I loved my SUMMERFEST stay at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.
Read all about the annual SUMMERFEST here.
Orlando Florida is full of dining options from fast food to trendy and tourist spots. When I find a fine dining experience in the middle of a theme park mecca then I must share! On a recent stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort for SUMMER FEST, I had the opportunity to have a remarkable dinner at the Old Hickory Steakhouse located in the atrium of this beautiful hotel.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: The Best Restuarant in Orlando
With Old Hickory Steakhouse being located in the main atrium it feels like you are eating outside among the trees when in reality you are inside. This is a white table restaurant with knowledgeable servers but the atmosphere is also laid back enough to feel comfortable bringing young children. The setting is designed around the atrium theme of the resort providing a unique atmosphere.
The decor and building combinations create a unique mix of modern and rustic.
The ambiance is relaxed yet upscale. Very quaint with small dining areas scattereed about rather than just one large dining room.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: Great Wine & Signature Handcrafted Cocktails
If you love wine pairing with dinner then you will love Old Hickory Steakhouse even more than everyone else. The wine menu weighs about five pounds and is in a continual flow, bringing smiles to the faces of those who love options. The wine list includes everything from a huge variety of by-the-glass to everything between $30 bottles and $2,000 bottles. We enjoyed half glasses of top choice wine with each dish for the full tasting experience!
I suggest you arrive ahead of your reservationso that you can take a seat at the bar and order the handcrafted cocktail the bartender suggests. I love to hear about a restaurant’s signature cocktail, so the whiskey was a pleasant start to our meal.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: Standout menu itmes
I LOVE CHEESE! So my eye was immediately caught by the cheese cart we passed on our way to the table. The cheese course at Old Hickory Steakhouse is unlike any I have experienced. Our server wheeled over this delightful glass-cased cart to reveal and inform us about more than a dozen cheeses from all over the world. As part of the menu item, diners choose a selection of three or six artisanal cheeses, which are then plated with their appropriate accompaniments like dates, nuts, honey, and guava jelly. If you love ordering cheese plates then this is definitely the way you want to kick off your meal!
The restaurant is about to switch to a new menu, so we tasted items from both the current menu that will be staying as well as some of the new additions. From salads to steak and sides, the menu offers a comforting twist to your typical steakhouse menu. Though we were quit full from the cheese cart, the Local Heirloom Tomatoes tempted us. So happy we tried it because it is on point perfect.
Their Lobster Bisque is a restaurant favorite, while I really enjoyed the new Pea Soup! The aroma will draw you in but the flavors will leave you wanting more.
I was a big fan of the gravy fries and the corn skillet sides that we paired with the 24 oz Bison steak! Warning- you will leave here extremely full but with a huge smile on your face.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: Sweets
I usually pass on desserts. But it isn’t every day that you find a true souffle on the menu! So we opted for both the chocolate soufflé and a grand marnier soufflé paired with nice ports. The perfect ending to a spectacular meal!
Old Hickory Steakhouse: Exceptional Service
The service is what took this dining experience to a remarkable level. Our server, Cain, was amazing at his job. So enthusiastic and informative- it was contagious. He was genuinely excited about the menu and gave wonderful recommendations. Big kudos to him for making a delicious meal an even more wonderful experience. But service didn’t stop with our server, we had the opportunity to talk with the chef, mixologist, restaurant manager and resort F&B manager. All encounters with the staff were friendly, informative, and generous. We look forward to a return visit!
Restaurant Information
The Old Hickory Steakhouse and bar is open daily for dinner hours. Valet parking is free when dining at the bar or restaurant. Present your parking voucher for validation. The restaurant itself is located inside the Gaylord Palms atrium. I highly recommend you plan to add an hour or so before or after your meal to walk around the resort to see the beautiful themed Key West and St. Augustine atriums. You may even come across some baby gators and reptiles! If you are in the Orlando area, don’t skip over this fine dining experience. And if you are staying at the Gaylord then there should be no question as whether or no to dine here. Go!
Old Hickory Steakhouse
at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
6000 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
(407) 393-4422
www.GaylordPalms.com
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Disclosure: The meal at Old Hickory Steakhouse was complimentary but the opinions and deliciousness expressed are all my own. This is not a sponsored post.