Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Current – Orlando
The Current - Orlando
Photo from The Current
The Current at a glance
Orlando College Park
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 75 of the guests
#35 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#1 Seafood Restaurant out of 4 in Orlando
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
483
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh seafood
- Great service
- Pleasant setting
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Distant interaction
- Dish inconsistency
The restaurant, The Current Seafood Counter College Park, is a delightful seafood spot in Orlando’s vibrant College Park neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a quiet meal or a quick bite.
Offering healthy options, small plates, and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, this spot has you covered. Enjoy convenient service options like dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and outdoor seating.
Overview: Introducting The Current
The Current offers a largely positive dining experience, particularly noted for its `delicious` and well-prepared seafood. Guests frequently commend the `top-notch service` provided by the attentive and professional staff, making for a welcoming visit.
The restaurant also cultivates a pleasant `coastal vibe` with its clean and casual environment. However, some guests have expressed reservations about the overall value, suggesting that certain aspects might not always align with expectations.
Good
8
out of 10
483
Reviews
80.3%
Satisfaction
67
negative
28
neutral
388
positive
The Current achieves a solid `Restaurant Score` of 8, reflecting a generally good dining experience. This is further supported by a `Customer Satisfaction` rate of 80.3%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 483 customer remarks, with 388 positive observations outweighing 67 negative ones. Digging deeper, `Food` (8.2) and `Service` (8.2) are clear strengths, consistently receiving high praise for their quality and efficiency.
The `Ambience` (8) also contributes positively, offering a comfortable setting. However, `Value` (5.5) presents a more average picture, standing out as an area where opinions are more divided, contrasting with the otherwise strong performance.
What people like
- Delicious fresh seafood
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Clean, casual atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Limited personal interaction
- Inconsistent dish quality
If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely good seafood and attentive service in a relaxed setting, The Current is certainly worth considering. Its strengths in food preparation and staff hospitality create a generally enjoyable visit.
With a `Recommendation Score` of 8.3, it leans towards a positive endorsement. Just be mindful that while the core experience is strong, some aspects of value and service interaction might not consistently meet everyone’s expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Current
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Diving into the food experience, its clear theres a lot to love! With a strong score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 83%, diners frequently praise the fresh seafood, especially the delicious Connecticut lobster roll and perfectly seasoned blackened Mahi. Many also rave about the flavorful Old Bay fries and tasty hush puppies, highlighting great quality and generous portions across 254 positive remarks.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Out of 37 negative comments, some found the lobster roll bland or served on a room-temperature bun. There were also concerns about fried food being soggy and hush puppies undercooked.
A few mentioned a lack of seasoning or small coleslaw portions, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
306
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
37
negative
15
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh seafood
- Delicious lobster roll
- Perfectly seasoned Mahi
What people don't like
- Soggy fried items
- Bland lobster roll
- Inconsistent seasoning
Often praised
- foodI've been to this restaurant several times and will definitely keep coming back! The staff are incredibly friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious. I also appreciate that the prices are good.
- seafoodIt's always a joy to discover a restaurant that specializes in a couple of things and does them extremely well. My experience was with excellent, well-prepared seafood in a casual, clean environment. Central Florida seemed to lack a high number of casual, locally owned, well-done seafood places, but this place is doing it right.
- fish and chipsWe had chowder soup and fish and chips, and it so fresh and delicious.
- grouper sandwichThe place was very clean, and all the food was seasoned to perfection. I highly recommend trying the mahi-mahi sandwich, grouper sandwich, fried shrimp, and crabcakes. 🔥🔥🔥 I definitely recommend this restaurant.
- fried shrimpThe place was very clean, and all the food was seasoned to perfection. I highly recommend trying the mahi-mahi sandwich, grouper sandwich, fried shrimp, and crabcakes. 🔥🔥🔥 I definitely recommend this restaurant.
- FoodFood was hot and fresh!
- friesEveryone enjoyed their food - the fries.
- hush puppiesEven though the restaurant was packed, the waits were short. We enjoyed the fish & chips, hush puppies, mahi, and salad. We couldn't leave without taking a banana pudding ice cream sandwich to go.
