Best Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando

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Celebrate Father’s Day with these Delicious Outings in Orlando

Dads don’t seem to get the same fanfare that moms get. Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year in most restaurants around the country. For Father’s Day, on the other hand, you may hear crickets. Would dads really rather stay home and grill? Or, is that something we got used to thinking while buying dad another tie and socks combo? This year, break that tradition. Dad deserves a celebration!

This Father’s Day, do something different and memorable to show him how special he is. There are fantastic options to celebrate Father’s Day in Orlando. Who says you should only celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday?

1. Surf & Turf Dinner at the Best Steak & Seafood Restaurants in Orlando

A steak dinner is a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. Add some seafood and it’s even better. You can’t go wrong with these local favorite restaurants and their Surf & Turf offerings. I consider these restaurants the best steakhouses in Orlando:

For an epic night out of superb fine dining, the legendary Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando wins my vote. Dad will love the 32 day dry aged, 38 OZ Allen Brother’s Prime Tomahawk paired with various fresh seafood options. But here’s an insider tip: if dad loves comfort food taken to the next level, the Bull & Bear fried chicken is a surprising favorite. Reservations recommended, call 407-597-5500. Located at 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL.

Capa offers one of the most spectacular views and setting for a perfect steak and seafood dinner. Located on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where the only thing rivaling the view is their Capa Gin & Tonic and the 40 day dry aged steaks. Pair these with their Langosta and dad will love you forever. Reservations recommended. Located at 10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista.

One of the most respected steakhouses in town is Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster where the Christner family has been wowing their guests with impeccable service, premium cuts of beef, succulent lobsters and decadent desserts for over 25 years. They are closed on Sundays so take dad out on Saturday night and start celebrating early. I guarantee dad will feel like a king after this surf & turf celebration. If dad loves steak and wine, then make a reservation. This is a dinner he won’t want to miss. Located at 729 Lee Road, Orlando FL.

If dad loves Prime Rib, check out the delicious slow roasted herb crusted Prime Rib served as a 16 oz. or 20 oz. available exclusively on Father’s Day at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. He can also go for the signature Double Eagle Cut, a 45-day dry-aged, double bone-in prime ribeye. Pair it with a succulent lobster tail or Del’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. And save room for the heavenly Butter Cake! If dad is a wine aficionado, choose a bottle from over 1,200 labels. Opening early at 3 p.m., there’s more time to create great memories. Reservations recommended, 407-351-5074. Located at 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

Everglades Restaurant at Rosen Centre Hotel is known for having great steaks and seafood, however if dad wants something other than the traditional cuts of beef, their Buffalo Filet and Grilled Venison are the best in town. Add their Florida Grouper or Sea Bass for a perfect duo. This is one of Orlando’s best hidden gem restaurants. Call 407-996-9840 for reservations. Located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

At Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen spoil dad with a decadent 1.25-lbs cold water Lobster paired with a 7-ounce Black Angus Creekstone Farms Sirloin with Loaded baked Potato and Coastal Slaw for only $49.00. The casual fish camp style menu is enhanced in a rustic chic setting with laid back Southern hospitality. Reservations recommended. Located at 1234 N. Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL.

Located in the casually rich setting of the golf clubhouse of the award-wining Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, “A Land Remembered” steakhouse serves up Harris Ranch Black Angus Five Diamond Prime Beef.  Start with the Lobster Bisque, by far the best I’ve ever had in all my travels. Order the Surf and Turf or Chateaubriand and don’t miss pairing with sea bass, scallops or jumbo lump crab cake. Call 407-996-1956 for reservations. 9939 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL.

2. Sunday Brunch.

Moms aren’t the only ones that enjoy a nice brunch. Think about it. This is a meal that combines all the glory of breakfast like pancakes, eggs, bacon (lots of it!) with the best of lunch. It sounds perfect for dad. These are some of Orlando’s Sunday Brunch favorites:

Brunch paired with a Car & Bike Show at Ace Cafe Orlando sounds like a fun filled day for the car loving dad! The “Ultim-ACE Dad’s Day Brunch” features awesome cars and bikes, delicious food, giveaways, a live DJ and a cigar roller on site. Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special brunch food/beverage menu items. Ace Cafe is the most famous motor-diner on the planet. Since 1938, Ace Cafe London has been a mecca for those passionate about cars, bikes and rock ’n roll culture and now we have our own right here in Downtown Orlando. Reservations required. Located at 100 West Livingston Street, Orlando, FL.

