Nona Social Bar & Kitchen

Great spot to watch h NFL, close to airport, nice local feel. Had to kill some time before my flight and found the perfect place. Food was good, nice beer selection.

Nona Social Bar & Kitchen offers a dining experience that intertwines approachable comfort food with a touch of elevated craftsmanship. My visit, though unassuming at first, quickly revealed a kitchen brimming with thoughtful execution and creative twists on beloved classics. However, there was one notable misstep that left me wanting more.The Mozzarella Sticks: A Symphony of Crunch and CreaminessMozzarella sticks are a staple appetizer that often teeters on the edge of simplicity, but at Nona Social, they are transformed into a dish worth savoring. Each stick is encased in a golden, perfectly crisp breadcrumb exterior, delivering an audible crunch that gives way to the molten, stretchy mozzarella within. The cheese, rich and delicately salted, retains a luscious creaminess that pairs beautifully with the accompanying marinara sauce -- tangy, herbaceous, and clearly crafted with care. These are not your run-of-the-mill mozzarella sticks; they are a masterclass in how to elevate a simple dish.The Fried Pickles: A Bold Contrast of Flavor and TextureThe fried pickles, on the other hand, are a bold and playful adventure. Sliced thin and cloaked in a light, seasoned batter, they emerge from the fryer impeccably crisp, their edges curling into delicate golden ridges. The brininess of the pickle cuts through the richness of the frying process, offering a palate-cleansing burst of acidity with every bite. Served with a creamy dipping sauce that is both tangy and subtly spiced, these pickles balance decadence with refreshment, making them an addictive starter.Carnitas Tostones: A Marriage of Tradition and InnovationThe highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the carnitas tostones, a dish that fuses Latin American roots with contemporary flair. The tostones are a marvel on their own -- perfectly fried plantains that are both crispy on the outside and tender within, offering a slightly sweet undertone that serves as the ideal canvas for the toppings. Piled high are succulent, slow-cooked carnitas, their smoky and savory richness accented with a touch of citrus that brightens the flavor profile. A drizzle of crema adds a luxurious silkiness, while fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cotija cheese provide an aromatic and salty finish. Each bite is a harmonious interplay of textures and flavors, leaving you yearning for more.The Smash Burger: Potential UntappedUnfortunately, the smash burger was the one dish that didn't quite hit the mark. While the presentation was inviting, with its crisped edges and perfectly caramelized exterior, the meat itself lacked the robust seasoning needed to bring out its full potential. The patty was well-cooked but tasted bland, as though it missed a crucial layer of seasoning during preparation. The toppings and bun, while fresh and well-executed, couldn't compensate for the lack of flavor in the patty itself. A touch more salt and perhaps a hint of spice or umami could have elevated the dish significantly.The VerdictNona Social Bar & Kitchen takes familiar dishes and breathes new life into them with an attention to detail that reflects a true passion for the culinary arts. The balance of textures, the layering of flavors, and the overall execution demonstrate a kitchen that punches far above its weight. While the smash burger was a missed opportunity, the rest of the menu dazzled with creativity and flavor.For those seeking a meal that delights the senses and satisfies the soul, Nona Social Bar & Kitchen is a destination worth visiting again and again -- with the hope that their smash burger will receive the seasoning it deserves.

Good service at the bar. Food was just ok. They had trivia the night we went and quite a large crowd playing. Not a terrible experience but I am not rushing back.

Great place to hang out and grab a couple of drinks, see some sports on the TVs, and listen to some good music. They're open late as most places in lake nona area are not, so it's even better when looking for a late night hangout spot

I've been going to this place for years. Perfect local spot! Whether it's a date night or just going out to watch sports, this place kills it. And don't sleep on the food! The food here is always really amazing! Great vibes, great staff, great food, great drinks! It's a grand slam!

For Valentine's Day me and my hubby decided to go to Nona Social. It was a Wednesday night and happened to be Dirty Bingo. They have the DJ playing great music while calling out bingo numbers and saying hilarious comments. If you're the type that gets easily offended Dirty Bingo is not for you. After we got our bingo cards we sat at the bar and ordered our food and drinks.The bartenders are also so friendly and accommodating and always take care of us. Even though it was a little hectic they got our orders to us fast. For food we ordered the Nona Melt and the Buffalo Chicken Sando. Both sandwiches came out hot and the portion size was pretty hefty. Both sandwiches tasted great and for being such a small bar they cook better than most local places. Nona Social is the perfect place if you want hang out, get a couple of drinks, eat delicious food, and enjoy some good music. They also have several tv's playing different games if you're into sports.

The food was good. We sat outside. We were a little late in the evening. We had to ask to be served since no one's coming and only the bartender was there. But he was nice enough to come and get our order. Perhaps if we went early we would have had better luck.

Great local bar in Lake Nona. I have visited a few times in the last month and have always had positive experiences. The wait staff is very friendly and was attentive to our table. The first time I went, I was not sure if it was a self-seating location or if we had to wait to be seated. They have a live DJ which adds to a great time during the evening hours. The location is rather small but they offer outdoor seating as well. The menu is varied but the carnitas tostones are my favorite. Definitely a good spot for a bite.

Such a fun little find! Beer was cold and I literally mmmmmmd out loud when I tried the Nona melt delicious and satisfying!

Cute local bar with better food than I expected! The carnitas tostones were fantastic - highly recommend. We split this as an appetizer but it could have easily been a meal. One of us avoids dairy and the other couldn't do spicy, but the staff was so accommodating to give us cheese on the side and no peppers. It's not a big place, so depending on timing, it can be tricky to find a table, especially on weekends or when they have trivia, etc. We opted to sit at the bar and had no trouble getting food. Bartenders were attentive and there was space to eat.