The newest fine-dining addition to Disney Springs, STK Orlando opened its doors to the public yesterday (May 25). The day before, over 500 guests and members of the media were invited to a grand opening preview party for an advanced look at the newly built location and to sample some of its offerings.
STK Orlando held an invitation-only grand opening party this past Tuesday at its 14,000-plus square-foot location, and opened to the public for dinner-only service yesterday. Lunch service is expected to begin on May 31. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK Orlando promotes itself as “not your traditional steakhouse.” Its website says, “Don't expect to find antiques on the walls or a stuffy atmosphere. We're a modern, chic steakhouse for anyone who finds the traditional American steakhouse a tad on the boring side. With a trendy and stylish atmosphere, world-class service, and incredible food, STK is a perfect place for afternoon drinks or for a night out in Disney Springs.”
STK Orlando has said that its menu will include signature dishes from its 10 other worldwide locations plus menu items with a local focus. STK Orlando Executive Chef James O'Donnell, says he plans to source ingredients from Florida-based farms whenever possible, especially seasonal fruits, produce, and seafood (a published menu was not available at the grand opening party).
Bite-sized tuna tartar was one of the samples available during the grand opening party. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Bite-sized chili-rubbed lamb chops were available for sampling during the grand opening party. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK Orlando is located on the western edge of The Landing neighboorhood of Disney Springs, in approximately the location where the Comedy Warehouse stood back when the area was still Pleasure Island. Its actual street address is 1580 E. Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL 32830, though given its location in Disney Springs, it is some distance from Buena Vista Drive, and it has no direct vehicular access to the street.
The future site of The Edison is directly across from STK Orlando's front door, and Planet Hollywood Observatory (the name for the restaurant when it reopens later this year) is across the pedestrian bridge to the west near the Orange Garage (which is the nearest convenient parking).
The upper level of STK Orlando has several outdoor spaces. The outdoor space in this photo is on the west side of the building and provides views of the West Side and Landing neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From one of STK Orlando's upper-level outdoor areas, the construction site of The Edison is in full view. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Paradiso 37 is to the east of STK Orlando and can be viewed from one of the restaurant's outdoor areas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Because the area of The Landing where STK Orlando is located is elevated (just as the area was during its Pleasure Island days), diners enter STK Orlando from its second level, where its main dining room and a bar and lounge area are located.
From inside the restaurant's main entry at the reception desk and beyond, the interior color scheme of STK Orlando consists mainly of black and white. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Black leather-like materials are used extensively in STK's entry floor bar and lounge areas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK Orlando has two bar areas. From the main entry doors to the vantage point shown in this photo, is the entry level's lounge and bar (the red glow from the windows was from the entry-area curtains used for a photo backdrop for the grand opening party). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
An extensively stocked bar runs the length of the entry level's lounge. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The remainder of STK Orlando's entry level is the main dining area. During the grand opening party, it was reserved for VIPs and not completely set up with tables and seating the way the restaurant likely will use the space during normal meal service. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK Orlando's top level (actually the building's third floor), includes its large outdoor patio, another bar, and additional indoor and outdoor seating areas. STK Orlando's first level is not open to the public and includes its kitchen.
The upper level of STK Orlando can be reached from the black-walled white marble-tread staircase. An elevator is also available. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Bar height tables and stools are located in STK Orlando's outdoor spaces. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The largest outdoor patio at STK Orlando faces the springs of Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia is located just beyond the patio's neon STK sign. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Although the upper level's interior bar area had been cleared of most of its tables for the grand opening party, the area is expected to have tables during normal service. The tables in the upper level bar area have natural wood surfaces as shown in the photo. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
While the full menu was not available for review during the grand opening party, STK Orlando's beverage menu includes $14 specialty cocktails, wines, and sparkling wines at several price points, and a selection of $8 bottled beers. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK Orlando is now accepting reservations on its website or by phone at (407) 917-7440, and is open daily for dinner from 5:00pm until 11:00pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Starting on May 31, lunch service is expected to be available daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm. You can read more about the STK Orlando grand opening party and see STK Orlando's most recent posts on its Facebook page.
Guests of the STK Orlando grand opening party (including this contributor) were given STK-branded small candles and boxes of matches as souvenirs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
