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Hidden Gems (Restaurants) in Downtown Windermere
There’s a little foodie in all of us at the Erica Diaz Team! That’s why we created this article that highlights the restaurants in Downtown Windermere that are hidden gems. Each of them are situated along Main Street in the heart of Windermere. Next time you’re looking for a great place to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee or grab Sunday brunch with the family, check out one of these eateries!
The restaurants in Downtown Windermere are local favorites and the Erica Diaz Team is letting you in on why they are so loved and some of the most popular menu items.
Dixie Cream Cafe
If you’ve been on the search for southern comfort food made from scratch… your search is finally over! Dixie Cream Cafe is serving up the real deal as far as made from scratch southern comfort food goes!
This Downtown Windermere restaurant began serving up breakfast and lunch a little over 10 years ago. Since then, people from all over head to Main Street in Windermere to enjoy the funky and unique vibes of this little local gem. Guests love the nostalgic feel that’s found both inside and out of the restaurant. It’s even built in a 50’s style saw-tooth roofed building. Inside the walls are lined with local art work and chandeliers hang from the ceilings.
“Comfort food is the heart of Dixie Cream Café, where we take pride in preparing your meal from scratch so whatever you decide, you will be happy that you found us. Here at Dixie Cream Café!” – Dixie Cream Cafe
Address: 434 Main Street Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: 407-21`7-5047
Hours: Monday – Sunday 8am – 2:30pm
* BREAKFAST IS SERVED ALL DAY!
Photo Credit: Dixie Cream Cafe
Expanded Outdoor Seating
Dixie Cream Cafe has expanded their outdoor seating options in order to provide more seating options. They are taking Covid-19 precautions seriously while still ensuring their guests comfort and safety. Whether you prefer to sit inside or enjoy open air seating they have created the space! They’ve even pitched a tent so outdoor seating is an option rain or shine!
Now Featuring a Fresh Juice Bar
Fresh squeezed juice is just the thing for a healthy boost of energy any time of the day. Dixie Cream Cafe’s fresh new addition is their very own juice bar. All of the juices and smoothies are made with 100% crushed juice! There are never any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners added as well as no HFCS, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan! Next time you find yourself needing a pick me up in Downtown Windermere, swing by Dixie Cream Cafe and check out their fresh juice bar.
Wake-up at the Espresso Bar
While the fresh juice bar is Dixie Cream Cafe’s newest addition, the espresso bar is another local favorite. Oh, and the espresso bar also features fresh homemade pies and cakes. So while you’re sipping your coffee you can enjoy a sweet treat too!
Popular Menu Items
Dixie Cream Cafe’s authentic southern comfort food is so tasty, it’s no wonder it was featured on the Rachel Ray Show!
- Dixie Cream Cafe’s Bananas Foster French Toast! You had us at Bananas Foster, but this meal gets even better (if that’s possible) because it’s prepared with fresh brioche bread. This is also a great item if you’d like to place an order to-go. They package all the ingredients separately so when you get home it’s not soggy.
- Southern Fried Chicken and Cheddar Grits! If you’re looking for southern comfort food then you’re probably already sold on ordering this menu item. It is the real deal and hits the spot perfectly.
- Dixie’s Famous Smoked Brisket Hash! The brisket is slowly smoked for 12 hours. Then hand pulled and smashed with potatoes, seared and griddled with Dixie Cream Cafe’s 5 herb infused olive oil. Need we say more?
Five Star Reviews
The whimsical vibe, great service, and outstanding food do not go noticed by those who dine at Dixie Cream Cafe. They have five star reviews on TripAdvisor as well as their social media accounts. One of there most recent reviewers said:
“To us, it’s all about the food! The fact that it is a cute place with great social distancing, including outside dining was a major plus. We used to live very close and go after church on Sundays. Then we moved to the Gulf Coast but we always stop when we are back in town. I absolutely LOVE their Tuna! Yes, with all the great things on the Menu the Tuna Melt (tuna salad with cheese and tomato on grilled bread) is lovely!! There is something special they put in it and I think I finally figured it out. Next time I will try the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich. Looking forward to going back soon! Don’t forget the Champagne!!!” – Linny R (TripAdviser)
Paloma Coffee Co.
Be careful as you drive through Downtown Windermere because you might just pass by Paloma Coffee Co. and not even notice. This lovely little community coffee shop definitly makes it on the Erica Diaz Team’s list of hidden gems (restaurants) in the downtown Windermere area. It’s absolutly adorable both inside and out. Here you’ll find quality coffee, espresso, tea, baked goods, and more.
