The Florida Steakhouse That’s One Of The Most Unique In America
By Megan Todaro|Published December 12, 2023
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Megan Todaro
Author
Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
I already know what you’re thinking, friends. “What in the world makes a steakhouse in Florida so special that it would be one of the most unique in America?” And to be honest, I would probably have the same thoughts. Sometimes, when you visit one steakhouse, you visit them all. At least – until now. Kres Chophouse in Orlando, Florida, is an experience that might seem like all of the others – but that is until you see the menu…
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Upon first glance at the Kres Chophouse in Downtown Orlando, Florida, you’ll notice that it is set up in a historic, architecturally renowned building.
The Kress building was originally part of the S.H. Kress chain of five-and-dime stores, built back in 1935. Today, this iconic building is home to the impeccable Kres Chophouse.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by a modern steakhouse decor, bursting with hues of red throughout. The steakhouse is dimly lit, which just adds to the ambiance in my opinion.
I’m not going to bury the lede too deep here - what makes this steakhouse SO unique that it’s renowned across the country? It’s one of the only steakhouses in America that has it’s own (very comparable) plant-based menu.
That’s right folks, this steakhouse has a vegan menu that is out-of-this-world if you’re looking for plant-based fare, created solely for non-meat eaters to dine with their meat-loving friends.
I highly recommend starting with a steakhouse staple - the house-made bread and butter. I opted for the vegan butter option, since wanting to try the plant-based menu, and let me say it was extraordinary. The bread was fluffy and warm and the vegan butter just melted through each crevice and crack.
The vegan starters I tried included the chickpea and artichoke “crab cake” and the roasted grape toast. Each bite was a divine flavor-bomb that truthfully, I never would’ve expected to be vegan.
The “chicken” piccata was filled with citrus notes from the lemon-caper-garlic butter sauce. Plus it was teaming with vegetables, from fresh heirloom tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and kale.
But if I had to pick a favorite entree, it would be the vegan wellington. Rather than just slap a non-meat product between some puff pastry, Kres Chophouse makes an in-house black bean seitan loaf, and combines it beautifully with walnut mushroom duxelle, sweet potato mash, asparagus, port shallot, and puff pastry.
Then, just when you think it can’t get any better - IT DOES. The dessert menu offers two sweet treat options, the brookie sundae and the strawberry ice cream sundae.
The brookie was a combination of Oreo and brownie and it was one of the softest, sweetest, richest desserts I’ve had all year.
Of course, there is also a full meat and seafood rich menu worth checking out, too, from bone-in pork chops, to oyster Rockefeller, to actual meat wellingtons.
What do you think about Kres Steakhouse in Orlando? Would you dine here and try the vegan menu? Sound off in the comments section! You can also find out more about the menu options here, by visiting the Kres Steakhouse Orlando Facebook Page.
While you’re out exploring Orlando, make sure to check out one of the funkiest streets, Ivanhoe Row. You can also peruse the Viator offerings to see all the best Orlando has to offer.
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