The Coop ~ Winter Park, Florida

I finally got the chance to eat at The Coop, another restaurant owned by the creator of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, which, though I’ve never (yet) blogged about it, is another must try that I eat at every time I’m in Orlando with 8 locations across the state of Florida now.  Oh and get this … none of his restaurants are ever open on Sundays!!!  All are owned and operated by good Christian people!

The Coop specializes in Southern comfort foods and oh my it is a must try!

It’s decor is casual, funky farmhouse style … if that makes sense.  And the concept is pretty similar to the 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurants ... you go through the line, cafeteria style, pick up your tray of food and find a place to sit.  The tables here are all different, home style tables, with mis-matched home dining chairs … some seat 4, others seat a dozen … its a sit where you can sort of atmosphere.  And like, the 4 Rivers Smokehouse restaurants, drinks are “fix your own” with free refills and of course, “To Go” boxes, containers and bags are readily available for you to pack your own leftovers To Go!

Mix and Match seating

I had their Meatloaf Southern Plate which comes with either 2 (Plenty) or 3 (Generous) sides.  I opted for the Generous Plate since I was good and hungry and dangit, I just couldn’t narrow it down to choosing just 2 sides LOL   You can check out their entire menu here: The Coop Menu

So along with my huge slab of Meatloaf I had their Smashed Potatoes with Gravy … mmmm mmmmm mmmm, Southern Collard Greens (seasoned to perfection), Fried Okra (which is lightly breaded) and Bread Pudding … and it wasn’t just your regular delicious Bread Pudding … oh no … this was their own version, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, so I saved that for dessert (well, honestly, I took it home for dessert later lol).  And the Cornbread ... like a piece of corn cake ... divine!

Now, doesn't that just look heavenly?

Had to add a close up of that delicious Meatloaf with Smashed Potatoes and Gravy ... mmmm, mmm

My son had the Giant Fried Chicken Tenders (upper right) and being a self proclaimed
Fried Chicken connoisseur, he LOVED them! 

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding ... oh my ... makes my mouth water bloggin about it!

This place does Southern comfort food justice and is definitely a new place to eat for me when I’m down in Orlando … calories don’t count when you’re away from home, right? 

I love love love this place!  John Rivers knows what he’s doing!  You’ve just got to give it a try!!!