TGI Friday's Orlando

I braved the torrential rains to meet up with a few friends tonight. The intended location was going to be Café Tu Tu Tango, but I arrived to find out that it was closed for a private event. The good thing is that there is no shortage of alternatives on International Drive in Orlando. We jumped over to TGI Friday’s a less eclectic and unique alternative, but it was close and it is a good place to grab a drink and a bite. Here in Orlando Friday’s are like Starbucks, they are everywhere. There are a total of 594 in the U.S. and 13 of those are within a 20 mile radius from my location.

Friday’s is known for its nightly drink specials, ‘flair bartending’ and ever changing menu selection. Here are a few more credits I pulled from their site:

• Popularizing the term Happy Hour with the young singles set in the 1960's.
• Popularizing the Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins.
• Popularizing frozen and ice cream drinks.
• Pioneering non-alcoholic Smoothies and Flings in honor of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

It has the look and feel that you come to expect with the mass produced franchises and chains, but it works good for the off work hospitality workers and the tourists alike.

I have been craving a turkey burger since my last trip to the grocery store. I just happened to see them and was thinking about how good they are. They have them on the menu, so that was my choice for this evening. No visual or culinary masterpieces for you here, but a few good dishes.  All in all, it's not a bad place to grab a drink and have a good time with some friends.