Off Site Restaurant Recommendations?

[denneg]

Buffalo Wild Wings does blow the doors off the food at ESPN club. Hawks fan or Bruins? We were staying at BWV during the cup finals and did some ESPN and in room watching. Devastating as a Bruins fan, but it was alot of fun interacting with the Chicago fans, probably the most classy fanbase I've come across too.

Bruins! We didn't get the right channel at the resort, and we liked the food so much better at BWW that we went twice rather than go to ESPN. The nights DS was too tired, I sent DH alone, he met Bruins fans that he hung out with and had a blast.

 

[mickeymotto]

we have two we really enjoy. for a nicer meal, texas de brazil. it is alittle more expensive, but I signed up with them online and I received a good coupon, if they still do that. for many years, a must every trip is bubbalou's bbq. it is casual, inexpensive and up near universal. funny how we found it, my dd27, she was young and in love in Nsync and lance bass, (you can see how long ago this was) she read where they visited this bbq and liked it, so we just had to go where they went.

I was also about to suggest Texas de Brazil! Absolutely wonderful meal!

We will check this one out too, thanks!

 

[mickeymotto]

We have only eaten at the one in CA, but we love Bubba Gumps.

If you are looking for entertainment, we love Medieval Times and often find coupons for it.

We will be staying at Universal for a few days too. While there, we planned on checking out Bubba Gumps. So I am glad to hear you love it, it makes me more excited for our visit!

 

[mickeymotto]

Seasons 52 - wonderful, healthy fresh food and a great wine bar!

Flippers is our favorite pizza place by far (it is the top of the list overall...not just Orlando list). It is our must do on every trip, twice if we can squeeze it in. We usually go to the location closest to DTD in the Crossroads plaza (it is their Lake Buena Vista/Disney location) but have also been to the Old Town/Celebration location which was good too (much smaller though). Fresh ingredients and always have had great service! They once forgot one of the toppings on our pizza and we told them it was no big deal and they said absolutely not, made us a fresh one and boxed the other one up to keep. In many, many trips that is the only time anything has even been wrong/messed up.

I've read about these both on some other review sites too. Adding to our options....

They recently opened a Chuy's on 192 - we loved them when we lived in Austin.

I have always wanted to try Chuy's, we do not have any in our area. How far are they from WDW?

Seconding this recommendation. This restaurant is one of the few things I miss about living in FL!

If you want to go to a nice place, Le Coq au Vin has amazing French food. You won't feel out of place in nice jeans, but it's not a tourist-y place. When I was growing up, this was THE place for anniversary/birthday dinners. I went there on one of my first dates with my husband. And my parents are going there for their 36th anniversary in Oct.

For not fancy - we love Golden Corral - we do not have them in NJ.

For a nicer meal, I highly suggest Bonefish for seafood, Texas de brazil is a must at least once in your life to have Braziliian churrachioera (sp?). Fogo de Chao is along the same lines as Texas de brazil but we never tried that one yet.

We have also done 2 of Emeril's - Choup Choup in the Hotel next to Universal (forgot the name) and the one he had at Citywalk - not sure if that one is still there. I know he is outdated in the food network world, but his restaurants serve top notch food with high quality. Being Florida, you dont have to get dressed fancy for any of these either! Not a lick of food we disliked at either of these spots! We did these either pre-DD or one night when BFF watched DD so we could go out alone. Unless you have a very mature palate, I dont think his food is all that kid-friendly.

Thank you all for your suggestions too. Now I wish I had more nights for dinners!!!!

 

[katiee37]

I've never eaten at the Orlando locations of these, but I recommend the already mentioned Perkins (especially their pancakes!) Buffalo Wild Wings, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (hibachi style like Teppan Edo, but they're going to give you more food than Teppan Edo does. A bit more expensive too), and Bubba Gump's!

 

[momfeez]

Totally agree with Flippers Pizza.

In June after eating at Tokyo Dining at EP, DS1 was hooked on sushi. He researched restaurants in Kissimmee and found Ichiban Buffet at 5268 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (East in Kissimmee - across from Krispy Kreme Donuts). It is all you can eat oriental buffet, sushi and hibachi grill restaurant. It has become a favorite. They have everything....all kinds of oriental food, fruit, pizza, shrimp, crab legs ($4 extra), desserts, ice cream, freshly made sushi, hibachi grill, everything.

