Orlando is known for ideal weather year-round, great nightlife and, of course, theme parks, including Disney World and Universal. While these highlights rightfully make Orlando one of the United States’ top tourist destinations, there are a number of other attractions that make Orlando an entirely unique city with something to offer everyone.
Enjoy this selection of Orlando hidden gems and hit the town with a plan in mind to find those top-tier spots that have flown under the radar, until now, that is.
Source: facebook.com/susuruorl
Under-the-radar restaurants in Orlando
While not primarily known as a food town, Orlando is bursting at the seams with culinary innovation and low-key spots for delicious bites.
SUSURU
Topping that list of underrated restaurants in Orlando is SUSURU. This Lake Buena Vista area Japanese restaurant is brimming with nostalgic decor and famous for its unique cocktails and unparalleled ramen.
TORI TORI
TORI TORI is a Japanese pub in the North Quarter area that fuses modern and traditional elements of Japanese culture and cuisine. Known all around Orlando for its crab fried rice and Yakitori chicken skewers, TORI TORI should be at the top of your list on your next visit to Orlando.
Hunger Street Tacos
Hunger Street Tacos is a hip Winter Park hangout with mural-adorned walls featuring culturally relevant messages and entirely unique artistry. Pair that with some of the most authentic tacos in the Winter Park area, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.
Maxine’s on Shine
If you’re in the mood for something with a truly local Orlando vibe, check out Maxine’s on Shine. Whether you’re looking for weekend brunch, live local music or just a solid spot to kick back and enjoy some casual eats, make your way to Maxine’s on Shine and you won’t be disappointed.
Kai Asian Street Fare
Kai Asian Street Fare offers up some of the best Vietnamese, Thai and Korean flavors in Orlando. An unassuming but modern stop ideal for quick bites, Kai Asian Street Fare is best known for its wings, ramen and garlic noodles. Stop in and sample as much of the menu as you can. You won’t regret it.
The Ravenous Pig
The Ravenous Pig serves up modern American food in an elevated industrial setting with a beer garden out back. If you’re looking for charcuterie, steak frites and ice-cold beer brewed in-house in the Winter Park area, look no further than The Ravenous Pig.
Reyes Mezcaleria
Reyes Mezcaleria features soaring ceilings, modern decor and an outdoor patio that’s second to none. But you’re not just going for the ambiance, right? It’s all about the food and their happy hour deals and boozy brunch offerings will have you coming back for more.
The Hall on the Yard
The phrase “a little something for everyone” was made for Orlando’s Hall on the Yard. This large yet chic space features nine unique restaurants, five event spaces and three cocktail bars with some of the most skilled mixologists and bartenders in Central Florida. This dog-friendly locale is big on aesthetics and the perfect spot to watch a hot Orlando afternoon turn into a beautiful Florida evening.
Source: facebook.com/hansonsshoerepair
Four great bars in Orlando
When it’s time to unwind, these are a few of the best spots for craft cocktails, cold beer and cool vibes in Orlando.
Hanson’s Shoe Repair
Hanson’s Shoe Repair is a stylish speakeasy near Thornton Park. This hidden gem features a stunning patio area, perfect for enjoying an artisan cocktail, or two. Hanson’s Shoe Repair does require a password for entry. We’ll leave it up to you to figure out where to find it. Your efforts will be worth it though as Hanson’s boasts one of the best atmospheres in the city to enjoy a drink.
The Woods
The Woods is a craft cocktail and whiskey bar located in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Known around town for its artisanal drinks, large craft beer selection and inviting ambiance. The Woods also hosts cocktail classes on occasion to help locals up their mixology skills and impress their friends.
Wally’s Bar and Liquors
Wally’s Bar and Liquors has been in the Colonialtown North area since the mid-1950s and Orlando locals have been flocking in for stiff drinks and great tunes in steady streams since then. If you’re looking for a casual dive with great prices and better people, Wally’s is your place.
Mathers Social Gathering
Mathers Social Gathering offers up vintage cocktails made with top-shelf boutique spirits in an upscale but not stuffy setting. The expansive interior features a picturesque bar, rustic brick walls and classic leather couches.
Be sure to check out their social media before you go though, this bar does have a dress code.
Source: facebook.com/craftandcommon
The best independent coffee shops in Orlando
Few things in life are more important than staying properly caffeinated. Looking for a place to find your next pick-me-up? Look no further than these four locally-owned Orlando coffee shops.
