Category Archives: Orlando

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

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**** (4 stars)

This is a big old cavernous place that does a lot of good stuff with fresh seafood. It can get really loud, so if you don’t want that ask to sit in the back room. Sushi isn’t their strong point, but they do offer some, along with oysters and other shellfish. I really like the salads and fish dishes. Good bread, too. Reasonably priced wines, unlike most of the other restaurants in the area.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen
8046 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 615-8888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-fin-seafood-kitchen-orlando

Cantina Laredo

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*** (3 stars)

I’m not sure what to say about this place. I like the ambiance and the food, but every time my wife and I eat here we don’t feel well, so we’ve stopped going. It must be some spice they use. Good chips and salsa, and good margaritas. There are some interesting twists on typical TexMex, so if it agrees with you, it could be a good choice.

Cantina Laredo
8000 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-0186
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cantina-laredo-orlando-2

Ocean Prime

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**** (4 stars)

A good choice if you can’t decide between steak and seafood. The place can (will) get quite loud, so ask for a quiet table (one of the booths is best; booth 58 is ideal).

The tuna tartare appetizer and the house salad are standouts. Jalapeño au gratins are a great choice for a side, and are not particularly spicy.

There is an extensive selection of wines by the glass at reasonable prices.

Service is exceptional, perhaps the best on all of restaurant row. Live music on Thursday through Saturday is loud in the bar, but perfectly piped into the dining room.

Valet parking is available for those who can’t be bothered to walk fifty feet.

Ocean Prime
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 781-4880
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-prime-orlando

J. Alexander’s

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*** (3 stars)

A disappointing and not particularly successful copy of Houston’s (now Hilstone’s). Table service is uneven, and the food is just okay. Sandwich pricing is for tourists, so it’s impossible to get lunch for less than about $20 with tip and drink. Happy hour is a good deal, but no better than Morton’s or Flemings, where the steaks and burgers are better.

J. Alexander’s
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-1039
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-alexanders-orlando

Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster

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**** (4 stars)

In a city full of steak houses, this is the best. And it’s not a chain, although the old name (del Frisco’s) was leased from one. But now taking on the founders’ name (Christner) is remains Orlando’s best. Leather booths, low lighting, and professional servers create a great ambiance.

Steak is served a bit undercooked, and finished at your table on a plate that you DON’T want to touch. Lobster tails are the best I’ve had anywhere. The house salad with blue cheese is great too. Sides are just okay.

Of course none of this is cheap, but it’s worth it. The wine list is extensive and pricey, so mixed drinks might be a better choice, and in fact fit the ambiance quite well.

Christner’s Prime Steak and Lobster
729 Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 645-4443
http://www.yelp.com/biz/christners-prime-steak-and-lobster-orlando

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar B Que

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**** (4 stars)

Bubbalou’s has been doing its thing for a long time, and at this location for close to 20 years, so they must be doing something right. The pork sandwich is my favorite here, and I prefer it sliced to pulled. For a splurge, ask for it on the grilled toast rather than the bun. Beans and fries are excellent accompaniments, but the best thing about the BBQ here is the sauces. I like to mix the sweet and hot.

Newly discovered secret: their wings are delicious! Try the sweet ones and add some hot bbq sauce.

Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar B Que
5818 Conroy Windermere Rd
Orlando, FL 32835
(407) 295-1212
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bubbalous-bodacious-bar-b-que-orlando

Flippers Pizzeria

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**** (4 stars)

This is an older Flipper’s location, so it’s a bit seedy, but not in an off-putting way. It actually encourages us to eat lunch at one of the tables out on the sidewalk, which are far enough from Kirkman to be quite pleasant. Service is super friendly, and you can’t beat the incredible lunch deals, which include a drink and a generous pizza, calzone or salad.

Flippers Pizzeria
4774 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 521-0607
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-12

Flippers Pizzeria

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**** (4 stars)

This Flipper’s is a bit nicer than some of the others, and the food is identical. Pizza and salads are good, but my favorites are the calzones. Try them with extra ricotta. Service is prompt, although the kitchen can be slow at lunch time. The lunch prices are incredibly low for a complete meal with a drink.

Flippers Pizzeria
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2213
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-11