Orlando (like most of the larger Florida cities from Central to South) is like a gigantic spider web: lots of hidden locations, lots of open space, and it’s all eventually somehow connected. The MetroWest section of Orlando does not hold the best reputation, but right in the outskirts is a nice cluster of apartment complexes and neighborhoods close to the Universal Studios area that is hidden from practically the rest of the area. It is embedded quite deep in a random street that seemingly goes nowhere, and also holds one of the best secrets of Central Florida:
Teak Neighborhood Grill.
This place is in the heart of the hidden neighborhood cluster, and was built specifically for the core group living here. The scene is youthful, the space is huge, the bars are massive, and it looks to be the perfect spot to meet up with friends residing in the area. During my stay here I saw several encounters of people coming in and knowing the folks that were already dining/drinking inside. But I was not here for the ambiance; I was here for one specific reason:
Their burgers.
After finding the ultimate burger in the history of Earth, I was determined to find one that can match the happiness I encounter every time I fight the work of art in Hollywood (about four hours away). I was told of a specific burger (The Pig) that features pulled pork, ham, bacon, herb mayonnaise, white cheddar, and onion jam. All their burgers sound delicious and anti-nutritious, and some absolutely outrageous (One of them features cronuts as buns). But The Pig and I have a date.
Although this one.........someday...someday....
Their menu is extremely diverse and has lots of interesting options outside their legion of burgers. I almost opted to try one of their flatbreads (Shrimp, corn, alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, bacon) as well as their burger but the waitress gave me a look like I was going to have a heart attack that night if I attempted it. So I went with shrimp fritters and The Pig.
The shrimp fritters were absolutely fantastic. All the ingredients blended in together fantastically to create a savory and sweet burst of flavor and went along perfectly with the two dipping sauces: old bay aioli and musters seed honey. Nothing stood out individually; it was just a great filling appetizer in general.
The Pig is a mighty big deal. It is a plethora, a medley, a tossed jumble of savory, salty, and sweet that dances well with the taste buds and is a pure delight from start to finish. The mayonnaise and onion jam combination provided the chill sweet, while the heat was delivered from the meaty mix of burger and pig. As you continue fighting the burger, you’ll quickly realize that the bun struggles to hold in all the toppings. That is a sign of a good burger: the bun isn’t part of the experience; it’s just there to contain it.
Easily one of the best burgers in Central Florida, ranking way up there with Margaritaville’s Cheeseburger in Paradise and the underrated burgers in Beaches n’ Cream. It got me pumped for a return visit to tackle another one of their behemoths. The entire experience was pleasant, as it’s a quiet neighborhood bar on steroids in terms of size, scope, and quality.
Oh, the fries were darn good too...
Bottom Line: Teak Neighborhood Grill is a gem from start to finish. This place is perfectly located, snug in the middle of the youthful scene, and has a menu daring enough to take on the youngsters that are sick of the touristy usual fare. The portions are no joke, and neither is the menu which has a grand variety of foods and alcoholic options. This place deserves its success, and deserves multiple visits from me, from you, and from our friends and families. Easily one of the best places to dine in Orlando.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommend
Teak Neighborhood Grill
6400 Times Square Avenue
Orlando, FL 32835
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