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Every year in our annual Bite dining guide, we consult Orlando’s newest and best-loved restaurants seeking comfort (food). This year, we rounded up more than 50 restaurants where we found big flavors in casual restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and other Phil Collins-friendly establishments (no jacket required). Click through to find your new comfort food fix or click the links below to skip right to the kind of food you’re craving:
CasualB&B JunctionLocal grass-fed beef and a farm-to-table approach is the hook, which seems to be working. The bison rules, but be sure to order it “pink.” The No. 6, with an infernal coat of ghost-pepper cheese, is a hellaciously good choice. For vegetarians, there’s a house veggie patty and some stellar grilled cheeses; craft beers on tap and house-made desserts make for very happy endings. 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-513-4134; $CasualBeth’s Burger BarBeing pigeonholed as a late-night pit stop is inevitable when you’re situated in the downtown core and stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends, but Beth’s Burger Bar is worth a visit even during sober daylight hours. Beth’s takes a down-to-earth approach to patty-stacking, eschewing the trend for designer burgers with a thousand toppings in favor of a straight-up, old-school approach with old-school pricing. 24 E. Washington St., 407-650-4950; $Casual4 Rivers SmokehouseIt’s all about the smoked-to-perfection Angus beef brisket at this popular Texas-style smokehouse; be prepared to wait in line. Heady sides set this barbecue joint apart from the rest: smoked corn relish, sweet and meaty baked beans, and cream-cheese-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon. Multiple locations, 4rsmokehouse.com; $$Image viaCasualBurgerFiWinter Park burger joint is loud and proud of its all-natural Angus burgers, though flavors can ebb and tide depending on the choice of patty. The double cheeseburger is stellar; the quinoa burger will appease vegetarians. Also on the menu: Wagyu beef hot dogs and frozen custard “concretes.” Prices are a bit steep, but, hey, rustic-PoMo-industrial decor doesn’t come cheap. 538 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-622-2010; $$CasualCave Inn BBQCaveman-themed barbecue joint executes the necessities to keep Winter Garden ’cue hounds in check. “Extra saucy” is how they do, but we didn’t care much for the hoisin-barbecue slather on the riblets, the vinegary steak sauce on the rib-eye, nor the mango-chili baste on the chicken wings – but that doesn’t mean you won’t. On the plus side: the brisket was wonderfully tender; the sweet potato tots crisp; and the tea sweeter than the stuff you get in Georgia. 13848 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, 407-614-8328; $$Image viaCasualGiraffas Brazilian Steaks & BurgersBrazilian-style burgers and steaks leave much to be desired at Giraffas, but try telling that to the throngs of Brazilian tourists looking for a taste of home. We found steaks to be overcooked, and burgers didn’t compare to their American counterparts. Beef Stroganoff was weirdly sweet, but marinated chicken ribs and desserts were much better, ensuring a spicy-sugary high. Open daily. 5415 International Drive, 407-226-9191; $$CasualChristo’s CaféVenerable College Park diner celebrates its throwback image by proudly serving classic American fare, as it has for decades. Breakfasts have the hungry and hungover clamoring for tables, and for pre-noon faves such as deep-fried French toast and Greek omelets. 1815 Edgewater Drive, 407-425-8136; $Image viaCasualGraffiti JunktionProdigious patties for the post-grad set seems to be Graffiti Junktion’s function; the crowd is young and the digs run to squatter-chic embellishments. Skip the salad and chili and head straight for the beefed-up burgers, served on homemade buns. A full bar keeps the scene lively and the din uproarious. 900 E. Washington St., 407-426-9503; also 2401 Edgewater Drive, 407-377-1961; $$Image viaCasualGreens and GrilleThe salads and sandwiches assembled here are luxurious versions of everyday basics. High standards of quality are apparent in the dressings made from scratch, super-fresh salad ingredients and natural, hormone-free meats grilled to order. Don’t miss the balsamic-braised portobello mushroom or the rich, gooey homemade macaroni and cheese; accompany your meal with a glass of wine or a craft beer. 4104 Millenia Blvd., 407-770-1407; also 11325 University Blvd., 407-373-0123; $$Image viaCasualHamburger Mary’sWhile diversity is key at this gay-friendly burger joint, the menu is unquestionably all-American. Hefty, gloppy burgers satisfy, as do triangles of addictive fried mac-and-cheese, and meatloaf is a must. Desserts like fried Twinkies and Mary Tyler S’mores will test your ticker. 110 W. Church St., 321-319-0600; $Image viaHot Dog Heaven
5355 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807, 407-282-5746
Hot Dog Heaven has been open since 1987 selling authentic dogs from Chicago. The dogs are made of 100% pure Vienna beef.
