Florida is many things to many people — to retirees, it’s a massive beach upon which they can spend every day basking in golden sunshine. To vacationers, it’s the resort and theme park capital of the world. To golfers, it’s a state jam-packed with some of the best courses in the world.
And, for foodies, it’s largely thought of as an afterthought.
That’s not to say that there aren’t any good restaurants in Florida — far from it. But, Florida — and particularly Central Florida — is more known for chains and fast-food than incredible farm-to-table haute cuisine.
Maybe that reputation is unfair, but why not embrace it? It’s true that International Drive in Orlando is the fast food chain capital of the world, but so what? In fact, some restaurant chains aren’t just fun, they’re also a great encapsulation of just what American cuisine actually is. Other articles can point out why Florida’s food scene is underrated — this one will help show you that there is plenty worth trying on the chain restaurant front.
Whether you’re just visiting America from abroad, or you’ve lived here your whole life without seeing these options, here are some unique and important chain restaurants in Orlando that are actually worth your time.
Waffle House
Image: rpavich, Flickr (license)
For some, particularly in the south, the fact that Waffle House even had to be included on this list is a shock. In the Southern United States, Waffle House isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a cultural touchstone. Its cheap, delicious, short-order dishes bring in locals and road-trippers in equal measure. It is just as much an institution as city hall.
The food — simple breakfasts, iconic hash browns, and just-the-right-amount-of-grease burgers and patty melts — is the kind of egalitarian menu they might serve in heaven. Everyone gets the same handful of dishes, and they’re all just absolutely amazing.
To northerners, the Waffle House might resemble a traditional diner. But the southern charm that is somehow baked into every inch makes it stand out as its own unique experience.
Everyone loves Waffle House, and you will too. It’s as human as a restaurant can get.
Giordano’s
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Orlando is unique in that its vast amount of tourists and transplants means that culinary tastes are much more wide-reaching. As such, regional chains that generally don’t venture much beyond their part of the country sometimes set up shop in the area.
One such location is the Chicago mainstay, Giordano’s. A purveyor of classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, this is a far more authentic and delicious offering than you might find at an Uno Pizza or some similar chain. Giordano’s is legitimately Chicagoan, and within the city limits, locals can and do enjoy its food.
Chicago pizza is, obviously, wholly different than more popular New York-style pizza. As such, the idea of eating an entire pie yourself might be a bit silly. Still, if you want to experience a bit of heartland charm, Giordano’s is a great option — and it’s particularly unique in Orlando.
Shake Shack
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In 2004, New York restauranteur Danny Meyer opened a small fast-food joint in a shed in the middle of Madison Square Park in New York City. He thought it would be a fun side project to distract him from his growing portfolio of high-end NYC restaurants — a small operation slinging burgers and shakes from its one location.
The burgers — fresh, clean, and grilled to perfection — combined with nigh-prototypical french fries and amazing milkshakes to give New Yorkers something they long wanted: delicious burgers in a fast-casual environment. Soon, lines started forming around the park and he had to open a second location. Then a third. And so, on.
Within ten years, Shake Shake went from a single stand in the middle of a Manhattan park to a global food brand worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Even still, there are many who’ve never tried it or who live so far from a Shake Shack that the idea is itself exotic.
If you’ve never been, please go to one of the handful of Orlando locations. It is the quintessential American food experience — and it truly cannot be beat.
Krispy Kreme
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Dunkin Donuts might be the more famous American chain, but Krispy Kreme has the better doughnuts. That might seem controversial at first glance, but anyone who’s seen the “Hot Doughnuts” sign illuminated in the window of a Krispy Kreme and made an unexpected stop can tell you that it is, without a doubt, true.
Many people are probably familiar with Krispy Kreme donuts from gas stations and supermarkets and, yes, they are often available in those locations. They are, in those moments, fine at best. But what makes Krispy Kreme special is that their donuts are meant to be served hot — and you can indeed buy a hot dozen if you see they’re making them when you arrive.
This is an important culinary tradition, and it’s one you should definitely indulge in carefully — hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts are notably much easier to eat than normal doughnuts. Do try to stop at 12.
Sonny’s BBQ
Image: vanhoosear, Flickr (license)
Barbecue is America’s finest addition to the world of culinary delights, and the debate over which region’s barbecue is best will likely rage on until the end of time.
While you will no doubt find excellent barbecue at any one of dozens of roadside shacks in Florida, Sonny’s BBQ is without a doubt the best barbecue chain in the country — and if you haven’t been before, one stop in can show why this place has a cult associated with it.
With delicious ribs, chicken, and pork — as well as a delightful salad bar — Sonny’s captures the essence of barbecue with no fuss and no wait. Let the suckers fly to Texas to wait in a 2-hour line for brisket. One bite of Sonny’s BBQ, with Texas toast and crinkle-cut fries, will give you the full barbecue experience without the pain.
Ford’s Garage
Image: Ford’s Garage
If you’re looking for something a bit more Florida-specific, look no further than the charmingly-kitschy Ford’s Garage — itself a Florida-based chain. Offering up burgers and fries in a 1920s-style roadside service station, Ford’s Garage is a bit more fun and fruitful than other similar chains like Chili’s or Applebee’s.
The main event is, obviously, the hamburgers — with tons of pre-built options alongside custom creations. They are extraordinarily juicy and flavorful, living up to the restaurant’s self-made hype. The fries and shakes are good as well, but everything bows down to the almighty burger here.
Thematically, it’s clear that Ford’s Garage comes from a state known for its attractions. Old-timey cars, automotive decorations, and reclaimed memorabilia overwhelm each location — there are a handful throughout Florida. With a good selection of craft beer, as well as a ton to keep young ones occupied while they wait for food, Ford’s Garage is legitimately a great family-friendly restaurant — and a unique regional chain.
Publix
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What? Publix — the grocery store? Yes, it counts. And yes, it’s worth trying.
Publix is still fairly regional in the US, mostly focused in the southeast. For those outside of the area, its cult-like following must seem quite strange. After all, there’s literally a website dedicated to asking whether or not the deli’s famed Chicken Tender Sub sandwich is on sale.
But, that’s the thing — the cult status is entirely earned. You will find no better chicken tenders anywhere in the country. The bread on which the sandwiches are served is delicious and well-made. The baked goods on offer are sweet and wonderful — with plenty of variety for everyone.
Publix is a great grocery store, but it’s also a great place to stop in for a quick bite. If you’re thinking you just want to grab something quick to eat back at the hotel room, you will find nothing quite so good as Publix. And, eating there is truly a Floridian experience everyone should have.
