I am a repeat customer here, my favorite dinner spot. Drinks are always on point and the food is even better. My go to meal is the Alabama chicken. Servers are knowledge and polite. Music always hits. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

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I stopped in here for a quick happy hour bite before heading out for dinner with colleagues on a business trip in Orlando - yes, I was trying to hit as many Michelin-mentioned restaurants as possible in that one week! I sat at the bar and the server was super attentive, took the time to explain some specials, and walked me through their wine selections. As I said, I came in right at open to hit up a quick bite and the place was empty, but well appointed. I loved the open kitchen as I enjoy watching the "sausage get made." It's a small space, but looks great. I had a short rib appetizer that was on special that combined with carrots and hummus. I was not expecting the flavors I got, and was pleasantly surprised. I also had the cacio pepe deviled eggs. Really solid flavor. I paired them with an orange wine and called it a day. So glad I stopped in, even for a brief moment to enjoy the cooking and have a good conversation with a friendly bartender. read more

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It's busy so better to have a reservation. The food is good, but not really "WOW" in my opinion. It's cute place though for a semi-expensive date or hang out. I would try again. read more

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I so wanted to love this place as it has been on my list for quite some time. The space itself is very small and therefore challenging to get a reservation. The dinner menu was extremely limited which was the biggest disappointment for me. I understand the concept of doing limited items and doing them very well, however the portions were tiny and the food was incredibly average. We started with a few cocktails from their new cocktail menu as they previously had only done beer and wine. We then had the red snapper cakes as an appetizer which came with two small cakes and again, very average flavor. The dinner portion of the red snapper was by far the best menu item we ordered, full of flavor, a good size and filling with the grits. The scallops were a disappointment and the same can be said for our other entrée. Overall a very underwhelming experience for a very high price and I do not think I would come back. The only redeeming factor is that the service is absolutely excellent. The garnish on the drink was also very cute. read more

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Hands down the best American food in Orlando. With the addition of d.b.a next door for cocktails, these two pack a one two punch that will leave your taste buds yelling more - more - more. The food far outweighs any lack of atmosphere. We actually like the diner feel with old movies playing on an old RCA tv. Wait staff are all great!! read more

It's hard to imagine that I've lived here for almost a decade and am just now trying out this place. It's such a quaint hole in the wall place, so it had some unique charm to it. Man, was it great! Our apps were great. I personally prefer the burrata over the deviled eggs, but deviled eggs aren't usually my thing. The burrata was so fresh, light, and creamy. Next I had the duck entree and oh my goodness, it lived up to the hype! The waiter, Andy (maybe, I might be wrong) was great and offered the duck as his favorite item and I'm glad he suggested it. His second favorite was the scallops and those looked divine too. We spent 3 hours here celebrating my friends birthday and had a wonderful evening. They had a cute birthday sign on the table as well! read more

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It was delicious perfect service and easy parking. It was easy to make reservations. Very impressed!

The food was good, nothing insane and the space is very small. Service was good. I didn't get the hype but it was decent for sure

The staff and food are excellent! I don't usually write reviews, but had to after this experience. The Strand is a small local restaurant, with an excellent chef. The staff is 5 star caliber and the food is 6 star. Make a reservation and have a great experience! read more

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Came to The Strand for a Saturday dinner around 6pm. It was pretty slow and we had reservations so we were seated relatively quickly. The outside patio seating was lovely on a cool day, but in the heat of summer I could see it being unenjoyable for sure. That being said, in the nice weather it is a very charming and ambient patio and would sit out there again if the times called for it. The pasta and bread service was lovely. We did also get some meatballs to start and they were quite filling. For the area, it was a nice dinner for a neighborhood restaurant. read more

