4 Rivers Smokehouse

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***** (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

4 Rivers Smokehouse

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***** (5 stars)

Essentially a clone of the original 4 Rivers. 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. The outside seating here is spacious and not too noisy.

4 Rivers Smokehouse
1047 S Dillard St
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 474-8377
http://www.yelp.com/biz/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden

Soong Thai

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***** (5 stars)

This is an excellent Thai restaurant. It’s always busy at lunch, and yet the servers are always super efficient and kind, and the food is served promptly. They offer a long list of lunch specials, including many Chinese items for those who don’t like it spicy. And their extensive ala carte menu is filled with great stuff. Everything I’ve ever had here has been excellent, but my favorite is the shrimp in red curry. Lunch comes with a cup of soup that is a bit like wonton sup, but with super fresh ingredients added at the last minute, and it is slightly different every time. Subtle but delicious. Easily the best Thai on the west side.

Soong Thai
9448 W Colonial Dr
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 822-8200
http://www.yelp.com/biz/soong-thai-ocoee

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

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

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

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

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

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

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*** (3 stars)

Yet another restaurant row steakhouse. Prices are high, and steaks are good, but nothing extraordinary. Happy hour in the bar is a good deal. But Flemings has the stingiest wine pours in town. Despite the high prices per glass, they must be stretching a bottle at least to six pours, maybe more. There are better choices within two blocks.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
8030 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-5706
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flemings-prime-steakhouse-and-wine-bar-orlando