Essential restaurants and bars that opened in Winter Park in 2023

A lot of change happened this year, in the world of food and otherwise, so we thought it appropriate to highlight some…

By Chloe Greenberg

Flûtes
480 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park
Flûtes champagne bar is a bubbly new addition to Winter Park's bar scene, offering French-inspired drinks and atmosphere to the area. While the bar specializes in champagne, guests can also dive into select beers and wine on offer.
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29 Orlando restaurants to take out-of-town visitors

The holidays are here, which likely means the family is in town and ready to eat the weekend away. So, whether you're…

By Chloe Greenberg

Maxine's on Shine
337 Shine Ave., Orlando
Maxine's on Shine offers regular live music, a hefty comfort food-filled menu and weekend brunch perfect for a relaxing meal after the Thanksgiving chaos.
29 slides

Orlando Beer Fest 2023: Everybody and every brew we saw

Another year, another sudsy and successful beer festival. Orlando Beer Fest 2023 returned to the Milk District's Festival Park this weekend, bringing…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Orlando Beer Fest 2023: Everybody and every brew we saw
100 slides

All the new chain restaurants calling Orlando home in 2023

Orlando prides itself on its many excellent homegrown restaurants, but who are we to shy away from what's universally loved? This year,…

By Chloe Greenberg

Raising Cane’s
7105 Palm Parkway, Orlando
The Louisiana-style chicken finger purveyor earlier this fall announced it will open its first three Central Florida locations before the end of 2023. Raising Cane’s is set to open its first Orlando location Nov. 7 not far from Walt Disney World. Two more chicken spots will follow not long after.
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Where to find the 19 best speakeasies in Orlando

The nightlife and drinking scene in Orlando is no joke — there are places perfect for any type of nighttime mood you…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Mathers Social Gathering
3 Phoenix Building, 30 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando
Several times voted Orlando's best downtown bar and best cocktail by our readers, Mathers Social Gathering will really take you back in time with its speakeasy atmosphere and the elaborate process you'll go through to get inside. There's kitschy Bathtub Gin cocktails, sure, but also a swinging blue velvet couch, dueling pianos, bustling burlesque nights and even a resident poet.
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The most memorable moments at Orlando Beer Fest through the years

Call all your favorite local libation lovers — Orlando Beer Festival is back. And like always, it's set to draw out brew…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

The most memorable moments at Orlando Beer Fest through the years
36 slides

The 25 best Orlando patios for ‘golden hour’ drinks

It's that time of year; temps have dropped a few degrees and, at last, the unrelenting heat of summer is behind us.…

By Chloe Greenberg

The Wellborn
211 N. Lucerne Circle W., Orlando
This quaint neighborhood hangout spot and bar aims to offer a "taste of vacation." Guests can enjoy the scenic atmosphere, small plates, desserts and Sunday brunch on top of a plentiful wine and cocktail list.
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Lamp + Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails poised for December opening

In February, we told you about Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails opening in the old Lamp & Shade Fair building…

By Faiyaz Kara

Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen
14 slides

All the Orlando restaurants and bars that have closed in 2023

We've lost some good ones this year. Orlando saw several long-loved restaurants and bars shut down for good in 2023, largely lost…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

The Coop
610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park
Famed Winter Park fried chicken destination The Coop is closed its doors July 16, after nearly a decade on Morse Boulevard serving up high-quality Southern comestibles — not just fried chicken but sweet tea, shrimp and grits, coconut cake and more — to the denizens of Winter Park.
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29 Orlando restaurants with cult-like followings

An undeniable truth: Orlando is full of passionate, opinionated people who love to eat. The city is home to plenty of great…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Briarpatch
252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
One of Winter Park's most iconic and long-standing breakfast joints serves up contemporary American cuisine and brunch daily. With breakfast goodies like blueberry-stuffed pancakes and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche french toast, it’s not hard to find a reason to wait in line here.
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20 Orlando restaurants and bars with the best scenic views

