Something from California?
 

So we now have a Portillo's to satisfy the Chicagoland folks, and an Abbot's 100-year old custard is coming to Middleton for the New York folks, and the Kilwin's Ice Cream and Chocolate for the Michigan crowds.

Where's the California offering for the many from there moving here? Tommy's chili burgers? The Hat pastrami sandwiches? In-N-Out will be here eventually but not anytime soon. How about Vince's Spaghetti? Or Del Taco? El Pollo Loco?

I'd be eternally grateful if the opened a Broadway Pizza or Nankin Chinese restaurant.... See who gets this...

I'd like to see Wahoo's Fish Taco here. Wahoo's Fish Taco

and Mother's Market. Locations | Mother's Market

Not enough people from California???

:shrug:


Demographics - The Villages 101

We need a Whataburger, El Pollo Loco, and Cheddars!

Says the man who never had a hot pastrami at the original Hat, or chili cheese burger at the original Tommy's.
Hot damn! Just the thought of the gastronomic glory that is a Tommy burger is giving me gas. Oh! The JOY!

Phoot! 😒 sorry.

Pastrami has no business being relegated to a lowly sub roll or bun. It is only glorious if it's first grilled (like bacon, but not as crisp), with a slice of swiss cheese on top, then raw red onion, and spatula'ed onto a slice of butter-side-down rye bread, then topped with another slice of butter-side-up rye bread. Then smashed, and flipped, and cut in half and served with a half-sour pickle on the plate, a handful of mundane ordinary french fries, and a 4-bite side of cole slaw. Bonus points if it's marbled rye.

Anything else is heresy of varying degrees.

I opt for El Pollo Loco or La Salsa or Jamba Juice.

There’s a Del Taco in Orlando. I went out of my way to go there one day. I’m waiting for in-n-out.

One place I'd like to see from CA, and the only after living there for 3 years, is El Burrito Jr. Incredible food at inexpensive prices.

We have in and out now, they operate as Burger King.....no thanks, 5 Guys so much better.

Rubios Fish Taco would be a good add, but they do not seem to do well in Fl.

There's a nice Cheddars on College Rd in Ocala, if you're ever up there. I like the chicken pot pie about once a year!

Cheddar's
 

There's a Cheddar's in Ocala on highway 200 west of I-75.

Rubio's Fish Tacos

El Torito

You may not know this but the hat is NY pastrami so not a good choice. I would vote for In and Out get one animal style with animal fries every time I go back home.

Del Taco is lousy. Vince’s Spaghetti is my ex-wife’s family’s favorite place to eat, so I ate there dozens of times. They advertise how many MILES of spaghetti they’ve served. But it’s terrible spaghetti. We already have the most famous California restaurant born in California here in The Villages: McDonalds. I don’t eat there, either.

DEFINITELY El Pollo Loco

Pollo Loco would be a real improvement, but what we really need is Imo’s from St.Louis. Provel foever!

I have several times and I still say the same thing.... maybe in reverse? like why so many from California???? To be fair I say the same about NY....

Prefer independent eateries.

BELIEVE ME — Abbott’s custard is for everyone! Nothing better than homemade custard like raspberry, chocolate almond, mint chocolate chip — oh, my! Can’t wait for the grand opening.

I'd love to see a Philly Pretzel Factory near Eastport or Middletown.

I really miss them. Healthier fast food chicken. I love the smoky black beans. Would frequently stop there or La Salsa for dinner on my way home from work.

We are waiting for In-N-Out too, but we also miss Stonefire Grill ribs which was walking distance from our home in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks. We definitely go to In-N-Out every trip home to see our kids and grandson, but none of them live near Stonefire sadly.

Well, I would like to see Schlotzsky’s or Abuelo’s TexMex it this is wish list?

MN favs
 

Nankin only in our dreams. Best was Asia in Columbia Heights, but both are long gone. The supposed recipes live on the internet. How about Old Dutch, Old Home, Western dressing, B&M or Captain Kens beans, No Name steak. Gotta take a road trip now.

I have type 2 Diabetes, so there is nothing I can eat at Portillo's. Even their salad is off limits because it has pasta in it.

Between a quarter and a third of people living in the Villages have the same problem I do. There are usually only one or two things on a menu that I can eat.

The first restaurant that figures this out and offers more diabetic-friendly options is going to make a killing here.

This Texan has been craving Whataburger ever since we moved here a year ago. I’m aware there’s one in St Augustine, but that’s a quite a drive for a burger.

Where, exactly, do "We have in and out now," ? They're still building in TN, and the furthest In-&-Out so far to date is in Texas.

Rubio's was okay, but I preferred Baja Fresh. Even the fast food Mexican food in California is far better than any "restaurant" Mexican food I've found on the east coast so far - even though they think they're all that - they ain't. Give me some Avila's El Ranchito's chicken tamales with green sauce or Cielito Lindo (Olvera Street) taquitos with avocado sauce all day any day.

Didn't think anyone would be familiar with Vince's - it's VERY regional. It's a love-it or hate-it kind of place. Similar to your Ex's family, we loved it. Generous portions and good value pricing. the unique flavor, the amazing soup, the garlic and cheese bread! We went regularly, and on birthdays.

Nankin was a great Minneapolis restaurant!

In-N-Out Burger
 

I second In-N-Out Burger coming to The Villages! (Cali girl almost three decades)

Just be thrilled you're here!!! In the meantime, find some nearby local yokell place like Florida Cracker Kitchen, Eaton's/Ski Beach, Columbia Restaurant, Harry's, and any Cuban restaurant you run across, plus the soon to be here Twistee Treat.

Vince’s Spaghetti on Holt . Loved that place. Very unique flavor. The Hat on Benson in Upland. The best. Chili cheese fries were awesome

Sounds like you have a business idea. Maybe you could start a franchise.

Haha, Del Taco!


Seriously, how about Ghirardelli or Hash House A GoGo? Those are already in Orlando, would be nice to have up here too.

Sounds delicious 😋

I vote for Habit hamburgers and Trader Joe’s

Hands down, The Habit has the best French fries I've ever had. Golden brown and crispy on the outside, and hot white flakey potato on the inside.

There are actually nearly a dozen Habit locations in Florida, including Del Ray Beach and Clearwater.

I was so disappointed in Portillo's. Nothing special there. Burgers and hotdogs. Really.

Came to Florida to get away from California, but I love In and Out Burger. My only frustration is that they won’t build second one in my home town, because it is always packed.

Hands down the best burger is The Habit, and as far as fries goes, their fried green beans are the best ever. The only one we know is down in Tampa, if anyone knows of a closer location please let me know.

The best Mexican places are Cafe Rio and Sharkey’s for different reasons, but both are known for their fresh ingredients.