Prime local protein at Orlando Meats
Orlando Meats’ proteins shine at the butcher shop’s fast-casual restaurant, which uses local (within about 150 miles) pastureraised meats.
Originally on South Goldenrod Road, Orlando Meats moved and opened a new spot in Orlando’s Mills 50 neighborhood in July.
What I would try a second time
I’m a little torn this week — the dish I would try again also produced my one criticism of Orlando Meats.
Grass-fed beef between a square of French bread makes up the Medium Rare Burger ($12). The well-seasoned meat literally oozes juice. Melted provolone cheese along with garlic aioli and bacon sauce crusted the patty. Don’t be fooled by its smallish appearance, it’s a filling burger with very few bread-only bites.
Despite the name, however, our burgers were not the expected medium-rare (warm, red center), instead edging toward the medium-well side of things.
What I didn’t like
Please see “What I would try a second time.”
What I would put on Instagram
Despite temperature issues, the burger has already appeared on my Instagram. Our table of breakfast items also will be popping up soon.
Other eats
Breakfast and lunch menus at Orlando Meats are sectioned off into plates and sandwiches.
The Standard ($12) was a veritable breakfast feast: creamy scrambled eggs, a slice of ham, peppery crisp home fries and toast. Buttery, French-toast-like bread cradled pork sausage, a fluffy omelet and Dijonnaise sauce in Best Foot Forward ($10).
Orlando Meats’ cakelike doughnut lineup changes, with the exception of the buttermilk glazed treat. I opted for the apple butter sorghum ($2) doughnut, a nice combination of sweet and salty.
At lunch, the High Pork Drifter ($10) was a nice blend of flavors and textures. Barbecue pork belly and ricotta topped the nearly dinner-plate-size scallion corn cake. Pickled red onion offered some acidity to the otherwise rich dish.
How I was treated
Staff members were friendly and patient at this counter-service eatery. Our meals were delivered quickly.
My next visit
I’ve been most pleased with the lunch menu, so I’ll probably wander in for some of the as-of-now mysterious “hushpiggies” ($7).
For bar-hoppers
Orlando Meats pours a handful of ciders and local craft beers along with a few wines by the glass. The restaurant also offers kombucha (a fermented tea) and bone broth to sip on as well.
For those with special diets
The already small menu has one or two meat-free dishes, but most must be adapted for vegetarian diners.