Looking for a date night experience that’s the perfect marriage of food and fun? Orlando’s delicious food truck scene has it all. Weekly and monthly meet-ups throughout Central Florida make for an easy breezy evening, and you’ll never have to argue over which restaurant to visit again. Briefly part ways to grab fare from your individual favorite trucks, and then reconvene to enjoy your foodie finds together.
Whether you’re a seasoned food truck pro or embarking on your first food truck extravaganza, we’ve got some tips and information on how to plan the best Orlando food truck date night, and where to find food trucks throughout the city.
Tips for Success
- Arrive early. Food truck events can get busy, and lines can get long. While not a guarantee, arriving early can minimize your wait time. Plus, when you get there early, you’ll have a better chance at finding a prime parking spot.
- Scan the food truck list and menus ahead of time. If this is your first food truck rodeo, you’re going to need a game plan. Check Facebook event pages for details and create a plan of attack for what you’d like to eat.
- Plan extra time for parking. Some meet-ups present more parking challenges than others, so plan ahead and stay calm.
- Bring extra cash. Most food trucks accept credit cards, but having some cash on hand is always a good idea.
- BYOB (non-alcoholic, that is). Some food trucks have drinks for sale or are in close proximity to bars, but bring a water or soda just in case.
Where to Have a Food Truck Date
Downtown Orlando Food Trucks
Downtown Orlando expanded its food truck program to allow for more take-out options for Orlandoans. There are now four additional parking locations around downtown Orlando, upping the number of spots to a total of 8 on-street food truck parking locations at five Food Truck Parking Zones. New locations include the playground at North Eola by Eola Park, Magnolia Loop by Skyhouse, and West Church Street.
Tasty Takeover in the Milk District
This weekly food truck meet-up takes place in Orlando’s hip Milk District behind a string of hole-in-the-wall bars and shops. You’re free to bring food into any of the bars, or bring your drink outside. Follow Tasty Takeover on Facebook for up to date news on events and participating food trucks from week to week.
Typical number of food trucks: 10+
Frequency: Weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-10pm
Where to park: Street parking is available on surrounding side streets
À La Cart
Located in the Milk District, À La Cart is open daily and offers a number of resident food vendors including PokeKai, Steak it Easy, Smoke & Donuts and more. Enjoy a selection of craft beer, wine, cider, and cold brew coffee along with your meal, and keep an eye on their calendar for frequent special events and beer dinner announcements.
Typical number of food trucks: 5 resident trucks
Frequency: Daily
Where to park: Parking lot on site
Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
Taking over downtown Sanford on the 3rd Saturday of the month, this family and pet friendly event takes place between West End Trading Co. and Celery City Craft. Grab a drink from one of the nearby bars to enjoy with your food while listening to live music. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updated food truck list.
Typical number of food trucks: 12+
Frequency: 3rd Saturday of each month
Where to park: Free parking is available close to the event
First Friday Food Trucks in Clermont
Downtown Clermont comes alive every first Friday with at least 15 food trucks, numerous vendors, and drinks available at nearby shops and breweries. You'll also find activities such as a rock climbing wall and a bounce house, so bring the kiddos!
Typical number of food trucks: 15+
Frequency: First Friday of the month 5:30-9pm
Where to park: Free parking is available close to the event
Boxi Park Lake Nona
Though not food trucks, Lake Nona's Boxi Park has brought a new way to enjoy a number of food vendors in one spot. They have built a small outdoor food hall using repurposed shipping containers, featuring permanent vendors including Cañonita Street Tacqueria and Before it Melts. Full vendor list and menus can be found here. The lively atmosphere is completed with live music regularly, and adult-beverages available at Barnona, Hops & Vine, and La Cajita.
Typical number of food containers: 5
Frequency: Thursday & Friday starting at 5pm, Saturdays starting at 11am, Sundays starting at noon
Where to park: Free parking is available
MetroWest Food Truck Connection
Gather with the community at MetroWest Golf Club each month for a celebration of food with more than 10 attending food trucks.
Typical number of food trucks: 10+
Frequency: Fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30-9pm
Where to park: Free parking is available nearby
Celebration Food Truck Friday
Taking place at Lakeside Park in beautiful Celebration, this event has date night written all over it. Stick around after getting your food truck fix for a romantic walk around the lake, or pull up a seat in a rocking chair at the water’s edge.
Typical number of food trucks: 10+
Frequency: Second Friday of each month from 5-9pm
Where to park: Free street parking is available throughout Celebration
Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally
Brave I-4 and make the trek to downtown Lakeland for the monthly food truck rally. More than 20 food trucks park around quaint Munn Park. Grab a bite to eat then enjoy the park and wander around the historic downtown area.
Typical number of food trucks: 20+
Frequency: Second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm
Where to park: City Garage near Oak or BB&T lot off of Florida
More Food Truck Events
- Food Truck Thursday in Oviedo: Last Thursday of the month at Center Lake Park
- Windermere Food Truck Night: Every 4th Friday in Downtown Windermere from 5-9:30pm
- Food Truck Fridays in Ocoee: On temporary hiatus due to downtown construction
You can also typically find food trucks at outdoor movie night events, local farmer’s markets, special community events, and bars around town. Happy eating!
Feature image credit: City of Ocoee
About the Author
Stephanie Patterson is the editor of Orlando Date Night Guide. She’s a talented professional food and travel photographer and writer with a passion for creativity, the beach and great eats. When she’s not taking photos or writing, you can find her exploring the state for her Florida travel blog, Travel Taste Click. Find her online at www.spattersonphotography.com and www.traveltasteclick.com.
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