It has taken me some time to find the time to write this review. However, I knew it's absolutely imperative based on the specialness of this spot. I went to The Strand for my first time back in April. I have been wanting to go there since it joined the Mills50 family, but its so small inside, getting reservations can be tricky. I had also heard how if you went too late, they would run out of items. I ended up booking an early res (I think around 5:30pm) on a Sunday and finally got the chance to experience the notable magic that is The Strand. Upon entering, my first observation was that it was extremely packed and loud. I didn't take this as a bad thing. Seemed as though everyone wanted to be there - hence the patron volume. Everyone was talking, laughing, and having a good time - hence the clamor. It also had a small bar in the middle of the room, and as we all know, alcohol can be a prelude to boisterous behavior! We were seated at a long family style table. The two of us were on the end, with another large party that was all together. Again, didn't mind this all too much either. We were simply just glad to have gotten in and be a part of what I anticipated was going to be a stellar dining experience. And I am proud to say, I was in no way wrong! I was impressed by their vast drink menu. They had a nice selection of wine, craft beer, and elite liquors. They had 5 different mezcals! This stood out to me not only because I love Mezcal, but not a ton of establishments offer so many selections of it. I chose to drink a Delirium Tremens Belgian Ale. it was not only yummy, but served in the most adorable glass with their pink elephant logo all over it. While sipping my beer and taking in the atmosphere I noticed up on the wall, the write ups about their story and cuisine. I adored both! Opening as a "small neighborhood restaurant with the purpose of becoming an everyday tradition in the larger fabric of Orlando". How they serve "seasonal dishes inspired by fresh ingredients". I personally wish more restaurants strived for this mindset. I know I would be more apt to want to eat at them and share my experience how I am now. Time for mine and probably most people's favorite part - the food. As previously stated, I have been looking into going to The Strand for a while now, so naturally I have perused the menu. The dish that I knew I wanted to try the most was the Alabama Chicken. The chicken was dry rubbed but had a white sauce drizzled on top. It was complimented by a delicious fried mac & cheese and corn succotash. Every item on that plate sang in its own right. The chicken was outstanding! It was just how I like; with a rub AND sauce - the best of both worlds in my book. My boyfriend ordered one of the specials the waitress offered. It was pan-seared grouper on a bed of greens. Of course, I had to try a bite! The fish was cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside with a moist, silky even flake on the inside. The dish overall tasted light and fresh. The cherry on top the cake was more like pistachios on top the tart! We were stuffed, boyfriend thought to order a dessert to go. Thank goodness for being proactive! This tart was absolutely DIVINE. I would have came here just for the dessert alone if I would have had any idea is was so heavenly! The lemon tart was actually that. The lemon flavor was tart, yet it was adorned with powder sugar on top which balanced everything out. The big fresh blueberries were a treat with each bite and the pistachios .. well I just love pistachios, and couldn't have asked for a better topping!! I really can't say enough about The Strand, except how I cannot wait to go back! Supreme concepts with fresh ingredients for the win! read more

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On a Friday night after trying and failing to find something different to try in the Mills area, my friend suggested the Strand. "Huh?" What's that? I said, you might not have heard of it either. Its a very small restaurant on the corner of a strip mall with a few other restaurants, however, it has become my new favorite American fare place to pop into. It was rather busy on this Friday night as expected, but we put our name in and they said about 15 minutes. What was really nice, was that the server came out and offered us any drinks while we were waiting. My friend got a beer and I got a water while we waited. The interior is slightly eclectic with greenery through out and a bar near the front that seats about 8 people. They had a TV above the bar that was encased in a 1950s TV entertainment box. Very retro and provided a nice touch Once our table was ready, we were seated and a really nice server named Olivia helped us order our appetizers. Since I haven't been there before, I asked what was her favorite and ordered the Snapper Cakes and the fried local mushrooms for starters. WOW!!! The snappers were amazing, didnt have that over the top sea food taste and both dishes had an amazing sauce. Both a little different but I asked for an extra side when we ordered entrees! For the entrée we were able to get the Alabama chicken because we wanted to try the mac and cheese. The Chicken was cooked perfectly. The Mac and Cheese was just okay, I don't think ill get this dish again just because there are so many other dishes that look great! We also tried the warm pretzel with pimento cheese which was SOO delicious. You can't go wrong with pimento cheese:) GREAT GREAT service, and amazing food. I feel like our server went above and beyond to service us even though we asked a million questions. Next time, I am trying their dessert menu too:) read more

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Great service! Small so you will need a reservation. Drinks are also very very good! Great dinner date spot. Do your self a favor and get the pork belly. read more

