BEST CASUAL EATERIES IN fl
The Ravenous Pig
565 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789
The Ravenous Pig uses fresh ingredients from local farms and fishermen. Founded by James and Julie Petrakis, two award-winning chefs who met at the Culinary Institute of America, this gastropub offers a menu that celebrates local ingredients, seasonal flavors, and creative techniques. You can enjoy classic dishes with an innovative twist, and taste the best of what Florida has to offer. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the menu is always changing. And don’t forget to pair your meal with a craft beer from their own brewery, which produces a variety of styles from lagers to IPAs.
Hogfish Bar and Grill
6810 Front St, Stock Island, FL 33040
Hogfish Bar and Grill on Stock Island delivers a taste of old Key West. Owner Bobby Mongelli transformed a working-class bar in a shrimper’s marina into a true locals’ spot that serves fresh seafood, strong drinks, and plenty of local character. The restaurant is named after the hogfish, a specialty of the Keys that has a sweet, scallop-like flavor. Chef Bob Donovan is a Manhattan native who has cooked at legendary restaurants like La Cote Basque and Le Cirque. Hogfish Bar and Grill is tucked away in Safe Harbor, which has a rich history and culture. It was the base of the CIA’s Bay of Pigs operation, the ferry to Cuba, and the Stock Island Yacht Club. It also has artists’ and woodworkers’ cottages along the dock.
Over Under
151 E. Flagler St. Miami, FL 33131
Over Under cocktail lodge is located in a historic building that was once the Miami National Bank. Owner and chef Justin Flit's passion for game meat and outdoor adventures is reflected in the name of the restaurant (Over Under comes from the type of shotgun used for hunting) and popular dishes including gator bites, venison tartare, quail and waffles, and wild boar ragu. The restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian options, such as the jackfruit tacos, the mushroom burger, and the cauliflower steak. The menu changes weekly, so you can always find something new and exciting to try.
Bud & Alley’s
2236 E County Highway 30A, Seaside FL, 32459
Bud & Alley’s in Seaside has been around since 1986, when two local surfers decided to open a restaurant named after their pets. It’s the oldest restaurant in South Walton, and it has won a bunch of awards for its awesome cuisine. You can find all kinds of fresh seafood and local ingredients here, cooked in different styles like Southern coastal classics, wood-fired pizza, and Mexican tacos. The pizza bar and the taco bar are located on the side of the main restaurant, with their own entrances and outdoor seating areas, but they share the same kitchen and staff. The best part is the view from the main restaurant: you can sit on the rooftop bar or the porch and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.
Ice Plant Bar
110 Riberia St Saint Augustine, FL 32084
With its vintage charm and speakeasy-style ambiance, Ice Plant Bar transports patrons back in time to the Prohibition era. This place is like stepping into a time machine and going back to the 1920s when people had to sneak around to get a drink. The bar is in an old ice plant building, and you can see some of the old machines and pipes that used to make ice. They have a farm-to-table menu with tasty snacks and small plates like the smoked fish spread with pickled veggies and chips, the wedge salad with blue cheese dressing, the Menorcan pork sandwich with parmesan fries, and the skillet fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Everything is fresh and tasty, comes in generous portions, and goes well with their amazing drinks.
Satchel's Pizza
1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Satchel’s Pizza opened in 2003, and since then it has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors. Well known for its eclectic decor, adorned with whimsical artwork, vintage signs, and an astonishing collection of colorful lamps, it's Satchel's pizza that steals the show. The hand-tossed dough, topped with the freshest ingredients, creates a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. Try their classic pizzas, like cheese or pepperoni, or one of their special creations, like the ‘Pizza the Hut,’ which has sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. Sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, while your kids play on the swings and slides, or feed the fish and turtles in the pond. Sometimes, you can even catch some live music from local bands and artists.
Bubbalou's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
5818 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32835
Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving Orlando and central Florida since 1986. The founder, Sam Meiner, was inspired by his grandfather and uncle, who ran a barbecue joint in Fairvilla. Sam wanted to share his love for food and hospitality with others, so he opened Bubbalou’s with his wife, Eleanor, and their children. Bubbalou’s is known for its traditional, old-fashioned cooking, using hardwood fire and secret spices and sauces to create delicious smoked meats. The chef, Jason Carlucci, has been working at Bubbalou’s for over 10 years, and he is constantly improving and innovating the menu. He sources the best ingredients from local farms and markets, and he prepares everything from scratch. Some of the specialties include ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage.
Enriqueta’s
186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 33137
Enriqueta’s is a piece of Cuban history and culture in the heart of Miami. Founded in 1972 by Enriqueta and her husband, who fled from Cuba in the 1960s, this cozy eatery has been serving up authentic and mouthwatering Cuban cuisine for generations. From traditional favorites like Cuban sandwiches and ropa vieja to unique dishes like vaca frita, Enriqueta’s menu is a delightful blend of flavors that transport diners to the streets of Havana. The restaurant is located in the Wynwood neighborhood, which is known for its street art and cultural diversity.
