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24 Florida-based restaurant chains that are actually good

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Nov 9, 2018 at 9:12 pm

Florida, and especially Orlando, can seem like the land of chain restaurants, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Not all chains are crap, and some of our locally based ones are actually really worth your time. Here are a few of our favorite Florida-born chains and chainlets.

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Yard House

Locations: Orlando, Miami Beach, Naples, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Hallandale Beach, Palm Beach, Sunrise, multiple out-of-state
This California-founded, Orlando-based sports bar chain boasts the world’s largest selection of draft beer. Here you can enjoy all the American food classics, like steak, seafood, burgers and sandwiches.

Photo via Yard House/Facebook

Gator’s Dockside

Locations: 5 Orlando, Clermont, Jacksonville, Eustis, Gainesville, Yulee, Winter Springs, Ocoee, Tampa, St. Johns, The Villages, Ocala, Cape Canaveral, Apopka, Highland City, Apopka, Lake Mary, Lake City, Spring Hill, St. Cloud
Gator’s is one of the most quintessentially Floridian restaurants you can go to. It has a family-friendly sports bar feel, serving American comfort food, as well as offering actual gator meat.

Photo via Gators Dockside Ocoee/Facebook

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que

Locations: 2 Orlando, Apopka, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs
Bubbalou’s has been bringing barbeque to Central Florida for over 30 years. Each location provides a different menu, featuring classics like their award-winning baby back ribs and smoked chicken.

Photo via Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que/Facebook

Beth’s Burger Bar

Locations: 2 Orlando, Edgewood
Savor the burgers, shakes and booze at this Orlando-based “late-night big kid’s diner.” There is also a build-a-burger option, which offers a wide variety of topping selections.

Photo via Beth’s Burger Bar/Facebook

Dexter’s Restaurants of Orlando

Locations: Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Windermere
This local Orlando chain establishes itself as a casual hangout where customers can enjoy a variety of wines and cocktails as well as fresh entrees made from locally sourced ingredients.

Photo via Dexter’s Restaurants of Orlando/Facebook