Ford’s Garage keeps its pub-friendly menu simple
Ford’s Garage is hard to miss as you approach the Orlando Premium Outlets — vintage Ford vehicles sit right outside its doors. The restaurant, which is the first Ford’s in the Orlandoarea, takes its theming seriously, from gas pump handles on the front door to a tire turned sink in the bathroom.
What I would try a second time
I wouldn’t try anything for a second time at Ford’s. Not because I couldn’t find anything to enjoy — but I would rather try something new (like a burger) from the sizable menu. See “My next visit” for more.
What I didn’t like
Oil had pooled at the top of the buffalo chicken dip ($8.99) when it arrived at our table. We found very little pulled chicken in the split buffalo cheese dip as we dug into the spread with tortilla chips. What I would put on Instagram
The name should have prepared us, but we were all taken aback when the giant funnel tower of jumbo piston onion rings ($10.99) arrived at our table.
Eight large, crisp onion rings had been strung onto the funnel, with cups of ranch and spicy ketchup underneath. While I enjoyed the satisfying crunch elicited from the rings, I wanted a bit more salt and pepper sprinkled on them.
Other eats
Ford’s beer-battered fish
’n’ chips ($13.99) was another eye-catching dish delivered to our table. The piece of cod was nearly as long as the plate on which it was served, with a generous portion of Ford’s signature potato wedges. The coating on the fish was light, crisp and not greasy.
Goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and basil topped the grilled chicken on the chicken Henry ($14.99), which got a nice douse of a not-so-lemony butter sauce. Green beans and well-whipped white cheddar mashed potatoes rounded out the plate.
How I was treated
Ford’s staff was friendly and quick to check in with us — but failed to fulfill any of our requests for extra napkins or drinks. Our main server would eventually make her way to our table to check in and see to those missing items. My next visit
Sixteen burgers line Ford’s menu. The two 1⁄3 pound patties on the double stack ($11.95) burger surprised with the juicy, tender meat.
For bar-hoppers
The craft beer selection at Ford’s is sizable with a good variety of beer styles and breweries. A generous happy hour is offered from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays with $1 off draft beers, $4 patties, house wines, $4 margarita pints and $4 sangrias.
For those with special diets
Vegan and vegetarian diners will find it difficult to find meat or animalproduct free dishes at Ford’s Garage.