Any off-site (outside of WDW) dining suggestions?

[KathylovesPooh]

We've got a few nights where we won't be at a park during our October trip. We are staying at Saratoga Springs and have a car. We are thinking about leaving the world and wondering if anyone has ventured out and been pleased. We are basically looking for good food - prefer casual but any suggestions are welcome. Fun atmosphere would be a plus! Any thoughts?

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

We LOVE The Cheesecake Factory at Mall at Millenia!!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Texas de Brazil is a Brazillain steakhouse chain that is supposed to be really good and a lot of fun. DH went to one in Miami and said it was incredible. We plan to try the one in Orlando on of our trips soon. It's on International Drive. Google the name and you'll find the website.

It's a little pricey, but a lot of food. From everything I've been told, don't eat the day before you go and afterwards you won't need to eat for another day

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For a wonderful breakfast go to Solaris at the Marriott World Center. I think the current price for the buffet (5 days until 10:00, weekends until 1:00) is $18.95 including beverages, eggs to order, and about 70 feet of assorted foods up to and including smoked salmon and parma ham and about a dozen varieties of fruit.

I try to go there at least once a month.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

Any other ideas?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Someone on the DIS recommended Kim Wu for Chinese Food and we finally tried it this past June. The food was really really good!

We have also enjoyed Lone Star Steakhouse.

 

[carmiedog]

I haven't been to any in Florida, but we tried UNO last week while on vacation in Pennsylvania, and it was FANTASTIC! We ended up eating there 2 days in a row. They have a huge variety (veg friendly, too) so there is something for everyone. Not cheap, but definitely worth it.

www.unos.com

 

[KathylovesPooh]

Thanks for all your suggestions (and we do love Uno's). Kathy

 

[Uncleromulus]

If you have the car, why not try Celebration? Two excellent spots there--Celebration Town Tavern, and Cafe D'antonio. Both have websites as I recall--

 

[KathylovesPooh]

If you have the car, why not try Celebration? Two excellent spots there--Celebration Town Tavern, and Cafe D'antonio. Both have websites as I recall--

Not familiar with Celebration - can you tell me how far it is from Disney? Kathy

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Here is another vote for The Cheesecake Factory in The Mall at Millenia.

 

[KatMark]

How far do you want to drive? There are some terrific spots at City Walk at Universal Studios (and there is free parking after a certain hour--can't remember exactly). We go every year to Emeril's; they also have Bubba Shrimp, Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.

 

[LinzDada]

Living here in FL and traveling to Orlando 3-4 times a year, I can tell you that you won't find anything exceptional. Orlando has the regular chain restaurants, Red Lobster. TGIF, etc.
Pizzeria Uno isn't bad for Pizza IMHO. However, eat other items off the menu at your own risk. Had the ribs and they were not good, and over priced

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

How far do you want to drive? There are some terrific spots at City Walk at Universal Studios (and there is free parking after a certain hour--can't remember exactly). We go every year to Emeril's; they also have Bubba Shrimp, Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, etc.

I want to say free parking there started at 6:00 PM, however I am not 100% sure if that is correct.

 

[Lamandpercy]

Hard Rock Cafe at Universal is very good, although it may not be "different".

 

[KathylovesPooh]

How far do you want to drive?

We were thinking about 20 minutes (once outside the world).

 

[AKBAFB]

I agree with the person who said don't expect anything "exceptional". But, we have found that the chains in Orlando usually beat the same chains we have here in service and freshness of food. We love to go to Bennigans while in Orlando and won't go near the one we have here. We also have to go to Uno's when we're there! We also hit some of the touristy places that we don't have locally, like Hard Rock (do they still have Tupelo Chicken...Mmm?) and Margaritaville just for the atmosphere.

 

[JenLovesMickey]

I like Bahama Breeze (they have awesome Mojitos!). They have a website, and I know there's one on International and one on Vineland Ave. The one on Vineland is closer to Disney, and you would want to try to go for an earlier dinner since they do get busy. There's also the Crossroads shopping plaza close to DTD that has a bunch of restaurants like Fridays, the Crab House, Perkins, etc. My in-laws live around the northern end of I-Drive so if we go out to eat it's usually in that area. Cheesecake Factory is also one of my favorites. Come to think of it, they have really good Mojitos too...

 

[BriBri1984]

Boston Lobster Feast!!!!!

Im suprised no one said that.. ( unless i Missed it.. )


Now a new one on International Drive! , plus you can walk around after and enjoy the Drive.

Bri

 

[aribelle]

Texas de Brazil is a Brazillain steakhouse chain that is supposed to be really good and a lot of fun. DH went to one in Miami and said it was incredible. We plan to try the one in Orlando on of our trips soon. It's on International Drive. Google the name and you'll find the website.

It's a little pricey, but a lot of food. From everything I've been told, don't eat the day before you go and afterwards you won't need to eat for another day

If you think you will want to try Texas de Brazil.....be sure to sign up for their email list a couple weeks before your visit.....they will send you a coupon for 25 to 50 percent off, but it's usually only good for about a month, so don't sign up too early. Also, around any holiday they typically send you another email good for the holiday day only for 40-50% off.