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The Restaurants
Coming Soon – look for reviews on
Bubbalous Bodacious Barbeque
Crabby Bills
Pachino’s
Arabian Nights
…and Plenty More!
Dixie Crossroads
***
$-$$
Specialty: Seafood (a kids menu is available)
Appropriate for all ages.
Location: 5401 Oakridge Road (the extreme north end of International Drive in the
Festival Bay Shopping Center)
Phone: 407-345-1311
Web site: www.dixiecrossraods.com
Dixie Crossroads Menu
The Orlando Dixie Crossroads has only recently opened. While most tourists have heard of the original Dixie Crossroads located in Titusville (near Cocoa Beach), not everyone is able to venture that far to enjoy it – luckily now they don’t have to. Dixie Crossroads is a family-owned and –operated eatery with a focus on southern hospitality, great service, and wonderful food, all quite reasonably priced I might add. With a menu consisting of mostly seafood, and a specialty of rock shrimp, seafood lovers will be delighted - and stuffed as the portions are generous and the food delicious. A small selection of ribs, steak, chicken, and burgers is available for land-faring folks in the family. This is a restaurant that’s appropriate for families with kids of any age as the atmosphere is definitely family casual. Picnic benches adorn the dining room, and the decor is down to earth. If you do get the chance to head over to the Space Coast, be sure to try the original restaurant with its hand-painted murals and its outdoor gardens, fish ponds, and fountains to explore.
LuLu’s Bait Shack
*
$-$$
Specialty: American (a kids menu is available)
Appropriate for all ages.
Location: 9101 International Drive (at Pointe Orlando)
Phone: 407-351-9595
Web site: www.lulusbaitshack.com
LuLu’s Bait Shack Menu
Located at Pointe Orlando, this eatery has a bayou-style atmosphere set in an open
warehouse-style building. There is plenty of indoor seating, with a few picnic tables on
the patio area. The appeal lies in its rather unique and casual atmosphere, they do
however offer a relatively varied menu – the fare however is quite average.
Bahama Breeze
***
$-$$
Specialty: Caribbean/Cuban/American (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for all ages; particularly appealing for adults.
Location: 8849 International Drive
Phone: 407-248-2499
Web site: www.bahamabreeze.com
Bahama Breeze Menu
This is one of my particular favorites. The menu includes a variety of unique offerings, most with a Caribbean or Cuban flair. There is a kids’ menu for those younger and less adventurous, though there are plenty of appropriate appetizers to choose from as well. The adults will appreciate the food and Key Weststyle atmosphere in this casual, family-friendly restaurant.
Try the Creole baked goat cheese and the Cuban sandwich--they’re just a sample of what awaits.
There’s a second location in Lake Buena Vista (8735 Vineland Road, Phone: 407-938-
9010).
The Ming Court
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: Chinese/Asian (a kids menu is available)
Best for kids over 6
Location: 9188 International Drive
Phone: 407-351-9988
Web site: www.ming-court.com
The Ming Court Menu
This is one of the best Chinese restaurants I have ever been to (and you don’t have
to take my word for it – it’s rated as one of the top Chinese restaurants in entire country).
The menu features entrées with an authentic yet creative flair. The elaborate exterior is a
reflection of its equally stunning interior. I particularly like the beautifully ornate dragon
that hangs from high above the center courtyard room. Though a bit more upscale than I
would usually recommend for families dining with children, the atmosphere is still casual
and inviting. With kids however, I would probably opt for an earlier dinner hour in this
case. Kids will enjoy watching the koi swim in the small pond just near the entrance as
well as the colorful fish swimming about the large glass tank just inside the entrance.
The menu is extensive to say the least, and they pride themselves on the freshness of their
food - you won’t find a freezer around here. They’ve recently added a children’s menu
that includes crispy chicken tenders as well as BBQ pork or beef, each with a bit of an
Asian flair, of course – but perfect for kids who are not yet willing to be adventurous
when dining.
The Ming Court is an appropriate choice for a special evening out and though it’s best
suited for families with school-age children, families with children of any age are always
welcome.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Italian (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age; particularly appealing for adults.