It's not hard to find a sizable dining patio in Orlando, but not all outdoor seating is created equal. Whether you're looking…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Paddlefish
1670 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Paddlefish is a three-story floating fortress of food permanently moored at Disney Springs. The riverboat features fresh seafood dishes, a rooftop deck and multiple contemporary dining rooms and outdoor spaces. When you’re floating on the Springs, pretty much any seat can be considered the best seat in the house, especially with a lobster on the plate in front of you.
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Road trip? A new dining river cruise, Craft, launches in Tampa this fall

A massive new dining experience is about to set sail on the Hillsborough River. Today, Yacht Starship Dining Cruises released details about…

By Colin Wolf

Road trip? A new dining river cruise, Craft, launches in Tampa this fall
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Beirut Bakery + Deli and Beirut Grill + Deli deliver Levantine delights of the highest order

When Instagram exposed me to a phyllo-wrapped Middle Eastern rice dish known as ouzi, I had no choice but to make a…

By Faiyaz Kara

Beirut Bakery + Deli and Beirut Grill + Deli deliver Levantine delights of the highest order
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Here are all the deals and menus for Taco Week 2023

Taco Week is once again back in Orlando, highlighting the city's best and biggest local taquerias with irresistible dining deals. This year's…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Here are all the deals and menus for Taco Week 2023
26 slides

The hottest new restaurants coming soon to Orlando

Orlando's restaurant scene is ever changing, and right now, there's a lot to look forward to. This year has already seen dozens…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Smokemade Meats + Eats
Hourglass District
The stellar pop-up will bring Central Texas-style barbecue to the Hourglass District this fall with a brick and mortar location. The brisket might be the star of the show, but other items like cheddar-jalapeño sausage, spare ribs, smoked turkey and bangin' sides are why barbecue fiends will flock to Curry Ford Road.
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‘The Last of Us’ ravioli rations, Surfer Boy Pizza and more food to try at Halloween Horror Nights

If you've ever gotten a craving for mushrooms after playing The Last of Us, you’re in luck with this year’s cordyceps-filled Halloween…

By Chelsea Zukowski

‘The Last of Us’ ravioli rations, Surfer Boy Pizza and more food to try at Halloween Horror Nights
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28 classic Orlando restaurants that've been around for more than 25 years

It's been a year of major change in Orlando's food and dining scene; we've lost some iconic eateries and gained even more…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Beefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando
This Central Florida meaty institution has been filling hungry Orlandoans' tummies with the best roast beef (and turkey, ham or pastrami) sandwiches since 1968. Beefy King also offers milkshakes and their own spin on the classic tater tot, Beefy Spuds.
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23 essential Florida fish shacks within driving distance of Orlando

Of all the Sunshine State's charming oddities, the fish shack just may be the most Florida you can get. Although Orlando may…

By Chloe Greenberg

Fish on Fire
7937 Daetwyler Drive, Orlando
Fish on Fire is a rustic Orlando seafood spot and fish fry. The restaurant, open since 2004, boasts fresh seafood and frequent live music and lively events.
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Everyone and everything we saw at Tacos and Tequila 2023

Orlando Weekly's own Tacos and Tequila 2023 wrapped up its sixth annual event, bringing tons of smiling Orlandoans into the party fold.…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Everyone and everything we saw at Tacos and Tequila 2023
76 slides

29 rainy day patios in Orlando

Every summer, Central Florida is plagued with either unrelenting heat, endless rain or some combination of the two — a major bummer…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Pig Floyd’s
1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
The rustic counter-serve joint is no secret to adoring Orlando foodies. Innovative flavors and traditional fire, smoke and pit BBQ methods combine to make this spot the BBQ landmark it is. Sit on the patio and soak up some major Mills Ave people watching.
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25 Orlando dive bars, and why you should get a drink at all of them