- lobster rollMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! We ordered chicken tenders for the little one, buffalo shrimp, old bay fries, and lobster roll. The quality of the food was definitely top of the line.
- menuThe food was amazing, the management was excellent, and the working environment was fantastic. The menu is cleverly designed to cater to every pescatarian. My recommendations: get the fish and chips or the blackened mahi-mahi sandwich.
Frequently criticized
- coleslawI would avoid that at all cost, it a dry coleslaw with little flavor
- foodBottom line is the food sucked
- catfishThe catfish is catfish bites not an actual whole piece of fish
- fishfish with fish and chips was fishy
- lobster rollThe lobster roll was bland and not worth $30
- portionsportions were a bit small
- Soft Shell Crab Sandwichso I went with the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich. Not my thing.
- bunWe were given a room temperature bun
- catfish nuggetscatfish nuggets are supposed to be nice and crispy, not slimy
- chipsWe were really hoping this would fulfill our local fish and chips cravings, but it just didn't live up to the hype. The fish was mediocre at best, and when it's served on top of the chips, it just makes them all soggy with the steam/heat coming from the fish. The hush puppies we were served were not even cooked all the way through; when you opened them up, raw dough was still gooey in the middle.
Overall, the food here generally shines, especially if you stick to the fresh seafood and popular blackened dishes. While there might be occasional misses with fried items or seasoning, the high satisfaction suggests most meals are a hit. It's definitely worth a visit for a satisfying seafood experience.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Overall, its looking pretty good here, with a solid score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction hitting 81.1%. Out of 95 comments, a whopping 77 were positive, praising the friendly, attentive staff and prompt service.
Many loved the great hospitality, making for a warm welcome. However, it's not all sunshine. There were 12 negative remarks, with some mentioning rude management and distant interaction, especially with online ordering.
A few folks also noted issues with employees not receiving credit card tips, which is definitely something to consider.
Service
95
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Prompt service
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Distant interaction
- Credit card tip issues
Often praised
- serviceThe food is absolutely delicious, and it goes a long way when the customer service is top-notch. This is a classy place that cares about top quality food and service. If you haven't been here, you must try it!
- staffThe staff is very friendly, very professional and really cordial!
- ServiceService:5
- hospitalityThe food only compliments the hospitality here!
- customer servicewhen the customer service is top notch
- foodfood was delivered to the table by the cook himself
- gentlemanI was walking around the neighborhood and stumbled across this restaurant and decided to give it a try. Hannah and the gentleman who was working with her were super attentive and took the time to introduce us to the many delicious options they offered. We had chowder soup and fish and chips, and it was so fresh and delicious.
- waitDraft beer is always a plus. The atmosphere is very relaxed, yet the food arrives pretty quickly, and it's worth the short wait. You can conveniently order from a scanner on your table, and the food comes out hot!
- DrinksDrinks were served quickly
- Good serviceGood service,too.
Frequently criticized
- 30 minute driveNot worth the 30 minute drive we make
- credit card tipsEmployees do not receive credit card tips
- customer servicethe customer service is not
- drink with NO LIDgave me a drink with NO LID.
- frontThe two ladies who work the front are very rude
- grillHalf their grill was not working so service was a little slow
- interactionSo, we dropped by The Current Seafood Counter, and… well, let’s just say this wasn’t the splash we were hoping for. ⚓ We ordered through a QR code, so there was almost zero interaction—except when they dropped off our drinks. Service felt distant, and we missed that personal touch.
- managementManagement is rude
- older woman behind counterThe older woman behind the counter simply stood there looking angry
- phone numberMy fiancé and I both ate here and became sick hours later; we will not be returning. I tried to call and let them know, but they don’t even have a phone number that you can call. We both ate the clam chowder, which was the one thing we had in common, and we both got sick, so just a heads up.
