Though we have always chosen the restaurants (diners) that looked popular when visiting Orlando, I guess it would only be honest to admit that budget has often been a huge part of that choice too. Perkins has always been one of those places that we have seen all over as we visited the various malls, and moved around the area close to the parks, in particular the US192, it is much like Denny’s and IHOP in that you will struggle NOT to see one of these restaurants, however it does have a slightly upmarket appearance to it, and probably for our general dining, that would be why we had not tried it!
We changed that pattern in 2006 and called into a Perkins near to International Drive. Well, I can assure you it will definitely be added to our list of core restaurants for future trips, as a family , we would all highly recommend a Perkins. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery chain certainly expands far beyond its apparent breakfast heritage.
The menu of Perkins today offers consumers not only a comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner selection ranging from the traditional to the innovative. In addition, Perkins has an added bonus for its guests, in the guise of in-house bake shop, where customers can either order or take out a wide array of delectable, freshly baked muffins, pies and cookies.
We have seen this format before in the form of a Shoney’s restaurant, and though we have had some nice meals in a Shoney’s, I would say that a Perkins , is with out doubt a touch improved in it’s overall delivery of it’s product!
We found the staff to be older and more chatty, and the cleanliness to be of an extremely high standard., high quality food, sparkling clean restaurants, personalized service and unsurpassed value ... come with a smile!
We had a tea-time meal, but had left it late for us , so we were all hungry. As the most adventurous eater in our clan, it was left to me to try the Grilled Apricot Teriyaki Salmon
As a salmon lover, this was a real treat, a salmon fillet seasoned with lemon pepper and finished with a tangy apricot teriyaki glaze. Not something I have tried before, but would recommend, especially if like me, you sometimes feel you have the same sorts of things on offer on many menu’s! Though I saw what my daughter chose as a bit samey, indeed it had the Perkins flare, so was again a little special and very tasty I am assured, Mushroom Swiss Chicken , it even sounds nice! Fresh, sautéed mushrooms, natural Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato all on a grilled chicken breast.
At this point I must mention, that as with almost ALL meals we encounter in Florida, they do come large, so be aware when ordering for the lighter eater, or younger members of your party group! My husband on this occasion, made us jealous by choosing from the start to just have desert, as often we are too full, and having checked out the bakery on the way in, then the desert menu, he sensibly decided to ensure he got his “Just Deserts!”, and went for, the Fudge Brownie Supreme, the fresh-baked chocolate walnut brownie, was smothered with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry, I got the cherry, lucky me.
Predictably, us girls did not make desert, but we will be returning for ours! We can’t recommend a Perkins highly enough, great food and excellent value!!