Location: 5701 Vineland Road
Phone: 407-355-7277
Web site: www.carrabbas.com
Carrabba’s Italian Grill Menu
This is yet another favorite, with an atmosphere that appeals to adults but is casual enough to bring the kids. The food is excellent, with a variety of Italian specialties and old favorites. They offer a kids’ menu, but many of entrées are just as appropriate for children. If you like chicken and pasta, try the tagliarini picchi pacchiu (and add in the chicken, which is an option)- it’s simply amazing. And don’t forget to save room for dessert, though that may be difficult. The portions are large (just like the meals) so you may have to share, and they’re decadently delicious.
A second location can be found in Kissimmee (7890 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (U.S. 192), Phone: 407-390-9600)
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
**
$-$$$
Specialty: Japanese; Teppanyaki, Sushi (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age.
Location: 8350 International Drive
Phone: 407-352-1811
Web site: www.kobesteakhouse.com
Kobe Menu
The Japanese steakhouses are a favorite of mine, especially with kids along. They entertainment the chefs provide as they slice and dice, masterfully preparing your dinner right before your eyes, will simply entrance and enthrall most kids. This practically ensures that you’ll make it all the way through dinner without incident. The menu offers a variety of chicken, steak, and seafood, including sushi, with a children’s menu available as well. The atmosphere at Kobe (no matter which of the several locations you choose) is the most casual and low-key of the 3 Japanese steakhouses that I recommend. (The others include Benihana at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort and The Mikado at the Orlando World Center Marriott.)
A second restaurant is located in Lake Buena Vista (8460 Palm Parkway, Phone: 407-
239-1119)
Café Tu Tu Tango
*** (with tweens and teens)
$-$$
Specialty: Tapas (kids’ menu)
Best for kids over 6, but appropriate for any age; particularly appealing for adults.
Location: 8625 International Drive
Phone: 407-248-2222
Web site: www.cafetututango.com
Café Tu Tu Tango Menu
To sum it up in a word - tapas. This unique and eclectic little restaurant offers a very unusual way to eat. Dishes are served up in smaller portions meant to be shared by everyone at the table. The idea is to order several dishes and enjoy a little bit of each (often times the bolder flavors of some dishes are enjoyed more if eaten in moderate portions). The waiters are extremely helpful – they’re happy to explain the entire process, including making suggestions that always seem to include the best items on the menu. And be sure to check out all the desserts – and they’re not on any menu you’ll have to use the viewfinder (what fun!). The entire restaurant resembles an artist’s loft, with a Mediterranean flair.
Because most of the dishes are fairly unique, I wouldn’t expect younger children to appreciate the offerings, though tweens and teens will most likely find plenty. They do however offer a traditional kids’ menu just in case you have any picky eaters in the pack.
Try the roasted pears on pecan crisps - they’re simply addictive.
Lunch or an early dinner would be most appropriate with the kids in tow as later in the evenings (though most likely later than you would be eating out with the kids along anyway) the crowds tend to be in more of a partying mood.
The Crab House
***
$-$$$
Specialty: Seafood (kids’ menu)
Appropriate for any age; particularly appealing to adults.
Location: 8291 International Drive
Phone: 407-352-6140
Web site:
www.crabhouseseafood.com
The Crab House Menu
I have made this a stop every time I’m in the area. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable with tables topped with brown paper and strands of lights hanging from the warehouse-style ceilings. I particularly appreciate the outdoor seating (there’s a small deck out front and a fairly large deck out back), where the kids feel a bit less cooped up.
The menu features mostly seafood, with crabs served up in more ways than you can count – they are of course the main specialty (hence the name Crab House). Landlubbers will find plenty of choices as well so no worries is seafood isn’t yet a taste that you or your kids have acquired. Kids have their own menu however the array of appetizers on the main menu allow for additional choices.
There’s a second location in Lake Buena Vista (8496 Palm Parkway, phone: 407-239-
1888).
Benihana
***
$$-$$$
Specialty: Japanese; Teppanyaki, Sushi (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age.
