This blog focuses on the eating, dining, drinking, cooking, and enjoyment of local Florida cuisine. Purely by local recommendation, we will scour the biggest and smallest of restaurants within the biggest and smallest of cities to find the food and people that represent the insanity of the Sunshine State
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Monday, February 11, 2013
Cooke's of Dublin: Irish Treasure in Downtown Disney
Ladies and gentleman, I am about to reveal a secret. A deep dark dirty secret. I lie, it’s not deep and it’s not too dark. What I am about to reveal to you is one of the best quick service spots in all of Walt Disney World. Located in Downtown Disney next to the other underrated Irish gem (Raglan Road---already reviewed) we have Cookes of Dublin. This spot has been around for over a decade and has quietly garnered an audience amongst the locals and repeat visitors. While it might be quick-service, it delivers sit-down quality food. And-----the best fish and chips in all of Orlando.
The way the place works is that everything is made fresh, nothing is hanging around waiting for someone to purchase it. The hold time of all the food is minimal, which has resulted in some challenges with Cookes having to try to maintain its technique while dealing with the expanding audience of Downtown Disney (and destroying my predicted outcome of what would happen if they shut down the clubs). So the menu has changed a few times over the years, with the fisherman’s pie being the worst of the casualties. But let’s get to the fish and chips, shall we?
The best item on the menu, the only item you should actually purchase. Ever. It is a massive, massive piece of cod and it comes with a good abundance of French fries---well, chips. Like I said before it’s always fresh so you order first, find your seat, and wait for heaven to arrive. If you really want to boost that meal you order the cheese and bacon dip---or the garlic mayo dip. Whichever you prefer, it will add layers of heaven to your meal. The cod itself always arrives smoking hot (I have burned the roof of my mouth plenty of times), and the batter surrounding it is juicy, light, and doesn’t overpower the fresh fish taste. The fries are always crisp, always hot, and always a great compliment.
Then there’s the cheese and bacon dip. Oh dear God the cheese and bacon dip. While paying $4 for a dip seems crazy, stupid and pointless, let’s point out that there is thick bacon INSIDE the dip. It is a hearty blast of cheesy goodness that can work well with anything—fish, fries, burgers, you name it.
Bottom Line: One of the best quick-service spots in Walt Disney World and one of the best hidden cuisine surprises in Orlando, Cookes of Dublin is an absolute delight every time you visit. The authentic Irish-inspired cuisine arrives quick but fresh, costs a bit more but gives you plenty, and the overall experience is always nothing short of grand.
Seriously, those fish and chips. Get them.
Final Verdict: Recommend
Cooke's of Dublin
Downtown Disney Area
Lake Buena Vista, Fl
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