If youre looking for a spot with generally friendly and efficient service, youll likely be pleased. While there are occasional reports of distant interactions or staff issues, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a good experience awaits.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a solid 8 out of 10. Customers are quite pleased, with satisfaction at a strong 82%. Many appreciate the coastal vibe, family atmosphere, and clean environment, often noting the local artwork and great location. Out of 50 total reviews, 41 rave about the pleasant, relaxed, and inviting setting, making it a joy to visit.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few of the 5 negative comments mention the place lacked any real vibe, feeling cold or cafeteria'ish, and some even noted sticky outside tables. While these are minor points, they suggest that for some, the atmosphere might not feel as inspiring or comfortable as others experience.
Ambience
50
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxed coastal vibe
- Clean, inviting environment
- Local art and charm
What people don't like
- Lacks distinct vibe
- Cold, cafeteria-like
- Sticky outdoor tables
Often praised
- atmospherecapturing the taste and the atmosphere of just that
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinessThe place was very clean
- environmentIt's always a joy to discover a restaurant that specializes in a couple of things and does them extremely well. My experience was with excellent, well-prepared seafood in a casual, clean environment. Central Florida seemed to lack a high number of casual, locally owned, well-done seafood places, but this place is doing it right.
- locationLocated in a great location
- seatingThe generous servings and great variety of options made it easy to find something for everyone. I also appreciated the choice between outdoor and indoor picnic table seating, adding to the cute, low-key atmosphere. The walls are adorned with fun local artwork, videos, and trivia, which adds a unique touch.
- addition to CPThis place is an amazing addition to CP
- cleanplace is super clean
- coastal vibeI ordered online for takeout, and the process was very easy. It's an awesome, local spot with a chill coastal vibe. The staff was great and friendly.
- decorthe simple and clean decor
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere is what I dislike the most. It's just cold, uncomfortable and very cafeteria'ish
- ambianceCasual but lacked any real vibe. Felt more like a quick stop than an experience.
- guest experienceForgettable. We left feeling… uninspired.
- sticky outside tablessticky outside tables
If you're looking for a clean, relaxed spot with a pleasant coastal feel and local charm, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer a more distinct or cozy atmosphere, you might find it a bit too casual or uninspired.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found things to appreciate. With 16 positive remarks among 32 total opinions, patrons often highlighted the affordable price and competitive price for dishes, especially noting reasonable prices for seafood and even cheap drinks. Theres a sense that you can find good value here, contributing to an average score of 5.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 50%.
However, 13 negative comments also surfaced, indicating that not everyone felt the same way about the price and money spent. Some found the overall prices to be a bit high, and a notable concern revolved around the point of sale tipping' options, which some found unreasonable. This mixed feedback contributes to the overall average perception of value.
Value
32
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable seafood prices
- Affordable drinks
- Good overall value
What people don't like
- High overall prices
- Aggressive tipping options
- Unexpected extra charges
Often praised
- pricesThis addition to College Park is a treasure! We experienced the freshest seafood around at reasonable prices. The batter was never heavy, and nothing was ever pre-cooked.
- priceThe atmosphere was also excellent. While the estimated cost for an adult dinner, including a drink and tip, falls in the $20-$25 range, I found it to be worth it.
- affordable priceGreat food at an affordable price.
- competitive priceGood food with a competitive price.
- drinksthe drinks are cheap
- prices for seafoodThe prices for seafood are reasonable
- valueWe couldn't leave without taking a banana pudding ice cream sandwich to go. My husband, a self-proclaimed food snob, was amazed by the value and said, “Wow I can’t believe the value. We can add this to our rotation!
Frequently criticized
- Price$56 before the tip!!!
- pricenot worth $30
- $.01paid cash for my $31.01 charge and they couldn’t cover the $.01.
- businessin long run it is going to be bad for your business
- custom tipdon't hide behind "there is custom tip or no tip option"
- moneyit's not worth the money
- point of sale tippingfour starts minus one star for point of sale tipping
- point-of-sale tippingmany other outfits introduced point-of-sale tipping
- pricesthe prices aren't cheap
- tarter sauceThey do charge you for tarter sauce which i didn't like
Overall, the value here is a bit of a mixed bag. While many appreciate the fair prices for food and drinks, be mindful of the tipping options at checkout. If youre looking for generally reasonable seafood and dont mind the tipping system, it could be a good fit.