Photo via Hot Dog Heaven/FacebookCasualHubbly Bubbly Falafel ShopFast-casual College Park eatery places an emphasis on quality and tradition with a focused offering of falafel and spit-fired meats. Rib-eye/lamb shavings are perfect in pita pockets, as is the turmeric- and paprika-rubbed chicken, though both can be enjoyed in salad or hummus bowls. For starters, fried cauliflower dipped in a lemon-tahini “Lilly” sauce is the way to go, and for a light capper, the lemon slushy is good sweet fun. 3405 Edgewater Drive, 407-985-5841; $CasualJulie’s WaterfrontThere’s good cooking going on at Julie’s on Lake Jennie, far enough south of downtown not to be trendy, but still a lure to locals – from the mayor to the Everyman. Sit in the plastic chairs on the back deck to down the famous fried seafood and pitchers of cold beer. Or go for lighter options like veggie quesadillas, hummus and tabouli. 4201 S. Orange Ave., 407-240-2557; $Image viaCasual’Kesh RestaurantEclectic UCF-area resto offers a mishmash of delights to in-the-know patrons, many of whom come for gourmet tacos, stand-out sandwiches, plump Chicago-style hot dogs and home cooking. The Taylor Street beef sandwich and the pork soft tacos with mole and house-made queso crumbles are stellar. If the grilled cornbread is available, order it. Desserts vary, but handspun milkshakes in flavors like rose petal, spicy chocolate almond and peanut butter and ginger are out of the ordinary. Closed Sundays. 11768 E. Colonial Drive, 407-203-0801; $CasualMaxine’s on ShineNeighborhood jewel offers an eclectic Italian-esque menu in a casual, intimate atmosphere. Pasta and fish dishes are deftly executed; the nutrient-rich kale in the Cobb salad offsets the decadent bacon, egg and blue cheese. Wine list is ample and studied. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday. 337 N. Shine Ave., 407-674-6841; $$Image viaCasualPom Pom’s Teahouse & SandwicheriaWant interesting sandwiches (Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving is a cult classic), unusual tea (raspberry-rose, tiramisu rooibos), killer desserts (lavender-peppercorn crème brûlée), and a cheery, art-filled atmosphere? Find it all here. Open 24 hours Friday and Saturday. 67 N. Bumby Ave., ?407-894-0865; $?Image viaCasualRed Eye Bar & GrillOcoee bar and grill keeps the focus on barbecue, and rightfully so, though perfect steaks and enormous grilled wings give the robustly smoked brisket a run for its money. Dollars are less wisely spent on starters like the fish dip and crab-corn chowder, but bananas Foster is a blissful meal-ender. 2594 Maguire Road, Ocoee, 407-877-0003; $$CasualTako CheenaAn eclectic offering of tacos, burritos and arepas stuffed with mostly Asian (but also Indian and African) fillings sets this taqueria apart from the rest – along with the loud music and edgy art. Empanadas are a must to start, then dive right into the sublime panko-crusted cod taco. Burritos are substantial, and the sauces – especially habanero-jackfruit and sweet chili with smoked ghost pepper – are sublime. 932 N. Mills Ave., 321-236-7457; $Image viaCasualThat One SpotThe drolly named That One Spot is a hipster burger joint right down to the graffiti mural, but that hasn’t scared off the suburbanites. Crowds line up patiently for the spectrum of 13 burgers comprising red meat, other meats and two veggie options. The curry chicken burger has a surprising flavor burst, and the crunch burger was an absolute beauty – it’s the one you’ll be hankering for until your eventual return.
