Where to get some grub?

[jekajekalynn]

I think my title is self explanitory. lol Since we are staying offsite, I would like some ideas of some cool resteraunts in Orlando (and close surounding areas) to eat at.

Also, we want unique places, so please NO references to Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, Outback... etc . lol

So are there some cool resteraunts/cafes that are must tries for a group of adults and a small child? TIA!!!

 

[powellrj]

our new favorite is Texas deBrazil. There are lots of dinner shows if you like those. I am having a brain freeze and can't think of anymore!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I've heard very good reviews about Bahama Breeze :
http://www.bahamabreeze.com/index.asp (they're on SR 535 and have a kids' menu)

 

[jekajekalynn]

Also, are there any places that offer burgers and whatnot? My dh eats like he is a 5 year old, and I KNOW he wouldn't step foot in a place if they didn't have burgers or more "american" food.

 

['Canes Fan]

another vote for bahama breeze. we love ours. stay away from jungle jim's. the situation is that you're going to be in the biggest tourist/chain restaurant area in the U.S. there are plenty of regional (think floribbean) fares available, but not near WDW.

 

[powellrj]

We like caddyshacks, hard rock, margaritaville, planet hollywood, House of Blues too. A lot of people like race rock but we haven't been there.

 

[Ted and Holly]

We recently tried out the new Houlihans on the west end of 192. It was pretty good and the service was great.

Ted

 

[Lisa P.]

Definitely Bahama Breeze! Good food, reasonably priced, very nice Caribbean atmosphere and different from most places. The newer location is not far from the Crossroads and the first one is up on International Drive. Menu: http://www.bahamabreeze.com/menu.asp

Also, try Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney or at the entrance to AK, if you would be going to one of the parks that day anyway and don't have to pay for parking just to eat there. The environment is different from most restaurants, with jungle (animatronic) animal displays that start to move every 10 minutes or so. It can be loud but fun for something different. Menu: http://www.rainforestcafe.com/

Both of these places can have huge lines and long waits so go earlier than usual to avoid that.

We had a very good meal at Bahama Breeze, then drove over to Animal Kingdom Lodge afterward to see the place and look at the animals. We were stunned to see several dishes on one of the AKL's restaurant menus using the same ingredients and charging more than double the price. We preferred the atmosphere at Bahama Breeze as well. It was nice to go outside to view the animals.

Remember that you may eat at any Disney resort restaurant, even if you are not visiting the parks that day. You may make reservations 90 days in advance, even staying offsite. For example, consider Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge for something different from home. Menus: http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm#wl HTH!

 

[ducklite]

We recently tried out the new Houlihans on the west end of 192. It was pretty good and the service was great.

Ted

Houlihans is a chain just like TGIF. Not sure if you knew.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

They are a chain, but not huge yet, and started right here in the Orlando area:

Tijuana Flats.

Great Meixcan in a "fast food environment", but fresh cooked and MUCH better than Taco Bell.

Another Mexican place that's a true "sit down" style meal is Santiago's in the base of the Citrus Tower on Route 27, about a mile north of Route 50 in Clermont.

Anne

 

[Ted and Holly]

Houlihans is a chain just like TGIF. Not sure if you knew.

Anne

I am aware.

With the exception of the WDW restaurants, there has not been a place listed in this thread that is NOT a chain.

Ted

 

[suzannews]

Another Mexican place that's a true "sit down" style meal is Santiago's in the base of the Citrus Tower on Route 27, about a mile north of Route 50 in Clermont.

Anne

I haven't personally tried Santiago's yet but have not heard a bad review yet.

We also had a good lunch at Houlihan's last weekend.

For great Italian and pretty close to NY pizza, try Bruno's on west 192 across the street from JT's. Its on the left side if you are going west towards 27. If you blink, you might miss it. (BTW, we have not had good experiences at JT's.)

 

[ducklite]

I am aware.

With the exception of the WDW restaurants, there has not been a place listed in this thread that is NOT a chain.

Ted

Santiago's isn't a chain.

Do'nt you guys have a restaurant in your neck of the woods at one of the golf courses that's supposed to be good? The one in Legend's is good, but not worth making the trip for.

Anne

 

[Ted and Holly]

Santiago's isn't a chain.

Do'nt you guys have a restaurant in your neck of the woods at one of the golf courses that's supposed to be good? The one in Legend's is good, but not worth making the trip for.

Anne

Ok one wasn't a chain.

There are a couple good restaurants at the Omni in Champions Gate.

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?topic=dining&h_id=65

Not too far from WDW and easy to get to.

I have heard that there is a decent Brunch at the clubhouse of the Champions Gate course, but I haven't been there.

Ted

 

[misskrystal]

The Peabody Hotel has three really nice restaurants. We stayed there and tried them all.

There's a 50's style diner, which your dh might like. Has great burgers and sandwiches and fantastic deserts. There's also a nice steak restaurant and an up-market place with an amazing selection.

If you go early, you might even get to see the ducks march. Great if you have kids!

 

[MommyTo5]

I think my title is self explanitory. lol Since we are staying offsite, I would like some ideas of some cool resteraunts in Orlando (and close surounding areas) to eat at.

Also, we want unique places, so please NO references to Chilis, Applebees, TGIFridays, Outback... etc . lol

So are there some cool resteraunts/cafes that are must tries for a group of adults and a small child? TIA!!!

Giordano's Pizza has the most amazing Chicago-style pizza!!! It's a must for us on EVERY trip!!!

~ Angie
MommyTo5

 

[Kimberly815]

We like to avoid the 'chains' that we have locally, but still have to keep prices within our budget.

Two of our favorites are Steak and Shake and Waffle House (I love having breakfast for dinner). We don't have either chain here up North, and they are both very cost effective.

 

[Scotfan]

Pebbles at the Crossroads is good, and I think there are only 2 or 3 of them locally - could be wrong though.