Any good restaurant recommendations in Orlando around the Disney area. I'm open to Italian, Steak, etc.

Also, good place to watch college football on Saturday?

I like Charley's steakhouse for the old school vibe and wood smoked meat.

Disney Springs actually has some good bar setups that have lots of screens and fun atmosphere. Right near M&M Store is the one I went to.

ESPN Zone is a great spot too.

Bump

The Boathouse in Disney Springs is run by Gibson's Restaurant Group (based out of Chicago). Allegedly, they raise their own beef. It looks like they check out (look it up). The NY Strip (what I usually get) was top 3 in my book. I've been to many of the best in Texas.

https://www.grgmc.com/restaurants

One of the best, most interesting restaurant experiences I've ever had (taken customers during a conference and the family on a follow up trip) is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, called "Jiko". It has a sort of South African flavor to it, but is VERY approachable for someone who doesn't want overly adventurous foods/flavors. This restaurant boasts the largest South African wine collection in North America (which SA wines are great wines!).

It truly is a bit of a hidden gem and easier to get into than many of the other fine restaurants with the mouse. I've had several friends go on my recommendation and have come back raving about it… including a very well respected food professional.

You won't be disappointed.

Jiko
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Reservations likely required as a non guest… though not sure.

Also, for college football… second ESPN Zone at Boardwalk Hotel… but, it gets very crowded so you'll
Have to navigate that.

There used to be a second ESPN zone at wide world of sports that was easier to get into cause it was a little away from the parks but not sure if it's still there or not.

Also, second Boathouse… it's a great and well run restaurant… gets very busy though.

Chef art Smith Homecoming for great southern cuisine at Disney Springs… another great location.

Honestly Disney Springs has a TON of great spots but I would recommend reservations…. It gets busy down there on weekends, for sure.

imjustsayin said:

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Also, for college football… second ESPN Zone at Boardwalk Hotel… but, it gets very crowded so you'll
Have to navigate that.

There used to be a second ESPN zone at wide world of sports that was easier to get into cause it was a little away from the parks but not sure if it's still there or not.

Also, second Boathouse… it's a great and well run restaurant… gets very busy though.

Chef art Smith Homecoming for great southern cuisine at Disney Springs… another great location.

Honestly Disney Springs has a TON of great spots but I would recommend reservations…. It gets busy down there on weekends, for sure.

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ESPN Club is closed at the Boardwalk resorts.

RIP ESPN Zone. Never reopened after Covid shutdown

Whachutalnbout Willys said:

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RIP ESPN Zone. Never reopened after Covid shutdown

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Man that's a bummer. Sorry for the dated recommendation.

I still stand by the others.

imjustsayin said:

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Whachutalnbout Willys said:

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RIP ESPN Zone. Never reopened after Covid shutdown

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Man that's a bummer. Sorry for the dated recommendation.

I still stand by the others.

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ESPN Zone on the boardwalk is nothing special. Went in there several times (one during march madness) and nobody was there. Nothing but a couple locals. Never went to the other one. If they moved it to Disney Springs, might be better because there's literally no sports bar there but then again, it's a family area.

The bowling place at DS has a lot of TV's set to sport programs

For football watching I would suggest maybe Splitsville or Cityworks in Disney springs.

Fire_Aggie said:

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For football watching I would suggest maybe Splitsville or Cityworks in Disney springs.

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Would be my choices for Disney Springs. Can't remember if Art Smith's has tv's at the bar. Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge would be another option.