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Happy #ThankYouThursday! I can't believe it has been over 6 years since I last reviewed The Strand! I'm wayyyyy overdue for a 5-star update because this is still one of my favorite local gems that always leaves me feeling full and happy. I love that they change up the menu all the time, but still keep their classic mainstays like the Strand Burger (still on my top burgers list). This is one of the few restaurants where I will actually order a salad and always save room for dessert (seriously, best desserts everrrr). I've never been a big salad person, but their seasonal salads are always amazing made with the freshest ingredients. You can never go wrong with their caesar topped with crispy buttermilk chicken, the crispy brussel & apple salad, and the peach salad when they have it. Sometimes we just order a bunch of their starters to share because everything is so good and I can't commit to just one main entree. Here's what my ideal night at The Strand looks like: - A glass of whatever natural wine they have on special that evening (it's always good, but they'll let you sample it first) - A bowl of their perfectly crispy French Fries with a side of house made ranch (If I could pair fries with a bubbly wine to start every meal, I would.) - Pasta Nero - Fried local mushrooms (seasonal) - Strawberry & Burrata (seasonal) - Split a salad - DESSERT I also recently had the the seared scallops and duck breast entrees and they are both fantastic. I've never been disappointed at The Strand. It's clear why they were also recognized by the Michelin Guide this year. We're so lucky to have this family-owned spot in Orlando! P.S. They now take reservations via Resy. read more

The Strand - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This place is always amazing, we've always had great service here. The drinks are phenomenal here and food is always fantastic. Highly recommend this place for anyone trying out American dining. read more

So my partner was super excited to take me here & had reserved it two weeks out. Unfortunately neither one of us were super impressed. The atmosphere is very intimate and quaint. A very nice vibe for a date. The waitstaff was very friendly & attentive. With great suggestions on the drinks they have. However, the food was very lack luster . The Braised Beef Short Rib was dry, tough, and very bland. The Steak Frites was undercooked & excessively chewy. However, the in season vegetables were great. The fried mushrooms were also not my thing, but I think that's just based off my personal taste & nothing to do with the dish read more

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First time there. We had the mushrooms first and they were very good. I had the fried chicken and it was muy bueno. The Cole slaw seemed homemade, not Cisco brand, and it was delicious. The bartenders were so chill so that was cool. read more

It has been quite some time since I last went here (had a bad service experience years ago) but this most recent visit made me wish I had come back sooner. Our server was amazing, so helpful and attentive. The food was delicious. I love the dedication to letting the fresh flavorful ingredients speak for themselves. Everything blended together so harmoniously. I could go on and on about each dish, but will spare you Just go (get a reservation). Already looking forward to my next visit. read more

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Don't worry, I was one of those people who took forever to visit this place and now I'm obsessed. It's become a fast favorite in our list of dinner places. Their menu changes often and they're always introducing new dishes so check their website / social media for the updates. I wish I could remember what we ate but I was blissed out on flavor and deliciousness so you'll just have to go and see for yourself! Let your server guide you, especially through the wine menu, for some great suggestions! read more

The Strand - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

We came for dinner on a Saturday night without a reservation and luckily were able to be seated right away at the bar. It's not a large restaurant but the inside is well-decorated. The bartender made great recommendations and all the food came out surprisingly fast and was beautifully presented. Since the menu changes often, we ordered two apps and two desserts in addition to our two meals. We loved everything we had but especially the deviled eggs, burrata, pistachio cake, and pumpkin bread pudding. We will definitely be back. read more

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The Strand is always a guaranteed delicious meal. The food is always fresh, full of flavor and very unique dishes. They have a wonderful wine list and the atmosphere is quaint and inviting. read more

