Driving to Disney World ... What are your favorite eating spots?

[Fantasmic23]

We drive every year from the New Haven, CT area. Actually, the drive down is one of my favorite parts of the trip. As soon as I see the first Waffle House (Sadly, we don't have these in CT), I know we're getting closer!

So, besides the food and drinks you pack for the car, where do you like to stop to eat? Any notable places?

It's been a tradition for us to always stop at Bob Evans on the way down for lunch (I believe the one we stop at is in Virginia). Mu husband didn't like Bob's the first time we stopped, but it has grown on him.

The Huddle House (Somewhere in Georgia) - We sometimes will stop here for breakfast on the second day of our drive. Not bad, though I prefer the Waffle House.

Cracker Barrel - They are EVERYWHERE and we actually play the Count-the-Cracker-Barrel-Signs game. I always want to stop, but since there is a Cracker Barrel right up the street from our house, my husband never wants to stop.

Waffle House (Again, Somewhere in Georgia) - We always stop here on the drive back for breakfast. It's so good going down, but then I think about what I just ate (When I get in the car) and I feel a little nauseous.

That's about it. Sometimes McDonald's.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We drive from the Midwest, so our favorites are a bit different. We like stopping at local seafood restaurants in Mississippi and Florida - we can't get fresh seafood here.

We used to stop at Cracker Barrel nearly every road trip. Lately, the quality is iffy.

 

[Missytara]

One interesting place to stop is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Restaurant and Gift shop.

They have recently opened a new place, at the southernmost point, with a local restauranteur that has owned a wonderful place in Virginia Beach for years. They focus on a lot of local seafood and grilled dishes.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When we stay in Lexington, Kentucky we like to have dinner at the Bonefish Grill and we also like the Waffle House. Now driving home when we stay in Lima, Ohio we like having dinner at the Olive Garden. A long time ago all their locations across Canada closed and we can only go there when we are in the United States.

 

[sharadoc]

We seek out the local eateries, not chains and have had great experience. Our favorite is a diner/eatery in Georgia called Steffans in Kingsland GA. It took about 10 minutes to drive there from 95. It's a small restaurant - about 20 tables and booths. Decorated in old diner style signs and furniture. We had homemade soup, awesome turkey salad, etc. Apparently the chef has been there over 24 years.

Our other fave is Duke's Barbecue in Walterboro. It's the place for locals, not tourists. It's around $9.00 with tax for the buffet. Disposable plates, cups and utensils and big open trash cans to dump in your used plate to go back for another. Chicken, pork barbecue, greens, veggies, some fried veggies too. My son was confused by the mac and cheese - there was more cheese than mac! On the table is a loaf of Sunbeam bread and a roll of paper towels, along with an assortment of hot sauces. Homemade sweet tea and banana pudding for dessert. I think it was the best dinner we ever had on the road.

We drive a couple times a year and have not had great experiences with the chains, although Steak N Shake is great and we've enjoyed our meals from there. We now actively seek out the local restaurants. Roadfood.com is a good source, or do some internet searches and you'll find the good places.

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks sharadoc (and OP) - we are driving again in April and I'd like to check out some of those places you mentioned if our timing is right. I will have to look those up on the map.

 

[Fantasmic23]

We seek out the local eateries, not chains and have had great experience. Our favorite is a diner/eatery in Georgia called Steffans in Kingsland GA. It took about 10 minutes to drive there from 95. It's a small restaurant - about 20 tables and booths. Decorated in old diner style signs and furniture. We had homemade soup, awesome turkey salad, etc. Apparently the chef has been there over 24 years.

Our other fave is Duke's Barbecue in Walterboro. It's the place for locals, not tourists. It's around $9.00 with tax for the buffet. Disposable plates, cups and utensils and big open trash cans to dump in your used plate to go back for another. Chicken, pork barbecue, greens, veggies, some fried veggies too. My son was confused by the mac and cheese - there was more cheese than mac! On the table is a loaf of Sunbeam bread and a roll of paper towels, along with an assortment of hot sauces. Homemade sweet tea and banana pudding for dessert. I think it was the best dinner we ever had on the road.

We drive a couple times a year and have not had great experiences with the chains, although Steak N Shake is great and we've enjoyed our meals from there. We now actively seek out the local restaurants. Roadfood.com is a good source, or do some internet searches and you'll find the good places.

Thank you so much! I will definitely check out Roadfood.com

 

[Fantasmic23]

One interesting place to stop is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Restaurant and Gift shop.

They have recently opened a new place, at the southernmost point, with a local restauranteur that has owned a wonderful place in Virginia Beach for years. They focus on a lot of local seafood and grilled dishes.

Thank you so much! I'm compiling a list of new places to try on our next Disney road trip.

 

[patclairesmom]

On the way home from Florida last year(sadly not disney) we stopped at Fatz in Florence. We really liked it and my DD asks if we can stop there again.