10968 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee, 407-877-7575; $CasualThe CoopCan John Rivers capture lightning in a bottle twice? Signs point to yes, and the smart money is on the Coop being just as popular as 4 Rivers Smokehouse. Fried chicken is the obsessed-over special here, but do not pass up the chicken pot pie, Low Country shrimp and grits, or stunning sides including creamed corn and three-cheese mac & cheese. End with a fried cherry hand pie. 610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-843-2667; $CasualToastedAppealing to the basic human need for cheese and bread, Toasted deserves high praise for their simple, albeit sleep-inducing curds wedged between grilled artisan bread. The braised brisket-and-fontina and fig-and-goat are grilled cheese options worth enjoying, as is the herbaceous “holy basil” burger. Even vegans can get in on the fun with house-made vegan cheese and burgers. Open daily. 1945 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3922; $CasualToojay’s Gourmet DeliGourmet deli holds its own with regards to tradition, doing justice to chopped liver, matzo-ball soup and cheese blintzes. But the menu opens up to contemporary palates as well with wraps, pastas, omelets and salads. Don’t leave without a big black-and-white cookie. Multiple locations, toojays.com; $Image viaCasualYellow Dog EatsCharming family-owned eatery is bigger and better after surviving a fire. The dog-friendly Gotha garden spot is still serving sophisticated sandwiches like the Yellow Dog club (pioneer bread with Cointreau mayonnaise, honey-mesquite turkey, smoked Gouda, bacon and red-leaf lettuce), creative veggie options and killer pulled pork. 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, ?407-296-0609; $Image viaFood to Drink ByAn Tobar600 N. Destiny Road, Maitland, 407-551-7627; $$$Image viaFood to Drink ByCarmel Café & Wine BarStylish resto adds to steadily growing list of tapas joints along Orlando Avenue, though Carmel forgoes tradition in favor of “modern Mediterranean” fare that suits all tastes. Addictive chickpea fries, bold Tunisian chicken, spiced crab cakes and lamb-and-veal sliders make praise-worthy sharing plates. Beet salad with pistachios and a peppery mac & cheese will gratify vegetarians. 140 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-513-4912; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByChurch Street TavernWe love the Rust Belt vibe of the menu at this Pittsburgh-inspired spot downtown on Church Street. Such hearty fare as kielbasa sliders, Cincinnati chili (that’s five ways, for you Southern folk), cheesesteaks, chili fries and pierogis are the foundation of the menu, but for those who prefer to eat lighter (and, OK, healthier), there are salads, a seasonal fish dish and a sandwich or two that’ll be more to your liking. For the rest of us, though, there are five different kinds of fries to choose from. Five. Different. Kinds. 120 W. Church St., 407-353-4231; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByCricketers ArmsAfter stints at the Mercado and Festival Bay, this Brit pub gives the good folks of Dr. Phillips a healthy dose of Brit pride. On our visit the chips were below par, but the fish (crispy-battered cod) was spot-on – and the bangers and mash were right proper. Don’t overlook sausage rolls or savory pies. Bread pudding is so rich it makes downing a pint of Guinness seem like sipping Perrier. 7563 Sand Lake Road, 407-730-2111; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByDon Jefe’sThe food at this massive downtown bar/restaurant is modern Mexican – fish tacos, tortilla salads, nachos and chicken wings with ancho chili jam – and the atmosphere is ripe for a big old party. With four bars, more than 100 tequilas and craft-cocktail and specialty margarita menus, it’s a one-stop shop for everything you’ll need for a good night out in downtown Orlando. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays – $3 tacos from 4 p.m. until the kitchen closes. 41 W. Church St., 407-203-0873; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByEola Wine CompanyA true and very welcome wine bar that offers its wares by the glass or in 2-ounce sampler flights. If something grabs your fancy, racks of bottles line the walls. Eola Wine hops until midnight most nights, with a menu of grapes and brews that changes, along with a few small plates and desserts. 430 E. Central Blvd., 407-481-9100; also 136 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-9103; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByFiddler’s GreenDraft ales, lagers and stouts, plus traditional Irish fare (corned beef and cabbage) and more ambitious offerings such as grilled salmon with champagne sauce. This pub proves that a focus on flavor, presentation and service can spell “gourmet” for Irish cuisine. 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-2050; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByFrank & SteinsHot dogs and craft beer (franks and steins, get it?) are the signature menu items at this fun and somewhat quirky taproom. There’s an entire menu dedicated to signature franks (spicy Cubano dogs, classic Coney Island dogs, Polish sausages and veggie dogs, among others), as well as a build-your-own option. If hot dogs aren’t your thing, they’ve also got flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and snacks, as well as 300-plus beers to pair them with. 150 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-412-9230; $Image viaFood to Drink ByThe Gnarly BarleyA roadhouse that happens to serve great food, the Belle Isle brew pub features 10 beers on tap and a menu full of hangover preventers (or cures) like the “Snack Attack,” a mound of kettle chips buried under shredded chicken, blue cheese and salsa, and the “Johnnie Mac ’n Cheese” sandwich, a bombshell take on the French dip. 7431 S. Orange Ave., 407-854-4999; $Food to Drink ByThe Hammered LambA gorgeous patio with a full bar and 16 beers on draft offers views of Lake Ivanhoe on one side, and the roar of the train tracks on the other (but don’t worry, when the locomotive goes rushing by, the bartender hands out train shots). If you start to feel peckish while you party, peruse a menu full of creative sandwiches and wraps. 