Location: 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard (at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort)
Phone: 407-827-4865
Web site: www.benihana.com
Benihana Menu
Seated at the Teppanyaki grill, you will be entertained by your personal chef as he slices, dices, and chops, masterfully preparing your meal before your eyes with a combination of style and humor that is sure to delight kids and adults alike. Offerings include steak, chicken, seafood, and fresh vegetables. Included in your meal is a salad and soup, but it’s well worth a few dollars more to include the hibachi rice. Kids have their own menu, which includes junior-sized versions of selected adult offerings. The chefs are quite entertaining, and the food excellent. The atmosphere is somewhat more upscale, and the prices can reach a bit higher, but all in all it is a very appropriate choice with kids of all ages.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
***
$-$$
Specialty: Italian (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age; particularly appealing to adults
Location: 12148 Apopka Vineland
Phone: 407-239-6676
Web site: www.macaronigrill.com
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Menu
This is another restaurant that offers a great atmosphere and menu for the adults while still being very appropriate for the kids. It’s usually bustling with activity, so a little noise from the kids will probably go unnoticed. The menu offers Italian specialties and favorites galore in addition to a kids’ menu. Family-style meals, perfect for larger parties of 8-10 people, are also available, offering 1 large main dish and 2 loaves of warm bread. Another unique feature is the “create your own” menu, which allows you to choose your pasta, your sauce and the items in the sauce, and meats to top it all off.
Chevy’s Mexican Restaurant
**
$-$$
Specialty: Tex Mex (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age.
Location: 12547 S.R. 535
Phone: 407-827-1052
Web site: www.chevys.com
Chevy’s Menu
This casual Southwestern-style eatery offers a flavorful menu filled with favorites like tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, and more – there’s even a kids’ menu to boot. The decor has a southwestern flair and the atmosphere is definitely family friendly so if you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, this is a great place to go.
Joe’s Crab Shack
**
$-$$
Specialty: Seafood (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for all ages; particularly appealing to kids.
Location: 12124 Apopka Vineland
Phone: 407-465-1895
Web site: www.joescrabshack.com
Joe’s Crab Shack Menu
With its tin roofing and strands of hanging lights, lobster traps and the like lining the walls, and tables topped with newspapers, this casual and fun restaurant is a great place to bring the kids no matter what their age. There’s seating both indoor and out, with a small playground for the kids to keep them entertained. The menu is varied, with plenty for landlubbers as well as seafood lovers. From an array of appetizers, sandwiches, and salads, to pasta, steak and seafood, they offer it all. The kids’ menu features a selection of seafood in addition to the standard kid-friendly favorites.
A second restaurant is located in Kissimmee (10 Blake Road, Celebration
Phone: 321-939-6880)
Giordano’s
**
$-$$
Specialty: Italian (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for any age.
Location: 12151 Apopka Vineland
Phone: 407-239-8900
Here’s an example of a casual Italian eatery that, even though there isn’t anything particular that stands out, is a good place to eat out with the kids. The casual atmosphere, with its high warehouse-style ceilings, red checkerboard tablecloths, and black-and-white tiled floors, paired with a varied menu (including pizza, pasta, salads, a variety of sandwiches, and appetizers) is sure to be a hit. The deep-dish Chicago-style pizza is their signature dish, but there’s plenty more to choose from.
There’s a second location in Kissimmee (7866 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (U.S. 192), Phone: 407-397-0044)
Logan’s Roadhouse Grill
***
$-$$
Specialty: American/barbecue (a kids’ menu is available)
Appropriate for all ages.
Location: 5925 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (U.S. 192)
Phone: 407-390-0500
Web site: www.logansroadhouse.com
Logan’s Roadhouse Grill Menu
While the decor is that of a typical roadhouse-style eatery, the menu is rather extensive and the food quite good. It’s just the place to kick back, relax, enjoy, and throw those peanut shells on the floor (Mom won’t yell at you for that here).
Look for additional reviews coming soon!
-Bubbalou’s Broadacious Barbeque
-Amigos
-Boston Lobster Feast
-Crabby Bills
-Pachino’s
and plenty more!
