Dining outside of Disney

[jewlz]

Would like opinions about restaurants outside of Disney. I know there are 100's of places but a few good suggestions would be nice.

 

[eeyore0062]

We like the old standby of Chili's on E. 192, east of Celebration... the food is good, the service is great, and the entire restaurant is non smoking!

Also, we have enjoyed lunch lunch at TGIFridays on W 192. I know that these are chains that you may find just about anywhere, but they are good standbys, and not overly expensive.

Of note is Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B Q, which is a Florida chain. We had the opportunity to try it for the 1st time Wednesday night, and I must admit, it was fantastic. Nothing on the menu was over $10, either for those on a budget, seeking non counter service. My DH had the BBQ sampler platter that had BBQ chicken, pork ribs, and sliced pork. It came with a choice of sides and cole slaw and was more than he could eat (we brought the leftovers home). I had the pulled Pork BBQ with cole slaw and fries and DD had the chicken fingers, but ended up helping DH with his platter. She had never liked BBQ and is now a BBQ lover! There is a choice of BBQ sauces on the table, ranging from Sonny's original, which is sweet, a regular BBQ sauce, Spicy Sonny's BBQ sauce and a mustard based BBQ sauce said to be popular in North Carolina, Alabama and northern Florida. My favorite was Sonny's Original. Sodas, fresh brewed iced tea and beer are available. The service was quick and friendly, too! Sonny's is in Kissimmee at 4220 Vine St, and on US 192 at 4475 13th St. ENJOY!!!!

 

[MikeWazowski]

Here's a few good one's:

Bahama Breeze
Emeril's Orlando
Chuck E. Cheese (That's a no Brainer for my 6yo Niece)
Damon's
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Ruth's Chris

 

[Safari Steve]

There are many standard chain restaurants just a stone's throw away from WDW on all sides, not just the southern end. If you're staying near Downtown Disney, it'd be closer to check out the selection on 535.
BTW, as of the first of June, all restaurants in FL are smoke-free. Smoking is still allowed in places that are considered primarily bars (like Orlando Ale House, which is good if you don't mind smoke).

 

[Penny2]

There are a plethora of choices on I Drive. Some of our favorites are:

Bahama Breeze - caribbean (part of a chain)

Cafe Tu Tu Tango (appetizers and art)

Ming Court (Chinese)

 

[ghidorah97]

I would highly recommend Emeril's to anyone looking for great food outside of Disney. We had an incredible dinner there during our last trip.

 

[corky805]

Can someone tell me where Emeril's is?

Thanks

 

[sjc]

I believe Emeril's is located in Universal City Walk.... The Portofino Hotel (also in Universal) has some decent dining choices as well... steve c

 

[Planogirl]

I'll second Margaritaville which is also in Citywalk. We had a super lunch there. Bahama Breeze is also real good.

 

[kdibattista]

Margaritaville is awesome... we go every year. It is also located on CityWalk. We also enjoy TGI Friday's in the Crossroads shopping center.

 

[Epscot]

My family enjoyed Jungle Jim's in the Crossroads Plaza, just down Hotel Plaza Blvd from Downtown Disney at the SR 535 entrance. I've seen some mixed reviews on it, but we thought the portions were large and the prices weren't (compared to Disney). There is/was an internet coupon that you can print out and use. Last time I did, it was for a free appetizer. Do a Google search for "Jungle Jim's" coupon.

 

[PammyK]

Another rave for Cafe TuTu Tango. Excellent food, wonderful red sangria and a fun atmosphere. Check out their website Cafe TuTu Tango

If you don't mind a bit of a drive, there are some lovely bistros on Park Avenue in Winter Park.

 

[Muffy]

Don't forget Tchop Chop located at Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal. Emerial's great new asian restaurant!

 

[Crazy Momma]

We like to dine at Race Rock on Universal Drive. (near Sea World)
The food is great. Lots of fun for children. (race car games)

We are leaving tomorrow for WDW!! yeah!!!! We will be dining at RR next Wednesday.

Give it a try!!

 

[slp87]

We were thrilled to find a Macaroni Grill near the Crossroads. We don't have one here and we love the lasagna!!

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Another good choice at Crossroads S.C. is Pebbles. This is one (I think the original) location of a small Orlando-area chain. Food and service have been excellent. We've eaten there at least 4 times over the last two or three years.

Ralph