1235 N. Orange Ave., 407-704-3200; $Image viaFood to Drink ByHarry BuffaloThe sprawling menu at this downtown hang includes gourmet Kobe and bison burgers, tacos, wings and sandwiches, as well as classic main courses like prime rib, bourbon whiskey steak, BBQ ribs and grilled chicken and shrimp. Check ahead for specials – every night Harry Buffalo offers a deal on one of their signature items, like wings on Mondays and a fish fry on Fridays. 129 W. Church St., 407-422-6656; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByKiwi’s Pub & GrillThis laid-back sports pub hasn’t earned its reputation as a great place to catch a game for nothing – in addition to the neighborhood-bar vibe, it also boasts an inviting bar-food menu that includes such delectable munchies as sweet-corn nuggets, fried pickles and an Italian sausage sub. The $4.99 lunch specials change daily, and even if you come in after lunch is over, the price is still a sweet deal at just $6.25 for select sandwiches, salads, pizzas and more. 801 W. State Road 436, Altamonte Springs, 407-788-0223; $Image viaFood to Drink ByMarlow’s TavernMarlow’s offers tavern favorites for slightly more discriminating palates. Asparagus fries lay the foundation for more ambitious dishes, like shrimp and grits slathered in a roast tomato beurre sauce or a well-composed “Everything and the Kitchen Sink” burger. A handful of craft and local brews keep beer connoisseurs happy, and a sizable patio augments the restaurant’s relaxed vibe. Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, 407-351-3627; also 1008 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-351-3627; $$Food to Drink ByNona Tap RoomThe 50 beers on tap pack this humble Lake Nona bar and grill, but it’s the welcoming vibe and above-average pub grub that keeps area residents coming back. Start with bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers and “fire-hot” wings – burgers, be they Guinness-marinated half-pounders or proper-thick turkey variants, are above average and worth sampling with a(nother) brew. A beer club awards members who down 50 or 100 different beers. 9145 Narcoossee Road, 407-440-4594; $Food to Drink ByOblivion TaproomOne of the city’s better beer bars sits, unexpectedly, on a forgettable strip of Colonial Drive, with 40 beers on tap and more available by the bottle – but the meaty bar bites, inventive burgers especially, are what sets this place apart from the rest. Don’t overlook crisp battered-and-fried items or tots with house-made ketchup. Oddly enough, vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful. 5101 E. Colonial Drive, 407-802-4800; $$Image viaFood to Drink ByOllie’s Public HouseOllie’s has a robust array of sandwiches and salads – and though you’ll need to ask for your tableside jar of pickles, you can order a pickleback shot from the bar. The beer menu isn’t vast, but there’s enough to slake any average thirst. As for dessert, grilling s’mores at the table can make for some interesting moments in a bar. 3400 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-8934; $Image viaFood to Drink ByRogue PubMore than 100 beers to choose from – craft brews and the more mass-market kind – mean this a place no one will go thirsty; pool, darts, and the most complex jukebox we’ve seen mean it’s a place no one will get bored. 3076 Curry Ford Road, 407-985-3778; $Image viaFood to Drink BySea Dog Brewing Co.Sea Dog has the beers to impress, but the kitchen needs to catch up. Certain items, like the grindhouse burger, clam chowder and chicken wings, are worth considering, while others – overly spicy fish dip, a bland lobster roll and the saddest-looking fish and chips – should be passed over. 8496 Palm Parkway, 321-329-5306; $$Food to Drink ByShakaiTraditional Japanese cuisine and inventive sushi share the menu with steaks, duck and seafood in this gorgeous restaurant that transforms into a hopping lounge with bottle service and champagne after dark. Hit up happy hour on weekdays for drink specials, $3 and $5 sushi rolls, $3 appetizers and $2 sashimi, or come later on the weekends for DJs, ladies night and specials on bottle service. 