The Social Chameleon

A RECENT SUNDAY IN ORLANDO, FL — Upon entering «The Social Chameleon» for the 5^th time since discovering it a few months ago, we were greeted by what felt like 90+ degree temperatures inside the restaurant, as the front door was propped open.
No problem, there was a bit of a breeze outside and SC’s «backyard» evokes memories of a NOLA eatery, in that cute faux way.
So we asked the only staff member we saw if we could be seated outside.
«No. I think we’re expecting a large party out there… you can sit where you want in here» is what we were told.
Ok, no big deal, we’ll find a seat inside.
NO other customers were in the restaurant, so we decided on sitting in the corner «booth» where we could benefit from the ceiling fan.
«It’s ok if you sit there for now but if we get a large party in here, we’ll have to move you…» we were told, in a dry and unfriendly tone filled with feelings of «what-​ever».
Side Note: I understand that seating can be an issue with such a small establishment, but we were the only two people there and should it have become an issue during the hour it would’ve taken us to dine; we would’ve gladly moved upon seeing the need and being asked politely. Some things are not necessary to say, unless they are necessary to say.
So, feeling unwanted, we left. And we took our money and our business elsewhere… to a land where we were treated like valued patrons and not like an annoyance.
This is not the first time we been made to feel this way at The Social Chameleon but it will certainly be the last. On a previous visit, we were again some of the very few customers in the restaurant and we were greeted with all but an obvious «eyeroll».
For a place with such a name, The Social Chameleon is neither «social» nor very «chameleon”-like — with its lack of ability to adapt to a variety of customers.
The Social Chameleon seems to give off the vibe that they only wish to serve a certain client base and if you don’t fit within that narrow category, then you’ll be left to feel like you’ve walked into a room and have interrupted a very important conversation… that has nothing to do with you, nor would you know anything about it.
So, I won’t be going to The Social Chameleon again. And I won’t be going to its sister sites: The Milk Bar, Spooky Black Cat Café, or «[ ] space». Because when I go out and spend my money on a bottle of wine and some overpriced «small plates» on a slow Sunday afternoon, in this town, with all its dining choices, I’d like to be welcomed in and not wafted away thankyouverymuch.

The Social Chameleon has changed!!!
Once you stop crying over the loss of their delicious flat breads (R.I.P. fig and prosciutto), you’ll realize their vast beer selection is more than enough to ease the pain. Bartenders are full of recommendations if you can’t decide.
The next time you’re planning to head downtown for drinks, go here instead.

The bad news: the Social Chameleon is no longer serving food.
The good news: they’re still serving beer and plenty of it.
Bartender Aaron is extremely knowledgeable of beers, their origins and has admitted to tasting SC’s entire inventory. So I had complete faith in him as he helped me decide what to drink.
You’d think The Social Chameleon would be, you know, social. But aside from our awesome, chatty bartender — I think my drinking buddies and I were 4 out of 7 or 8 total patrons for the night. We were there from about 8:30pm to 2am (because we’re drunkards) and only met a handful of people who were actually looking to eat a meal.
Social Chameleon has such a great reputation and atmosphere but, seriously, where the heck is everybody? Is there a special night that the cool kids hang out?

Upon a recent visit for some drinks and possibly dessert, we learned that The Social Chameleon has changed a bit. They are now strictly a lounge.
They no longer serve food: O Which is a shame because I loved their flat bread pizzas. They got rid of the kitchen and made room for more seating. Instead, you can order pizza and have it delivered their.
They cut quite a few beers from their selection. They’re still in the process of doing so, so next time you’re there double check to see what they have in stock.
Otherwise, they’re still an awesome hangout. I think our bartender recently was named Aaron (could be completely wrong) and he made our night extremely awesome. Considering for the most part on a Saturday night myself and three friends were the only patrons he made us feel right at home.

New look and layout, same good vibe. Same beer list and some good wine.
Lookin for a small cozy place to take a date or a quieter-​side place to chat with friends? This would be the place. Check them out, buy some art, have some drinks, be chill.

