non chain, orlando fast food

[jword2001]

What's out there, I've been to Cappy's (many times), but where are there good burgers, sandwiches, dogs, or?????

[afluker]

I'm not a big burger eater, but has anyone tried Braxi's on Church Street in downtown Orlando (shares space with Panchero's). I absolutely LOVE their Manhattan Toasted Marshmallow shakes, but haven't heard much about the burgers.

[flcedar]

We went to Lawless Subs on 436 in Altamonte Springs today (again). They have the best subs by far. They are large and tasty and the toppings are all fresh. The bread is even delicious!

[Sandwich_Sister]

I'd love to try lawless but they are on the other side of town and for a lunch option, I work near idrive, is not feasble. I'll have to make a special trek for it.,

[Mchef76]

I'm really astonished that Hot Dog Heaven gets this much praise. I went today, based on this thread, and was completely disappointed. Their french fries were utter trash -- the type of fry that you eat and think, "This was once, in a far away place, in a completely different time, a distant relative (fourth cousin, perhaps?) of a potato." I had the Chicago dog and the Reuben dog -- both of which I threw away after only eating half of them. I thought the dog itself was completely tasteless and really, really firm (not hard, per se, but more like an ... erect member than a sausage, if you catch my drift). I've never had the Vienna Frankfurters before (though, I've been told by others that they're just a bland type of frankfurter) and that might have been the problem. The bun fell apart after two bites -- I'm talkin' like dissolved, disintegrated, poof-it's-gone fall apart. Everything else was nondescript -- all I tasted was the pickle (and their relish was some sort of freakish Chernobyl shade of green that was, frankly, upsetting). The Reuben dog was a total joke. Same complaint about the frankfurter and the bun, but the cheese they used was essentially a white Kraft Single (they claimed it was Swiss on the menu), a spade-ful of sauerkraut (that was also tasteless), and a splooge-shot Russian dressing (nothing special, likely purchased in a plastic jar. A big plastic jar).

Avoid it. A complete disgrace.

That said, and I might get crucified for this, I really like Between the Buns on Colonial (aka SR-50) closer to the intersection with Mills (aka 17-92). It's a giant hot dog stand in the shape of ... well, a hot dog. It's one dude who cuts his own potatoes for fries (which, granted, are a touch soggy, but at least you taste the potato) and is incredibly personable (so much that, if you're a shy one, it might be off-putting. I really enjoy the banter when I go there, though). Their dogs are flavorful, and the Chicago Dog there blows Hot Dog Heaven out of the water. The only real criticism I have is that sometimes (around lunch, usually) the wait can get a little long (nothing crazy, I think 12 minutes was the longest that I've waited). But again, it's only one guy, so it's not a huge sticking point and entirely understandable. And the dogs are absolutely giggle inducing.

I really think the unquestioned reign of Hot Dog Heaven needs reexamination.

[pdpredtide]

the first shots have been fired, the battle of the buns have begun

[Sandwich_Sister]

No one has mentioned cubans no the run in or near cassleberry. I don't think that is a chain is it?

[mountdorahound]

Cubans on the run is great! I like black bean deli too and almost mentioned if it wernt for the fact that they aren't really fast food. If you go to the black bean deli,,call ahead! The lines there like all good cuban joints in orlando are long. Black bean has a few good dishes other than cuban sandwiches but they take a little more time to prepare. I have waited forever at the black bean!! I never been to cubans on the run durring peak hours.

[frienetic]

Just gotta go to Black Bean Deli when it's not lunch time. I've never been during the lunch rush but I'm sure it's crazy. I've only been in the evening, after 4, and it's never been all that bad.

[lambrettaStarr]

Just tried Tacos Palenque today on West Colonial near Winter Garden - fantastic taco joint. Loved it.

[frienetic]

On the subject of fast Cuban sandwiches, you can't forget Black Bean Deli on Orlando Ave in Winter Park. I prefer their Cubans to those at Cuban Sandwiches to go. But my favorite sandwich there is the Choripan. MMM yum.

I also like the sandwiches at Philly Style Hoagies on Magnolia in downtown Orlando. It's been awhile but I've always loved sliced meats, cheeses and fresh mozzerella. The cheesesteak was also surprisingly tasty.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I've championed Chilango's in Winter Springs many times here for huge portions of great, authentic, cheap Mexican food. I can't recommend them highly enough.

http://www.guestmarketing.com/web/chi...

