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Hard to Beat Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ in O-town
Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ is most definitely one of my favorite spots in south Orlando. I’m not the only devotee, the place is consistently packed at lunch-time. I’ve had just about everything they have to offer and have found their chow to be first-rate all the way.
The Chicken Dinner is a favorite, the meat is tender and the smoky flavor lingers well after you’ve finished your dinner. The only way they serve chicken is a “whole half”, so don’t ask for “pieces and parts!” This ain’t fast food! All dinners come with your choice of two sides. I especially recommend the black-eyed peas, the spicy pinto beans and the collards. If you like your ‘taters with a little zing, you’ll love their mashed potatoes; the addition of bits of jalapeno makes this one of the tastier offerings in the entire barbecue universe! Among the cold sides, my fave is the potato salad.
I’ve enjoyed the barbecue turkey and the pulled pork dinner over and over as well. I’ve nothing but good to say about these entrees. And the ribs are quite tasty; I’m pretty certain that Saturday night is still “All You Can Eat” for ribs but I haven’t gone that route in years. Not sure if my arteries can take that kind of thing anymore and my doctor would definitely blow a gasket!
Cecil’s recently added an appetizer. Try the bacon-wrapped, roasted, stuffed jalapenos. A bit salty, but you’ll be glad you tried ’em. I don’t care at all for Texas toast; it comes with any dinner selection. It’s not an issue with the house, I’ve just always hated the stuff. Being born in El Paso doesn’t help at all! I just wanted to warn you that you will not find the customary garlic toast finished on a grill. Your meal does include a soft-serve ice cream cone if you’d like some desert. The kids are all over that, of course.
The service is cafeteria-style and it suits the atmosphere perfectly. There are TV’s in all the right places, but you’ll not hear the audio as Mike, the owner, has opted for Country Music over the sound system instead. I’d rather hear George Strait than the talking heads on Cable News channels anyway. The dining room is rustic, styled like an outdoor patio space. A roll of paper towels at each booth is a nice and very practical touch.
One other sign that Cecil’s is the real deal: it’s a big-time hang-out for OPD and the Orange Co. Sheriff’s Department. The ‘cue is absolutely top-shelf and you’ll certainly never have to worry about security while dining at Cecil’s Texas Style BBQ!
You’ll find this gem of a restaurant on So. Orange Ave, just south of where Orange meets Michigan St. It’s across from the Publix and the Chik Fil-A. They do have have mild, sweet and hot barbecue sauces on the sauce/condiment bar, a decent selection of domestic beers and a very friendly staff. Prices are moderate, the sides are all freshly-made and are the talk of South Orlando. If you’ve never been to C.T.S. BBQ, get there soon. I promise you your first visit will not be your last!
“Bulldog Ben” Basile
Photo credit Benjamin Lawrence Basile
Enjoy the Outdoors. Love the Planet. 
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