Restaurants close to Universal

[crazyfordisney2000]

We will be staying 3 nights at PBH and I would like some close, off-site suggestions of restaurants in the area. We are a family of 4, kids 10 & 12yrs, also , we don't like seafood. One I think we will try is Texas de Brazil. Any other suggestions?? Thanks!!

 

[mikehn]

Not far from Universal is W. Sand Lake Rd. where there are all kinds of restaurants. One that I like is called Roccos taco and tequila bar. One of my favorites is Millers Ale house, on Kirkman Rd.

 

[JillyBean1899]

We will be staying 3 nights at PBH and I would like some close, off-site suggestions of restaurants in the area. We are a family of 4, kids 10 & 12yrs, also , we don't like seafood. One I think we will try is Texas de Brazil. Any other suggestions?? Thanks!!

Directly across the street from the Portofino is the Orlando Ale House. OMG YUMMIEZZZ!!! I *LOVE* this place. The last time I was there they did $5 Zingers (boneless buffalo wings) on Mondays, they have a kid's menu, they have bar food, they have "real" food, they have a *TON* of beers on tap (if you're drinkers), plenty of TVs if sports are on, laid back atmosphere. They've got indoor and outdoor seating areas if the weather is nice, but be forewarned, they can be *VERY* busy at times, so you might want to call ahead if you're pressed for time (or just to get food to go).

Oh, and one more word of warning ... those $11 chicken nachos on the appetizer menu ... when they say "ENORMOUS", they aren't kidding. I've seen that thing feed 4 adults. Not as cheap as fast food, but not as expensive as a fancy restaurant, either. I'd say they're about on the level of a Chili's/TGI Fridays/Applebee's on price.

 

[marylandteachergirl]

We're you able to walk to the Ale House, or did you drive?

Thanks!!!!

 

[KodakFigment]

From the Portofino you are about 5 miles away from pretty much any type of food you would want. To the NE is the Millenia mall area, the SW is Sand Lake with Restaurant Row, directly south is Kirkman / International.

A suggestion about going to a Brazilian house. We have enjoyed Fogo de Chao on International much more than Texas de Brazil. About the same cost.

 

[JillyBean1899]

We're you able to walk to the Ale House, or did you drive?

Thanks!!!!

If your kids are 10 and 12, walking would be doable, it's just a pain. You go out to the main road (Universal Blvd), turn left, turn left on Major Blvd, cross Kirkman and go to the left, and it will be on the right before you get to the light at Vineland. Google Maps says it's an 11 min walk, but they have you magically floating across the lagoon, so it's probably more of a 15-20 min walk depending on how fast you walk and how long you have to wait to cross Kirkman (6 lanes of traffic, but you do have a crosswalk and signal).

Personally, if I had a car, I'd just drive it. Much less hassle. Plenty of parking behind the restaurant if it's full out front.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Thanks everyone!! Anyone else try Fogo de Chao and prefer it over Texas de Brazil? We have never been to either restaurant. Any other specific restaurants that serve local fresh food? We have been to Seasons 52 and loved it!

 

[powellrj]

Thats funny, we liked Texas de Brazil more than Fogo, I guess its personal taste. If you do decide to go to Texas de Brazil, about 2 weeks before you leave, sign-up for their email club for some really great coupons! We don't really like it, but Sweet Tomatoes is really close and a huge disboard favorite. Once again they have really good coupons from their email club!

 

[jeff968]

Check out "The melting pot". A lot of fun at a fondue restaurant. You cook your own appetizers, dinner, and desert (chocolate) right at your table. It is located right on Sand lake, only a few minutes from Universal. Food is very high quality but it is a little pricy.

 

[nancipants]

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. There's one on Kirkman Road right across from Universal. You could probably walk there from Portofino.

It's so delicious, and fun for kids, too.

 

[JillyBean1899]

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. There's one on Kirkman Road right across from Universal. You could probably walk there from Portofino.

It's so delicious, and fun for kids, too.

That's right next to the Ale House, so if you get over there to go to one and it's really busy, just walk to the next door down and go to the other

 

[nancipants]

Oh yeah that's right, I couldn't remember if the Ale House was in the same shopping center or not.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Awesome, thanks!! We love Teppanyaki so we usually go to Teppan Edo. Maybe this time we will try the Japanese Steak House instead! The melting pot sounds good too, I will check that out. Nice to have options!!

 

[nancipants]

You can't go wrong with Kobe. They're pricey but you get tons of food. You can also make reservations on their website.