[mountdorahound]

Let's define "fast food". Tap room at dubsdread is good but not fast food. Neither is Johnny's filin station. If you can walk up, order to go and not spend more than $7, i would call it fast food!
Going in, sitting down and spending more than $10 is NOT fast food. On that note i do have some recomendations.
1. Old dixie fried chicken on Orange ave. It used to be a chain,,maybe one or two left in FLA.
2. Pollo D Oro on west colonial. This is a mom and pop version of pollo tropical only much better! not a good arrea of town but worth the trip!
3. Mama B's subs on colonial and orange. Not the greatest sub but definitely good!
4. Kappy's on 1792 is a 30 year landmark. Good burgers and cheese steaks.
5. Fast Eddie's Famous burgers on 1792. Good grilled burgers!
6. Cuban's to go on lee road. Good! get there early to avoid the line!
7. Chalo's Coloubian fast food on south OBT.

[alirn]

Old Dixie! Haven't been there since I moved to the north side. Good stuff.
I also second Mama B's and Lawless Subs.

Thanks for reminding me of these places.

[mountdorahound]

Is lawless the one across the street from mama's?

[alirn]

Nope, Lawless is way across town on 436 between Altamonte and Longwood. Huge and yummy subs there, family owned, nice folks.

[morganrsg2]

Based on your recommendations, my husband and I tried Chilango's tonight. It is exactly as you said it was. Friendly, exceptionally well-priced, wtih a really good variety. Everything felt very fresh. It appears that in addition to their normal menu (easily found on the prior entry's link) that on the second Monday of the month they offer a buffet so that customers may more easily sample their varied offerings.

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

I am so happy to hear you went and liked it! I moved out of their immediate area and haven't been back in a while, but I still love Chilango's and I feel personally obligated to send as much business their way as possible.

I work a weird shift on Mondays so I've only ever been able to make it to their buffet once, but it was an exceptional value, and a great way to try some of their specialties.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I have to agree with hotdog heaven and for a burger johnny's fillin station.

Also for quick fast mexican Beto's and even though Tijuana flats is considered a chain it is unique to the area, unless they have expanded more than I thought.

btw there was a place called Bonnie Lee's Fried Chicken in St. Cloud, near orlando. I loved that place but I think it went out of business or movied. I'm not sure anyone on here would remember it.

[Sandwich_Sister]

Bonnie Lees Fried chicken is open again, not sure if its the same family that orginally had it or not.

[winechic]

Burgers:

Johnny's fillin station
http://www.johnnysfillinstation.com/splash.asp

The Taproom at dubstread
http://www.taproomatdubsdread.com/taproom.html

Dogs-
Hot Dog Heaven are the best in town, as covered by others.
http://www.hotdogheaven.com/

Sandwiches:
Gabriel's subs
2242 Aloma Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
[phone]

Lawless subs
445 W State Road 436
Altamonte Spgs, FL 32714-4107
[phone]

[hydro13]

i'll give you hot dog heaven, even though the sausage king on orange and central makes a mean dog after the clubs let out. i have been to johnny's and i don't know what the big deal is. to me, they use cheap meat and it doesn't even taste seasoned. last week i went to graffiti junktion in thornton park and had the best burger in orlando. hand formed patties, nice portuguese/italian bun, and a list of toppings that meets any craving. my brother and i split 2, one with blue cheese and bacon(my favorite), the other with chili,cheese,bacon, sour cream, and a fried egg. both were really tasty. i've heard great things about chilango's mexican in longwood, and they fact they serve tounge makes me more excited to go. anything is better than tijuana flats.

[melpadilla]

Gabriel's Subs on Aloma closed, but they're is still the long standing Gabriel's subs on Edgewater in College Park.

[pdpredtide]

how about banh mi in viet town, those are non chain and fast food (around 3 dollars each)

[watch me eat]

I was just about to suggest banh mi. Ba Le, Pho 88, and Lollicup (although they are a chain) have the best in my opinion.

[bizzy_geek]

Beefy King! I can't even believe I'm the first one to suggest it.

[summeranne]

It's been 11 years since I moved away and I still miss that place.

[pdpredtide]

best philly cheesesteak is at brianto's in avalon park!

tastychomps.blogspot.com

[Corporate_40]

I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, but having the cheesesteak there today, and having it be so horrible, I'm not sure how anyone could seriously recommend this place. Just b/c this crappy cheesesteak is better than the even crappier cheesesteaks around here, it doesn't warrant being recommended IMO.

[pdpredtide]

i thought it was great ... I ' ll have to try La Spada some time. Maybe it is because the only reference point I've had is philly connection etc :(

[Lorenz]

Best dogs in O' Town, Hot Dog Heaven on east SR 50 just a block or two west of SR 436. Very good Chicago dogs. My favorite for fast food fries.

Stay away from Chubbies on 17-92 Maitland, another Chicago dog based place. Not very tasty, dogs, burgers or beef.

Can't rcall the name but for Gyros, Swarma and subs, there is a place in the plaza at SR50 & 436, northeast corner plaza. They make pretty good grilled subs and gyros, some philly style.