Food Between Tampa and Orlando

[RobandLynsey]

Hi All,

Just after any recommendations as to if there are any decent restaurants between Tampa and Orlando? We land at Tampa at around 4:00pm and will probably be hungry as we don't tend to eat plane food.

We will probably be looking for a fairly cheap, easy access, safe to park (as we will have the cases) don't mind chains.

Thanks in advance...

[sunshines]

There's both a Cheesecake Factory and a California Pizza Kitchen near the airport. About 10 minute drive, I think. These are our family favorites. Terrific small plates. Delicious food with lots of variety. We've always had good service.

[RobandLynsey]

Originally Posted by sunshines

There's both a Cheesecake Factory and a California Pizza Kitchen near the airport. About 10 minute drive, I think. These are our family favorites. Terrific small plates. Delicious food with lots of variety. We've always had good service.

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Cheesecake Factory - well that's that sorted then

[offtoseemickey]

Sorry to be a killjoy but I just read about a family’s car being broken into with all their cases in the boot. Is it worth the risk? If I were you, I’d just stop at a drive through because I’d be worried. Sorry to put a dampener on your holiday and your plans, but better safe than sorry?

[Northerndave]

At Junction 10 of the I4 you have a choice of a Bob Evans or a Cracker Barrel. Just 2 mins off the I4. If you are lucky, you might get the opportunity to park near a window to keep an eye on the car. Just make sure all cases are in the boot.

[Burgmeister]

Originally Posted by offtoseemickey

Sorry to be a killjoy but I just read about a family’s car being broken into with all their cases in the boot. Is it worth the risk? If I were you, I’d just stop at a drive through because I’d be worried. Sorry to put a dampener on your holiday and your plans, but better safe than sorry?

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Where was the car broken in to? Was it at the Cheesecake Factory in Tampa?

[colin39]

I think there are 3 or 4 stake n shakes on the drive up

[offtoseemickey]

Originally Posted by Burgmeister

Where was the car broken in to? Was it at the Cheesecake Factory in Tampa?

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I can’t remember which restaurant it was, sorry. I know it wasn’t somewhere that is a bit ‘dodgy’ though. Not where you would expect it.

Parking by a window is a good idea though.

[mickey house]

Originally Posted by offtoseemickey

Sorry to be a killjoy but I just read about a family’s car being broken into with all their cases in the boot. Is it worth the risk? If I were you, I’d just stop at a drive through because I’d be worried. Sorry to put a dampener on your holiday and your plans, but better safe than sorry?

See more...

I was just about to say the same thing. We have done the Tampa flight many times and on our way to Orlando we wouldn't ever leave all our cases in the car and go off for a meal, as that is a sure way to have a very miserable holiday.

We have occasionally stopped at a McDonalds drive through off the i4 (you will see the signs). If you really only want a sit down meal then I would do a Dennys, and park where you can permanently keep on eye on your car from your table (we have done this on our way to Tampa when flying home).

[Maggiemae]

To offer another perspective our last Florida holiday was a road trip staying at 7 different places over the three weeks. On the days we were travelling from one location to another we happily left our luggage in the car parked outside various shops, restaurants, state parks, tourist attractions etc with no problem.

One tip I would suggest if you are concerned is to take a black sheet with you to cover your bags as there is rarely a parcel shelf in a hire car (assuming you have a car without a boot).

But I would happily park at a restaurant en route to Orlando, especially at a Cheescake Factory.