Just about every neighborhood in the metro Orlando area has at least one or two great date spots. So, whether you live in College Park, Ivanhoe Village or Mills 50, here are the best places to take your S/O in just about every Orlando 'hood.
The absolute best date spots in 24 Orlando 'hoods
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 12:39 am
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Milk District
For a causal date, a stop at Se7en Bites is always a good call. If you're looking to grab a drink, try Whiskey Lou’s, the only place in the Milk District that serves liquor. Of course, if your date is going well, you’ll end up at Pom Pom's Tea House & Sandwicheria in the morning.
Photo of Se7en Bites via vukachu on Instagram
For a causal date, a stop at Se7en Bites is always a good call. If you're looking to grab a drink, try Whiskey Lou’s, the only place in the Milk District that serves liquor. Of course, if your date is going well, you’ll end up at Pom Pom's Tea House & Sandwicheria in the morning.
Photo of Se7en Bites via vukachu on Instagram
Lake Formosa
This area pretty much overlaps with Ivanhoe Village, Loch Haven and Mills 50, but probably the best option for dining in Lake Formosa is Santiago’s Bodega. Grab a beer at Ten 10 Brewing Company afterwards, or take a stroll to Big Tree Park, which is just a couple blocks away.
Photo of Santiago's by Rob Bartlett
This area pretty much overlaps with Ivanhoe Village, Loch Haven and Mills 50, but probably the best option for dining in Lake Formosa is Santiago’s Bodega. Grab a beer at Ten 10 Brewing Company afterwards, or take a stroll to Big Tree Park, which is just a couple blocks away.
Photo of Santiago's by Rob Bartlett
Lake Nona
For the well-endowed, a date in the up-and-coming 'hood Lake Nona is just what the doctor ordered. Start things off with a drink at Nona Tap Room, then feed your hunger at the 407 Café. Or if you're feeling adventurous, take your date to Durian Durian Asian Thai Cuisine.
Photo of Nona's Tap Room by Rob Bartlett
For the well-endowed, a date in the up-and-coming 'hood Lake Nona is just what the doctor ordered. Start things off with a drink at Nona Tap Room, then feed your hunger at the 407 Café. Or if you're feeling adventurous, take your date to Durian Durian Asian Thai Cuisine.
Photo of Nona's Tap Room by Rob Bartlett
Thornton Park
Thornton Park is a great place for a romantic evening. For dinner, sit out on the patio at Anthony’s Pizza, grab a bite at Maxine's on Shine or scale it up with contemporary southern fare at Soco. Stroll down Washington for a nice variety of bars and end your evening at Lake Eola.
Photo of Maxine's via Facebook
Thornton Park is a great place for a romantic evening. For dinner, sit out on the patio at Anthony’s Pizza, grab a bite at Maxine's on Shine or scale it up with contemporary southern fare at Soco. Stroll down Washington for a nice variety of bars and end your evening at Lake Eola.
Photo of Maxine's via Facebook
Colonialtown
The eclectic 'hood Colonialtown has everything you need for a night full of fun. Dinner and a movie is a classic for a reason, so start the night off with a movie at Premiere Cinema 14 in Fashion Square Mall, then cross the street to stuff your face with the delicious sushi at Kabooki Sushi. If you're not a fan of raw fish, then the perfectly cooked meat at Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse is sure to have your mouth watering.
Photo of Kabooki by Rob Bartlett
The eclectic 'hood Colonialtown has everything you need for a night full of fun. Dinner and a movie is a classic for a reason, so start the night off with a movie at Premiere Cinema 14 in Fashion Square Mall, then cross the street to stuff your face with the delicious sushi at Kabooki Sushi. If you're not a fan of raw fish, then the perfectly cooked meat at Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse is sure to have your mouth watering.
Photo of Kabooki by Rob Bartlett
Mills 50
It doesn't get more diverse than the hip Mills 50 neighborhood. Grab some fine fare at The Strand before catching a live concert at Will's Pub or Uncle Lou's Entertainment Hall. If you're feeling fancy, grab a cocktail at The Guesthouse, then take a stroll through the lovely Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Photo of The Guesthouse by Jessica Bryce Young
It doesn't get more diverse than the hip Mills 50 neighborhood. Grab some fine fare at The Strand before catching a live concert at Will's Pub or Uncle Lou's Entertainment Hall. If you're feeling fancy, grab a cocktail at The Guesthouse, then take a stroll through the lovely Harry P. Leu Gardens.