I went here once, the food was good, but they overcharged my credit card. (In an amount that it would be difficult to do on accident.) I understand that this happens and it might have been an inattention to details as opposed to just theft, but then the owner sent me a not very nice message on Unilocal (his friends also did too).
After a while, I felt bad about my review because I am thought that this a decent independent place. So I took my review down. Then I found out that a good friend of mine was overcharged on his credit card too, and he also had a bad experience with the owner. I thought that two people who knew each other both having their credit card overcharged and then getting harassed by the owner was too much of a coincidence. It looks like they have poor quality control/​customer service or perhaps something fishy is going on over there. Either way, the owner should be nicer, because I am typically a patron of independent places.
If you want to enjoy the honestly delicious food at Social Chameleon, I recommend paying in cash. I’m too lazy, I just won’t go back there.

S — crumptious food. Try the crabmeat pizza and Tour of India
O — utstanding selection of beer and wine. Mmmm cider!
C — ozy seating arrangements, both inside and out on the patio
I — mpressive variety of tapas to choose from, although the menu is small
A — ttentive waitstaff that make great recommendations
L — ovely and endearingly bohemian décor
C — harming atmosphere. You start to think… are we in Orlando?
H — appy customers, all of which were laughing and smiling :)
A — lcohol is limited to beer and wine, but they pour great portions!
M — agical back patio with twinkling lights and intimately placed tables
E — clectic and romantic. Perfect for a date
L — ong wait on Friday and Saturday for a table
E — asy to find on the small stretch of Robinson
O — nly parking spots are on the street or a few behind the restaurant
N — ow! As is go there now!
This place is so small, but so cute and thoughtfully appointed with a motley assortment of items… from a hanging guitar to an old, metal Coca-​Cola sign. And let’s not forget all the gorgeous foliage that drapes the outside of this place. And the lighting. And the food! Flatbread fans rejoice!

I finally made my way here and I am a tad disappointed. I must clarify why I am the only person out of 47 reviews that is giving out 3 stars.
First, the 3 stars is the overall experience as in it was «A-​OK.»
Alright moving along now…
I definitely think this is a hole in the wall and I love the menu — I love nothing more than imported beer and the «Tonight’s Special» was great and I love restaurants that do this. Next, I love the décor — homey, unique, very quaint. Kind of wish this was how I decorated my college dorm room, to be honest!
We made a reservation for 7:30 and we arrived at 7:40 (called ahead to tell them we’d be late, of course, common courtesy) and didn’t get our food until an hour later. Okay, to make this fair, our server did tell us that everyone came in around the same time and because of the size of the entire venue, it makes it hard to accommodate.
We ordered the broccoli cheese soup (because they’re out of lobster bisque) and the daily special pizza with shrimp and scallops. I personally didn’t like the soup so much because even though it’s called «broccoli cheese» it was more like milk broccoli with shredded cheddar cheese on top… meh. The pizza was really good, though — 4 and a half stars because it was great and enjoyable with fresh seafood but kind of bland at the same time.
The service was maaaaaaybe a 3 and a half stars. I’m not being stingy here, I’m just being truthful. I had their ice black tea with cherry infusion and my boyfriend had a ginger ale — our server was super sweet and gave us free refills for our patience but ended up giving us refilling our half drank beverage with water because of how busy they were. I also had to flag people down to get a container to go and it wasn’t just flagging I had to yell to get their attention because they manage to see past me — go figure.
Our server WAS kind enough to take our soup off the final tab, it was appreciated but considering other factors, we prooooobably won’t be coming back here anytime soon.
Just to clarify though, it’s an amazing experience but make sure you are not starving when you walk in — this is a great joint to mix and mingle to have a drink and chat but don’t expect fast service.

Went out this evening to try this place. Wow! Cute, funkyyy, inexpensive and GREAT food!
Between the two of us we had the cheese plate, the four play (hummus platter), a 7″ pizza and I had a glass of wine. There are leftovers for tomorrow! Both appetizers came with mounds of bread options. Crackers, tortilla chips, pita strips (hot and slightly crisp), and toast. The cheese plate came with 7? cheeses and a couple of pieces of sliced apple, strawberry and pineapple. It was a lot of food. We sat outside on the patio since the temperature was very nice and enjoyed it very much.
You have to look carefully for the place! It’s tiny and pretty much on the corner of Robinson & Bumby. There is a little alley that leads back to the parking lot. We missed it the first time around, don’t be surprised if you do too.
We’ll be back soon!

I’m giving it a 3 star rating so as to not effect the overall score terribly… but WE COULDN’T FIND IT! Think of it as 3 stars for having a website and posting what sounds like a very interesting menu online.
I think if you have an eating establishment that you’d like people to patronize, no matter how trendy you are trying to be… put some signage out front or along the street or on the building or in a parking lot behind the building or in a window or… do I need to go on? If you have a hint for me on where to find the establishment, I’ll be glad to give it another try.

