Restaurant Advice (Lakeside, Winter Park, Maitland: neighborhoods, school, college)

[johnatl]

I am a former resident, but have been away for over 8 years with the exception of quick in & out day trips. I'll be in town in a couple of weeks for a long weekend, and could use some help from you locals as to a couple of restaurant questions.

In particular, I'm seeking out good local seafood & Cuban places. Nothing too fancy, just good local food in a friendly atmosphere. Used to love Numero Uno and a little hole in the wall on Bumby called Medina's. I'm sure Medina's is long gone (hope not!), but I'm guessing Numero Uno is still around?

As for seafood, used to love a place on East Colonial called Straubs, and was also a huge fan of Townsends.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Jonotastic]

Stonewood Tavern in Dr. Phillips!

[blueoktober]

Numero Uno is still around.... The Havana Grill in Altamonte or on Aloma in WP is very good.

I don't eat seafood so I couldn't tell you, but I do know there is this place on South Orange that is on a lake...looks like a dive, but is ALWAYS packed.

[johnatl]

Thanks, blueoktober! Good to hear about Numero Uno, and thanks for the Havana Grill tip.

The seafood place on the lake sounds exactly like what I am looking for! Is it down south in Belle Isle, or closer to town?

[AONE]

Straubs is still on Colonial but the original owner did sell the place a couple years ago.

[Granny Sue]

Sadly Townsends is gone.
The Seafood restaurant on South Orange Ave is Julie's Waterfront and I just checked with a friend that lives in that area and it IS still open.

[johnatl]

Thanks so much for the responses everyone - I really appreciate it!

I must admit I'm pretty excited to see everything after being away for so long.

Thanks again,
John

[Wilshire81182]

You will have to tell us the observartions that have :-)

[johnatl]

^I would be glad to. I try to keep up with things, but SO much has changed............

I am really looking forward to seeing Downtown, Thornton Park, College Park, Winter Park, Maitland, etc. Will be completely staying away from anything tourist related on this trip - with the exception of the "old school" Winter Park chain of lakes boat tour thingy.

If anyone can think of anything else, please feel free to add.

Thanks again, everyone.

[johnatl]

Well, just returned from a wonderful trip down there.

I really want to thank both blueoktober & Kali's Grandma for suggesting Julie's Lakeside. Went there for lunch on the way back to the airport, and fell in love with the place. Great food, neat little deck out back and fantastic service from Cathy, who has been there for seven years. It was exactly the sort of "old Florida" seafood joint we were hoping for - thanks again!

I was very pleasantly surprised that my old favorite for Cuban - Medina's - is still there on Bumby after all these years, and still as good as ever. So again, thanks blueoktober for the Havana Grill suggestion. I'll try them on another trip.

For any of you that like Thai food, you have to check out Orchid on Park Ave. Absolutely some of the best I have ever had, and sitting on the sidewalk was great. The owners Lucky & Ann are wonderful people.

All in all, it was a great trip. The changes to the City are quite shocking, but Downtown and the neighborhoods adjacent to the South and East have never looked better!