Orlando, FL

DarkStar11 · 12-15-2021, 12:05 AM

Any suggestions for food (not just 'que, any type) in or around Orlando? We won't be going to any Disney properties, though I've heard there are some surprisingly great restaurants there.

Thanks!

Big George's BBQ · 12-19-2021, 11:22 AM

PM TC Smoke and Q He seems to go to the Disney Orlando area regularly

ronbrad62 · 12-19-2021, 11:29 AM

Whatever you do, don't let them convince you that the food at the naval training facility is good! My Company Commander down there said that the food we're served won't be tasting like your mother's, she cooks all the nutrients out of it, so the food you get here is going to be crunchy, but it's going to be full of nutrients. And they wonder why I didn't reenlist.

Stingerhook · 12-19-2021, 12:22 PM

For a decent burger.
https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/locations/kissimmee/

DarkStar11 · 12-19-2021, 09:11 PM

We just came back today, so I didn't get to hit Ford's Garage - but will make a point to next time around! It looks great!

Here are my brief notes in the event they may be useful to future travelers.

Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ - got the brisket & pulled pork combo with mac & cheese, beans, coleslaw, and Texas toast. The brisket was terrible. Had no smoke flavor at all, was tough and stringy, and a very tiny amount of beef for the price of the plate. The pulled pork was pretty decent, had good flavor and was moist. The sides were not good.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ - Billed as a NC BBQ place, so I got the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and mac & cheese. The sandwich was pretty good - better pork than Bubbalou's. Sort of expensive for a pork sandwich with one side ($14).

Beth's Burger Bar - pretty decent local place. Not the best burger ever but better than 5 Guys, Smashburger, Mooyah, etc.

NYPD Pizza - very good NY pizza. Pasta dishes were just okay.

Ciao Italia Ristorante - family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. It's better than any higher-end Italian restaurant I've eaten at in Dallas, but not as good as several in Chicago, NY/NJ, and Baltimore.

Thai Thanni Thai - this was the best food on the trip. Amazing staff, killer food, and a spectacular environment. I had the Tiger Tear beef and may have involuntarily drooled a little after the first bite. I'd travel back to Orlando just to eat here again.

Regarding the BBQ - it reminded me how fortunate I am to live in North TX with a ton of good options around. And the ability to make some okay stuff in my own back yard. The prices seemed higher, too - not just for BBQ, but for everything. Groceries were higher, gas was higher. Maybe it's just Orlando on the food, but gas prices were the same between Orlando and Tampa - and a good $.20 - .30+/gallon higher than TX.

If you happen to be in Orlando and want a small escape, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is very close by, very quiet, has a few short and very easy trails.

I'll try to post a few pics if any are decent and I get around to it.

Raider18 · 12-20-2021, 03:19 PM

Glad you had a great time. Sorry, I didn't see this, but I got to Orlando often. For BBQ I like 4 Rivers and the though on Disney Property (Disney Springs) the Polite Pig. Big Fire at Universal City Walk is awesome as well with the best Whiskey collection I've ever seen.

12-15-2021, 12:05 AM	#1
DarkStar11 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-31-04 Location: North Texas Name/Nickname : Kevin	Orlando, FL Any suggestions for food (not just 'que, any type) in or around Orlando? We won't be going to any Disney properties, though I've heard there are some surprisingly great restaurants there. Thanks! __________________ [size=1]Weber SSP, Q1200\| OK Joe Bronco \| Rec Tec \| Camp Chef FTG[/size]

12-19-2021, 11:22 AM	#2
Big George's BBQ somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 02-07-08 Location: Framingham, MA Name/Nickname : George	PM TC Smoke and Q He seems to go to the Disney Orlando area regularly __________________ Large BIG Green EGG- Hatched 8/17/09 Backwoods Extented Party- sold Weber Genesis Gasser Mid Atlantic BBQ Association KCBS Back Porch BBQ Competition BBQ Team Proud Member of the Zero Club When all else fails ask yourself WWGALD

12-19-2021, 11:29 AM	#3
ronbrad62 somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-16-16 Location: Johns Creek, Ga. Name/Nickname : Ron	Whatever you do, don't let them convince you that the food at the naval training facility is good! My Company Commander down there said that the food we're served won't be tasting like your mother's, she cooks all the nutrients out of it, so the food you get here is going to be crunchy, but it's going to be full of nutrients. And they wonder why I didn't reenlist. __________________ Ron Join us for the South East Bash in Lebanon, Tn. May 4, 2024 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...usp=drivesdk)] Bash planning thread here https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/s...d.php?t=305951

12-19-2021, 12:22 PM	#4
Stingerhook somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 02-13-12 Location: SE Florida Name/Nickname : Marty	For a decent burger. https://www.fordsgarageusa.com/locations/kissimmee/ __________________ Marty UDS now gone, WSM 18", WSM 22" and pellet pooper in the garage for 18 months now.

12-19-2021, 09:11 PM	#5
DarkStar11 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 10-31-04 Location: North Texas Name/Nickname : Kevin	We just came back today, so I didn't get to hit Ford's Garage - but will make a point to next time around! It looks great! Here are my brief notes in the event they may be useful to future travelers. Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ - got the brisket & pulled pork combo with mac & cheese, beans, coleslaw, and Texas toast. The brisket was terrible. Had no smoke flavor at all, was tough and stringy, and a very tiny amount of beef for the price of the plate. The pulled pork was pretty decent, had good flavor and was moist. The sides were not good. Brother Jimmy's BBQ - Billed as a NC BBQ place, so I got the pulled pork sandwich with slaw and mac & cheese. The sandwich was pretty good - better pork than Bubbalou's. Sort of expensive for a pork sandwich with one side ($14). Beth's Burger Bar - pretty decent local place. Not the best burger ever but better than 5 Guys, Smashburger, Mooyah, etc. NYPD Pizza - very good NY pizza. Pasta dishes were just okay. Ciao Italia Ristorante - family-owned traditional Italian restaurant. It's better than any higher-end Italian restaurant I've eaten at in Dallas, but not as good as several in Chicago, NY/NJ, and Baltimore. Thai Thanni Thai - this was the best food on the trip. Amazing staff, killer food, and a spectacular environment. I had the Tiger Tear beef and may have involuntarily drooled a little after the first bite. I'd travel back to Orlando just to eat here again. Regarding the BBQ - it reminded me how fortunate I am to live in North TX with a ton of good options around. And the ability to make some okay stuff in my own back yard. The prices seemed higher, too - not just for BBQ, but for everything. Groceries were higher, gas was higher. Maybe it's just Orlando on the food, but gas prices were the same between Orlando and Tampa - and a good $.20 - .30+/gallon higher than TX. If you happen to be in Orlando and want a small escape, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is very close by, very quiet, has a few short and very easy trails. I'll try to post a few pics if any are decent and I get around to it. __________________ [size=1]Weber SSP, Q1200\| OK Joe Bronco \| Rec Tec \| Camp Chef FTG[/size] Last edited by DarkStar11; 12-19-2021 at 11:40 PM.. Reason: typos

12-20-2021, 03:19 PM	#6
Raider18 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-22-13 Location: Texas Name/Nickname : Mike	Glad you had a great time. Sorry, I didn't see this, but I got to Orlando often. For BBQ I like 4 Rivers and the though on Disney Property (Disney Springs) the Polite Pig. Big Fire at Universal City Walk is awesome as well with the best Whiskey collection I've ever seen.