Photo of The Guesthouse by Jessica Bryce Young
Holden Heights
The streets of the Holden Heights suburb are sure to put any date at ease with its easy going atmosphere. Have a picnic date at the beautiful Cypress Grove Park or drink on the patio at Julie's Waterfront to watch people sink or soar on their water skis. There's not many places you can get Peruvian food in Orlando, so treat your date to a unique dinner at Brazas Chicken.
Photo of Cypress Grove Park via Yelp
The streets of the Holden Heights suburb are sure to put any date at ease with its easy going atmosphere. Have a picnic date at the beautiful Cypress Grove Park or drink on the patio at Julie's Waterfront to watch people sink or soar on their water skis. There's not many places you can get Peruvian food in Orlando, so treat your date to a unique dinner at Brazas Chicken.
Photo of Cypress Grove Park via Yelp
Maitland
Our neighbor to the North has a lot of mojo in its dating scene, especially with Enzian Theater resting within its borders. Show up early for cocktails at the outdoor Eden Bar, maybe even order an appetizer, then catch dinner and an indie flick. Of course, just down the road a few minutes is Enzo's Restaurant on the Lake, one of the best Italian spots in the Orlando area.
Photo of Enzian via Enzian Theater
Our neighbor to the North has a lot of mojo in its dating scene, especially with Enzian Theater resting within its borders. Show up early for cocktails at the outdoor Eden Bar, maybe even order an appetizer, then catch dinner and an indie flick. Of course, just down the road a few minutes is Enzo's Restaurant on the Lake, one of the best Italian spots in the Orlando area.
Photo of Enzian via Enzian Theater
I-Drive
Like downtown, there’s almost too many options here. A good place to start is the Orlando Eye (if it’s running, of course). This area has Madame Tussauds wax museum, the aquarium and plenty of dining options, like Yard House and Joe’s Crab Shack. Grab a drink down the street at ICEBAR.
Photo of ICEBAR via Gothamist
Like downtown, there’s almost too many options here. A good place to start is the Orlando Eye (if it’s running, of course). This area has Madame Tussauds wax museum, the aquarium and plenty of dining options, like Yard House and Joe’s Crab Shack. Grab a drink down the street at ICEBAR.
Photo of ICEBAR via Gothamist
Winter Park
Park Avenue is the obvious choice for a typical Winter Park date, with great dining spots like Prato, Boca Kitchen Bar Market and even it's own speakeasy, Park Social. But the best place to grab a bite and watch the sunset, is without a doubt Hillstone Restaurant.
Photo of Hillstone via Facebook
Park Avenue is the obvious choice for a typical Winter Park date, with great dining spots like Prato, Boca Kitchen Bar Market and even it's own speakeasy, Park Social. But the best place to grab a bite and watch the sunset, is without a doubt Hillstone Restaurant.
Photo of Hillstone via Facebook
Winter Park (Full Sail/Semoran)
Treat that cute nerdy gal to a night at the Geek Easy. Grab some craft beers and geek out over your favorite comic books. The Geek Easy is perfect for those of you that aren't looking to spend an arm and a leg to impress your date.
Photo of Geek Easy by Rob Bartlett
Treat that cute nerdy gal to a night at the Geek Easy. Grab some craft beers and geek out over your favorite comic books. The Geek Easy is perfect for those of you that aren't looking to spend an arm and a leg to impress your date.
Photo of Geek Easy by Rob Bartlett
Baldwin Park
One of Orlando's premiere neighborhoods, Baldwin Park, is the perfect place to impress your date with its lively atmosphere. Indulge in the fine food and cocktails at Osprey Tavern for a dinner date, or take the pooches to the dog park for a day of fun in the sun.
Photo of Osprey Tavern by Rob Bartlett
One of Orlando's premiere neighborhoods, Baldwin Park, is the perfect place to impress your date with its lively atmosphere. Indulge in the fine food and cocktails at Osprey Tavern for a dinner date, or take the pooches to the dog park for a day of fun in the sun.
Photo of Osprey Tavern by Rob Bartlett
South Semoran
If you find yourself this close to the airport, you have a few options besides the usual “close to the airport” chains. Thai Island is an absolute hidden gem in this area, and probably one of the most under-rated Thai spots in Orlando. For some festive Tex Mex, check out Chuy's, for a chain it’s pretty good. If things are going well, go shoot some pool at Clicks.
Photo of Chuy's via Yelp
If you find yourself this close to the airport, you have a few options besides the usual “close to the airport” chains. Thai Island is an absolute hidden gem in this area, and probably one of the most under-rated Thai spots in Orlando. For some festive Tex Mex, check out Chuy's, for a chain it’s pretty good. If things are going well, go shoot some pool at Clicks.
