Strike's Guide to Orlando: Our Favorites of 2024
Best Neighborhood: Mills 50
Image Courtesy: City of Orlando
The Mills 50 District is one of Orlando’s most vibrant neighborhoods and is one of our favorites for a reason. Known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, this cultural hub is full of colorful murals, unique shops and some of Orlando’s best eats, including some Michelin-recognized spots and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
“Every time I walk around Mills, I find a new spot I love,” Strike’s Event Director, Maddy Campbell, said. “I have my regular matcha place, hot pot and bakery.”
Runner Up: Winter Park, Audubon Park, Thornton Park
Best Bar: Wills Pub
Image Courtesy: David Lawrence
Beloved for its booze and iconic music and live entertainment venue, Will’s Pub has been an Orlando staple since the 1990s. Known as the epicenter of the local indie music scene, this Mills dive bar also offers a wide selection of craft beers and classic cocktails. With its tiki bar Dirty Laundry and cocktail bar Lil’ Indies all in one complex, this holy trinity has something to offer for everyone.
Runner Up: The Attic, Mathers Social Gathering
Best Date Night Spot: The Enzian
Image Courtesy: Enzian Theater
There’s a reason dinner and a movie is a timeless go-to date option for couples everywhere, and no other theater in Orlando compares to The Enzian. This non-profit Maitland venue is the only alternative cinema playing indie, foreign and classic films in Central Florida, according to their website. You can dine inside the single cinema cafe or opt to order food and drinks at their outdoor Eden Bar.
“The Enzian is just such an Orlando staple and a gorgeous venue,” Strike staff writer Bella Love said. “It makes going to the movies into an event, and there’s a really lovely garden outside that serves drinks for after the theater if you just want to sit and chat.”
Runner Up: Garb & Fuss, Jay Blanchard Park, Blue Jacket Park
Best Coffee and Hang Out/Study Spot: Stardust Video & Coffee
Image Courtesy: Jessica Battisti
An Audubon Park gem, Stardust Video & Coffee is a renowned community hang out spot for a reason. The space is multipurpose, with its cafe, kitchen, bar, study space, event stage and of course, its beloved vintage photobooth. Open till midnight everyday, this dimly lit space littered with old books, fairy lights and photo strips of the many patrons that have come before is a charming space for anyone looking to kickback, relax, get buzzed (with alcohol or caffeine) or get some much-needed work done.
Runner Ups: Austin’s Coffee, Haan Coffee, Drunken Monkey, The Nook, East End Market
Best Vintage Clothing Store: The Owl’s Attic
Image Courtesy: Jessica Battisti
Looking for authentic vintage concert tees? Or perhaps a pretty pair of not-so-new boots or handmade items from local artisans? Look no further than The Owl’s Attic’s hand-picked vintage selection from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. This Corrine Drive classic is a charming shop one door down from Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and across the street from East End Market, where you’ll find its satellite location on the first floor.
Runner Ups: Goodwill Boutique, Avalon Exchange, Out of the Closet
Best Night Club: Southern Nights
Image Courtesy: Gaymapper
Located off South Bumby Avenue, Southern Nights is one of Orlando’s most infamous LGBTQ+ nightclubs offering dynamic DJ sets, drag shows, affordable drinks and themed events that cater to any club goer. Stop by on Saturdays for Girl The Party’s club night for free cover for 21+ before 10 p.m.
Runner Ups: Celine, The Robinson
Best Live Entertainment Venue: House of Blues
Image Courtesy: House of Blues
This Disney Springs venue blends live performances with a unique Southern charm. With its eclectic wood finishings and interior, fully operating restaurant and convenient location, House of Blues is perfect for concerts and live entertainment.
Runner Ups: The Plaza, The Abbey
Best Late Night Bite: Lazy Moon
Image Courtesy: Lazy Moon
Got the munchies or need a post-bar meal? With locations near UCF, Mills 50 and Maitland, this familiar pizza spot serves slices bigger than our heads until midnight. Need we say more?
Runner Ups: Gringos, Tako Cheena
Author’s Pick: The Moderne
Image Courtesy: Yasmene Warren
This fairly new art deco-style restaurant and bar has become a personal favorite since I first visited in May 2024. Dare I say the food is as good as the restaurant is beautiful— nothing here has been a miss. These Asian-inspired tapas and delicious seasonal cocktails make for a delightful dining experience and even better night out with friends. I’d recommend the tuna kobachi and lamb rack topped off with a sake sangria or a round of their nice pear shots for the table.
Strike Out,
Orlando
Written By: Jessica Battisti
Edited By: Nina Rueda
Jessica Battisti is a Journalist for Strike Magazine Orlando. An aspiring entertainment journalist and food critic, Jessica's love of music, art and fine cuisine, companied with her passion for storytelling, has landed her where she is today. When she's not producing content, you can find her exploring dowtown Orlando's culinary scene, digging for gold at your local vintage markets, working on a painting or playing with her cat, Teddy. You can connect with Jessica via email at jessicabattisti24@gmail.com or on Instagram @jesswritesneats.