Orlando’s Dinner Shows
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
**
$$$
Dinner show
Specialty: American (kids menu)
Best for kids over 6, but appropriate for any age.
Location: 6400 Carrier Drive
Phone: 407-248-0590
Web site: www.piratesdinneradventure.com
Pirates Menu
This dinner show is held in a much smaller venue than the others in the area, making it all a bit less overwhelming. Prior to the show, there are complimentary appetizers in the waiting area, which hungry kids (and their parents) can certainly appreciate as it’s recommended that you arrive about a half hour prior to the show. The dinner includes beverages, a salad, choice of chicken, beef, or shrimp for an entrée, along with 2 sides and a small desert. It’s not gourmet, but it’s good. I like that they have high chairs, which most other dinner shows do not, since the bench seating can prove difficult for littler ones (and it’s definitely not easy to eat with a tiny tot on your lap). The show takes place for the most part on the large pirate ship centered in the arena, with plenty of swashbuckling pirates (including a sword fight and fist fight or two, just so you know) and plenty of acrobatics. The kids can participate in the pirate parade, which they all get quite a kick out of. Be aware that they will head straight to the gift shop after the show, which is filled with souvenirs for little swashbucklers.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
***
$$-$$$
Dinner show
Appropriate for all ages.
Location: 4510 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (U.S. 192)
Phone: 407-396-2900
Web site: www.medievaltimes.com
Medieval Times Menu
This extravagant show will take you back to the days of kings and knights, where jousting and sword fighting were the sport of the times - medieval times, that is. The audience is separated into sections by color, and throughout the many action-filled events, the audience is asked to cheer on - as loudly as possible - the knight that bears their section’s color. Just be aware that it can get quite loud with all the stomping and screaming going on. Younger children may at times find this upsetting, though most only temporarily. Overall, kids thoroughly enjoy all the action of the jousting and the fighting. Honestly, where else are they encouraged to be as loud as possible at the dinner table?
The seating is bench style, running the length of the stadium. There are no high chairs, but strollers (only standard-sized ones) may be placed at the end of a row. Make sure you arrange for appropriate seats if you will need to use a stroller, or you’ll find yourself holding your little one throughout the entire show, and eating with your hands while holding an infant is difficult at best.
The dinner consists of soup, garlic bread, roasted chicken, ribs, a potato, and 2 rounds of drinks (either soda or beer), dessert, and coffee.
You eat with your hands so a mess is inevitable - be sure to ask for plenty of napkins ahead of time.
Since you need to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the show, you can tour the Medieval Life Village that’s filled with artisans and craftsmen showing off their skills.
There is, of course, the inevitable gift shop - this one filled with souvenirs of every sort from play swords to authentic replicas with plenty of t-shirts as well. You’ll also be given the option of purchasing photos taken of your family while you were dining.
Individual photos are taken and then transposed to look as if you are dressed as a princess or a knight. A family photo is taken as well. During dinner the kids will be tempted by lighted toys, glowing gadgets, and flags, so be prepared for this ahead of time.
*This is by no means an inexpensive evening. A family of 4 will, at a minimum, spend about $180 (with adult tickets costing about $50 each and kids’ tickets for those ages 3 to 11 about $40 each). Add in a drink for Mom and Dad before the show and a small souvenir for each of the kids afterward, and it can easily add up to $225 or more.
Look for reviews on Arabian Nights coming soon!
Parents Night Out – Coming Soon!
While this site is dedicated to family travel, it’s a good idea for kids and parents alike to get a break from all of the togetherness that they’ve suddenly been surrounded by. Listed below you’ll find several of the areas best restaurants for a night on the town without your kids in tow.
The Tip Table: for those in need of a bit of mathematical assistance – click here and print this out and put it in your wallet – you won’t have to worry about figuring out what to tip your waiter or waitress – it’s all listed for you (just make sure that if your party has more than 6 or 8 people in it that the tip hasn’t already been added to the bill) In general, the going rate for tipping is 15 percent, though if you feel the service was exceptional, a 20 percent tip would be in order.
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