Orlando Spotlight: Relax Grill

The Relax Grill at Lake Eola is a popular and charming restaurant and bar in Orlando, Florida, offering a unique dining experience centered on its prime location.¹

What Makes it Unique

The single most defining feature of Relax Grill is its location on the shore of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.²

• Scenic Views: The restaurant offers entirely outdoor seating, allowing diners to relax under umbrellas and enjoy picturesque views of Lake Eola, the surrounding park, and the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain.³

   

• Ambiance: It’s considered one of Orlando’s most beautiful and charming spots, with an ambiance that ranges from a pleasant lunch spot to a romantic dinner setting, especially at dusk.⁴

   

• Pet-Friendly: It’s known for being a dog-friendly establishment, complete with a “Dog Menu” (Pup Chicken, Pup Patty, Pup Cup, etc.).⁵

   

• Cuisine: It features a diverse menu of American Mediterranean cuisine, appealing to a wide range of tastes.⁶

   

History

While specific details about the original opening are not widely publicized, business records indicate that the current entity, “Relax Grill at Lake Eola, LLC,” was established on December 28, 2008.⁷

The location itself, situated next to the famous swan boats at Lake Eola, has been a glorified concession stand and restaurant spot that has changed hands and names over the years.⁸ Relax Grill has successfully operated in this space for well over a decade, making it a fixture of the downtown Orlando park.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is generally positive, with common themes including:

• Location and Atmosphere: The stunning view of Lake Eola and the relaxed outdoor setting are consistently highlighted as major drawcards.⁹

   

• Service: Many patrons praise the service as friendly, fast, and attentive, with some staff members being specifically mentioned for their exceptional service and drink-making skills.¹⁰

   

• Food: The food is generally rated as good, with menu items like the burgers and Gyro sandwiches receiving positive mentions.
• Drawbacks: A common note is that the all-outdoor seating can be challenging during the hot Florida summer afternoons.

Highlight Menu Items

Relax Grill offers separate lunch, dinner, happy hour, and event menus.¹¹ The American Mediterranean menu features:

• Starters/Small Plates: House-made Hummus and Tzatziki platters, Dynamite Shrimp, and the Mediterranean Combo Platter (Hummus, Tzatziki, and Falafel).¹²

   

• Entrees & Combos: The Gyro (lamb or chicken) served on a pita with tzatziki, Chicken Kabobs (served with Greek Salad and rice), Blackened Mahi Mahi (often a dinner feature), and various specialty burgers like the Cowboy Up burger.¹³

   

• Drinks: They offer a full bar, known for their Frozen Specialty Drinks and a popular Happy Hour with specials on cocktails, drafts, and appetizers.¹⁴

   

Significant Events

While the restaurant itself does not appear to host major, public city-wide events, its location on Lake Eola makes it an ideal spot to view or participate in many of Orlando’s downtown park activities. Customers often celebrate birthdays and other milestones there, with the staff frequently noted for making these occasions special.¹⁵ The area around Lake Eola is a central hub for Orlando events, including:

• Fourth of July Fireworks: Providing one of the best seats in the city for the annual fireworks show.
• The Orlando Farmer’s Market (nearby).
• Eola Heights Historic Neighborhood events.

Contact Information