turn right on 535, then left on Vineland Avenue, and it will be on your right.

Edited to add: It cost about $60 for 2 adults and 2 kids, and we were all very full!

 

[mareed]

The best meals we had on our trip last week were at Carraba's (we at there 3 times in 8 day!). After you go past Downtown Disney, turn right on 535, then left on Vineland Avenue, and it will be on your right.

Edited to add: It cost about $60 for 2 adults and 2 kids, and we were all very full!

We also love Carrabba's and eat there almost weekly when we're at home. We've been known to eat there twice during a trip to WDW! There's also one on 192 near Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, etc.

 

[robtra91]

Every trip we take to Disney World, we ALWAYS go Giordanno's, which is near Downtown Disney. You can check out their website for directions. AWESOME thin crust pizza, geat pasta dishes, and a Chicago themed atmosphere (the original Giordanno's is in Chicago...) complete with a full bar. You will not be disappointed - I guarantee!

Caution - if you get the stuffed pizza, expect to wait at least 45 minutes to be served. Personally, I would rather have the thin crust anyway.

Enjoy!

 

[AGlassSlipper17]

I used to stay off site all the time until I realized how easier a trip is staying on site. If you are looking for good food off Disney properties . . I saw that your best bet is either Universal City Walk or International Drive (a street with tons of dining and hotels . .close ot Universal, SeaWorld, Wet and Wild, Ripleys among others!) You are sure to find something you like there.

 

[mla973]

Thanks for the options! I know the Orlando area fairly-well from my college program days, but haven't been off-site for about 5 years, so I wondered what might be new and exciting.

Again, thanks for the responses. (And I LOVE Giordano's in Chicago - I forgot about the one in Orlando.)

 

[winterman]

On our last trip we went to the Celebration Town Tavern and liked it a lot. We'll be going back on our April/May trip.

 

[Frothy]

I've just been researching some new places for our next trip and came across Pointe Orlando. Has anyone been to this place? BB King's Blues Club looks interesting and it seems there's a few more restaurants in that area.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

The Catfish Place in St. Cloud on rt 192. Just a short drive away from all the tourists. They advertise... "Where the local folks eat, specializing in daily fresh, native, Florida foods." We ate here twice on our last trip. The seafood was so good I made my husband take me back a second time on my birthday. We had one of the house special platters....catfish, shrimp, scallops, clams, oysters, frog legs, turtle, & gator tail. $19.95. I didn't know if I would like some of that...but it was all quite good. You can of course order a meal of any single item. We just wanted to sample everything. Mmmm I want to go back.

 

[MattM]

I've just been researching some new places for our next trip and came across Pointe Orlando. Has anyone been to this place? BB King's Blues Club looks interesting and it seems there's a few more restaurants in that area.

I've not been to BB Kings yet but have heard its a great place to go. Atmosphere is very "blues'y" and I think they have bands Thurs-Sat night. But thats just what Ive heard. I am going to give it a try when we can make it over to the tourist area of town.

 

[SnowWtch]

DH has been dying to go to The Catfish Place. He used to go when he was younger and living in Melbourne. We know it's on 192 but about how far is it from the intersection of 535/192? I'm trying to figure out if it's not too far for us to fit in this trip before he drives me batty about it.

 

[Keacc]

Two of our favorites are Logans Roadhouse for steaks on 192 at 417, and Dixie Crossroads for seafood up near Universal. If you want to drive about 13 miles south on 27 in Haines City, Manny's Char House is fantastic and the prices are great.

 

[NHLFAN]

There are two Cracker Barrels on 192....

 

[MattM]

Two of our favorites are Logans Roadhouse for steaks on 192 at 417, and Dixie Crossroads for seafood up near Universal. If you want to drive about 13 miles south on 27 in Haines City, Manny's Char House is fantastic and the prices are great.

Make that Manny's CHOP House

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

Another Carrabba's fan here...mmmm, so good! Giordanno's has great pizza. It's a staple for DH whenever we go to WDW or Chicago (it's authentic Chicago style pizza w/ LOTS of cheese).

 

[iloveokw]

Sad, sad - doing research for an upcoming trip - we LOVE Dixie Crossroads - even drive out of the way when we go to Vero to the Titusville location - the location at Festival Bay has closed