Local restaurants

[mom2isaac&ella]

Whenever I see recommendations for restaruants they seems to be chains. I like to try different things when on vacation, something we can't get at home. Are there any locals out there who venture near the parks for a good meal?

 

[PrincessJsMom]

What kind of food are you looking for? Will you have a car? There are plenty of awesome meals to be had outside of Disney, and outside of the chains...

 

[Poohbeck]

I'm interested in this information also. My family likes the traditional American, Italian, Pizza, Chinese types of restaurants. We usually go to Olive Garden, 99, or Friendly's when we go out to dinner. Nothing fancy for us. These types of restaurants are in our budget.

What types of chains are around?
What non-chains do you recommend with out spending a fortune?

 

[kilee]

I find that unless it's a chain rest.---we tend to eat at WDW, even if it's at the resorts. Even when we are offsite.

We did find some really good pizza (I'm from W-NY- and we have AWESOME pizza-- so I'm not easy to impress) at Flippers in Old Town. Also, we don't have Papa John's around here-- and we found the had pretty decent pizza and they always have coupons at the place. We were able to feed 3 families on 2 large pizzas (and we had 3 big eaters) for under $20.00.

We also have eaten at the Race Rock Cafe over on International near SeaWorld (kind of). Great theme, ds loved the video games throughout the perimeter of the eating area, and the food was average. If you have a race fan I'd go for the theme for them.

We've also found the Ponderosa's to be 10times bigger than the ones near our house. We never eat there when at home-- but tend to frequent the one's in WDW area often on vacation. We can go between lunch and dinner-- have the whole family eat for $30.00 and not need to eat again. Not bad price to kill 2 meals w/ one stone.

 

[mom2isaac&ella]

We will have a car when we go. We're staying at the Doubletree Suites in DTD, so anywhere 10-15 minutes from there would be good. We will be eating most meals in the parks, but have a few rest days & a seaworld day on which we will be eating off property. I would love to find a good seafood place. I read about Pebbles in the Unofficial Guide, anyone tried it? I don't want anything too expensive, but would like to feed my family of four (2 adults, DD2 & DS4) for around $50.

 

[DaddyDon]

I really like the orlando ale house.Good Food!!!! And good prices!
http://www.alehouseinc.com/

 

[tamcase]

I know that restaurant com has a lot of coupons for the Orlando area and have not seen any reviews for them. I have tried doing a google search for reviews, but have not had any success. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

 

[tinkerbeth]

I know that restaurant com has a lot of coupons for the Orlando area and have not seen any reviews for them. I have tried doing a google search for reviews, but have not had any success. Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Count me on this thread! I'm subscribing. I've just ordered 'The Other Orlando' and I've signed up for every information package I can find on the web and ordered that magic card thing so I'm hoping to find some places where I can get some discounts. I wonder if it's worth buying the Entertainment Orlando edition for a 6 night stay? Does anyone know what kids of deals they have for restaurants? We used to have the toronto one and it was quite good....I guess that's my next topic of research!

I love planning trips!

Beth

 

[leila]

I LOVE Pebbles. We lived in Orlando for years and went there many times. They used to have great appetizers & salads along with their entrees so it might be possible to stay under your $50 goal if they still do. I also like House of Blues in DTD a lot.

The entertainment coupon book website has links for each city so you can see all the restaurants that have coupons. I believe you have to change your "location" in order to see the specific Entertainment book. I hope that makes sense!

 

[CastMemberDWA]

Okay- here are my recommendations....(this and 2cents will get you a cup of coffee right?)

1. Dixie Crossroads. Original is in Titusville...new one is near the Bass Pro shop in Orlando. www.dixiecrossroads.com GREAT SEAFOOD!

2. Bubbalous Bodacious BBQ - several locations- all good. http://www.bubbalous.com/

3. Choctaw Willies BBQ - off the beaten path in Winter Garden of HW50

4. Seasons 52 - Sand Lake Road area....very cool place.

5. The Melting Pot- okay so this a chain...but AWESOME Fondue style dinner and is AWESOME! http://www.meltingpot.com/

6. Bahama Breeze - also a chain...but very good.

7. HUE- fancy downtown Orlando ...."in" place to be....I haven't gone but have heard rave reviews. http://www.huerestaurant.com/

8. Fiddlers Green.....in Winter Park..... Irish Pub! YUMMY http://www.fiddlersgreenorlando.com/

Remember that most Mom/Pop joints cannot afford the real estate near the theme parks....you'll have to get further away to find them and hunt them out.

There are many wonderful Chinese/Japanese restaurants in the area...most are family owned.

Have fun!

 

[mom2isaac&ella]

Thanks CastmemberDWA - just the ideas I was looking for!

 

[Ted and Holly]

I LOVE Pebbles. We lived in Orlando for years and went there many times. They used to have great appetizers & salads along with their entrees so it might be possible to stay under your $50 goal if they still do. I also like House of Blues in DTD a lot.

The entertainment coupon book website has links for each city so you can see all the restaurants that have coupons. I believe you have to change your "location" in order to see the specific Entertainment book. I hope that makes sense!

You mean Peebles BBQ?

Ted

 

[mom2isaac&ella]

No, Pebbles in Crossroads shopping center, across from DTD

 

[Ted and Holly]

Ah, ok. I never spotted that one.

 

[Vivianne]

I'm not local so I guess I don't qualify (I wish). However, we like Don Pablos - Mexican (part of a chain I guess). They opened one on International Drive. We ate there twice on our last trip. They don't have a restaurant near us.