Favorite non-Disney dining locations

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

This was our first trip in a while that we didn't have the DDP, so we got to explore some restaurants that weren't previously available to us -- Garden Grove at the Swan, and Victoria and Alberts (wow, what a night that was!) We also made use of the kitchen in our villa for a few meals -- also a first for us.

It was also the first trip in a while that we had a rental car, so we were also able to get off property a little. One restaurant we tried out in town was Sweet Tomatoes, which my parents had recommended to us. We really enjoyed this! It's a salad and soup bar with a truly wonderful selection. It made for a really nice change-up from the carb-heavy meals we'd been having all week.

What other places do folks like to go when venturing past Mickey's property line?

[jiggerj]

I have never dined out of the "bubble" of WDW. But would like to someday! So I am very interested in hearing others replies as well.

Just curious- So what did you make in your Villa? And fill us in on your V&A experience! :)

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Where to begin.

One of our favorites is Cafe Tu Tu Tango on I-Drive. It's an Artist Loft/Performing Arts Tapas bar. It has a very large, eclectic appy menu. Seating options are traditional tables/booths, living type furniture with coffee tables and bar stools at either the bar or food prep counter. We like the food prep counter.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Sharks Underwater Grill at Sea World. Coral reef is no competition for this place. If you like Coral Reef, you will love SUG. If you don't like Coral Reef, you will love SUG.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Bergamos, located at Festival Bay on northern end of I-Drive. Extensive Italian menu, huge wine list. But the real kicker is the waitstaff. They are all classically trained singers. Opera, Irish Tenors, Show Tunes. Broadway. They are incredible. Your waiter may fill your water glass and then belt out a beautiful rendition of Danny Boy.

Give yourself at least two hours for this meal.

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Shogun, Japanese Steak house, located on I-Drive.

If you[ve been to Teppenyaki in the Japan pavillion, than you know what to expect here. Why you may not expect is the price, 'bout half of what you'd pay in Epcot. Also, the chefs - IMO - have better skills and fresher jokes.

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Just curious- So what did you make in your Villa?Hidden Mickey pancakes w/ bacon the first morning. (Hidden Mickey pancakes were my own invention on this trip... with a small spoon, put three connecting circles of pancake batter on the griddle in a Mickey pattern. Let them cook for a 20-30 seconds, then use a ladel to pour a full pancake over top of it. The Mickey pattern in the middle will cook slightly darker than the reset of the pancake.)

Another morning, it was french toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon. And on the last day in the 2-bedroom (using up all the eggs before moving to a studio), it was a huge cheese omelete.

I made spaghetti one night. We had it as a dinner with salad, garlic bread and meat sauce the night I cooked it. (Cooked up two full boxes to have lots of leftover noodles. The leftover noodles later transferred to the fridge in the studio. We'd stop and get a cup of soup from the marketplace. I'd heat the noodles with some butter in the microwave, then pour the soup over the top as a sauce.)

Another night I made a Low Country boil -- Shrimp, sausages, red potatoes boiled in old bay seasoning. It was supposed to have corn-on-the-cob in it too, but Wal-Mart didn't have any corn. (I was cooking while the rest of the group was down at the pool. When they came in, they said everyone in the hall was talking about how wonderful our room smelled. lol)

One night was a seven-layer Mexican dip with tortilla chips.

We also had large bags of pizza rolls and tater tots that got heated up in the oven on several occassions for the kids late night after the parks.

[BVC4RT]

Off site dining - Giordano's for Chicago pizza. TooJays for deli sandwich (yum) and killer chocolate cake (food coma)

City Walk is ok as a change of pace. There may be free parking after 6PM or 7PM but check first as it may be limited to certain times of the year.

I have not been here but heard it was good, Texas de Brazil (carnavore feast - Brazilian steakhouse)

[nono]

D'Antonios in Celebration. Very nice dining room, without prices to match! :)

[matysgranma]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Seasons 52. This is, IMHO, one of the best restaurants off property. We make it a point to always eat here at least once a trip.:eating:

[nono]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Seasons 52. This is, IMHO, one of the best restaurants off property. We make it a point to always eat here at least once a trip.:eating:

Yep, like that one too, but haven't been in 2008, so didn't want to recommend! Glad to know it is still good!!!! Love it for lunch!

[Niki]

Emeril Lagasse's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal is really good. A chef's take on Polynesian food. Very pretty and relaxing place.

A favorite small chain is Maggiano's Little Italy on I-Drive. Great menu, even carry-out. My favorite is the family style for 4 or more people. For about $24 you get all you can eat family style entrees. Two appetizers, 2 salads (chopped is awesome), 2 pastas(Rigatoni D is my favorite), 2 meat/fish entrees and two desserts. The apple crostada and chocolate profiteroles are to die for. What you don't eat, you can take back to the villa. No wasting food at Maggiano's. Comparable to Disney in price, but beats their family style places, hands down.

[ghost1000]

We like to have breakfast at the iHOP on Apopka-Vineland Road. It's closer to Disney property than our local iHOP is to where we live.

And if we don't go to the T-Rex Cafe, we may have dinner at Celebration Town Tavern again.

[DAK2005]

If you want a nice sports bar then check out Millers Ale House on the 535. It's a good walk from Saratoga Springs. But for a 3.00 pitcher of beer I'm in.
Also lots of cast members go there.

[DiZ NeE 08]

what? $3 for a pitcher of beer!!! holy dang!

[shell045]

I'm making a note of the suggestions here. We like to venture off property for some meals.

For a family meal we like to go to Logans Roadhouse. I know this is a chain, but it is inexpensive, good food.... a step above Outback w/ better side dishes.

Any sushi recommendations?

[DiZ NeE 08]

"Welcome to DVCnews.com shell045"

where is that Logans Roadhouse located?

[ghost1000]

If you want a nice sports bar then check out Millers Ale House on the 535. It's a good walk from Saratoga Springs. But for a 3.00 pitcher of beer I'm in.
Also lots of cast members go there.

Is Miller's Ale House at 477 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs, FL?




where is that Logans Roadhouse located?

Here are the locations of Logan's Roadhouses in Florida:
http://www.logansroadhouse.com/locations.aspx/FL

[shell045]

There are a few Millers Ale House, the closest one is just outside the Hotel Plaza Bvd entrance ( exiting by Downtown Disney).
Address- 12371 State Road 535, Orlando, 407-239-1800

Logans is on Irlo Bronson Hwy - 1 mile east of Interstate 4 ( opposite Old Town)
Though I see someone posted the link, thanks.

Thanks for the welcome , I jumped over from the DIS forum.

[shell045]

Yep, like that one too, but haven't been in 2008, so didn't want to recommend! Glad to know it is still good!!!! Love it for lunch!

I live in NY and see there is one of these restaurants in NJ, not too far from my home. I will try it up here. The website is nice and the menu looks great.