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi has recently launched their Unlimited Izakaya Lunch on Sundays, a deliciously fun alternative to typical brunch menus. Create your own poke bowls, nigiri and hand rolls. Sample their outstanding pork ramen, curry rice, bao buns and more. All you can drink brunch cocktails also available. In addition, Dragonfly will feature several Father’s Day exclusives including a 45-Day Dry Aged Ribeye and a dessert special. For dinner, dads can imbibe on a Father’s Day-exclusive Japanese Whisky flight for $20. Reservations are required. Located at Dellagio Plaza, 7972 Via Dellagio Way.

The charming Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn is offering their traditional a la carte Sunday Brunch menu with stand-outs like their rolls with homemade bacon-butter and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar. Located at 300 E New England Ave, Winter Park FL.

The Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch at Raglan Road Irish Pub is one that will make dad stomp his feet to the beat of the music on stage and clap his hands for the delicious food! Pub regulars are big fans of the Full Irish breakfast with sausage, black & white pudding, bacon, roasted tomato, mushrooms and fried eggs with potato roasties and the Pancakes Diaspora with crème fraiche, maple syrup and mixed berry compote. New dishes like “Salmon Prone to Waffling” grilled salmon topped with smoked salmon, house-made waffles, poached eggs with a maple butter sauce and “Rib O!” braised short rib and thyme marinated mushroom omelette with spinach and porter cheddar cheese sauce are winners! Reservations recommended at 407.938.0300. The Rollicking Raglan Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and live shows run from noon until 3 p.m.

At Highball & Harvest at Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, Sunday Brunch is a full bounty of southern-inspired dishes featuring ingredients from local farms, as well as their own on-site 7,000- square-foot garden at Whisper Creek Farm. Local craft beer bar and epic Bloody Mary’s. Reservations recommended, from 12 – 3 p.m. Located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL.

The Osprey Tavern, named one of Orlando’s Best Restaurants, offers a top-notch Sunday Brunch dad would surely love.  Its brunch menu of American classic favorites includes the BLT, fried chicken sandwich and steak and eggs. Reservations recommended. Located in Baldwin Park, 4899 New Broad St.

Plancha at Tranquilo Golf Club, Four Seasons Orlando Resort features one of my favorite Sunday Brunch menus in town. An expansive selection of antipasto, appetizers, and desserts stations with entrees a la carte and a bottomless mimosa and Bloody Mary bar will please every dad. You can read all about it in this review. Reservations recommended. Located at10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista.

At Pizza Bruno, dad gets Buy One, Get One Draft Beer this Father’s Day, in addition to some of the best pizza in town. From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., enjoy Sunday brunch items like the Pizza Amatriciana topped with a Farm Egg; Calzone with Rosemary Ham, Ricotta and White Cheddar; and a traditional Dutch Baby with Amish Butter and Maple Syrup. Located at 3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL

The Ravenous Pig Sunday Brunch features tiki cocktails and hearty dishes like Smoked Brisket Hash and the BLTE made with house cured bacon. The Ravenous Pig Burger of black angus short rib-brisket topped with caramelized onion and buttermilk blue cheese with a side of truffle fries is legendary at this award-winning and nationally recognized local restaurant. Located at 565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL.

Chef Greg Richie brings loads of fun and flavor to Soco, a “Must Visit” Thornton Park neighborhood restaurant.  Sunday Brunch favorites include Slow-Roasted Barbecue-Glazed Pork Belly Biscuits, Lobster Eggs Benedict, and Southern Fried Quail and Waffles. Dad will love the great selection of bourbons and whiskeys in addition to the brunch libations. Located at 629 E Central Blvd, Thornton Park, Downtown Orlando.

3. Delicious Classes, Competitions & Tastings.

Spend some time with dear dad learning about delicious things you both enjoy: Pizza, Beer, Craft Cocktails, Scotch and Grilling Techniques, take your pick. You never thought going back to school with dad would be this delicious and fun?

