good cheap places to eat outside of wdw?

[dansyr2514]

Hello experts!

Dbf and I and another couple are taking a trip to Orlando in February. Since this is technically not a disney trip we're looking for some good cheap places to eat outside the parks. We'll be staying at Bonnet Creek and probably eating some meals in the villa since it has a full kitchen. We have a car, so distance isn't necessarily a problem. Any ideas would be appreciated. Price range somewhere in between Mcdonald's and the Bull and Bear.
Also any ideas on adult fun places to go in Orlando. For example we found Corona cigar bar last time we went together and the guys loved it. We're in our 40's but young at heart. No dance clubs though...too old for that.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=498998

You'll also find alot of info on the "We Loooove Bonnet Creek" thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2114303&highlight=bonnett+creek
in the "Orlando Hotels & Attractions" forum. You'll find so much helpful info....

Good luck!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I really like Celebration Town Tavern. The food is very good and moderately priced. They even have entertainment options depending on the night of the week. Celebration is a nice place to visit during a trip.

 

[NC Belle]

Bonnet Creek has a good room service when we stayed there in 2010 (building 5) . The bars were busy at night with activities like karoke (it was near the mini golf section). We used our Publix grocery run for over half of our off-site meals. We did Mc Donalds and T-REX for several meals.

Have you thought about checking out Tampa area? Its just about an hour ten minutes from the MK. There many museums, parks, and night time entertainment there.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Sweet Tomatoes - dirt cheap and healthy...win-win
Orlando Ale House - decent bar food where everyone feels comfortable
Bonefish Grill- they could get away with higher prices....good and reasonable
Pei Wei- lighter version of P.F. Changs
Tijuana Flats - dirt cheap. You can FEAST for $25 and the hot sauce bar is killer
Seito - Japanese food with killer happy hour apps ($3 each) 5-7pm
Toojay's Deli - not really a deli but good sandwiches and not pricey
Publix - fried chicken and salads...excellent. There subs are terrific too
Chipotle - again...you can feast for $25
Steak and Shake - killer burgers
Five Guys - killer burgers AND killer fries
Fuddruckers - good burgers but the other two are better
Celebration Town Tavern - one of our favorite places to go.

There is a baker's dozen.

Now I'm hungry.

 

[jlindemer]

Don't forget to check a restaurant's website for rewards clubs. I know you can get BOGO coupons from Sweet Tomatoes.

We have AP's and can get 20% off at Pollo Campero--plus I signed up with their e-club and received a coupon for a free dessert (you do not need an AP to get this coupon).

Restaurant.com also has some certificates available for restaurants in the area. Remember to google a discount code for the certificate. You can end up paying $2 for a $25 certificate. You have to purchase $35 while you are at the restaurant plus an 18% gratuity, but it definitely helps!

 

[dansyr2514]

Thanks everyone!!!
Wow, you guys are helpful and fast!
I'm going to print this out and do some research on where alot of these places are.
Keep the ideas coming!

 

[DisneyKevin]

All are within 5 - 10 minutes of Disney.

 

[jlindemer]

WDW Today did a podcast on local places to eat outside of Disney. It has just recently been posted. (Hey, I had to listen to something while you all were on a much deserved vacation!).

 

[OKW Lover]

I'll also mention our favorite breakfast place, Perkins. Very much a run-of-the-mill kind of breakfast place, but good service and prices. And they are big supporters of GKTW.

 

[tley]

Hello experts!

Dbf and I and another couple are taking a trip to Orlando in February. Since this is technically not a disney trip we're looking for some good cheap places to eat outside the parks. We'll be staying at Bonnet Creek and probably eating some meals in the villa since it has a full kitchen. We have a car, so distance isn't necessarily a problem. Any ideas would be appreciated. Price range somewhere in between Mcdonald's and the Bull and Bear.
Also any ideas on adult fun places to go in Orlando. For example we found Corona cigar bar last time we went together and the guys loved it. We're in our 40's but young at heart. No dance clubs though...too old for that.

If you are downtown, Graffiti Junktion has some great burgers! I think they have another location in college park. http://graffitijunktion.com/index.php

 

[jlindemer]

I'll also mention our favorite breakfast place, Perkins. Very much a run-of-the-mill kind of breakfast place, but good service and prices. And they are big supporters of GKTW.

Or Waffle House! I love Waffle House! I get an order of hash browns and a waffle with chocolate chips and pecans for under $5. YUM YUM! I always just drink water there.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

That looks like a fun place, tley! Thanks.

 

[dansyr2514]

Lot's of great places mentioned...now I'm hungry! Definitely want to try Celebration town tavern. Never been to Celebration and want to check it out.
Trying to stay away from some of the places that we frequent at home. Although I absolutely love Bonefish and Five guys..we can go to those anytime.
Trying to diet and check out the menus at all these great places is killing me...lol

 

[cjlvsccm]

I second Sweet Tomatoes! EXCELLENT soup/salad/potato meals, and don't forget to sign up online for discount coupons.

We always go to the Crossroads location, which is listed as Lake Buena Vista on Sweet Tomatoes website.

 

[wmson2000]

My wife and I usually come to Orlando a couple of times a year. We've stayed in Disney resorts and off site. More recently we've been renting "villa" homes south of WDW. I'm at one right now!

Here's a quick list of our dining fav's and avoid's:
Chevy's Lake Buena Vista - we always eat here, mostly quite good but ate there last night and only okay.
Smokey Bones (on 192) - pretty good
Carrabbas (on 192) - better than most chains (and better than most Carrabbas locations), seems to have good mgmt
Bonefish Grill (on 192) - pretty new location, go on wed's for $5 Bang Bang shrimp
Cici's Pizza (on 192) - c'mon, it's real cheap pizza, not awful
Miller's Ale House (on 192) - pretty good food, chicken zingers!
Columbia (in Celebration) - awesome cuban food, pricier
Landry's - overpriced, crowded, not a favorite
Panda Chinese - like mall chinese food, not my favorite but wife liked it
Steak n' Shake - I love their food, affordable, old-fashioned dogs n' burgers
El Patron Mexican (Lake Buena Vista) - surprisingly decent mexican food
Cedar's (Universal Area) - very good Lebanese food
Ming Court (International Dr) - better chinese food
Cafe TuTu Tango (International Dr) - Love the food, fusion style food

I'm sure i'll think of more!