Orlando Restaurants

September 30, 2012

1. Cask & Larder

The team behind the acclaimed Ravenous Pig—James and Julie Petrakis—opened their newest venture on September 5. Cask & Larder is a 7,000-square-foot restaurant in Winter Park with seating for 150. Management describes the menu as focused on “Southern ingredients prepared with classic techniques.” The restaurant has an oyster bar and a brewery where customers can buy craft beer by the keg. It also offers whole cookery—the ability to order a whole suckling pig, lamb, fish, or duck for a group dining experience.

Photo: Bree Parish

2. Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

September 14 is the scheduled opening date for Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar on Sand Lake Road. The South Florida company has spent the past several months renovating the former Samba Room space. The 8,200-square-foot restaurant will have a 2,000-square-foot patio and bar overlooking West Sand Lake. There will also be several large private banquet rooms. The drink menu will include more than 225 varieties of tequila.

Photo: Courtesy of Rocco's

3. Marlow's Tavern

Marlow's Tavern will be the newest restaurant at Pointe Orlando when it opens October 9. The 3,600-square-foot restaurant and bar will have seating for 200 inside and on a patio. The menu will offer classic tavern fare and an extensive menu of cocktails made with fresh juice and small batch liquors. The decor includes exposed brick walls, dark wood accents, large leather booths, and communal tables.

Photo: Courtesy of Marlow's Tavern

4. Streamsong Resort

The clubhouse at Streamsong Resort is scheduled to open in December. The resort is on 16,000 acres in Polk County, about halfway between Tampa and Orlando. The clubhouse will have 4,500 square feet of event space, with additional space on a large deck overlooking a lake. It will also have a restaurant with seating for 144 people and a private dining room for 16. The remainder of the resort, including a main lodge with 216 guest rooms and a 14,000-square-foot conference center, will open in late 2013.

Rendering: Alfonso Architects

5. East End Market

East End Market will be a mixed-use development in Audubon Park that has a restaurant and event space. The restaurant, Txokos Kitchen, will open in December, and the remainder of the building will open in early 2013. Ten local vendors, including a butcher, baker, coffee roaster, produce and seafood vendors, and an organic flower grower will sell products in the first-floor market. On the second floor, the 1,500-square-foot East End Event Hall will accommodate 240 people and have a kitchen for demonstrations. The venue will have a rustic, cozy atmosphere with reclaimed wood and antiques.

Rendering: Courtesy of East End Market

6. Mad Cow Theatre

Mad Cow Theatre will open in its new home in downtown Orlando October 6. The facility will be in the 55 West Building on Church Street. The 170-seat Harriett Theatre will be the largest performance space. The smaller Black Box Theatre will have flexible seating options for as many as 70 people. Stephen Sondheim’s musical Sunday in the Park With George will be the opening performance.

Rendering: Courtesy of Mad Cow Theatre

7. Taqueria del Sol

Taqueria del Sol will open October 1 just south of downtown Orlando. The Atlanta-based chain serves a mix of Southwestern, Mexican, and Southern cuisine. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant will have seating for 150 people inside and about 30 on a patio.

Photo: Taqueria del Sol

8. Splitsville

Splitsville at Downtown Disney is scheduled to open in December. The upscale entertainment complex will combine bowling, billiards, dining, music, and nightlife in a 45,000-square-foot, two-story space. The venue will have sushi bars, outdoor seating, and multiple cocktail bars. Sections will be available for buyout.

Rendering: Courtesy of Splitsville

9. Club at N.B.A. City

The Club at N.B.A. City opens at the Amway Center in mid-October, operated by the same people who run the existing N.B.A. City at Universal CityWalk. The 4,160-square-foot venue will be open for private bookings on days when there is not an event at the arena; during events it will be a members-only club. The space will accommodate 250 guests seated or more than 300 for a reception. There will also be an outdoor bar and patio.

Photo: Courtesy of N.B.A. City

10. Embassy Suites Orlando-Lake Buena Vista South

In late September, the Embassy Suites Orlando-Lake Buena Vista South will open as one of the largest Embassy Suites in the country in terms of meeting space. The hotel, about three miles from Disney, will have 40,000 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms, five meeting rooms, two terraces, and prefunction space. The 11-story property will have 300 suites, each with a separate living area, private bedroom, and wet bar with microwave and mini fridge.

Rendering: Courtesy of Embassy Suites