Whether it’s waiting in traffic or in line at a theme park, here in Orlando, waiting seems like a second nature to residents. Most do not want to wait even more for their food at restaurants. However, some can be worth the wait. Here are a few local restaurants that usually have long lines, but are totally worth it.
Pizza Bruno
3990 Curry Ford Rd
Pizza Bruno is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, featuring classic ingredients as well as more unique topping options, such as hot honey and blueberries. This restaurant has no phone and does not take reservations, so you can usually find people waiting at the outside picnic tables. Luckily, there’s beer.
Photo via Pizza Bruno/FacebookBlack Rooster Taqueria
1323 N Mills Ave | (407) 601-0994
Though there is always a long dinner rush, this Mexican restaurant makes it worth the wait with its array of tacos and bowls. Also, you can’t miss out on the chocolate chipotle flan.
Photo via Black Rooster Taqueria/FacebookKadence
1809 Winter Park Rd
This hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant is so small and busy that you need a reservation to get dinner there. Without a reservation, you will be lucky to get a seat, as this small building only has nine seats around a single counter. Usually, people can be found standing around the counter while eating their sushi because the food is worth the inconvenience.
Photo via Orlando WeeklySe7en Bites
617 Primrose Dr | (407) 203-0727
This breakfast / brunch location is best known for its freshly baked sweets and southern comfort food. Due to its popularity — so much so that the restaurant was featured in Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives” — lines are known to go out the door.
Photo via Se7en Bites/InstagramMorimoto Asia
1600 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista | (407) 939-6686
Owned by Iron Chef winner Masaharu Morimoto, this Pan-Asian restaurant was made to draw in crowds just by nature of being located in Disney Springs. From sushi to dim sum, Morimoto Asia has a variety of Asian foods to choose from.
Photo via Morimoto Asia/FacebookPig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa
1326 N Mills Ave | (407) 203-0866
Pig Floyd’s has a wide variety of barbeque dishes from all over the world, offering bánh mì sandwiches, cheesesteak sandwiches, bento boxes and tacos. However, they run out of chicken early every day, so make sure to get there early.
Photo via Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa/InstagramSapporo Ramen
5080 W Colonial Dr | (407) 203-6777
As Orlando’s original ramen spot, a line can always be found here, especially during lunchtime on weekends. Luckily, the lines move quickly, so lots of customers can still enjoy the authentic Japanese noodles.
Photo via Orlando WeeklyPDQ
11906 Narcoossee Rd | (407) 956-4127
Partially due to the fact that this location is new, the drive-thru lines can last an eternity. However, the fresh chicken tenders and nuggets, homemade sauces and hand-spun milkshakes make it worth the wait.
Photo via PDQ/InstagramThe Polite Pig
1536 Buena Vista Dr | (407) 938-7444
If you want a quick bite at Disney Springs, this is one of your better options. The Polite Pig specializes in smoked meats and southern-style cooking. Though there is almost always a line, you can wait at the bar.
Photo via The Polite Pig/FacebookThe Ravenous Pig
565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park | (407) 628-2333
This cozy American gastropub offers everything from burgers and fish tacos to caramelized cauliflower ravioli. Also, owners James and Julie Petrakis pride themselves on using ingredients sourced in Florida, creating dishes based on “the best seasonal foods the Sunshine State has to offer.”
Photo via The Ravenous Pig/FacebookThe Strand
807 N Mills Ave | (407) 920-7744
The concept for this restaurant is “New Old,” as it combines traditional American tastes with a modern twist in both food and decor. The Strand offers brunch, lunch, and dinner options.
Photo via The Strand/FacebookThe Stubborn Mule
100 S Eola Dr, Suite 103 | (407) 930-1166
Though the brunch patio crowd is fierce, this contemporary restaurant keeps customers coming back with its trendy ambiance and New American-style food. The Stubborn Mule offers brunch and dinner.
Photo via The Stubborn Mule/FacebookVoodoo Doughnut
6000 Universal Blvd | (407) 224-2690
With its Orlando location being the only location on the U.S.’ east coast (and being at Universal’s CityWalk), Voodoo Doughnut is bound to be crowded on even the calmest of days. But their quirky doughnut variety — with flavors like bacon maple, bubblegum, grape dust and Captain Crunch — keeps people waiting in those crowds.
Photo via Voodoo Doughnut/FacebookGideon’s Bakehouse
3201 Corrine Dr
Due to such a high number of requests, Gideon’s Bakehouse does not have a phone number anymore and only allows you to buy six cookies at a time without preordering. However, their assortment of cookies and cakes are well worth all the restrictions. Chocolate lovers should especially look out for this place, as it features cakes such as “3 Layer Chocolate Chip” and “Chocolate Everything.”
Photo via Gideon’s Bakehouse/Instagram4 Rivers Smokehouse
400 S. Orange Ave | (407) 270-6400
With locations all across the state, 4 Rivers is a Florida classic. This restaurant is known for its signature angus brisket and pulled pork stackers. It is every meat lover’s dream.
Photo via 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Downtown Orlando)/FacebookAgave Azul
4750 S Kirkman Rd | (407) 704-6930
Agave Azul is known for its authentic Mexican flavors — from ceviche to fajitas to tacos. These along with the modern and vibrant atmosphere inside keep customers coming despite long waits.
Photo via Agave Azul Orlando/FacebookBetter Than Sex Dessert Restaurant
1905 N Orange Ave | (407) 761-8949
Perhaps the most adult aspect of this restaurant is that you can skip dinner and go right for the dessert. With many dessert options with R-rated names, this restaurant is a great novelty stop for couples.
Photo via Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant – Orlando/FacebookPrato
124 N Park Ave, Winter Park | (407) 262-0050
This restaurant offers a modern take on classic Italian dishes, such as pretzel-crusted calamari or “Widowmaker” pizza. It’s hard to find a time when this place isn’t packed, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
Photo via Prato/FacebookDomu
252 N. Park Ave, Winter Park | (407) 628-8651
Domu is known for its house made ramen noodles and Asian small plates, serving both brunch and dinner. The line can be unrelenting, though, as even famous singer Sam Smith wasn’t spared the wait when he visited Orlando.
Photo via Domu/FacebookBriarpatch Restaurant
252 N. Park Ave, Winter Park | (407) 628-8651
Even with astronomically long brunch lines, menu items such as their French toast and eggs benedict, as well as their homemade ice cream, keep people coming back for more. From the food to the atmosphere, Briarpatch is all about the southern charm.
Photo via imsarahchristine/Instagram
