Seize a seat on the counter at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant. Guten appetit! Photograph by Roberto Gonzalez
Normally, my week is full of information of recent eating places popping up round Orlando and Winter Park. My day job retains me busy writing about all the brand new scorching spots individuals ought to maintain their eyes on, however that doesn’t go away a lot time for shouting out the oldies however goodies which have been round for generations, holding their very own towards the stylish selfie dens that proceed to open in The Metropolis Lovely.
There are such a lot of nice spots tucked away off the crushed path or in different cities close by which might be greater than value a tank of gasoline and a day of sightseeing. However it may be scary generally to danger and roll the cube on one thing new. So let me enable you with that.
Beneath is a working checklist of my go-to mom-and-pop locations in and round Central Florida value the additional carbon miles. However should you really feel badly about driving round, attain out to me, and I’ll offer you a hyperlink to get a free tree on your yard.
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant
Hollerbach’s is an uber-popular German restaurant in downtown Sanford’s coronary heart. The Hollerbach household opened it in 2001, and it’s been a snowball of schnitzel and spätzle ever since with an added deli, grocery retailer, a people put on store, and a beer corridor. Now they’re even opening a weed-themed idea up the road in West Finish Buying and selling Firm referred to as The Joint.
They typically quote the Hollerbach household as saying the restaurant is about extra than simply meals, it’s an “expertise.” That is true, because it has some die-hard followers and clients always of the day. Strains occur typically right here and prolong up the sidewalk, with massive households eagerly awaiting a plate of wurst or sauerbraten.
Vibe: Hollerbach’s looks like your grandpa’s examine or an Elk’s Lodge, stuffed with ephemera and comfy seating that’s seen plenty of use, love, and laughter by way of the years. You’ll be equally at house carrying jorts and a t-shirt as you’ll be in lederhosen.
What to get: Virtually every thing at Hollerbach’s is a shade of brown or tan and sticks to your ribs. The menu is nearly overwhelmingly sturdy and formed like a newspaper, so take your time to seek out the proper plate. That being mentioned, you may’t go flawed with the sauerbraten with a facet of candy pink cabbage. The käsespätzle, sauteed egg noodles in a wealthy cream with crispy fried onions, can be decadently nostalgic.
Contact: 201-205 E. 1st St., Sanford | 407-321-2204 | hollerbachs.com
Osteen Diner
Osteen is a rural pocket simply southeast of Deltona, with extra cows than individuals. The house owners, Ken and Ruth Schiffermiller bought the spot in 2007 when Ruth had a dream about opening her personal enterprise there, they usually’ve been serving up their very own model of house cooking ever since.
And whereas the entrees are all scrumptious and virtually every thing may include gravy, the dessert choice is phenomenal. And I’m a sucker for a selfmade pie.
Vibe: The nation decor is paying homage to Cracker Barrel, with rather less pretense and a bit of extra mom-and-pop appeal. Cease by on a Tuesday night if you wish to take pleasure in or be a part of within the weekly acoustic jam session and get to know the locals.
What to get: There’s quite a bit to get enthusiastic about right here, however the outsized cinnamon rolls are to not be sneezed at. Don’t sleep on the He-Man Nation Fried Steak or the fried catfish, both.
Contact: 195 State Route 415, Osteen | 407-323-6469 | osteendiner.com
Peebles Bar-B-Q
Peebles Bar-B-Q is the barbecue restaurant you by no means knew you wanted, and it’s situated simply over in Auburndale in Polk County. The family-run restaurant has been serving up tasty dishes out of their smoke pit since 1947and they provide a number of the most flavorful barbecues within the area since they’ve had a number of generations to get the recipes excellent. They’ve honed their craft so nicely that the menu solely options 15 objects.
A grease hearth in 2022 had them closed for a scorching minute, however they’ve been again at it and serving greater and larger crowds every month. Get in there earlier than it’s too scorching, although. They take July and August off, which is sensible within the Florida warmth.
Vibe: It is a roadside, family-run barbecue joint, not a Disney resort restaurant. It’s easy and naked bones and stuffed with coronary heart.
What to get: Strive their household meal deal for $44 should you’ve acquired a automobile stuffed with hungry mouths to feed. It comes with two meats of your selection and three quarts of sides, like mac & cheese, baked beans, and collard greens.
Contact: 441 Previous Dixie Freeway, Auburndale | 863-967-3085 | peeblesbbq.com