 

[cdtommie]

I have always wanted to try Chuy's, we do not have any in our area. How far are they from WDW?:

They are located only about 5 mins away from Animal Kingdon Lodge. As you approach AKL, make a left at the light right before the hotel gate and go down a couple of miles until you reach Rte 192. Make a right onto 192 and Chuy's is on your right (almost immediately).

 

[richmo]

A few:

- Sweet Tomatoes (salad bar/soup bar/some pizza/buffet style) - 2 locations: one is in Crossroads Plaza at the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd (near Downtown Disney) and the other on 192 west of I-4, in the Target center, probably a couple of miles from the Disney intersection on I-4.

- Several at CityWalk at Universal: Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump's, NBA, etc. You do not need Universal admission, but go after 6:00 as parking is much cheaper (it used to be free, but I think its $5 now)

- Chevy's (southwest), also at Crossroads Plaza

- Also at Crossroads Plaza: Fuddrucker's, TGI Friday, Moe's Southwest Grill (+ Taco Bell, McDonalds) and more

- OF course, there's also Downtown Disney with many, many places (Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, Earl of Sandwich (cheap!), House of Blues...)

 

[wannabemini]

Big Fn Seafood Kitchen. Huge portions, great service. FABULOUS food.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

OK, you have a lot of suggestions, but what about a great breakfast?

http://www.firstwatch.com/locations/19652-first-watch-plaza-venezia-orlando-orlando

http://www.kekesbreakfastcafe.com/hunterscreekmap.html

TWO great places not very far from Disney property and both worth the trip!

 

[rbrainerd]

Our must do's are: Miller's Ale House on 192 (if going to dinner prepare for possible wait), Smokey Bones on 192 and 535, and Earl of Sandwich DTD. We've only done breakfast at WDW and favorite is O'hana's. Planning to try Whispering Canyon during upcoming trip. Did character breakfasts when kids were younger, not a big fan for the kids did not seem to eat due to being so preoccupied with everything else.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our (nearby) Off-Site Recommendations:
. . . Bull & Bear - Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek, Fine Dining
. . . Café D'Antonio - Celebration, Casual Italian
. . . Columbia - Celebration, Casual Spanish/Cuban
. . . Fish Bones - Hwy192, Seafood
. . . Venetian Room - Caribe Royale Hotel, Fine Dining

 

[mickeymotto]

I've never eaten at the Orlando locations of these, but I recommend the already mentioned Perkins (especially their pancakes!) Buffalo Wild Wings, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (hibachi style like Teppan Edo, but they're going to give you more food than Teppan Edo does. A bit more expensive too), and Bubba Gump's!

Totally agree with Flippers Pizza.

In June after eating at Tokyo Dining at EP, DS1 was hooked on sushi. He researched restaurants in Kissimmee and found Ichiban Buffet at 5268 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (East in Kissimmee - across from Krispy Kreme Donuts). It is all you can eat oriental buffet, sushi and hibachi grill restaurant. It has become a favorite. They have everything....all kinds of oriental food, fruit, pizza, shrimp, crab legs ($4 extra), desserts, ice cream, freshly made sushi, hibachi grill, everything.

Thanks for your input! We have all agreed on Bubba Gump and we love sushi too. If we can't score our beloved California Grill ADR, we may consider this as a back up, so thank you!

They are located only about 5 mins away from Animal Kingdon Lodge. As you approach AKL, make a left at the light right before the hotel gate and go down a couple of miles until you reach Rte 192. Make a right onto 192 and Chuy's is on your right (almost immediately).

I know exactly where that is! We got lost (well not really lost, but adventurous) down that way once. I'm glad it is close to where we will be staying. I know once we are ready for dinner, I am usually too tired to go too far.

A few:

- Sweet Tomatoes (salad bar/soup bar/some pizza/buffet style) - 2 locations: one is in Crossroads Plaza at the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd (near Downtown Disney) and the other on 192 west of I-4, in the Target center, probably a couple of miles from the Disney intersection on I-4.

