Them: "We're going to the Great Southern Box Company after work." Me: "What's that?" Them: "It's on…read moreNorth OBT, just past 50." Me: "I'm not going anywhere on North OBT." Them: "No, it's a food hall in the Packing District." Me: "You are literally making up random words to me right now and saying them."
If you've lived in Orlando for most of your life like I have, you might've thought the only thing worth your time in this neighborhood was long-time staple Fairvilla Megastore. While Fairvilla's stamina and staying power are still going strong, there's a new entry into this previously otherwise under stimulating area--gentrification. Princeton & North OBT apparently underwent an industrial chic makeover in the past few years, becoming essentially "New College Park" (CP is a few blocks east), gaining a Publix, some trendy apartments called the Cannery, and the Great Southern Box Company food hall.
The GSBC concept is honestly great--it's a collection of locally-owned restaurants arrayed around a central bar in the middle of a big hall. There's large, open seating both inside and especially outside, where there's a large astroturf lawn with lounging chairs and lawn games.
My review mostly focuses on the venue as a whole, specifically the bar in the middle, but there are multiple individual small businesses and vendors within that definitely deserve their own separate, stellar reviews at a later date, as the food at these is amazing - - these include Eighty Twenty, Antica Pizzeria, Fui Yo Mexicana, A Lo Cubano, Braza Brazilian Steakhouse, Waffle Sandwich Bar, and more. The sheer amount of choices makes this place a definite recommendation even though my group's most recent experience at the middle bar wasn't as good as my last one- - the concept and overall vibe is just that good.
A group of us went on a Friday night after work (my second visit) and sat in a booth near the bar. Prices are ok, $5-7 for beers, and $10-$14 for cocktails. The drinks on this trip were "Meh." A friend had already arrived and ordered one cocktail, sharing that she'd taken a while to get noticed even though the bar was not crowded and there were many bartenders. She also said her drink was mostly mixer ("It's all juice!"). I walked over to the bar and was served right away but was told that on a Friday night they were out of all beers except for two (Smithwick and an IPA). I ordered the Smithwick, which wasn't filled to the top; I later ordered a Honey & Thyme, which turned out to be a very light pour and mostly the lemon zest mixer, same as my friend's. My other friend ordered a Tony's Spicy Rita ($14) at that point and received it in a small plastic cup, as there were no more glasses.
That said, I'd visited here a year ago and remembered that the drinks and service were great, so I don't know if this was a rare off night or indicative of a longer, more permanent slide in quality. We ordered some GREAT food from Eighty Twenty, but more on that in a separate review of that business, as it deserves its own accolades.
The inconsistency of my two experiences in the center bar (each a year apart) is the only reason I give four stars instead of five, but I really do appreciate this concept as a whole, and I very much hope this place and the businesses within succeed and continue to be around for a long time.
I'll be visiting again for sure, and hopefully the next time will be a bit closer to what I remember on my first visit. Again, the concept and overall vibe is just that good. I DO recommend that Orlando residents (especially long-time residents who are just learning for the first time that Orlando has a Packing District) check this out, as no matter what, you'll find something good for every member of your group that will make it worth your time.