Sure, there are plenty of restaurant choices in Orlando, but trust us, these 20 hole-in-the-wall restaurants are worth the drive to Kissimmee for very delicious reasons. From authentic Mexican food to varying styles of Puerto Rican mofongo, there’s a daytime food adventure here for everyone.
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant
1804 W. Vine St., Kissimmee, 407-507-0176
This little blue and yellow building is sure to brighten up your day. Enjoy authentic mexican tacos and flautas and maybe even grab a beer bucket with your friends while you’re there.
Photo via Facebook/El Tapatio Mexican RestaurantBig John’s Rockin’ BBQ
324 Broadway, Kissimmee, 407-483-7770
This family-friendly BBQ joint will have you feeling like a local in no time. Surrounded by rock-’n-roll albums and concert posters, enjoy slow-smoked ribs, chicken liver and gizzards or a giant baked potato topped with brisket, pork or chicken.
Photo via Facebook/Big John’s Rockin’ BBQAbracadabra Ice Cream
520 N Main St., Kissimmee, 407-201-2509
If you’re going to drive all the way to Kissimmee, you should probably stop for dessert. You can choose an ice cream,yogurt, sugar free or lactose free dessert mixed with all your favorite toppings like red velvet cake, peanut butter, strawberries and oreos, just to name a few.
Photo via Yelp/Jo M.Buchito
131 Broadway, Kissimmee, 407-483-7813
This Cuban restaurant in downtown Kissimmee is loved by locals for its strong coladas and delicious food that tastes like your abuelita’s. Try their Benny Cuban sandwich or one of the dishes named after one of the local politicians who love to frequent this spot.
Photo via Facebook/BuchitoJ Crab House
4807 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, 407-250-3914
This place may look like a tiny hole-in-the-wall, but don’t be fooled. Tie a bib around your neck and get crackin’ on fresh crab, shrimp and more.
Photo via J Crab House/FacebookKing O Falafel
5045 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, 407-250-3914
Falafel, gyro, baklava, oh my! Get in line and pile up your plate at this Mediterranean-style eatery. Everything is made from scratch so it’s totally worth that drive.
Photo via Yelp/Merilyn G.El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
4565 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, 407-390-1959
Enjoy authentic Mexican food right in Kissimmee. They have everything from grilled pork to ceviche to vegetarian options. Make sure to stay for the flan or fried ice cream.
Photo via Yelp/Lora G.La Fiebre Del Sabor Criollo
5805 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, 407-577-7338
In the vast land of food trucks, this one is sure to stand out. Known for their generous portions of dishes like tostones rellenos,churrasco and jibarito, you won’t want to pass this truck by.
Photo via Yelp/Damaris N.Lechonera El Jibarito
1985 S John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, 407-518-7755
What’s better than a whole roasted pig? Not much. For the classic Puerto Rican taste of Lechón, this is the place for you. With authentic flavors and occasional performances to go along with your food, you’ll be truly immersed in Puerto Rico.
Photo via Facebook/Lechonera El JibaritoM&M’s Cafe Dominican Restaurant
2533 Old Vineland Road, Kissimmee, 407-507-0176
From start to finish, tostones to tres leche cake, M&M’s will have you wanting more. Located in a strip mall, it may be hard to miss, so keep your eyes open.
Photo via Facebook/M&M’s Cafe Dominican RestaurantMelao Bakery
1912 Fortune Road, Kissimmee, 407-348-1777
This place is more than just your average bakery. They serve dishes like tilapia, carne fritas, camarones and so much more. Satisfy your craving for Latin food, sweet or savory, while you’re in Kissimmee.
Photo via Yelp/Jordan W.Mi Casita BBQ
102 S. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, 407-944-3360
Don’t be fooled by the appearance, Cuban restaurant Mi Casita BBQ is worth a second glance. Their cuban sandwiches are something to write home about, but no matter what you get, you’re sure to bite into heaven.
Photo via Facebook/Mi Casita BBQNati’s Southern Seafood Boil
231 Broadway Ave., Kissimmee, 407-201-3387
Calling all lobster and crawfish lovers, we have a place for you. Nati’s offers two pound baskets of lobster, crab and there’s plenty of shellfish to go around, too. If you’re bringing the family why not try the crab and shrimp family feast? It comes with five pounds of crab, one pound of shrimp, corn, sausage, garlic toast and potatoes. Bring a huge appetite.
Photo via Facebook/Nati’s Southern Seafood BoilPupuseria Maya
2108 Michigan Ave., Kissimmee, 407-577-7338
Located in a strip mall, this place may seem hidden, but it’s packed with flavor. Tamales, fajitas and sweet plantain empañadas for dessert are just a few gems on the menu.
Photo via Facebook/Pupuseria MayaTropico Mofongo Restaurant
3160 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, 407-397-7666
If you want traditional mofongo, look no further; after all, it is in the name. This New York Times-reviewed restaurant is more than just the mofongo, serving speciality sandwiches, fried pork, snapper, octopus and they even have a menu for the kids.
Photo via Facebook/Tropico Mofongo RestaurantSol de Borinquen Bakery
2510 Michigan Ave., Kissimmee, 407-935-0035
Latin sandwiches, a bakery case full of homemade pastries and an affordable cost for all. This place is a must.
Photo via Yelp/Veronica B.Woodsby’s Cafe
4515 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Kissimmee, 407-932-2252
Sometimes all you crave is that classic southern-style comfort food. Woodsby’s is the place to go. They serve meals like open-faced roast beef sandwiches, country-fried steak and gravy and pie to top off your meal.
Photo via Facebook/Woodsby’s CafeEl Cilantrillo Restaurant
3628 W. Vine St., Kissimmee, 407- 201-4505
For a slice of Puerto Rico, you’ll want to stop here. The menu has everything from mofongo to stuffed snapper to speciality smoothies with flavors like guava and piña colada. The portions are big and the food packs flavor, so bring your appetite.
Photo via Facebook/El Cilantrillo RestaurantCoqui Snacks
3018 Lions Court, Kissimmee, 407-846-4126
This pint-sized Puerto Rican restaurant specializes in empanadas, taquitos and mini donuts. Stop by on a Saturday for a special serving of pinchos with tostones.
Photo via Coqui SnacksPoblanos Mexican Restaurant
4747 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, 407-818-4582
This Mexican restaurant may not seem like much hidden away in a strip mall, but it’s worth the stop. Feast on tacos, chili nachos, enchiladas and molcajete (that’s just a few dishes to choose from!) and you made need a to-go box for these large and delicious portions.
Photo via Yelp/Monica F.