- Several at CityWalk at Universal: Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump's, NBA, etc. You do not need Universal admission, but go after 6:00 as parking is much cheaper (it used to be free, but I think its $5 now)

- Chevy's (southwest), also at Crossroads Plaza

- Also at Crossroads Plaza: Fuddrucker's, TGI Friday, Moe's Southwest Grill (+ Taco Bell, McDonalds) and more

- OF course, there's also Downtown Disney with many, many places (Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, Earl of Sandwich (cheap!), House of Blues...)

Sweet Tomatoes was already on our list of possibilities for a lighter meal and a lot of the Universal recommendations are some we have decided on so far. I'll post a list of those we have decided on to narrow it down soon. I'm happy to hear you like some of our choices already!

Big Fn Seafood Kitchen. Huge portions, great service. FABULOUS food.

Is that Big Fin?

 

[mickeymotto]

OK, you have a lot of suggestions, but what about a great breakfast?

http://www.firstwatch.com/locations/19652-first-watch-plaza-venezia-orlando-orlando

http://www.kekesbreakfastcafe.com/hunterscreekmap.html

TWO great places not very far from Disney property and both worth the trip!

OMGarwsh! Thank you so much for these recommendations! They look fabulous! I read the menus for both and they have some great options. Definitely bookmarking these, it is just what we were looking for for breakfast!

 

[mickeymotto]

Our must do's are: Miller's Ale House on 192 (if going to dinner prepare for possible wait), Smokey Bones on 192 and 535, and Earl of Sandwich DTD. We've only done breakfast at WDW and favorite is O'hana's. Planning to try Whispering Canyon during upcoming trip. Did character breakfasts when kids were younger, not a big fan for the kids did not seem to eat due to being so preoccupied with everything else.

Millers is definitely on our list. How long of a wait in October do you think? We did the character meals with the kids too with Ohana and Crystal Palace being our favs. We are doing CP one morning to get in early as a bonus and Boma cause we will be at AKL for a few days and we love their food. I really want to book Ohana, but keep wanting to try some new places this trip too. Again....wish I could just add more days!

Our (nearby) Off-Site Recommendations:
. . . Bull & Bear - Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek, Fine Dining
. . . Café D'Antonio - Celebration, Casual Italian
. . . Columbia - Celebration, Casual Spanish/Cuban
. . . Fish Bones - Hwy192, Seafood
. . . Venetian Room - Caribe Royale Hotel, Fine Dining

I have not heard of any of these, but I will checking them out for sure. We are looking for a mix of both fine and semi-casual dining this trip. Maybe one of these???

 

[princess aleya]

I recommend Giordano's Pizza & Miller's Ale House. Miller's always has specials and the food is plentiful.

 

[smiths02]

Sweet Tomatoes is a good, cheap, "light" buffet (if that isn't an oxymoron).

 

[mickeymotto]

OK! Here is our list so far:

While at Disney: (4 nights)
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Jiko
California Grill (If they ever open up the ADRs)
Flying Fish
Boma (Breakfast)
Crystal Palace (Breakfast)

While at Universal: (4 nights)
Bubba Gumps
Mythos
Three Broomsticks
Margaritaville

Off Property near Disney (6 nights)
Millers Ale House
Roy's Hawaiian


I really appreciate everyone's recommendations. Please keep them coming. Also, I do appreciate any feedback on our selections. Especially those at Universal and off property, since we are less familiar with those. We are pretty set with our Disney selections, as they are some of our favorites.

We still have a few lunches/breakfasts or brunches to plan too. We were thinking Earl of Sandwich and WGP Express possibly, only because we know they good. So I love checking out all these new options!

 

[mickeymotto]

I recommend Giordano's Pizza & Miller's Ale House. Miller's always has specials and the food is plentiful.

Another vote for Millers!

Sweet Tomatoes is a good, cheap, "light" buffet (if that isn't an oxymoron).

We were thinking along the same lines with this!

I did check out their menu and it all looks a very healthy option, which can be a great choice after indulging while in the parks.

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

wow, doesn't look like you(or any of us) will go hungry while on vac at wdw!!