Photo of Chuy's via Yelp
College Park
The bungalow-filled streets of College Park are ideal for a cozy date. Italian and romance are the ultimate combo, and you won't find a better place to experience the love of pasta and people than K Restaurant. Get hopped up on some sugary fizz at The Soda Fountain or a get buzzed with caffeine at Downtown Credo. Also, explore the Artichoke Red Vegan Market because you won't really know someone until you go grocery shopping with them.
Photo of Downtown Credo by Rob Bartlett
The bungalow-filled streets of College Park are ideal for a cozy date. Italian and romance are the ultimate combo, and you won't find a better place to experience the love of pasta and people than K Restaurant. Get hopped up on some sugary fizz at The Soda Fountain or a get buzzed with caffeine at Downtown Credo. Also, explore the Artichoke Red Vegan Market because you won't really know someone until you go grocery shopping with them.
Photo of Downtown Credo by Rob Bartlett
Lake Eola Heights
This ‘hood butts up to the Mills 50 intersection, so you have all the Vietnamese food you can handle, plus there’s the always entertaining Snap! Space right across Colonial. But a nice choice for a date is Dandelion Communitea Cafe, it’s got comfy couches, organic coffees and teas and really tasty snacks!
Photo of Dandelion Communitea Caf via Yelp
This ‘hood butts up to the Mills 50 intersection, so you have all the Vietnamese food you can handle, plus there’s the always entertaining Snap! Space right across Colonial. But a nice choice for a date is Dandelion Communitea Cafe, it’s got comfy couches, organic coffees and teas and really tasty snacks!
Photo of Dandelion Communitea Caf via Yelp
Ivanhoe Village
A date in the Ivanhoe neighborhood is the furthest from average. Browse the unique shops in the Bohemian district, especially Rock and Roll Heaven, the perfect spot to talk about your favorite bands. If you're not looking to spend money, then grab a blanket and basket for a day at Gaston Edwards Park, but if you don't mind spending a few or getting a little turned up, then get ready for train shots at Hammered Lamb.
Photo of Gaston Edwards Park via Instagram user lorax89
A date in the Ivanhoe neighborhood is the furthest from average. Browse the unique shops in the Bohemian district, especially Rock and Roll Heaven, the perfect spot to talk about your favorite bands. If you're not looking to spend money, then grab a blanket and basket for a day at Gaston Edwards Park, but if you don't mind spending a few or getting a little turned up, then get ready for train shots at Hammered Lamb.
Photo of Gaston Edwards Park via Instagram user lorax89
Windermere/Gotha
An afternoon date in the Windemere/Gotha area can be pretty cool. Grab lunch at Yellow Dog Eats, it has an awesome dog-friendly patio. Afterwards, visit Bob Ross’ grave and give thanks to the man that taught us how to paint happy trees, or get lost in Nehrling Gardens.
Photo of Nehrling Gardens via Instagram user jennamj17
An afternoon date in the Windemere/Gotha area can be pretty cool. Grab lunch at Yellow Dog Eats, it has an awesome dog-friendly patio. Afterwards, visit Bob Ross’ grave and give thanks to the man that taught us how to paint happy trees, or get lost in Nehrling Gardens.
Photo of Nehrling Gardens via Instagram user jennamj17
Avalon Park
When it comes to Avalon Park, you can’t go wrong with Mulberry Street Bar & Grill. Order some cold drinks, stare at the water fountain and talk about all your weird exes. Eastside Bistro is also another solid option, you can chat about exes there too.
Photo of Avalon Lake via Instagram user just_fabulous_juju
When it comes to Avalon Park, you can’t go wrong with Mulberry Street Bar & Grill. Order some cold drinks, stare at the water fountain and talk about all your weird exes. Eastside Bistro is also another solid option, you can chat about exes there too.
Photo of Avalon Lake via Instagram user just_fabulous_juju
Downtown
There’s almost too much to mention for downtown, but a pre-drink at Courtesy or Hanson's Shoe Repair is always a good start. For fancy fare, have dinner at Artisan's Table or Kres Chophouse. Catch a show at Backbooth, the Beacham or the Social and there’s always the option of drinking till your date is interesting at Wall St. Plaza.
Photo of Kres by Rob Bartlett
There’s almost too much to mention for downtown, but a pre-drink at Courtesy or Hanson's Shoe Repair is always a good start. For fancy fare, have dinner at Artisan's Table or Kres Chophouse. Catch a show at Backbooth, the Beacham or the Social and there’s always the option of drinking till your date is interesting at Wall St. Plaza.
Photo of Kres by Rob Bartlett
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