The Strand - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Oh Strand, how I love thee...let me count the ways: Best Salads in Orlando Best fish, fried or grilled Best burger in Orlando Best rotating menu Best innovative desserts Best restaurant power couple, Joe & Alda The Strand has been my favorite restaurant for years now. They are so consistent, so delicious, so thoughtful in how they source their food, and truly one of my favorite things about Orlando. I haven't written a review yet because it's so hard to quantify how much I love this place. There are dishes I've had here that are seared in my memory: - Fried Fish - Red Snapper - Blueberry & Cheddar Salad - Grilled Peach Salad - Buttermilk chicken - Olive Oil Cake - Frog legs with sweet chili - Bone Marrow - Pork Chop - Panettone French toast - Blueberry & Lime Pancakes - Egg McMuffin (RIP Brunch) and most recently their Dulce de Leche Tiramisu! Their range is huge! You can get something simple here or go all out and have an extravagant feast. They have wonderful beer & wine options, and actually good sweet tea. This is the kind of place I want to eat at on my birthday, my anniversary, and just a random Tuesday night. Joe and Alda - thank you for bringing such a gem to our community! PLEASE consider writing a cookbook - it will be a best seller for sure! read more

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Magical dining at The Strand. We had a tough time getting a reservation there but finally scored one. This is one of our faves so we knew we would enjoy the food. This review is based solely on our experience this week. They have an ever changing incredibly creative menu and it was tough to choose. Our party tried almost everything. The portions were VERY small for most items. The standout was the fried mushrooms. I was completely surprised by the type they used and the delicious breading. I forgot to take off the hot sauce so it really had a major kick but we still loved it. The sauce smear was so good. We also had the burrata and strawberry salad and the pork belly. Both were tasty. The salad sauce was so good like strawberry jam. For the entrees, we selected the scallops which were tender and perfectly cooked and the short rib. The short rib was good and the flavors really nice but I have had better (in regards to tenderness). The desserts were really good. We had the cherry squares and olive oil cake and our friend had the chocolate and like it a lot. The squares packed a flavorful punch and the olive oil cake was light and tasty. The service was not stellar honestly. The lady seemed like she didn't want us there and was ready to leave - another - should I say dull bwahaha - situation. She was unhelpful with wine selections and gave me a completely different description than what I received. I didn't like it that much and she said she would bring me something else but never did so I suffered through it. My friend payed the wine bill and I am not sure if it was even taken off or not. We have been there many times and service was always friendly, helpful and attentive. So, still one of our faves based on quality of food but needs some work on the wine knowledge and portion sizes could be larger in comparison to other places for the price. read more

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Dining here has been on my list for a long time and I'm soooo glad I finally was able to! All of the reviews about the space, food and service are all accurate. Trendy, but warm and welcoming. Servers are super nice and well attentive. I won't bore you with what's already been said. We ordered a few of their specials and it did not disappoint. Appetizer: grilled fig toast Entrees: grouper and braised short rib Dessert: some sort of chocolate truffle/pudding topped with lightly salted honey roasted peanuts (I forget the exact name...no pictures because it was too good and I forgot!) Please treat yourself to a meal here! You won't regret it! read more

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Went here for magical dining which is $37 for 3 courses from a select menu The atmosphere is really nice and cozy in there, although it would've been nice to sit in the corner instead of the middle of the floor lol but it's ok there was enough space The duck confit was out for the night sadly so me and the bf got the steak and scallops with risotto. Both were delicious! For appetizer I got the crab pasta and he got fried mushrooms, then dessert was lemon cake and the chocolate raspberry cake Everything was very yummy Upon first glance the main portion seemed a bit small but it was actually the perfect amount ! Lol @ typical American portions Pasta was served chilled which surprised me but I loved the flavor and texture, and my scallops were cooked perfectly For the desserts I liked the lemon cake, but the chocolate was better imo since I love rich chocolate with a bit a saltiness Our server was really nice so I definitely recommended going to try their dishes for a nice meal :3 read more

The Strand - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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New local fave! Have been wanting to come here for the longest time. Loved everything. Steak frites was delicious. Next time I want to try the dessert. Will be back! read more

The Strand - Steak Frites - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Absolutely wonderful! Excellent service, excellent food and excellent patrons. The entire experience was amazing. I wanted to try the dining experience because the choices were wonderful and price was only $37, but I was expensing my meal so I asked the people by me at the bar what they like and askedthe server Nick what he recommended. They all said the duck, but I'm not a huge duck fan. Then they all agreed w the snapper. It was perfect! Wonderful flavors. I started w the grilled peach salad bc that's really what caught my eye on the menu. It was so good. Finished w the coconut cream square, light and fluffy with a phenomenal crust. It is an absolute must!! read more

