You've likely heard of the famous Restaurant Row area of Dr. Phillips – the portion of Sand Lake Road that's home to a plethora of dining options all within a mere few miles. It's also one of the best places to go for happy hour, as nearly all of the restaurants on this list feature generous happy hour offerings.
Indecisive eaters don't fret, you are bound to find your favorite date night spot on Sand Lake Road! Cuisines range from modern American to Japanese and Turkish, providing endless dining options.
While there are countless eateries along Restaurant Row, we've narrowed it down to our favorite date night spots on Sand Lake Road, doing all the work for you.
Featured Restaurants
NORMAN'S Orlando
7924 Via Dellagio Way (Off Sand Lake Rd) Orlando 32819
NORMANS.com
Daily, from 5-7 p.m.
The Happy Hour at NORMAN'S has been expanded to run EVERY DAY from 5pm – 7pm. Offering fun and seasonally driven tapas, $8 wines by the glass hand-picked by the in-house sommelier and $10 Grey Goose Martinin's, plus on every Third Thursday of the month enjoy music and Happy Hour Prices all-night out on their Terrace!
The Whiskey
7563 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 32819
downatthewhiskey.com
Monday-Friday, from 4-7 p.m.
Happy hour at The Whiskey hits different—bold flavors, strong drinks, and a rock & roll atmosphere that keeps the energy high. From Monday through Friday, 4 pm to 7 pm, guests can enjoy discounted wells, calls, and select gourmet bites, including small batch burgers and crave-worthy bar snacks. The rustic-chic setting, lined with iconic music memorabilia, makes it the perfect spot to unwind after work or kick off a night out in style.
Restaurant Row for Date Night
Ocean Prime
7339 West Sand Lake Road
Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with seafood entrees or cuts of prime steak, Ocean Prime is an excellent date night option. The stylish Blue Lounge also offers specials on wine, beer, cocktails, and light bites during happy hour from 5-7pm daily.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
7488 West Sand Lake Road
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood’s robust seafood menu, ambiance and live jazz every night make it a favorite among date nighters. It is no doubt an iconic seafood destination.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
7501 W Sand Lake Rd
Although Ruth’s Chris is a bit pricier, don't let that deter you from visiting! The well-known steak house is known for its Prime beef, seafood offerings, and hand-crafted cocktails. If you're on a budget, visit during happy hour, which is offered daily from 4:30-7pm at the bar.
Vines Grille & Wine Bar
7533 Sand Lake Road
Fine dining always makes you feel special. When you enter Vines Grille & Wine Bar, you’ll feel like the most important couple in the world thanks to their award-winning service and menu. They also have a happy hour food menu featuring small plates. When you want a meal that’s more filling, grab the dinner menu and decide between steak and seafood selections all while enjoying the atmosphere with live music.
The Melting Pot Orlando
7549 West Sand Lake Road
To the people who invented fondue, we sincerely thank you for this amazing method of dining. For an experience that you won’t soon forget, The Melting Pot Orlando offers you the ability to have dinner with a twist as you dip your favorite breads and vegetables into your choice of cheese fondue. There are 8 cheese fondue varieties including Bacon & Brie and Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar.
Hopefully, you’ll save room for dessert so you can dip your favorite fruits into the luxurious chocolate fondue!
Seasons 52
7700 Sand Lake Road
Seasonal cooking. 52 glasses of wine by the glass, and the most heavenly mini indulgence desserts! The Sand Lake location of Seasons 52 boasts a spacious and bright dining room with an enclosed dining area overlooking a lake. Keep your eyes out for specialty seasonal pairing menus. This is also a great place to take your favorite vegan or vegetarian.
Happy hour takes place Monday-Friday from 3-6:00 pm and includes a variety of small places and drinks.
Bartaco
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd #28
Transporting you to a West Coast-style eatery, bartaco makes you forget you are still in Orlando. The tacos are obviously the star of the show, and the menu features 12 for you to choose from. The tacos are on the small side, so order a few and dig in! I can vouch for the glazed pork belly taco being incredible, and those wanting meatless options can opt for the cauliflower and crispy brussels sprouts tacos. Coupled with a side of plantains or guac, be sure to sit on the gorgeous patio and enjoy your meal al fresco.
You’ll also find beverage menu, and house-made aguas frescas to wet your whistle. Follow it up with a scoop (or two) of gelato from La Carraia next door.
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
7600 Doctor Phillips Boulevard, Suite 108
One of the many pros to dining on Sand Lake Road is the variety of cuisines in which you can indulge. Bosphorous serves authentic Turkish fare featuring fresh Halal meats and imports ingredients from Turkey for their dishes. An order of the Lavas bread is a must for any meal at Bosphorous, the hardest part being not ordering two!
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way
Featuring seasonal Omakase specials, vegan and gluten-free options, and tasty cocktails, Dragonfly offers yet another distinct date night experience on Sand Lake Road. You can also enjoy Robata grilled skewers, in which the food is cooked over an open charcoal grill, or a bowl of Pork Ramen. Happy hour is available daily from 5-7pm and includes both bites and drinks!
Feature image credit: Dani Meyering