For the Pizza-Loving Dad, Grande Lakes Resort JW Griffin Cooking School will teach you all about making great pizza from the award-winning chefs at PRIMO restaurant. Class includes lunch and is on Saturday June 16, 11am-1pm. On Saturday June 30, 4:30pm-6pm, dad can learn all about the wines of the famous Tuscany region. Call 407-393-4683 to make reservations. Located at 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando FL.

If dad loves cooking competitions, enter him into the Pre-Father’s Day “Chopped” Challenge at Pharmacy Restaurant. The speakeasy themed restaurant opens its doors on Saturday June 16, from 1pm-4pm, for two teams of 6 to compete in a mystery basket competition being led by  Food & Wine’s “Best New Chef,” Loren Falsone. Post-event, sit down and enjoy your creations with wines and beers chosen by Pharmacy’s very own “libation specialist,” Dominick Tardugno. To book dad or yourself for the challenge, click here. Pharmacy is located at 8060 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL

If dad is a craft cocktails kind of guy, the popular downtown Orlando speakeasy-style haunt, The Courtesy Bar and its award-winning mixologists will teach you how to mix and shake the perfect libations. Classes are held the first and third Saturday of each month. Reservations 407-704-9288. Located at 114 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando FL

4. Spirits & Craft Beers Events

Wine pairing dinners are common and there are several restaurants in town that do them right. Try something different and celebrate Father’s Day with a cocktails pairing or beer pairing dinner that will make dad extremely happy. These restaurants are known for their creative menus so not only will dad enjoy the drinks, he will enjoy the food as well.

Steak and whiskey make a good pair!  STK, The ultra-modern steakhouse located in Disney Springs is serving up their  National Steakhouse Month Menu with WhistlePig Whiskey Pairing. Plus, every dad receives a complimentary Pocket Square so he can maintain his cool dad factor.

Bull & Bear’s Master Series is one for the books. This special event at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando features cocktails and wine paired with delicious Bull & Bear culinary pairings. Seating is limited, reservations required.  Click here for more details.

5. A Relaxing Weekend Getaway.

Treat dad to a weekend of peace, relaxation and indulgence at

one of the premier resorts in Orlando. Enjoy deluxe accommodations, complimentary dinner entree at A Land Remembered Steakhouse or Cala Bella Italian Restaurant, special discounts on spa treatments and award-winning golf. For reservations call 407-996-6338. Located at 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL.

6. BBQ Fun.

Dads and BBQ go hand in hand but give dad a break this Father’s Day and celebrate at these BBQ feasts:

Check out the Houndstooth BBQ Smoke Out at Maitland City Centre as Chef David Bressler of Houndstooth Sauce Company busts out the big smoker for some awesome BBQ. He’ll be smoking Boston butts, chicken wings and baked beans. Lots of yummy sides including collards, potato salad, pimento cheese grits, white bbq coleslaw, watermelon and sweet tea.

4 Rivers Smokehouse is closed on Sundays so start celebrating dad early.  Each Smokehouse will offer family friendly Father’s Day activities including cookie decorating kits for kids and special gifts to buy dad such as Pitmaster Kits and 4R merchandise. Beginning June 1 each Smokehouse will offer complimentary “A Date with Dad” invitations for children to color and give to their fathers. Don’t miss their new Summer menu in addition to their famous brisket. Check website for locations.

Dad won’t have to do any of the work if he goes poolside at Rosen Centre Hotel’s Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill. Their special Father’s Day Picnic Buffet offers a grilled feast including everything from fresh soups and salads to savory grilled and smoked entrées. Top it off with sweet desserts and a complimentary cold craft beer.  Click here for reservations. Located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL.

7. International Fun. 

For a dad who loves to travel, these International feasts are sure to inspire wanderlust:

Would dad like to travel to Italy for Father’s Day? Head inside Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs for a Sunday Supper like no other.  Gather around one of the communal tables to enjoy a hearty spread of cured meats, cheeses, pasta, entrees and sweets, shared family-style, in an intimate setting that focuses on bringing people together with the promise of good food and meaningful conversation. Savor one of the many Italian wines with your dinner or bring a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine to toast with no additional corkage fee! This family-style feast is $45 a person and $19 for children nine and under (price does not include tax or gratuity).

