Off site restaurants

[bloomcruisers]

Chevy's, Bahama Breeze and Tommy Bahama's *Side note - no one's mentioned the new White Castle's

Drove by the White Castle around 5:15. At least 1/2 dozen police cars there with lights flashing. Thought at first that some incident must have happened. But no, just directing traffic for the crazy lines backed up to get in.

 

[Pooh's World]

Hash House A Go Go

I'm interested in this. Never been there but saw it across the street from Sonic.

What is good there?

 

[hertamaniac]

At Siam Thai Cuisine on I-Drive is also an excellent eatery.

 

[FastPasser.]

What are everyone's favorite offsite restaurants? I will have a car this trip and looking to try some non disney options.

Good idea. Too numerous to mention though. Although there are a few restaurants that standout, most Disney and non Disney restaurants at WDW fall short. Unless I get the CM discount, I eat off property. They're easy to get to, better prices, no parking hassel and you won't have to walk a quarter of a mile to reach it. Plus you don't have to reserve months in advance. I prefer them.

 

[kathy884]

For something moderately priced: + 1 for Ford's Garage, a chain that is mostly just in Florida. They have one in Dearborn, MI (Ford Headquarters) too. Fun theming. Here is a link: https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/

A more expensive option (almost a whole evening of entertainment with the artists and taro card readers) is a small plates place called cafe tu tu tango. My nephew who lives in Orlando is who first took me here: https://www.cafetututango.com/

 

[herdtoDisney]

4 Rivers! It has an Orlando cult following! Definitely more of a "local" place.

4Rivers is awesome! I actually have not been to the Orlando one, but go to the one in Tampa, and have been to the one by the Daytona Speedway.

First Watch (a regional chain) has really really good breakfast!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I'm interested in this. Never been there but saw it across the street from Sonic.

What is good there?

We've been multiple times and haven't been disappointed yet. Their burgers are massive and delicious. The chicken pot pie is MASSIVE and can easily be shared between 2 people. Their meatloaf is excellent (probably one of MY favorite things on their menu....either as part of breakfast or as a dinner entree), and their chicken and waffles is a house specialty [and one of my husband's favorite dishes there]. Some of their meals come with their HUGE house made biscuits, and they are fabulous with their homemade strawberry preserves.

Portion sizes here are gigantic. Be sure to come hungry and be prepared to roll out afterward.

Here's a couple of photos from our last visit there in April.

 

[fla4fun]

Right. I understand that there are no more state or local restrictions in Florida. I’m wondering, though, what the area restaurants are actually doing?

Your best bet is to check their websites or call them, if there is a particular restaurant you want to visit. Things have been changing so quickly that what is accurate today may not be accurate tomorrow.

 

[sugliac]

They talked about it on the Tuesday show, but the Waldorf Astoria has Bull and Bear which is great.

 

[Darcy03231]

La Granja, 2809 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL.

We went there on a recommendation from my son's co-worker who used to live in the area. It doesn't look like much, but the food is fantastic. We were there for 10 days and ended up eating there 3 times. Prices were reasonable and the portions are large.

 

[Diswiz99]

KeKe's Breakfast Cafe - best breakfast on or off property!

 

[CarolynFH]

KeKe's Breakfast Cafe - best breakfast on or off property!

Do they take reservations, or is it all first come, first served? Are weekends packed, weekdays less so?

 

[Diswiz99]

Do they take reservations, or is it all first come, first served? Are weekends packed, weekdays less so?

We actually just went today and there was no wait at 930, but there was a short wait when we left at 1020. I believe only first come, first served.

 

[BonnieA]

We always go to KeKe's. It is a must for us. Also, a bit of a drive but we love Tarantino's. Great Italian food.

 

[EACarlson]

Charleys Steakhouse (I Drive or Celebration) - as long as you like steak.

And are willing to pay for it. To this day it is still the most I've ever paid for dinner for two. Best steak I've ever had too.

 

[LovesTimone]

Are the area restaurants back to full capacity, without restrictions?

Local here... there is no rock solid across the board answer... so it depends on what restaurant, some of the chains restaurants have their own rules and restrictions... so you can see any mix of rules, or request... most of the mom and pop places the locals eat at are back at 100 percent, and no-one is wearing a mask. Alot of the places are having a terrible time getting people to come back to work...Not getting into a discussion about this, just stating what is happening...so somewhere that might want to open 100 percent can't as there are not enough people to work and fill the needed shifts... DD is a server at a upscale restaurant, and she has been back to work since May of last year, she was one of the first to be called back. She said that they finally got tired of asking people to come back, and have quit asking and decided to now start hiring, she did say that last week, the applications started pouring in... DD does the training, and she is going to be starting back training and is schedule to train all month...

 

[LovesTimone]

Local here...

So not in any order...

First Watch, there are several locations... great breakfast, if you come in the fall the pumpkin pancakes are just Delicious!.

KeKe's pretty fair, depends on which locations. I just think that they are okay...

Hash House a Go Go.... amazing breakfast... and lunch... portion sizes are huge, totally easily shared and them some... the grilled mashed potatoes are sooooooo good...

4 Rivers and Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ... so I think that 4 rivers has really great sides and alot to choose from, and yes locally it has a huge following... I will say that I do prefer the how the meat is cooked at Bubbalou's, the sides are good here as well... 2 different styles... Sonny's BBQ would be in third place, I will say it is consistent, and a good value...

San Jose's and Agave Azul... both really great Mexican... San Jose's is more laid back, and the food is really good, great margarita and sangria, and the prices are very reasonable.

Fancy Sushi, this is a very small local place, like 10 tables - they have really great Japanese food... Bento box for lunch and dinner portions and prices differ.... prices are really good for fresh made sushi, and they have a whole list... and do a very brisk to go business...

Hawker's is another nice Asian fusion place.

Season's 52... very nice, great wine list, and the food is really amazing... the dessert here are soooo well Yummy!

There is restaurant row, Sand Lake... Dr. Phillips area... https://www.orlandoescape.com/restaurant-row/

then all the restaurants on I-drive...

I would research what you might be interested in, and then keep up with whats happening... double checking hours opened...

 

[winterwhite]

We love Plant St Market in Winter Garden. It’s a marketplace with lots of different food stands and a brewery in the cute little downtown. It’s about a 15min drive from the western side of Disney.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Polo Tropical, Logan's Steakhouse, Chuy's, Giordano's,

 

[TCunningham]

Right. I understand that there are no more state or local restrictions in Florida. I’m wondering, though, what the area restaurants are actually doing?

I would say for the most part they are. The biggest problem they are having is finding people who want to work since most service folks make more sitting at home on UE right now.