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One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando and their sister bar next door, d.b.a. makes the best martini in town! Both concepts have delicious, fresh food and enjoyable, friendly service. read more

A local favorite of mine! The Strand I a quaint spot where you can feast on some delicious finds. Every time I go here and everything I've ever eaten everything has been absolutely delicious. The duck was phenomenal. perfect size and perfect sides. This place left me wanting to return for more. The steak Frites is also a nice goto for me. Always perfectly made with a side of fries. The citrus and beet salad is an explosion of yummy paired items. I could eat a giant bowl of this! The olive oil cake is different but I like it. The ricotta cake is just as yummy. I love that I live in a goody place that has gems such as The Strand. I will definitely be back! read more

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Looking for a hole in the wall spot with a quaint vibe and banging food!? We'll say no more fam! This is it! The Strand specializes in farm to table courses so the menu is always changing with the seasons. Been here a handful of times and it does not disappoint. Just this past visit I was able snag the Lamb Rack which was cooked to perfection. It was doubled up with tasty parsnips and carrots and topped off with creamy goat cheese. We ended our meal with an absolute banger of a dessert. Peaches and cream pie that left us dreaming for more. My wife hates pies for some reason but wasn't afraid to hold back on this one. read more

How have I not reviewed them before! I love this spot! They have some really amazing food here! The pretzel and pimento cheese appetizer has always been a crowed pleaser! The cheese spread they have is really nice! I love the buttermilk fried chicken here! I tried it as a sandwich once, and fell in love! The last time I was here was magical dining month. I got the salad they had and added the chicken. It was the best salad I've ever had! The grilled peaches on top really added a wonderful and sweet flavor! I like coming here for a girls night out, or for a more classy dinner. They're not over the top fancy, but they are nicer then some or the American restaurants I've been to! They are one of my favorite places on Mills! Small, but cozy! read more

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My favorite restaurant in Central Florida. The Strand is the perfect neighborhood bistro that utilizes local farms and providers in a humble, delightful setting. The menu is creative, boasting regular changes in specials, dishing out seasonal ingredients, and keeping their classics. I've never ever had a bad meal or bite of anything I didn't like, and I know food! They know flavor, salt, balance and portions. If we have a free night, this is where I try to go. As it's popularity rose, I've started to have to book reservations farther out. I recommend booking 2 weeks + in advance to guarantee a spot. If you're out of luck, head there early or late for a shot at the bar, where they play black and white old television/movies. The service at Strand is another key highlight! The staff is not only kind, relaxed and professional, but they're extremely knowledgeable, willing to help you make decisions/find just what you're looking for on the wine menu or regular menu. My order: Homemade Pretzel with Pimento Cheese + Dijon Snapper Cakes Caesar Salad (picked eggs and fried capers, yum!) BBQ Shrimp Chocolate Budino My other favs: Red Snapper Tortellini Alabama Chicken Taberna Steak Lisbon Cake Olive Oil Cake Strawberry Tiramisu So grateful for this restaurant and the wonderful people who are involved! (Also, majorly applaud their work/life balance, taking breaks to keep team morale up and get inspired!! So healthy!) read more

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Disappointing food did not measure up to reputation. Blackened red snapper was excellent and perfectly prepared although grits were a little bland. Snapper cakes were good. Chicken and salmon add-ons for salads were overcooked and dry. Mustard-crusted salmon was dry and just didn't hit home. Caesar salads were OK but short on the capers and pickled egg. Friendly, informal atmosphere. Experienced, competent staff. Menu relatively limited. If you have food allergies (especially dairy), pay attention to the unnecessarily haughty menu footnote saying this is a "chef-driven" restaurant that does not accept changes or substitutions. When the hype dies down, they may want to consider being a customer-driven restaurant that can cook protein consistently well and offer non-dairy creamer and maybe just one non-dairy dessert. I'd like to love this place, but I can't do it yet. read more