Southeast Asia street food strike dad’s taste buds? Check out Hawkers Asian Street Fare’s Father’s Day deal on Sunday, dads can dine in and receive 20 percent* off their entire bill and a complimentary oneTiger Bomb or a Tiger pint. Simply check-in on Yelp to enjoy the perks. Valid at all locations, including their newest in Windermere.

Taverna Opa celebrates Father’s Day with a complimentary meal for dad with the purchase of any of their multi-course family style dinner for four. This feast of Greek and Mediterranean foods includes hot and cold appetizers, meat and seafood platters and desserts all served family style. The Belly dancing show starts at noon and don’t be surprised if dad starts dancing on the tables. Call 407-351-8660 for reservations. Located at Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, suite 2240, Orlando FL.

Join Tapa Toro for a Spanish-Style celebration this Father’s Day! For just $28, Dad can enjoy a three-course menu, complimentary bourbon tasting and cigar lounge. Don’t forget the Flamenco dancers!  Reservations and walk-ins are welcome. Located at I-Drive 360 complex, 8441 International Drive, Orlando FL.

8. Soccer Madness.

If Soccer is on and dad is a fan, he may not want to step away from the TV. Here are a few popular hangouts where you don’t have to sacrifice good food to watch the games:

Experience the 2018 World Cup Watch Party at Lion’s Pride Soccer Pub & Grill from Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, July 15 with simultaneous showing of EVERY 2018 FIFA World Cup match morning to afternoon on over 40 televisions, including a 200-inch big screen, and featuring traditional drinks from competing countries. Located in downtown Orlando at 123 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801. For more information, call 407-203-4099.T

The Pub at Pointe Orlando is a fun British-style pub where dad and you can enjoy all the games, drink specials and score Pub rewards. Take advantage of the “Pour Your Own Beer” Walls, where you choose your beer, pay by the ounce and pour it yourself, and don’t be surprised if dad wants to install one of these at home. Located at Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, suite 1003, Orlando FL.

Check out these Top 9 Sports Bars in Orlando for all my favorite places to watch sports in town.

9. Great Deals.

Dads love a good deal and in the month of June, one of the best deals in town is Bite-30. A citywide initiative from Orlando Weekly where participating restaurants, including favorites like The Ravenous Pig, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen, Soco Thornton Park, Pharmacy, and Artisan’s Table, among others are offering a three course prix fixe dinner menus for $30. This is an amazing deal to encourage locals and visitors to check out some of Orlando’s best restaurants. If you’ve said “We need to check out that restaurant someday”, now is your chance to #MakeSomedayHappen. Please call the restaurant of your choice in advance to confirm that this special menu will be available on Father’s Day.

Dad deserves a free drink! Celebrate dad at Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, The Edison and Morimoto Asia with a complimentary beverage with entree purchase this Father’s Day. Reservations are recommended for these popular Disney Springs restaurants.

I hope you found several options from this list to celebrate Father’s Day not just on Sunday but throughout the week. If you’re familiar with my Top 9 lists you know that the reason I select nine is because a Top 10 list seems too final. Instead, I like to keep that 10th spot open for your recommendations. What special place do you have in mind to celebrate Father’s Day? Please share it in the comments below.

Father’s Day at Home

If dad really wants to stay home and grill on Sunday, then make sure you do it right. Host a “Beer & Sausage Tasting” with a variety of sausages and beers (my family tradition for the past 10 years), set up a “Burger Sampler BBQ” with various types of patties (Buffalo, Ostrich, and Bison are all awesome) and toppings or have a “Hot Dog’s from around the world” buffet. If he likes to hover over the grill, let him. After all, dad’s most precious gift is the time you spend with him, being there in the moment, enjoying whatever crazy, lazy, funny, classy, or kooky activity he enjoys.

Cheers to dad and to creating great memories sharing a delicious meal!

If you liked this Top 9 list, please share it with your friends using the social media links below and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.

Cheers!

Go Epicurista

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