While Downtown Orlando often steals the spotlight for date nights, venture a bit further south to discover the hidden gem of SoDo. This vibrant neighborhood has experienced a recent surge in popularity thanks to its burgeoning local businesses. If you're seeking a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience, these 10 date night ideas in SoDo are sure to impress.
Food Trucks and Films
Head to the recently opened À La Cart SoDo and enjoy a meal from one of their 8 mobile outfits including Filipino-Hawaiian vendor OverRice, 503 Latin Fusion, Nona Street Pizza, SmashDunk Brgr, Taitō Sushi, Barrio Español, Oldenburg Provisions, and Kiwi Coffee.
They also feature a rotating draft list of craft beer, as well as wines, ciders, seltzers, and more.
Stick around for their monthly movies on Mondays at 7:30pm (check their schedule for movies & dates) or check out their Trivia Thursdays.
‘Wine’ Down
Take your date to new heights with an aerial yoga class at Elevate Yoga Center. They offer an Aerial Foundations class for newcomers, so don’t worry if it’s your first time. Afterwards, head over to Swirlery Wine Bar to continue your aerial theme by ordering a wine flight, and choosing from their excellently curated wine list.
There’s also a selection of bottles available to take home. Schedule your date during one of their weekly special events like Blind Tasting Tuesdays or Thursday Somm Sessions when a sommelier leads you through four wine tastings.
Foodie’s Night Out
SoDo has plenty of great restaurants to fill your belly on a fun night out. An Orlando favorite for many years, and for good reason, Brick & Fire is an upscale pizza and pasta spot on South Orange Ave. With a great menu of fresh ingredients, Brick and Fire has plenty of creative combinations to satisfy any foodie’s tastes. But no amount of toppings can mask a poor crust, and Brick and Fire’s dough is top-notch, handmade every day with Orlando Brewing’s Organic Red Ale.
After splitting a pizza with your date, head over to Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream to finish off your meal with a sweet dose of your favorite flavor.
Brews and BBQ
If you and your date are beer nuts, you’ll want to check out Rockpit Brewing, the SoDo District’s family-owned, neighborhood brewery and distillery with a warm & family-friendly taproom and an ever-changing line-up of small-batch beers and cocktails.
With 20 beers on tap and knowledgeable, friendly bartenders, it’s a great place to hang out, try new brews, enjoy good conversation and live music (many nights).
If you’re hungry, Rockpit teamed up with their neighbors, Cecil’s BBQ to bring you an exclusive menu unlike any other found in breweries in Orlando. Cecil’s knocked it out of the park with their menu!
Wake and Walk!
Who says that your SoDo date has to be in the evening? Shake things up a bit and do a morning date! Start off with coffee and a tasty treat from Foxtail Coffee SoDo and then head a couple blocks over to Wadeview Park.
One of Orlando’s most popular neighborhood parks, Wadeview Park is located among pines, cypress and oak trees, making it perfect for an early morning stroll or a picnic. The park offers five picnic pavilions, playground, parking lot, restrooms, and exercise trail.
Another option is to head to Cypress Grove Park to walk among the aged oak and cypress trees, radiant seasonal flowers, and perfectly manicured lawns and enjoy early morning views of Lake Jessamine.
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Keep Calm and Sushi On
If you’re looking for a low-key night out, start your night off with a peaceful couple’s massage or facials at Massage Envy. Professional masseuses knead away stress and impurities from your body, leaving you both relaxed. Afterward, walk over to SoDo Sushi, a restaurant that has been gaining popularity. Featuring innovative and fresh sushi rolls alongside other popular Asian dishes, like Phở, Ramen, Yaki Soba noodles and Com Thit Nuong, you and your date are sure to find something you like on their varied menu.
Local Arts and Culture
While there are plenty of places to feed your belly, if you’re looking for something that indulges your creative interests, visit the Timucua Arts White House for local entertainment in an intimate, relaxed setting. Timucua typically showcases art along with live music, featuring artists from many genres, as well as the occasional improvisational performance.
Afterward, enjoy a decadent meal at Delaney’s Tavern while you share thoughts on the evening’s performance.
Picnic in the Park
If you both enjoy natural outdoor settings, a picnic and stroll around one of SoDo’s local parks would make for a romantic date day out. Delaney Park is a popular spot with shady trees, picnic tables, open spaces for stretching out and a ball field.
For a bonus, stop by award-winning bakery, Sister Honey's, to pick up a few sweet treats to enjoy with your date. Pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, and more entice visitors at this quaint, neighborhood shop. You won't go wrong with anything you choose here!
Related Post: Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Romantic Orlando Picnic
Games and Music at Vanbarry’s
Vanbarry’s Public House is a hidden gem down on South Orange Ave, but locals love it for a reason. With a tasty menu of food and drinks, lake views, nice outdoor seating, and board games to play, Vanbarry’s is the perfect place to spend a date night.
Enjoy their live music as you eat, then move outside and stick around for drinks around their fire pit.
Sunset Stroll
Active couples might enjoy a bike ride or walk together around one of the SoDo area’s lakes, Lake Davis or Lake Cherokee. Head over around sunset and admire the pretty view as you enjoy the fresh air. Afterward, continue over to 903 Mills Market and refuel with a hearty sandwich or salad. They even have several local craft beers and wines available to enjoy with your dinner or to-go.
If you're keen to explore more of Orlando, there are some great museums and art spots in town.