My friend and I came here during the week to get together for Christmas and had a great experience. We were late to our reservation due to a prior plan taking longer than expected, but we called and they were helpful and accommodating. It's not a large place so I would definitely try making a reservation before going. There is a little bar at the front as well. I thought the little board on the table showing the reservation was super cute! Looking at the menu, it was hard to decide what to get because everything looked so good. We decided to both get an appetizer, the tortellini and the fried mushrooms. Both were PHENOMENAL! For our main we both ordered the steak frites. It was a little spicy for me, but I still enjoyed it. My friend enjoyed the kick, but she is less sensitive to spice. We were too full for dessert but their options looked yummy. Will definitely be back to try more of their menu! read more

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Best friend picked this one, and I must say, it was adorable. As strange as it may sound, my favorite part about the restaurant was the bathroom. It was symbolic to the rest of the site. Clean, orderly, and delightfully quaint. There are no menu items that aren't delicacies. All of the dishes are extensively throughout to ensure that the anticipated flavors are in every bite. We ordered a few appetizers, a main, and a dessert. We savored every bite of the pretzel & pimento cheese spread (this was my personal fave of the night). Speaking for best friend, I think the banana caramel tiramisu was her taste of the night. Overall, a delightful atmosphere. I could definitely see a first date here, especially so since it was quite and misted with mellow vibes, perfect for talking and getting to pick up one another natural energy. read more

The Strand - OKUUURT BEST FRAN LOOKING FABO - New American Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Really enjoyed the food here, definitely one of the best restaurants in Orlando. We tried the short ribs entree and the pork belly appetizer. So delicious, and the strawberry chiffon pie was so good. Prices are reasonable for what you get, you probably need to order an appetizer, as the entrees are not huge. read more

We came here for the very first time for Magical Dinning. This place is a local gem! We had such an amazing meal and the service was great. Highly recommend stopping by! We started off with a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc, It was pretty tasty. Their wine selection has many organic wine options to choose from. For appetizers we started with the Pork-belly and Fried local mushrooms. The mushrooms were delicious, seriously we devoured ours, very filling! The pork belly was good but a super tiny portion of pork, but the black wild rice was pretty nicely paired with it. For entrees we got the scallops that come with Brussels sprouts and Risotto. To me the scallops were the standout dish of the night! So so soft and creamy and quite spectacular. We also ordered the braised short rib with polenta. For desserts we got the olive oil cake and the strawberries chiffon squares. The olive oil cake was our favorite, so delicious! I would most definitely be coming back here! A true local restaurant with fresh local ingredients. read more

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I've love this place - even though i consider it cursed. For real. I have eaten here 3x with a guy and been dumped within a week each time. But I keep coming back. I love the location, the people watching on Mills, the great food. I like the compact menu where you can tell there was thought put into each dish. I even like their deserts even though I'm not usually a sweets person. I should probably just eat here alone in the future though. read more

This place is really top notch. I came for my second time tonight and have been blown away each time. The food has been great, tonight we got the fried fish and the coffee rubbed flank with potatas bravas. Both were so delicious. Our service has been wonderful each time as well. They are tentative and quick but you still feel like you are able to have a conversation without constantly being interrupted. The atmosphere is really cool. Very trendy and a bit swanky inside but it doesn't feel pretentious. Everyone seemed so at ease, just sitting and having a really great time, it definitely has a really cool locals feel, but only for the really cool locals :) I beg of you to go and check them out if you haven't already. Also, they take good care of their plants, that's a plus in my book! read more

My husband and I picked up takeout from the Strand twice during COVID-19. Both times the food was packed with care and everything tasted perfect when we got home. What we love about the Strand is that it is a local owned business with a loyal following. We used to go to the restaurant for date nights all the time because we knew we were going to get a very delicious simple meal with uniquely paired wine. One of my favorite appetizers to get is the pretzel and my favorite salad is the grilled peach. Lately I've been getting the catch of the day as my entrée and my husband has ordered the OG burger and the steak with success both times. We tried all of the desserts on the menu and they were equally interesting, delicious and creative. We will continue to frequent this business during COVID-19 and hopefully after. Please go support the small restaurant and celebrate your next fancy milestone by picking up takeout from here! read more