Although Orlando's nightlife scene has gone through some major changes this year – Neon Beach, Ace Cafe and maybe (?) Saddle Up…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Wally's Bar and Liquors
1001 N Mills Ave., Orlando
Wally's has more than once brought home the title of best dive bar in Orlando, according to Orlando Weekly readers. There's a full bar, patio, darts annndd its very own liquor store. Everything a dive bar should have.
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Explore Central Florida at these 28 small town restaurants outside Orlando

Orlando may already be home to some of Florida's best eats (that's right), but it never hurts to expand your culinary horizons.…

By Chloe Greenberg

Norwood's Restaurant & Treehouse Bar
400 E. Second Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Once upon a time, Norwood's was a gas station and general store. It was bought in 1946 and transformed into the cozy restaurant and treetop bar it is today. The menu boasts seafood creations, drinks and plenty of live music.
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27 trendy foodie restaurants and bars every Orlandoan needs to try

In the great Venn diagram of the restaurant world, one circle represents undeniably good food; the other, undeniably good vibes. The eateries…

By Chloe Greenberg

Reyes Mezcaleria
821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
Experience Reyes Mezcaleria’s sitting room during brunch with perfect sun or dinner with mood lighting. Their statement furniture pieces make a great ambient backdrop to any foodie's authentic Mexican eats and, of course, mezcal-based cocktails.
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Orlando's hottest new bars and restaurants to open so far in 2023

Orlando's food and drink scene has been booming lately, but it's no secret the past six months have brought some especially delicious…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Proper
112 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
Proper, the new "vinyl listening room" and bar, has opened in downtown Orlando, providing a haven for folks who want to listen to some records while sipping on a quality beverage.
31 slides

Orlando's best spots to grab a frozen treat this summer

We know it, you know it: It's hot out. Now that we seem to be in the full swing of Central Florida…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Sampaguita
1223 E. Colonial Drive 
Just opened earlier this year, Sampaguita is serving up vibrant colors and flavors in the form of Filipino ice cream and sweets. It's woman-owned and full of full foliage and neon signs, making for a perfect summer afternoon hang out spot.
28 slides

Here are all the menus for Orlando's Bite30 2023

Orlando Weekly's own Bite30 event is currently going strong, with an army of local restaurants offering up tasty, three-course prix fixe menus…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Here are all the menus for Orlando's Bite30 2023
36 slides

Every Orlando-area restaurant we've reviewed so far this year

Orlando's foodie scene feels endless these days: We're getting new additions by the day and steadily receiving national recognition (take that, Miami). With…

By Faiyaz Kara, Rob Bartlett

Taco Kat
11 S. Court Ave., Orlando
Luckily for Taco Kat, the new downtown taquería is being met with approving purrs. It's the first taquería in town to specialize solely in Sonoran-style tacos, of which harina, not maíz, tortillas form the base. Under the charge of Team Market Group executive chef Nick Grecco, Taco Kat makes their tortillas in-house using Sonoran wheat flour. The result: tortillas that are thin, browned, chewy and plenty pliable.
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Everyone and everything we saw at Beer ’Merica this year

Beer 'Merica brought Orlando out to Lake Ivanhoe for a Saturday filled with some good old patriotic drinking. We saw some crazy…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Everyone and everything we saw at Beer ’Merica this year
139 slides

The 21 craziest Orlando restaurants that aren't just for tourists

With everything it does, Orlando goes big. That's exactly why thrill seekers and Disney adults flock here by the hundreds each and…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

The Edison
1570 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Disneyphiles have been relishing the post-industrial, steampunk-themed surroundings of the Disney Springs eatery. And also that 28-day dry-aged prime rib. (Don’t-miss dish: the millionaire’s bacon, served on a tiny clothesline)
22 slides

Orlando's best secret patios and where to find them

Central Florida is no stranger to the world of scenic outdoor seating, but you still may be missing some killer spots that…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Grape and the Grain
1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando
Grape and the Grain is a quaint neighborhood wine bar that also offers frequent live music and some killer high-rise views.
19 slides