First, to clearly make it known to the public. A la Carte is a kids Playground & Tap Room.
Without exaggeration, I'm disappointed to be writing a review like this. I've been coming to A la cart since they opened.
But the place has turned into a UNDISCLOSED jungle gym for kids. Which is fine if that's how you want to run your business, but it's extra confusing. Its not the first thing I consider when going to a beer tap room...
We rode scooters to A La Carte and had them resting next to us while having a beer outside. We were asked to move the scooters off the turf and onto the cement. Which isnt a big deal, the cement is only like 30 ft away and we can watch them easily. But after 10min of trying to sit at the chairs on the turf, it's hard to think of why we could be considered a problem.
By sitting outside you become a part of the playground. You will be hit with toys and kids will run into you playing tag. Ofcourse the kids start jumping on our scooters now that they are 30ft away from us. Can't blame them - they are fun. But confusing what problem was solved by moving the scooters onto the cement.
We eventually move to a corner spot that opened up, also moving the scooters closer to us but also to be on the cement. Unfortunately they got a ring toss game installed over there, which is also right next to the beer ordering line (good placement). So whether your standing in line for drinks or in the seated corner area you have kids throwing the metal ring-on-a-string at your face. The string is attached to the ring to achieve rapid firing capabilities I imagine 🤣.
Just strange in general. Maybe lean into the playground thing more clearly so it's not so wierd trying to figure out why I chose to come here. I still don't understand what I'm supposed to think of the place. Its clearly not a place for chillin outside with a beer at 6:30pm on a saturday.
You could build a playground set onto the turf. Atleast put up a sign saying it's a children's play area? This is all assuming the scooters needed to be moved for kids safety. I don't know the actual reason, and I can't actually think of what problem was solved by moving them to the cement. But regardless, it's nonsense.
I guess we had to learn the hard way that the business exists to be a jungle gym for children. My advice to management would be to make it well known that the turf belongs to children.
Its an awkward situation to be in trying to physically avoid being hit by other parents children. NONE OF THIS IS THE KIDS FAULTS - OBVIOUSLY. They are just being kids. Then to have management or "policy" target us as the bad guys. It really leaves us with 1 reasonable option: to leave and not return.
I didn't know A la carte was a day care/public playground. Now I do.
P.S - the previous time we went some kid puked all over the wall and floor inside. The place is definitely a...
Read moreThis is a great space around the Sodo area for adults and kids alike. Open center area with tables and turf. There is also 2 interior-ish areas with lots of seating as well. There are about 8 food trucks in this semi-permanent location with lots of variety. From waffles and desserts to smash burgers, sushi, Hawaiian, Philippine, Spanish, and German food. Of course lots of beer options. Parking is limited but the location was clean and modern. Nothing fancy but a chill atmosphere. Kids were having fun using the space and adults hanging out eating and having drinks. There are no tv’s if that’s something you’re looking for. The food was mostly pretty good. We tried a good variety. Prices are what you’d expect these days. Smaller appetizers in the $7+ range and most everything else $12+. Service is minimal as you order either on your phone or on the screens at each food truck and receive a text when your food arrives. Great location to meet friends and relax....
Read moreI didn't get pictures but this place is super cool because you can get several different types of cuisine in one location, as each food truck provides a different flavor from this cultural fusion hot spot. If you're hungry and don't know what you want, this is a great place to go because there are so many options!
I think that the food trucks having a kiosk instead of greeting customers take away from that local feel in Orlando that we love when visiting somewhere and supporting local businesses, as that connection is lost in translation, so I only gave 4 stars for service. In addition, there wasn't really anywhere to go after it had been raining as the inside is smaller than the outside and it was full, so I put 4 stars for atmosphere as well. Maybe some more covering or indoor area would help, but that is why I put 4 stars for atmosphere.
Overall, I recommend it, especially if the weather is nice! Go...
Read more