Ok, not sure how I have waited this long to try out a spot I have heard nothing but amazing things about. Finally, I hit up the Social Chameleon in the heart of the Milk District.
Such a lovely setting inside and out. There are about 6 tables inside and it’s a very close, intimate setting. Or you can head out back where there is seating outside on the romantic-​esque porch. While you are back there make sure to check out the bathroom, it’s tiny but FULL of musical and artistic character. Make sure you don’t spend too much time in there admiring the walls because people will think you got stuck in the toilet ;oP
Ok, staff… SOLID 5 stars. If it’s busy, be patient… they work their butts off and will get to you, this is a place to relax. They are very informative and share opinions about the drinks and food so don’t hesitate to ask.
The food, NOM central. I know, i know, nom is overused so let’s go with lip-​smacking. Everything is made fresh to order and it’s made by people who want you to appreciate the food! I ordered the meatball pizza because I fell in love with their meatballs at Spooky’s but… they were out of meatball. BOOO! BUT, they suggested swapping it out with steak… SOLD! It was delicious, it arrived on a crispy flatbread with peppers, onions and tons of cheese, I was in food heaven. The angel accompanying the meal, my cider! They have a huge menu of unique beers, wines and ciders just as their sister locations do! HUGE win!
You must stop by the social chameleon and enjoy!

After hearing so much about this quaint little eatery and delaying for a few weeks, I finally got to experience what all the noise was about.
This bohemian Gastropub is truly a stab in the dark. Away from the commotion of Downtown and away from the bourgeoisie of Thornton Park/​Lake Eola, the Social Chameleon is tucked away in the expanding Milk District. Not too far off from the heart of Orlando, you can still hear the murmur of the immediate city.
We walked in with a party of 3 and when we did, it was a sight to see. Cozy and playful with a saffron glow, I couldn’t help but slowly pace through the restaurant’s festooned interior and take in the trance inducing ambiance. It has all the wonder of staring into a starry night. Wander even further toward the back and you’ll find yourself immersed in more magical ornamentation as you walk through the outdoor seating on their patio. It’s as if you stumbled upon a secret door that led to an alternate, mysterious world. Absolutely perfect for a date or a casual engagement with friends under the evening stars. I wish I carried my camera to give the décor justice.
Their menu is creative in the style of tapas. So there’s something for everyone. I’ve heard positive things about their Dolmades (stuffed Grape leaves), Tour of India and Pizza. So we decided to go with those 3. For such a small place, their Import and Craft beer lists are epic. When one of us asked for a Budweiser, the server somewhat proudly stated they don’t have Bud. No Domestics here. The service was on point and very accommodating even though we walked in a wee bit after 12am.
The consensus at the table was that the Dolmades were fresh, but bland even with the curried yogurt. We didn’t think much of it with their Tour of India next on the docket. When our 2^nd course hit the table, a bit more wind was taken out of our sails. It would’ve been outstanding to have some warm, soft Naan to to pull apart, but instead were presented with a few pieces of toasted, hardened Naan interspersed with crisps that were akin to pita chips. The Baigan Bharta style Eggplant curry and Pav Baji style vegetable curry dips left more to be desired as far as taste, but the Tour’s saving grace was the Patra style aloo leave.
After our first 2 courses, we started to believe the ambience and Beer/​Wine selections were the Social Chameleon’s selling points and the food was an afterthought. On the contrary. When the Athenian Pizza arrived, we fell positively in love. Chunky and fresh Chicken, organic spinach, feta, tomato, artichoke and indulgent marinara made us gush and battle for each slice. The flavors more than compensated for the previous plates’ humdrum mood. I can’t wait to try more of their Pizzas and Flatbreads. Not to say all their tapas selections could be lackluster. Their Gnocchi and Flank Steak Poblano look equally as tantalizing.
As a whole, I’m proud to refer anyone here if they’re looking for a truly unique experience. Thank goodness. Orlando needs more establishments like this in order to give our city a better semblance of culture. The owners also run the Milk Bar next door and Spooky Cat’s Café and Milk District Marketplace right down the road. So I’ll definitely be heading to those places soon enough.
Cheers!