How are the prices at The Current?
You’re looking at roughly $28 per person – reported by 75 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11-$30 range, showing a nice mix of options around this price point, with fewer venturing into the much higher tiers.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 75 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
For a Seafood Restaurant, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a nice meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Current
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolute Gem! Blackened Shrimp Pasta is Out of This World!
This place is an absolute gem! I come here all the time and the blackened shrimp pasta is out of this world! Keep it up guys!
- blackened shrimp pasta10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Food, Great Service & Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was generally positive. The food was good, though I found it a little under seasoned for my personal liking. Despite that, it was good nonetheless.
The service and atmosphere were both excellent, receiving a perfect 5/5 rating. I'm sure I'll be back if I'm in the area.
- food7
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Felt Sick After Eating Here
My fiancé and I both ate here and became sick hours later; we will not be returning. I tried to call and let them know, but they don’t even have a phone number that you can call. We both ate the clam chowder, which was the one thing we had in common, and we both got sick, so just a heads up.
In response to the owner: I am actually a nurse practitioner myself and I do not need to visit another healthcare professional to tell me that I had symptoms that POSSIBLY resemble food poisoning. I am NOT stating that I got a definite diagnosis of food poisoning. I am just sharing my opinion and the symptoms I felt.
So let me rephrase: we ate here and felt sick around 4-5 hours later. We experienced severe nausea/vomiting and stomach pains. Other people can interpret this how they choose.
I am simply just sharing our experience and that we felt sick after eating here and that the only thing we both ate that day prior to not feeling well was the clam chowder. I am entitled to share my experience. You don’t even have a phone number for anyone to call, as I tried to contact you yesterday to inform you.
- clam chowder1
- severe nausea/vomiting1
- stomach pains1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Seafood and Service!
My experience at this local spot was truly lovely. The quality of the seafood was great, and the service was super fast. A gentleman named Mike, who I presume was the owner/chef, came by multiple times to check in and even refill drinks, which was unexpected for a counter-service place.
We had a nice conversation with him, and he even gave us a sampler of the NE clam chowder after I mentioned we'd have to come back to try it. Our group really enjoyed the lobster roll, fish sandwich, peel and eat shrimp, fried shrimp, and hush puppies. We'll definitely be back soon!
- seafood9
- service10
- Mike10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food and Great Experience!
My first time here and I'm so glad we walked in tonight! The lobster roll was absolutely delicious, featuring quality lobster with a flavorful and generous portion. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meals, including the shrimp baskets, grouper sandwich, and fries.
We also tried the clam chowder, which was a perfectly made soup, thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor. The service was great, and meeting the chef enhanced our experience. This spot has definitely been added to my list of favorites!
- lobster roll10
- quality lobster10
- shrimp baskets8
What The Current offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Current Seafood Counter College Park?
At The Current Seafood Counter College Park, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, quiet, and trendy atmosphere. They offer a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with table service and seating available. You can also opt for a quick bite or small plates.
Does The Current Seafood Counter College Park offer family-friendly options and convenient services?
Yes, The Current Seafood Counter College Park is good for kids, providing a kids’ menu and high chairs. For your convenience, they offer takeout, curbside pickup, dine-in, and outdoor seating. Parking is easy with free street parking and a free parking lot.
What is the overall rating for The Current and what aspects contribute to it?
The Current holds a `Restaurant Score` of 8. This is largely driven by strong scores in `Food` (8.2), `Service` (8.2), and `Ambience` (8), though `Value` (5.5) is an area with more mixed feedback.
What kind of food can I expect at The Current?
The Current is known for its `delicious` and well-prepared seafood, with popular items including fresh fish and chips, grouper sandwiches, and fried shrimp. Many find the quality of the seafood to be a highlight.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted concerns regarding the perceived high `prices` and the occasional lack of personal interaction during service. There have also been mentions of specific dishes having inconsistent quality, such as soggy chips or bland lobster rolls.