For a Sugary Dose of Nostalgia, Swing By Se7enBites for One of the Best Oatmeal Cream Pies in Florida

I spent the bulk of my adult life living near Orlando, Florida. I’m talking over 20 years in the thick of theme park country, where every road leads to a mouse, a wizard, or an overpriced turkey leg. Now, some folks might think Orlando is nothing but chain restaurants and meals served with a side of souvenir cups. I’m here to tell you otherwise. Over the years, I had the privilege of watching small, soulful businesses take root and grow into local institutions. And I’m about to introduce you to one of my absolute favorites.

Se7en Bites lives in the heart of Orlando’s Milk District. It's a neighborhood that feels like the cooler, tattooed cousin of downtown. It’s full of independently owned gems, vintage shops, music venues, and bars that serve cocktails with names like “Citrus Apocalypse.” It’s also home to some of the best comedy in the city (but that's a story for another day). The first time I walked into Se7enBites, it was in its original location, a tiny spot with only five tables. If you blinked, you missed it. And every table? Full. Always. But truth be told, I tasted the magic long before they had walls to call their own.

Before founder and culinary powerhouse Trina Gregory opened the restaurant, you could find her pies tucked inside the dessert case at Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, another local legend. My family and I made regular pilgrimages there, and every time I saw that Strawberry Balsamic Rhubarb Pie from Se7enBites, I squealed. It was love at first bite.

Now that Se7enBites has a space worthy of its food—a bigger, brighter spot with actual elbow room—it’s easier to settle in for a full meal or just drop by for a treat. And speaking of treats, let’s talk about the reason we’re all here: the oatmeal cream pie.

Remember those Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies from your lunchbox days? Sweet, soft, and probably made from 92% preservatives and good intentions? Now imagine that same nostalgic flavor, but all grown up and dressed to impress. Se7enBites’ version is thick, chewy, warmly spiced, and sandwiched with a silky, dreamy vanilla filling that tastes like what clouds wish they were made of. It’s childhood, reimagined with better ingredients, actual butter, and a whole lot of Southern soul.

The full menu at Se7enBites reads like a love letter to comfort food with a Florida drawl. The 7th Trimester Biscuit sandwich comes loaded with bacon, a perfectly cooked egg, five-cheese mac and cheese, and potato chip bacon crumble. Then there’s the Minnie Pearl: two pearl sugar waffles wrapped around fried chicken, an over-medium egg, hot honey, and vanilla bean butter syrup. If that doesn’t make you want to book a flight, I’m not sure what will.

Guy Fieri himself rolled through for the Chicken Pot Pie and Beef & Bacon Sloppy Jo, so you know the flavors pack enough punch to get airtime. And the baked goods? A rotating carnival of scones, brownies, bread puddings, and pies that would make your grandma throw in the towel and say, “Well, alright then.”

I’ve brought everyone to Se7enBites over the years: friends, family, once even a group of very hungover stand-up comedians from out of state. No matter who I walk through the door with, the food delivers, and the hospitality never misses. It doesn’t matter if it’s tucked in a tiny case, served on mismatched china, or brought out with a mimosa that tastes like a Florida sunrise... Se7enBites always feels like home.

After you grab your oatmeal cream pie (and probably a biscuit for the road, because you’re only human), take time to explore the neighborhood. Walk around the Milk District, catch some live music, or hit up one of the local shops. Orlando has more than roller coasters, y'all, it’s got sculpture gardens, art museums, vintage record stores, and stories baked right into the sidewalks.

So skip the overpriced theme park funnel cake, and treat yourself to something unforgettable. Visit Orlando, take the road less paved in cartoon characters, and get yourself the oatmeal pie of your dreams at Se7enBites. You’ve earned it.