Since the 1990s, Winter Garden has morphed from being a small quaint suburb to now being one of the most visited communities in Central Florida. It has become one of Orlando’s “hot spots.”

I’ve been around the Winter Garden area since 2013. Here’s my twelve favorite places to eat in the area (listed in alphabetical order).

 

4Rivers Smokehouse

I’ve had BBQ at all the most famous spots in Kansas City, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Austin, Dallas, Nashville, Raleigh, and Charlotte. Seriously, 4Rivers is as good (or better) than all those places. 4Rivers is a unique hybrid of Kansas City and Texas style BBQ. And their sides and desserts are absolutely remarkable! Also, they donate significantly to Christian ministries and non-profits in the area.

 

Cariera’s Fresh Italian

Cariera’s Fresh Italian is one my favorite Italian places in all of Orlando metro. It’s a relatively inexpensive mom-and-pop shop, no frills. But the food is almost as good as anything you’d get at high-end expensive Italian place. Cariera’s also has awesome lunch specials Monday–Thursday.

 

Daniel’s Cheesesteak House

I’m from Philly, so I’ve eaten many Philly Cheesesteaks, and Daniel’s is excellent. In fact, it made my Top 10 List of the Best Philly Cheesesteak places outside of the Philly area. It’s not a healthy option, so I cannot eat there often, but it’s very tasty.

 

Harrell’s Hot Dogs

Harrell’s Hot Dogs is one of the most underrated spots in Winter Garden. They’re a small shop with a retro vibe and a simple menu, but the hot dogs are excellent. They’ve got all sorts of fixins available. And the mac-n-cheese is great too.

 

Hunger Street Tacos

Hunger Street Tacos is a family-owned Taqueria located in the Plant Street Market. Their tacos mimic traditional southern Mexican style street tacos (like what you’d normally find in Mexico City). Hunger Street has all the hipster vibes that you’d now expect of any place in downtown Winter Garden. Also, on Fridays and Saturdays they serve Al Pastor on the vertical rotisserie—it’s fantastic.

 

Michael Ali’s Pizza

Michael Ali’s Pizza is also located at the Plant Street Market. They serve hand-tossed brick-oven coal-fired pizza and, in my opinion, it’s the best pizza around. They also serve wings, salads, and sandwiches, but I love the pizza so much that I haven’t bothered with anything else.

 

New York Beer Project

New York Beer Project (NYBP) is one of my favorite places to watch sports in the Winter Garden region. They’ve got three different large seating areas with dozens of big screen TVs. NYBP is located toward the south end of Horizon West. It’s usually loud, so probably not the best place to have long conversations, but it’s a fun place to hangout. They’ve got wings, burgers, and various appetizers. They also have dozens of craft beers on tap.

 

Sizzlin’ Greens

The best way to describe this place: It’s what Panera Bread should have been! Their slogan is “Healthy is Hot!” and that slogan fits them perfectly. Sizzlin’ Greens also happens to be my wife’s favorite place in the area. Their sandwiches and platters use fresh-grilled proteins, with no GMOs or antibiotics. Their salads have organic greens and housemade dressings, with no seed oils. And their soups are made from scratch. Everything is great. Also, Sizzlin’ Greens is owned by a generous Christian family in our community.

 

Taco Norteño

Taco Norteño is loved by many people for being the most authentic Mexican place around. They serve classic northern Mexico cuisine. It’s the more “gritty” Mexican option in Winter Garden (and I mean that as a complement). It’s a simple and casual place, with several platter options.

 

Thai Blossom

Thai Blossom is a staple in downtown Winter Garden. It’s been around a long time for a good reason, it’s the best authentic Thai food in Winter Garden (and maybe in all of Orlando). And it’s got a nice quiet dinning area. Perfect for date night.

 

Wawa

Wawa is much more than just a gas station. It’s a super clean convenience store, coffee shop, and mini-grocery store, all-in-one. But more importantly, they make fantastic sub sandwiches (a.k.a., Hoagies) and have some decent sides too. Wawa’s subs are so good, they made my Top 10 List of the Best Sub Sandwich Shops across the country.

 

Yellow Dog Eats

Yellow Dog Eats serves the best and most unique BBQ pulled pork sandwiches you will ever have. They also have good sides and typically have a few good local craft beers on tap. Technically, Yellow Dog isn’t in Winter Garden, but it’s just a few minutes away in Gotha. Honestly, Yellow Dog might be my favorite restaurant in the entire Orlando metro. The restaurant is quirky and eclectic—super hipster vibes—with a great covered outdoor seating area, and they occasionally have live music.