No reservations: 21 last-minute Orlando date ideas that are actually good

The Greek Corner

If the market lights and views to Lake Ivanhoe aren’t enough, perhaps sharing a grande mezze platter full of lamb, gyro, chicken, taramosalata, plus a couple of ouzo shots, will transport you to that Mediterranean paradise. If you’re left feeling frisky, try your luck at the new Better Than Sex dessert restaurant across the street, or take something to-go for fun at home (wink wink).

Photo via Itty Bits of Balance

JW Marriott Grande Lakes

So Primo, Whisper Creek, Highball & Harvest and Norman’s were all full up. No matter. The lobby lounges at the Grande Lakes dames are just as picturesque, especially during sunset. Rendezvous on the terrace and order a couple glasses of bubbly and some apps from the abbreviated menu, then cuddle by the fire pit to watch the sun sink.

Photo via JW Marriott Grande Lakes Facebook

Food Truck Bazaar

One thing’s for sure, there’s plenty on the menu to choose from at this outdoor gathering of mobile gourmands at the Fashion Square Mall from 6-9 p.m., rain or shine. If it’s chilly, bring a couple of chairs and some blankets to snuggle under as you sample to-go dishes from more than 15 trucks.

Photo via Orlando Fashion Square Mall Facebook

Julie's Waterfront

The Holden Heights restaurant has long been a casual mainstay for couples looking for a low-key way to spend a sunset. The deck overlooks Lake Jennie Jewel, and reservations aren’t required to score a waterfront table and a “Land and Sea” combo.

Photo via pounsignlb on Instagram

JB’s Fish Camp

There’s something sexy about getting outta town and getting your hands dirty. In New Smyrna Beach, a waterfront seat on the dock and a pile peel-and-eat shrimp (or a NY Strip steak if you’re ballin’) make for a sweet escape. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees in the river below, and take in the sunset over a slice of our state dessert, Key Lime Pie.

Photo via JB's Fish Camp Facebook

Pizzeria Del-Dio

The sweetly shaped pies from Pizzeria Del-Dio on East Colonial Drive are actually available year-round, but we can’t think of a better time to order one than V-Day. The place only has a couple of tables, so snag one if you can (pizza is always better fresh anyway), or take it home for a little Netflix and chill.

Photo via Yelp

Waffle House

Yes, we went there. And so should you, since the highway honey is offering a special T-bone steak to commemorate the day (at the Hillsborough Ave. location in Tampa, though breakfast-for-dinner is offered everywhere, of course), plus white tablecloths, candlelight and entertainment. Bonus points for wearing matching limited edition “I Love You A Waffle Lot” T-shirts available from the Waffle House online store.

Photo via garaymusic on Instagram

Buca di Beppo

All of the Orlando locations of the mega-portion Italian chain will be dishing out a giant heart-shaped lasagna for Valentine’s Day. The dinner-for-two package ($50, plus tax and tip) includes the lasagna, a green or Caesar salad, an order of garlic bread and mini cannolis. Leftovers are virtually guaranteed.

Photo via nessabetty123 on Instagram

4Rivers

You never need a reservation to stand in line at 4Rivers, but the dessert offerings this year are worth the legwork. The Black Tie cake is covered in buttercream, drizzled with chocolate and topped with chocolate-covered strawberries, and the red velvet cake balls are an appropriately sized sweet finish to a pile of pulled pork. See also: Strawberry Champagne cupcakes.

Photo via gusandus on Instagram

Dessert Crawl: Restaurant Row, Sand Lake Road

With so many dining spots on one strip of asphalt, a dessert-for-dinner crawl (with enough walking between restaurants to burn off some of that sugar) is a no-brainer, especially when the dining rooms are packed and the bar areas still serve a full menu. Start at Eddie V’s for hot Bananas Foster butter cake and end at Roy’s for their signature Melting Hot Chocolate souffle.

Photo via eddievs_ on Instagram

Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day dinner without a dozen aphrodisiacs or so. Head to Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar and grab a seat at the 80-foot shucking bar and challenge your dearest to a bivalve schlucking contest. Order a couple dozen raw and steamed, then drizzle on the Tabasco and lemon juice for a no-frills date with plenty of promise for love later.

Photo via Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar Facebook

Disney Springs Dine-In Theatre

Five words: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. If that’s not an ideal couples’-flick compromise, we don’t know what is. The theatre at Disney Springs turns the traditional dinner-and-a-movie date on its head, serving up crab and avocado sushi, tacos and four kinds of mac and cheese. The gigantic Mudslide from MacGuffin’s bar is a good encore. Just don’t glance at the calorie count.

Photo via dammoto_73 on Instagram

Thirsty Fish Bar at Loews Portofino Bay Resort

It’ll feel like you’ve taken that 15-hour flight to Venice when you step through the doors out to the piazza at the Portofino Bay hotel on Universal Orlando property, but without the jet lag. Get close on a gondola ride and then park yourselves at the Thirsty Fish lounge for Peroni, prosecco and savory small plates. Try to catch the nightly opera performance at Bice too.

Photo via empresslilly on Instagram

Check out the Valentine's Day concert at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Feb. 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $15.61-$20.09
Who said you should only celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other? Visit Harry P. Leu Gardens for its traditional Valentine’s concert, featuring Selwyn Birchwood, Dave Capp Project and Mud Rooster Blues. Bring along a blanket and pack a little picnic for the two of you and enjoy live music under the stars.
Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook

Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Grill at DeLeon Springs

Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, which means one thing: brunch. Traditionally, dinner has been the meal for lovebirds, but it’s a good bet mid-morning will be significantly less crowded. Head to the springs for DIY pancakes (go heavy on the chocolate chips), and then rent a canoe or kayak for a romantic ride downstream to spy manatees.

Photo via stefaniekeeler on Instagram

Lake Eola Swan Boats

Pick up charcuterie at Swine & Sons, cheese at La Femme du Fromage, desserts at Benjamin French Bakery and some boxed single-serve wine at 7-Eleven (make it extra classy with bendy straws!) and you have yourselves an al fresco dinner with a second-to-none view. Just make sure to plan for an earlier evening to score a boat before the 7 p.m. closing time.

Photo via Orlando Weekly

Go for an airboat ride at one of the many local fish camps
Within a brief 20-30 minute drive from downtown Orlando, couples can be whisked away by a small watercraft with a 200 horsepower fan strapped to the back of it. Hit the link for a nice round-up of some of our favorite fish camps and airboat locales.
Photo via iwontloveyou/Instagram

Brew and fondue for two at Playalinda Brewing Co.
For $22, Playalinda is offering couples two beers and your choice of chocolate fondue and dippers. They're also releasing a new brew on Valentine's Day called "Heat of the Moment," a chocolate and chili-spiced porter.
Photo via keaganfowler/Instagram

Watch the sun set over Lake Killarney while hanging out in the surprisingly nice back patio of Shake Shack. If your valentine likes the sweet-and-salty thing, order a custard concrete and dip your crinkle fries. Instant upgrade! Plus, they have beer and wine.
Photo via luis.jose.ramos/Instagram

Mennello Museum
Feb. 13, noon to 5 p.m.; free
Couples of the indie persuasion will fit right in at Indie-Folkfest, a picnic-like happening that will host local artists (Eugene Snowden, anyone?) and local food vendors to fill your lil independent heart.

Photo via Shainajoy/Instagram