I was pleasantly surprised with my experience here although the previous reviews suggested it would be good. The flavor in the flatbreads we ordered was simply ridiculous. The crab, goat cheese, and ginger combo left me begging for more so we also ordered the steak flatbread special. Don’t tell my Italian girlfriend but the sauce that accompanied our little delight was better than any sauce she has ever put together! We kept it simple with a couple of salads, some wine, and plenty of bottled, craft-​brew. This place is small but packs an awesome punch of service, food, and atmosphere that makes it an ideal and casual spot to enjoy life.

Great little place near downtown, I sat in the patio area and it was really nice, inside seating looked small to me.
They have different pizza that you can share with your friends, very yummy and I can’t wait to go back to try other ones.
Parking might be a little crowded but it’s well worth a visit.

The tiny Social Chameleon in the Milk District is just a delight, from the atmosphere to the service to the food. I think there are only five tables inside and a patio outside.
Three of us shared Florentine Pizza, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Cheese Platter, Tour of India, and Gnocchi. These «tapas» portions were bigger than we expected and we really ordered too much. But little of it went to waste — it was all that good. We dined inside and absorbed the awesome vibe of the place. Next time if the weather is good, we’ll give the outdoors a try. I’m lovin’ it!

I’ve been back so many times, and have never had a bad meal. The new air conditioning system rocks, the inside dining room is much cooler now. But I love the back patio so much… I brave the heat for it.
Love those grape leaves. Love the wine selection. Love the flatbreads. Nothing but love for the Social Chameleon!

I have only tried this place once. The beer is list is extensive and the service is superb. However, I did not like the crab flatbread at all. My friend tried the house salad and loved it.
Props to the server for realizing I had did care for the crab dish and offering free desert. Good service is so hard to find in Orlando.
I plan to go back and try something different

The Social Chameleon is the type of place I love to go on a Friday or Saturday night. They have a huge, varied selection of wine and beer and a tapas style menu — plenty of stuff to share, and share you should.
The flavors here range from Middle Eastern to Mediterranean and they blend well together. From hummus, to baba ganoush, to flatbread and flatbread-​style pizzas. Urban Flats, this is not; Social Chameleon takes these dishes to another level with plenty of strong flavors and spices to keep things interesting.
Every dish I tried was flavorful, but my favorite was the «Tour of India» plate. I thought it went particularly well with a pale ale. I’m partial to Sierra Nevada, but it seemed like they must have had at least 50 beers to choose from.
There’s both indoor and outdoor seating and the look inside and out is eclectic. The outdoor seating was especially cool; there’s a bit more elbow room and some funky umbrellas hanging overhead. The extra shade would make for a great spot to chill during summer.
I strongly recommend trying this place. Bring a friend, or 3. A party larger than 4 probably isn’t a good idea judging by the size of the place. Feel free to call ahead as it can get packed, but from my experience the staff is very friendly and accommodating.

Definitely one of my favorite little hidden spots. The Social Chameleon has great food, great beer and wine, and a great atmosphere. Their menu features tapas-​ish dishes, creative pizzas, and soups. My favorites are the cheese platter and Mediterranean Experience. (What can I say, I love samplers!) They also have a pretty big beer and wine selection and great prices.
The Social Chameleon is a great cozy place to chill and share food with friends. Don’t try to go with too many friends though – this place is TINY and usually packed! They have a cute outdoor seating area and the staff has always been great.

I love this place. The chef and owner (Brett) offers an innovative and eclectic selection of delicious tapas with carefully selected wine and beer pairings. There are also several vegan and vegetarian offerings guaranteed to please the pickiest of herbivores. The daily specials have yet to let me down in any way.
To quote the menu: «We prefer seasonings to salt, flavor to fats. Our food is hand selected, farm fresh and/​or organic when possible and due to this commitment, on occasion we may only have a few orders of a particular offering.»
The SC is more than just an amazing little gastro pub, (and it is tiny but I don’t think you’ll get an argument from anyone that it’s cramped rather than intimate or cozy) it’s also a great place to hang out with friends and have a few drinks.
The recently re-​renovated patio has a delightful ambiance that can only be described as as interesting and different as the food. This dog-​friendly outdoor haven is instantly relaxing, if not comforting.
The service staff is friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and happy to cater to special orders. To quote the menu again: «We welcome you to mix and match items, substitute, split items, etc. If we can do it for you, we will.»
This sentiment comes across in everything they do and I thank them for it. See you there!