The burgers top the tacos at Four Rebels
Four Rebels American Taco Kitchen & Bar joined Orlando’s booming taco scene a few months ago. It faces some stiff competition not only from the city at large — but from its own neighbors in and around the Mills 50 neighborhood.
What I would try a second time
As its name suggests, the old-school burger ($10) came with classic toppings of lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. The patty itself was juicy, well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. It did not come with french fries, so we opted for the gooey, spicy chorizo macaroni and cheese ($5).
What I didn’t like
Four Rebels’ taco menu stands out in a sea of traditional taco joints with its creative ingredient combinations. Just look at the ingredient lineup of the tacos we tried: the Buffalo Chicken ($4) filled with a few chunks of chicken tenders covered in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese and carrotcelery slaw; and the Po' Boy ($5) lined with small fried shrimp covered in remoulade and shredded romaine.
The scant ingredients didn’t sit well in the stiff, cold flour and corn tortillas. We fared better with the KFT — Kentucky Fried Taco ($4) filled with tasty fried chicken, creamy coleslaw and mashed potatoes and gravy; and the chorizo street taco that came simply dressed with onion and cilantro.
What I would put on Instagram
Head to the rooftop dining area after 6 p.m. to catch a sunset backdrop for your food and drinks.
Other eats
Appetizerwise, the buffalo chicken wings ($6) were well-sauced and crispy. The elote street corn ($5), another starter, came drizzled with crema fresca and sprinkled with queso fresco. I wanted a bit more char on the halved corn ears.
Four Rebels serves some more substantial entrees if you’re feeling peckish. The fork-tender braised short rib ($15) was accompanied by mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts dotted with queso fresco. Au jus added some extra savoriness to the dish.
How I was treated
Our starters came with the main meal during both of our visits — leaving us without food or service for long periods of time.
My next visit
I’m avoiding the tacos for another burger: the hangover ($12). It’s adorned with a fried egg, bacon, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese.
For bar-hoppers
Special food and drink deals are a daily occurrence at Four Rebels on top of a daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m.
For those with special diets
Vegetarian-friendly proteins aren’t plentiful on the menu. Four Rebels does allow diners to switch out beef for veggie patties on its burger menu with a $2 discount.