Address: 507 Main St. Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: (407) 876-0895
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm | Saturday & Sunday 8am – 4pm
Outdoor Seating Available
As part of Paloma’s safety measures to keep the community healthy while continuing to serve up fresh coffee the inside seating area is closed. However you can still enjoy your coffee and socialize with friends outside on both their front porch and back patio.
Popular Menu Items
EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM. IS. AMAZING. However there are a few items that kick it up a notch making them a little more “popular” than the others.
- Lavender Late! Hot or iced? It does not matter, you cannot go wrong with this drink no matter what way you have it.
- Chai Tea Latte! So rich and creamy, it’s the best you’ll ever have.
Reviews Say It All
While we were reading their reviews it made us want to plan our next team meeting there! Here’s what one of the tasty reviews that made our mouths water said:
“Great service, I highly recommend their Sandwiches!! The Spanish Manchego Cheese out of this World!! You must try it!!! Los Cafés!!! they have a great selection to choose from, they served them at the right temperature!!! An extra recognition on the way they are cleaning the place every day!! Thank you for take care of your customers!!! You guys Rock!!!!” – Jorge Cabrera (Facebook)
Pizza 14
This wood fire takeout pizza parlor definitely comes in as the #1 hidden gem for Downtown Windermere restaurants. They are fairly new and not many people have discovered them yet. However, those who have tried them out are spreading the word the best they can.
Address: 625 Main St, Windermere, FL 34786
Phone: (407) 217-6530
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:30pm – 8:30pm | Friday & Saturday 3pm – 9pm | Sunday 3pm -8:30pm
Photo Credit: Pizza 14
Popular Menu Items
- Glass Bottle Sodas! It’s always a fun treat when you find a restaurant that serves these. For some reason the soda just tastes better.
- Boars Head Meats & Cheeses! While this is not a specific meal options, it’s awesome to know there using quality meats and cheeses on all their pizzas.
The Reviews Are In
After taking a look at Pizza 14’s reviews, we are able to report that locals love the place! Here’s on of there most resent revies:
“My wife and I love pizza. Pizza 14 met all of our expectations and more! You can taste the quality of the ingredients they use. Anything that comes out of that wood fire oven is delicious. The staff are very kind and hospitable. Great ambiance sitting outside and admiring the small town feel. Our only regret it is not discovering this place sooner. Looking forward to returning!” – Simon S (Pizza 14)
Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse
Looking for a fun exciting place you can stop by any time of the day and grab something tasty? That’s exactly what you get with Allen’s Creamery and CoffeeHouse! Start your day off with a cup of coffee, swing by around lunch time for fall off the bone BBQ, or end your evening with a cone of ice cream. Allen’s truly has a little bit of everything to choose from.
Address: 523 Main St. Windermere, Fl. 34786
Phone: 407-876-3558
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Family Owned
Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse is the result of a hard working families vision. The owners Mark, Mat, Amy, and Anne had a vision to create a space where Central Florida family and friends could come together and make life long memories. Many years later locals continue to love the hometown feel they get when visiting Allen’s.
Popular Menu Items
- Allen’s Chain of Lakes Challenge! Can you say brain freeze? That’s what comes to mind when we think about this frozen eating challenge. Only the brave take on this cold deal. You have 15 minuets on the clock to eat 11 scoops of ice cream, including sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whip cream, and of course a cherry on top! There is a pretty sweet prize if you win… a free Allen’s t-shirt!
- Nitrogen Ice Cream! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to create exactly what you are craving. 1 – pick your base. 2 – pick your flavor. 3 – pick your add ins!
Tasty Reviews
Most of the reviews about Allen’s Creamery & CoffeeHouse mention what the person ate. Sounds like it’s unanimous, this is the place to go if you are looking for a sweet treat!
“My first visit went very well. Tried Caramel Caribou which was heavenly! Love the ambience of the place. Definitely will be returning soon.” –
Erica Diaz Team – Hidden Gems (Restaurants) in Downtown Windermere
Downtown Windermere is charming with it’s brick paver roads, brick buildings, and overgrown oak trees. But they also have a few restaurants that are what we like to call hidden gems. Each one is full of character and unique to itself. If you’re looking to move to Windermere and frequent these local favorites contact the Erica Diaz Team today, they can help you find your dream home.
