Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'

I grew up in the South, and this is one of my favorite places to eat in Orlando. It's difficult to get reservations so if you see one, grab it ASAP!The menu is traditional Southern, and the portions are large. Everything I have ever had here has been delicious, but the fried chicken is what you need to order! I also have an affinity for the cheddar biscuits with gravy, but it's sort of a "gussied up" Southern dish (think a bit fancier than your grandmama's traditional biscuits). You can see from my photos (taken over several different visits over the years) that the food quality speaks for itself even as you "eat with your eyes." My go-to is anything that features the fried chicken breast because you seriously can't go wrong. I also like the baked mac & cheese, but sometimes it comes out of the kitchen after it has cooled and the cheese has congealed on top. It's gross, and would be tastier if the kitchen made the effort to serve it piping hot. Other menu highlights are the deviled eggs (classic), Shine Cake and Hummingbird Cake (both cloyingly sweet), fried green tomatoes, and the moonshine sampler (which is my husband's favorite). Don't sleep on the freshly brewed iced tea, either. The prices are high, but not too bad considering this restaurant is located in the tourist mecca of Disney Springs. We typically plan to spend around $100 for lunch for two, with appetizers, sides, entrees, and cocktails. I have always felt that cost was well worth it considering the quality of the food, the professionalism of the wait staff (seriously worth 5 stars every single time), and the welcoming, homey atmosphere. Try this place, you won't leave disappointed.

Service was surprisingly expeditious for this popular restaurant. I Waited all of 6-7 mins, post booking, before being seated. Within minutes I had placed my food and drink order. I kid you not, my food arrived to the table in roughly five mins. Drink, on the other hand, took a little longer. Nevertheless, they were on it today. The Biscuit had a crunchy outer crust, was fluffy on the inside but honestly nothing to rave about; I'd say reminiscent of a Cheddar Bay Biscuit, but not as good. The Grits were thick and creamy. They had what I can only describe as a cottage cheese, curdled texture; taste wise, a hint oniony, not much of any other discernible flavor; overall decent, but could use a bit more salt and pepper. Mac and Cheese and Kale Collard greens were great, just as last time. No complaints for either dish.Sadly, the downside of my whole dining experience is that my server (coincidentally, the same one I had last time I dined there) spent a nice chunk of time chatting up the couple beside me. I roughly estimated eleven minutes. He literally forgot he was working and not one time came to check on me, even after he concluded his conversation. He seemed attentive to everyone else except me. It took several minutes before I could finally get his attention as he zipped past my table countless times.

First time to Chef Arts, came Friday around brunch time and got right in after a 10 minute wait for 2. I was so excited to try this place, I've been wanting to for a while and the opportunity finally presented itself, so we took it. We didn't have a reservation but there is so much seating (indoor and outdoor) I doubt you would wait super long for a party of 2 at any time.The staff is super friendly here and also great about answering any questions. We say inside, it's got a nice industrial barn type feel to the place. Kind of like oversized Tavern meets a repurposed barn. Fitting chicken decor all around the joint and a huge bar in the middle. I liked the feel.On to the food.. Boy, my first time here I obviously needed a fried chicken plate. I went all in on the Smothered Chicken. The description is:Chef Art's famous fried chickenthigh atop creamy mashed potatoes and sauteed broccolini, smothered in house-made onion gravy and topped with crispy baconGood. Lord. Make sure you come on an empty stomach. The amount of food you get for a $32 plate is the best value you'll get on property. The fried chicken was delicious, despite being smothered, every bite stayed crispy. The onion gravy was lip smacking good. I wasted no time using the extra that they provide in that ramekin. Taking bites with a little bit of the biscuit, the mash, the chicken and the sauce... So so good. You also may think the Broccolini is just a token green veggie in your dish, but even that was excellent! Garlicky, well seasoned and delicious to eat with bites of that mash.I thought this dish was spectacular. A bit heavy for most, especially to start the day, but man, I wouldn't hesitate to get it again.

How does a fried chicken restaurant not have even mediocre fried chicken? At least the bartender told me to get a burger and avoid the fried chicken. But come on if your burger is better than your fried chicken then it's time to rebrand.I ordered the $20 thigh high chicken biscuits as an appetizer. They literally crumble out of your hand as you begin to eat them. The actual chicken isn't tasty at all. At least the honey would good. They should skip the bun and just serve chicken tenders that you can dip in honey.The $20 burger was good. But I didn't really want to go eat a burger at a chicken restaurant.I guess I should have gone to Chicken Guy. Oh well.

We were at Disney Springs looking for a spot to have dinner. Checked on yelp and decided to give the place a try. The staff was very welcoming from the hostesses, bartenders and wait staff. We had the fried chicken and a version of chicken piccata. Lots of food. The fried chicken was delicious and served very hot. The cheddar biscuit was the size of my palm. The chicken piccata ( they called it something else) was flavorful and came with lots of perfectly cooked asparagus and roasted potatoes. Parts of the restaurant were a little loud because the place is lively. It is a pretty restaurant. We look forward to a return visit.

Good solid Southern comfort food. The menu touches on all the classics, e.g., country fried steak, smothered chicken, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, etc. If you like the aforementioned fried foods you can't go wrong with Homecoming. We went with the shrimp and grits, hush puppies, catfish, meatloaf and Art's fried chicken. All in all the food was mostly on point. The chicken needed a bit more seasoning in the coating but still a great meal. Big shout out to our server (Angelica) and her recommendations - from drinks, appetizers to entrees, all were great. Make sure to give the drink menu a look. There are some great cocktails.

Popped in for lunch yesterday and was so happy to be back at Homecomin'! Lunch and service were phenomenal as always. This time, we sat outside and it was fun to people watch as we enjoyed our meals. I had the Fried Chicken Salad, my goto, and it was light and refreshing! Delightful! Although, after having a bite of the Mac and cheese, I might venture to something else next time! Dad said his green beans reminded him of his childhood and brought back happy memories. The fried chicken is out of this world! I wish we would've had leftovers because writing this review makes me want to go back now!

Our group of five arrived without reservations and was pleasantly surprised to be seated within 10 minutes. The restaurant's aesthetic exudes a cozy farmhouse charm, and we were lucky to snag a beautiful table in the back corner with a serene view of the water. Watching the ducks swim together added a peaceful touch to the dining experience. Our waiter was fantastic! Charismatic and attentive. He was quick to bring us waters. He gave us ample time to browse the menu while offering helpful suggestions and highlighting popular dishes.I opted for the fried chicken sandwich with a side of mac and cheese, substituting the standard BBQ chips. To drink, I had a refreshing sweet tea. One unique detail is that the restaurant uses plant-based straws. While their design might look a little "dirty," rest assured, it's just how they're made.The chicken sandwich was decent but fell a little short of expectations. I anticipated a spicier kick and more depth of flavor. The bun, unfortunately, was cold and would have been much better toasted. On the positive side, the chicken was fried perfectly, and the aioli had a nice flavor, though it was quite subtle. A buffalo dipping sauce would have taken it to the next level.The mac and cheese, however, was a standout! Creamy, flavorful, and topped with a crispy layer, it was every bit as delicious as promised. I can see why it's their #1 side, definitely worth ordering.

BEST deviled/stuffed eggs, superb! The grits were really good, $1 extra for cheddar cheese. I just ordered a side of grits to go with the eggs. They also offer a half order of the eggs, but the full order is a better value. They're so good, decadent, & had to take 3 to go. I had a hot coffee peanut brittle drink that was so, so delicious! Everything was excellent. Service was perfect also.

The brunch was amazing and our waitress Sarah was fantastic! I recommend the avocado toast.