Craft & Common
Natural light, lush greenery and some seriously talented baristas, what more could you want in a coffee shop? Craft & Common is located in Orlando’s Central Business District and it delivers on all three of those desirables listed above. Stop in for a specialty coffee creation, a quick bite or settle in for the afternoon and stay a while.
Cups and Pups Coffee
Dog owners need coffee, too. No one believes that more than the owners of Cups and Pups Coffee, a dog-friendly coffee shop in College Park. While they do have a brick-and-mortar, the Cups and Pups team specializes in mobile-catered events and cold brew delivery. Whether you need a pick-me-up on your morning walk with the hound or are looking to caffeinate a crowd at your next event, Cups and Pups should sit at the top of your list.
Qreate Coffee + Studio
Creative types and coffee just go together like peanut butter and jelly. Qreate Coffee + Studio aims to be the first place creatives think of when they need that extra cup of go-juice to make it through the day. Qreate is the perfect place to spend a day working remotely, meet up for a group project or just kick back with a good book and watch the people go by. Regardless, if you find yourself at Qreate Coffee + Studio, you’re in for a good day.
Stardust Video and Coffee
Coffee, tea and DVDs! What more do you need? Stardust Video and Coffee is the Orlando area’s premier hipster hangout and it offers visitors much more than the three things listed above. Stardust serves up delicious food on a daily basis, boasts an enticing outdoor sitting area and features live shows weekly. If you’re looking for a cool place with an eclectic and exciting vibe, Stardust is your spot.
Source: facebook.com/LiveAtTheSocial
Live entertainment in Orlando
Orlando may be known for its theme parks, but when it comes to seeking out live entertainment, there are plenty of options that go beyond the Universal brand.
The Social
The Social is the perfect indie club to catch some live music in Orlando. Wood floors, brick walls and a great stage, what more could you ask for? Stop by for a show and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere anchored by an incredible staff.
SAK Comedy Lab
SAK Comedy Lab is a small improv comedy theater that features everything funny from child-friendly to adult shows. The talented group of performers on stage at this 250-seat theater make for the perfect pitstop for any comedy lovers visiting or living in Orlando. If you’re looking to try out improv in the Orlando area, they also offer classes, just saying!
Will’s Pub
A longtime local favorite, Will’s Pub has pool tables, a great beer selection and live performances seven days a week. This place may not have all the frills you’d find out around Lake Nona but it’s unmatched when it comes to charm, character and an ever-rotating selection of stage talent. Stop by and enjoy the classic beer decor while some of Orlando’s top artists showcase their skills.
Grumpy’s Underground
Grumpy’s Underground may be small but it’s also mighty. Featuring live performances of all types from acoustic nights to dueling DJs to open mic comedy to karaoke and more, Grumpy’s Underground is the place to go when you’re looking to live it up in Orlando with your friends.
Source: facebook.com/pages/OrlandoUrbanTrail
Outdoor activities around Orlando
You didn’t come to Orlando to stay inside, right?
Orlando Urban Trail
The Orlando Urban Trail is a recreational path that spans a good portion of the city. Known as the spine of Orlando’s trail network, the Orlando Urban Trail runs from Lake Highland to Mead Garden and connects to multiple parks, lakes and even other trails along the way.
Leu Gardens
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a beautiful day out near Rose Isle, look no further than Leu Gardens. Locals will tell you it’s easy to get lost in the Gardens for an entire afternoon, and they’re not wrong. With stunning displays of flowers and lush, diverse greenery, Leu Gardens is a must-see.
Get Up and Go Kayaking
There’s no better way to experience the Winter Park chain of lakes than from atop a clear kayak. Get Up and Go Kayaking provides tours through the clear lake waters around Winter Park and uses clear kayaks to allow paddlers the ability to see directly below themselves. Schedule your tour and experience all the natural beauty these stunning waters offer.
Fox Valley Farm and Hopyard
If you’re the type that thinks nothing pairs better with the great outdoors than a cold beer, Fox Valley Farm and Hopyard is the place for you. Located about thirty minutes outside of Orlando in neighboring Apopka, this family farm hosts events and sells the fruits of their land alongside homemade goods. Check out their 14,000+-square-foot hopyard today.
Orlando is calling
It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime Orlando local or visiting for the first time, with an emerging small business scene and places like the ones listed above lifting the city up, the future is looking bright for Orlando. Now is a great time to make yourself a part of that future.
Source: rent.com