43 E. Pine St., 407-423-2688; $$$Image viaFood to Drink ByTherapy Brew BarLet the menu at this craft-beer bar/wine lounge in downtown Orlando be the antidote to your long, frustrating day. A wide selection of brews and fine wines and a simple but satisfying selection of flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and light bites are perfect for happy hour. Think house-made sweet and spicy beer nuts, smoked salmon carpaccio and muffuletta paninis, with Guinness chocolate pudding for dessert. Yum. 111 E. Washington St., 407-601-7578; $$Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsB CupcakesMade fresh every morning at 6, B’s cupcakes are offered in intriguing flavors – we think the sweet potato cupcake, with its nutmeg hints and cinnamon cream cheese, should be as much a symbol of all that’s good with Dixie as Boss Hogg. The rum snowball is part of B Cupcakes’ 21-plus alcoholic collection, which also includes Kahlúa- and Baileys-infused cupcakes. Side your ’cake with a glass of flavored 2 percent, soy or almond from the milk bar. 127 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-660-2253; also 3030 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, 407-788-2253; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsBackhausIt means “bakehouse” in German, so delete any images of the backyard shack in your mind. Backhaus replaces the Orlando outpost of Yalaha Bakery briefly sited here on Orange Avenue, and offers a cornucopia of true traditional German breads, pretzels, and sausages and cured meats – not to mention a mouthwatering array of decadent sweet pastries. 1213 N. Orange Ave., 321-800-5212; $$Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsBarnie’s CoffeeKitchenLongtime Central Florida favorite is rebranding bit by bit. Elegant menus betray wide ambition; successful dishes like Turkish pots de crème and Israeli shakshuka prove they’re serious. Coffee service has been similarly modernized, with a pour-over station offering the smoothest cup you’ve tasted in a while. 118 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-629-0042; also 29 S. Orange Ave., 407-722-8363; $$Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsBlue Bird Bake ShopReal butter, fresh fruit and Madagascar bourbon vanilla are among the superior ingredients the bakers at Blue Bird use to create their amazing cupcakes, baked fresh in small batches every day. In addition to traditional faves like red velvet and strawberry, this shop also creates unique flavors. Try the chocolate Guinness or vanilla black pepper for a change of pace. 3122 Corrine Drive, 407-228-3822; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsDowntown CredoA satisfying dark-roasted bean that works well in espresso drinks (lattes, macchiato, cappuccino), pour-overs and straight-up drip coffee is served in a room as simple and satisfying as the menu, with clean lines, comfortable modern furniture and just enough embellishment to make the space appealing. The pay-what-you-will model is intriguing, and it seems to be working out for them. 706 W. Smith St., 407-250-4888; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsDrunken Monkey Coffee BarMeat, though present on the menu, takes a backseat to healthy vegan and vegetarian fare at this urban coffeehouse. Of note: liquid-gold soups and hearty vegetarian burritos. Sweet, chewy Anzac biscuits partner well with the Mojo Jojo, a coffee drink with cinnamon and sweetened condensed milk. Don’t overlook the fresh-squeezed juices. 444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsInfusion TeaSome special places offer more than what’s on the table, and while the teas and snacks are wonderful at this quaint corner spot, just as much nourishment comes from the “third place” environment created by Christina and Brad Cowherd. One of a few places in town to get creative vegan and vegetarian fare, as well as a great cup of tea. 1600 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-5255; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsJeremiah’s Original Italian IceIt’s like a sorbet, only more slushy. It’s not a snow cone, although it does come in a cup, in not-too-sweet and refreshing flavors such as mango, kiwi, tangerine, watermelon, red raspberry and passionfruit. 6864 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-679-2665; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsThe Pop ParlourArtisan ice pops combine grownup tastes with childhood fun. A rotating menu of flavors including watermelon, coconut-rum-chocolate, mimosa and Nutella with Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale makes it clear that the pop-crafters here (formerly part of the Hyppo chainlet) take fun seriously, and their commitment to organic and local ingredients where possible bears that out. 431 E. Central Blvd., 321-348-7677; $Image viaCoffee, tea and sweetsSe7en Bites On any given weekend, the tables inside will be occupied and the line to get into this Milk District bakery will be out the door. Accept it; embrace it; ain’t nothing you can do about it. Once you’ve come to terms with that inevitability, you can go about enjoying some of the finest baked goods in the city. Don’t skip the sweet that started it all, the salted caramel dark chocolate pecan mini pie, with its phenomenally buttery crust. 207 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727; $$Coffee, tea and sweetsThe Soda Fountain Ice Cream and GiftsSeeing a kid at the Soda Fountain slapping the display case begging for two scoops of rocky road is as common as seeing a hipster pop in to purchase a bow tie by Forage Haberdashery. The vibe at this ice cream store is undoubtedly eclectic, and that’s precisely the intent of owners Brad and Christina Cowherd (who also own Infusion Tea). Patrons are encouraged to draw on the chalkboard walls as they enjoy their sundaes, floats, shakes and egg creams. 2525 Edgewater Drive, 407-540-1006; $Coffee, tea and sweetsTeal’s Twisted Bliss Ice CreamWalk-up window dispenses daily-changing menu of homemade Italian ices (such as lemon, mango, cotton candy or chocolate chip) that can either be scooped alone or swirled with fresh soft-serve, then topped with a variety of sweet goodies. There’s an attached outdoor patio where you can sit and contemplate the results of your dabbling in the frozen arts. 1807 N. Orange Ave., 407-252-0454; $Image via
