*** (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
***** (5 stars)
Indeed, in a city of BBQ joints, this is the best. At most BBQ places I lik sliced pork, but the ticket here is either the “burnt ends”, a mixture of beef and pork from the edges that is seared to perfection and mixed with BBQ sauce, or the brisket, which is best just as a lump on your tray rather than a sandwich. Most of the sides are less exciting than these two entrees, although the do have some tasty (and caloric) desserts.
4 Rivers Smokehouse
1600 W Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 474-8377
http://www.yelp.com/biz/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-park-2
***** (5 stars)
The Table offers one of Orlando’s most unique concepts. One table, 18 seats, no choices. Food and wine and even the tax and tip included (in fact, prepaid) at one reasonable price. The chef was a culinary instructor, and the cooking shows. They pride themselves on never fixing the same thing twice. Tonight menu depends upon what their micro suppliers happen to deliver from the local produce and meats and fish that were caught that day.
The evening begins with Champagne and passed hors d’ouvres as you get to know your fellow diners. Then you are seated and enjoy a multi-course food and wine pairing. In my experience, people tend to linger over the last course, enjoying the conversation and the last of the wines. By the end of the evening, you will have some new friends.
The Table
8060 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 900-3463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-table-orlando
**** (4 stars)
Although some people (notably restaurant critic Scott Joseph) don’t like the build it yourself concept of this place’s order form-like menu, I love it. You can assemble whatever ingredients suit your fancy, and do something different on each visit. The burger was nicely cooked, juicy, and had just what I wanted. Fries were just okay.
Pine 22
22 E Pine St
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 574-2160
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pine-22-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
The ambiance of this place elevates it above an ordinary steak house. I particularly like the raise seating in the bar, where the waiters are happy to bring you appetizers. A great stop after a concert at the Amway.
Kres Chophouse
17 W Church St.
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 409-7227
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kres-chophouse-orlando-2
**** (4 stars)
This place is run by the former owner of one of Orlando’s better gourmet food trucks. The cooking transcends typical barbecue, although that’s certainly the emphasis. A nice assortment of sauces are served with the BBQ items, but the highlights of our meal were the flatbreads, corn and crab chowder, and the cornbread. Pricing is very reasonable, especially for lunch items. You’re getting a sit down restaurant meal for the price of counter service. Good ambience, and a nice selection of beer and wine. Owner rob and our server were both very gracious and helpful.
Red Eye Bar And Grill
2594 Maguire Rd
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 877-0003
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-eye-bar-and-grill-ocoee
**** (4 stars)
This is really a fun place. If you make your reservation by phone they give you a password. I haven’t had any luck getting a password when doing it through opentable, so I guess you have to call. there is no sign unless the valet is out, in which case there a little one on his stand. Go halfway past the pool, turn left and knock on the wooden door. Give them the password and you’re in. Most of the table are in private little alcoves, and the place is really dark. The food is an eclectic collection of high end bar food. Favorites are the gourmet sliders and crostini, the lobster deviled eggs, and the waffle/maple/bacon sundae. The mixed drinks are all wonderful, and a real step back in time. 4 stars for food, 5 stars for ambience and uniqueness.
Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club
2109 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-0022
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ciros-speakeasy-and-supper-club-tampa
**** (4 stars)
I’ve long regarded Bar Louie’s Chop Chop salad as the best salad in Evanston, IL, but it had never occurred to me to try the Bar Louie here in Orlando. Well, it’s a pretty darn good salad here, too. Since I think of the place as a sports/live music bar, this is somehow surprising. Took the crew from work here, and everyone loved it, especially the pretzel appetizer (which is more like pretzel bread than sticks) with three delicious dips. The place is pretty empty at lunch time, so a far different ambiance than when the band comes on at 9:30, I’m sure.
Bar Louie
7335 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 608-5190
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-louie-orlando-3
**** (4 stars)
Back in the 80s we somehow accidentally stumbled upon this place in the dark one night. Once you visit, you’ll realize how unlikely an event this was, given how it’s tucked away in a little canyon. That night, even though the restaurant had only been open a couple of weeks, we had a delightful meal, with fresh game and attentive service in an exotic hunting lodge setting. We’ve been going here ever since.
Saddle Peak Lodge is perhaps LA’s most unique restaurant, given its colorful history and unique decor. If you’re put off by mounted hunting trophies, this isn’t the place for you. But if great elk, quail or other game is your thing, this is the place.
It’s a particularly good ambiance for holiday dinners, and has become our Thanksgiving standard. Brunch is also popular, with outside seating that can be zipped up when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Saddle Peak Lodge
419 Cold Canyon Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-3888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/saddle-peak-lodge-calabasas
**** (4 stars)
The Bristol is an upscale restaurant that manages to avoid being too crowded and too noisy while still achieving a trendy vibe. The narrow, brick-lined space is lit sparingly, making it good choice for intimate conversation and romantic dinners. While the tables are fairly close, they are aligned in a way that doesn’t seem invasive.
There’s a reason everyone talks about the duck fat fries. They’re surprisingly un-greasy, perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and nicely seasoned, served with a wonderful garlic aioli.
We also really enjoyed the wagyu beef, which was just the right mix of meat and fat, charred yet still perfectly medium rare on the inside, and served with a delicious red pepper sauce. The trout and the tempura broccoli were just okay.
Dishes are served family style, so go with people who enjoy sharing and tasting lots of different things.
One member of our party had many allergies, and the chef marked up a menu for her, showing her what she could have and what he could modify. Very nice.
The wine list is extensive, and prices are fair, although there are no bargains.
Service was friendly, and the bus boys were particularly on the ball with plate removal and water refills. In fact, I’d go so far as to say the service was impressive. This is a very good restaurant, flirting with great. Definitely worth a visit.
The Bristol
2152 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bristol-chicago