Sonny’s BBQ

They really missed an opportunity when they remodeled this space into a Sonny’s. I use the word “remodeled” loosely, because there really is no decor. I’ve been in warehouses with more ambiance. Perhaps that accounts for it being largely uninhabited on a Friday at lunch hour.

That lack of customers didn’t translate into attentive service, though. It was largely missing as well. I even went searching for our server at one point, and short of going into the kitchen did my best to locate anyone on duty.

The cheese curd appetizer was not recognizable as cheese curds, but it was okay, more like conventional cheese battered and deep-fried. Certainly there was no hint of the dry rub coating, but had it been described differently I would have been perfectly happy with it.

The BBQ food is pretty much Sonny’s standard, which is to say average barbecue with a good assortment of sauces. I had the three-meat combo and was surprised that I found the chicken tenders the best item, of all things. The St. Louis ribs could definitely not be accused of falling off the bone, and were definitely not worth the upcharge. Sonny’s baked beans are good, though, as is the coleslaw slaw.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sonnys-bbq-orlando-8

Amor y Chile Mexican Food

There are three Mexican restaurants within a few blocks of each other in Lake Buena Vista, and each has their pluses and minuses. If you’re looking for margaritas, go to El Patron. If you want very Americanized food, go to San Joses. But if you want authentic Mexican food, the Amor y Chile is your best bet.

The emphasis here is on traditional recipes such as molcajetes and Al Pastor. The tamales come in a corn husk, and the guacamole is obviously home made, with big chunks of avocado.

It’s a nice touch that complimentary, house-made chips are served with three sauces: green, red, and super spicy.

The place won’t win an award for atmosphere, but service is pleasant and the food is satisfying.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/amor-y-chile-mexican-food-orlando

San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant

There are quite a few San Jose’s in the area, but this one is definitely better than the others. It serves an extensive menu typical of American Mexican restaurants, so there isn’t really much in the way of authentic Mexican food, but it will seem familiar. 

There isn’t much in the way of acoustic treatment, so it can be quite noisy, even when not at capacity.

Note that the top shelf maragarita is made with a lot of orange juice, which is rather odd, so if you want a more traditional margarita maybe go with the house margarita.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-jose-s-original-mexican-restaurant-orlando

Torchy’s Tacos

Nice location for this chain. Counter ordering with table service. There’s a large outdoor area here, in addition to the indoor “garage” feel.

Our go-to starter is the Threesome, a combination of fairly spicy green chile queso, guacamole, and red or green salsa.

My favorite tacos are Mr. Orange (salmon), and Hellfire (jerk pork plus a really spicy dipping sauce).

Staff is pleasant and the service is fairly quick.

Unusual for counter service places, they have margaritas and other spirits.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/torchys-tacos-orlando

Paris Bánh Mí Kissimmee

This counter-serve place is light and airy, with nice seating and a great vibe.

My Grilled Pork Banh Mi was as good as any I’ve ever had. The secret to a great banh mi is great bread, and this baguette was fresh, yet crusty, and filled with crisp veggies. The sauce and pork were spot on, and there was plenty of cilantro and jalapeno. Just a terrific sandwich.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/paris-bánh-mí-kissimmee-kissimmee-2

Kungfu Kitchen

Even though it’s in a tourist area, this is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Central Florida. 

I don’t think I’ve ever had better dim sum, and the extensive, illustrated menu makes it really easy to order from. The seared soup dumplings (Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings) in particular were the best I’ve had.

The scallion pancakes are a bit unusual – more like a toasted flour tortilla than the traditional omelette-like preparation.

The large, airy space is inviting, and not too loud even when it’s busy. 

Service is really good.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kungfu-kitchen-no-title

Charm Thai and Sushi

It’s about time we got a decent sushi restaurant in this area, and Thai to boot! Excellent service and nice seating make this place a win,

The yellowtail carpaccio was really fresh and tasty, with just the right crunch to the jalapeños. Spicy salmon roll and Philadelphia roll were both good. And while my companion had sushi I had a delicious Yum Nua salad.

Now we don’t have to drive halfway across the county for good Asian food!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/charm-thai-and-sushi-windermere