This Main Street District bills itself as “Downtown for Grownups” and boasts a packed events calendar, top notch restaurants and bars, and a charming vibe complete with romantic cobblestone streets. No need to worry about planning though, we've put together a customizable Thornton Park date night itinerary for your next night out.
Head to a Local Happy Hour
Start your date night with happy hour sips and light bites at a local restaurant. Thornton Park is a haven for happy hour enthusiasts, offering a variety of lively spots to unwind after work.
Ootoya Lounge & Sushi is centrally located and happy hour is served all day Monday, Tuesday-Friday from 4:30-6:00pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 12:30-5:30pm. Highlights include select cocktails for $8, $5 Japanese draft beer, $7 – $9 appetizers, and a special 3 for $19 deal on traditional rolls. Another nearby happy hour can be found at The Garden Bistro from 4-6:30pm. Treat yourself to multiple drink specials (including $3 off frozen drinks) plus 25% off appetizers.
The Stubborn Mule offers an assortment of happy hour deals including 25% off all Appetizers, Signature Mules, Signature Cocktails, and Wines By The Glass. Happy hour is available daily from 3-6pm and Friday and Saturday from 10-11pm. Across the street, RusTeak Thornton Park also offers happy hour deals daily from 4-7pm and Friday and Saturday from 10-11pm. Score 25% off all appetizers, signature cocktails, and wine and beer by the glass.
Enjoy dinner at one of the area's local spots
Thornton Park boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse selection of local restaurants. From cozy cafes to upscale dining, there's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're craving a casual brunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively night out, Thornton Park's diverse restaurant scene offers an unforgettable culinary adventure
A few of our favorite Thornton Park dining destinations for date night include:
- Maxine's on Shine: American fare, classic cocktails, and wine served in one of Orlando's most romantic eateries; open until 9pm Wednesday – Saturday
- Soco Thornton Park: Hearty Southern-style cuisine; open until 10pm Tuesday – Saturday, and until 4:30pm on Sunday
- JINYA Ramen Bar: Slow-cooked ramen and Japanese fare with gluten-free and vegan options available; open until 10pm daily
- RusTeak Thornton Park: Casual restaurant with a New American menu; open until 10pm Tuesday – Thursday, and until 11pm on Friday & Saturday
- The Stubborn Mule: New American menu plus special dinner features and fantastic Moscow Mule cocktails; open until 10pm Monday – Thursday, 11pm Friday – Saturday, and 9pm on Sunday
Just looking for a nightcap? Try these:
- Aku Aku Tiki Bar: Cozy bar with authentic tiki cocktails; open until 2am
- The Dust: Downstairs bar beneath Aku Aku with retro vibe and cocktails; open until 2am
- World of Beer Downtown Orlando: Robust beer selection and outdoor patio facing Lake Eola; open until 11pm Sunday-Thursday and 12am Friday-Saturday
- Eola Wine Company: Cozy wine bar with light bites and al fresco dining; open until 10pm Monday – Thursday, 11pm Friday-Saturday, and 9pm Sunday
- The Falcon Bar & Gallery: Craft beer and wine bar with art on the walls, plus regular art events; open until midnight Sunday-Thursday and 2am Friday-Saturday
Check out the Monthly Wine Walk or Weekly Night Market
One of Thornton Park's most beloved monthly events, the monthly Wine & Art Walk takes place on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-9:30pm. Tickets, which are just $10 in advance or $15 at the event, include a glass and map of 20+ spots around the district offering free drink samples. While it's billed as a wine walk, some locations serve mini cocktails. Besides the drink stops, there are local artisans set up along the sidewalk selling their unique creations.
Parking tip: Free street parking is hard to come by on Wine & Art Walk nights. Consider parking on the quieter side streets and walking over. Otherwise, paid parking is available in multiple garages and event lots.
The monthly wine walk also coincides with the weekly Thursday Night Market from 6:00-10:00pm. Find it at the Osceola Circle, in front of World of Beer. This market features an assortment of vendors selling everything from vintage finds to curated clothing collections, jewelry, and more alongside local food trucks. Live music adds to the lively vibe.
Pour your own custom scented candles
Add a little creativity to your date with a hands-on candle making session at Artifact Candle Foundry. You'll get to peruse the collection of scents, pick your favorites, and then pour your own custom creation together. The entire experience takes about 45 minutes, but the candle wax needs at least 2 hours to cure. So stop in early to pour your candles, head to a nearby happy hour or dinner, and then pick up your candles before the shop closes for the day.
Note: You'll want to start by 4pm at the latest if you plan to pick up your candles the same day, as the shop closes between 5-7pm. Otherwise, you can return the next day for your candles. Reservations are available online in advance.
Artifact Candle Foundry is located at 2 N Summerlin Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801.
Related Post: Orlando Date Night Review: Candle Making at Artifact Candle Foundry
Other fun ideas for your Thornton Park date night
Customize our itinerary above with additional stops or create your own! Here are a few suggestions:
- Treat yourself to a scoop or two of ice cream from the local ice cream shop, The Greenery Creamery (vegan and dairy-free options available).
- Pick up picnic provisions from Eola General and set up a picnic in Lake Eola Park. Or, let a local company like Orlando Picnic set up a private picnic experience for you at the park.
- Take a romantic stroll around Lake Eola Park.
- Snag tickets to a show or event at The Abbey. See what's on the calendar here.
- Extend your date with an overnight stay at a local Airbnb (we love this one) or the EO Inn.
Feature image credit: @orlandoissleeping