10 Local Picks for Late Night Food in Orlando
Orlando's Late Night Food Scene Laid Bare!
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
– J. R. R. Tolkien
Looking for things to do in Orlando at night that involve a fork and knife? Orlando is a vibrant city with outstanding cultural diversity, which is reflected even in the food. For late-night eaters who just want to grab a bite real quick, tacos and burgers are a popular choice. But even then, Orlando still has some amazing spots for more elaborate dining too, and an array of popular late-night joints that will tickle your taste buds.
Whether you're exploring around your Orlando hotel for simple $10 street burritos or some decked-out hot dogs with a little bit of an Asian twist, these late-night spots will have you covered. Orlando, just like most major cities in Florida, is known for its outstanding nightlife.
The Orlando streets are always awash with activity all through the night and as such, it’s only fair to have good food to go with all that energy. Most late-night food joints in the city are open until at least 2 AM on weekends (and a select few are open 24/7) and in this post we will review 10 of the best locations for late-night food in the city.
Best Local Picks for Late Night Food in Orlando
The quality of food can only be as good as the chef, and of course the restaurant serving it. Orlando has a very special culinary scene. There are probably thousands of restaurants in the city, each with a wide variety of menus.
But some joints tend to stand out, especially because of their good food and excellent customer service. Well, we managed to pick out 10 of the best local restaurants for late-night food in Orlando and here is the full list:
1 | The Hideaway Bar | If you are looking for good and affordable drinks in Orlando, then the Hideaway Bar is a great place. Located at the edge of Ivanhoe Village, this bar is a popular local hangout to make friends and meet new people. In addition to the drinks, there is also plenty of food. Wings served in an array of sauces top the menu, but you can still enjoy a tasty burger, sandwich, hotdogs and more. There is also a pool table in there for you to enjoy a round of billiards. You may also want to stick around for the breakfast burrito too – it is to die for! The Hideaway Bar is mostly popular with Miami Dolphins fans and the place is totally packed during Fins games on Sundays during the fall. But it can still be a great catch for people looking for a laid back and cozy joint to hang out and chill out any time of the year.
WHERE: 516 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: 407-898-5892
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2 | The Waterfront | The Waterfront is located on the shores of scenic Lake Jennie Jewel. This shaded patio offers an indoor and outdoor eating area, each designed to offer a heartwarming ambiance for everyone. The cool lakeside breeze and the clear night sky offer the ideal place for quiet contemplation after a long night of revelry. The food is outstanding too. The Waterfront’s tagline reads “Food, Brews & Views.” Trust me, you get plenty of those here. The restaurant is ideal for people looking for a finer dining experience in a secluded and refreshing location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
WHERE: 4201 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806 | WHO: 407-866-0468
3 | Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria | This small and artistic restaurant is located in the heart of Orlando’s bustling Milk District. The restaurant serves a wide array of fresh salads, teas and some delicious homemade soups as well. There are several sandwiches too such as the Ham Brie Tomato Melt, Asian BBQ Pulled Pork and Spicy Elvis (banana, bacon, strawberry jelly and cayenne peanut butter). You will also be greeted by a warm and welcoming staff. This may not be one of the most popular or the fanciest place to eat in Orlando. It may not even have the fanciest food out there. But if you are looking for a small, hidden and cozy place to enjoy simple meals any time of day, it is worth a visit.
WHERE: 67 N Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: 407-894-0865
4 | Austin’s Coffee | Austin’s Coffee offers the right ambiance for people who want to catch up with their work as they sip a cup of delicious fair-trade coffee. The coffee shop is very popular with students and online freelancers seeking a quiet and relaxing environment to work. The shop is open 24 hours and it has a team of affectionate and friendly staff ready to serve you. In addition, Austin’s features an amazing display of local art on the walls and a variety of tabletop games to keep you excited. The menu is also diverse with a great lineup of gourmet sandwiches, light bites and salads. Austin’s Coffee caters for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans and people with strict dietary restrictions. This coffee shop may not be one of the fanciest or elegant places to eat in Orlando. But it has a certain welcoming charm to it that will make you feel at home. It is highly recommended!
WHERE: 929 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: 407-975-3364
5 | Gringos Locos | It’s really hard to eat out in Orlando and not consider some tacos along the way. This traditional Mexican delight has become a mainstay in the city’s culinary landscape and it’s not hard to see why. Tacos are tasty delicacies that can be enjoyed even on the go. But is it weird that tacos taste even better at 2 AM in the morning? Well, you can pop in at Gringos Locos and be the judge. The restaurant serves some of the best tacos in the city. However, if you can kick in early, you can enjoy its happy hour from 4 to 8 PM daily. Gringos Locos is also an affordable joint to eat. So, if you are coming from a sophisticated nightclub with very little money to spare, you can still enjoy plenty of good tacos here without spending too much.
WHERE: 22 E. Washington Street, Orlando, Florida 32801 | WHO: 407-841-5625
6 | Arepas El Cacao | Arepas El Cacao is a very popular food joint that has some inspiring history behind it. The restaurant started off as a simple food truck and has since evolved into one of the best kept culinary secrets in Orlando. Mostly noted for its Venezuelan cuisine, the restaurant has a tasty menu of diverse delights that you can sample. Its cozy and warm ambiance, coupled with a friendly and heartwarming staff, will also melt you away. Make sure to try its signature white corn, served in different types of meats, veggies and cheeses. Arepas is also very affordable. It’s the perfect place for you to get really good food without necessarily breaking the bank.
WHERE: 5389 S Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: 321-252-2226
7 | Super Rico Colombian Restaurant | Looking for the perfect South American pub food in Orlando? No doubt the Super Rico Colombian Restaurant will take care of you. The restaurant started off as a food truck too, but has since grown its Colombian-inspired burgers into a brick-and-mortar location. The joint stays open until 3 AM in the morning. The menu will also get you salivating. In addition to the delicious burgers, the restaurant also has some amazing salchipapas, a street-inspired food that features sliced hotdogs, fries and cheese. There are several other Latin-inspired dishes to try out too.
WHERE: 57 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801 | WHO: 407-426-7007
8 | Café 34 Istanbul | This little I-Drive enclave opens its doors 24 hours a day. Although there is quite some good food in there, Café 34 is popular for late might Shisha enthusiasts too. The appetizers are outstanding. The amazing collection of authentic and unique meals on the menu will also satisfy all your culinary expectations. From the creamy haydari to the spicy ezme, these amazing dishes are not to be missed.
WHERE: 8255 International Drive, #144b, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: 407-601-7712
9 | Tako Cheena | Ideally located in the Mills District, Tako Cheena is probably one of the most affordable taco restaurants in Orlando. For just $10, you will get enough tacos for the night and a drink or two as well. This small and exciting joint has a local vibe to it. Its combination of Mexican, Cuban, Thai and Pilipino cuisines will get anyone going. The restaurant operates into the wee hours of the night, but can also be a good bet for some late lunch too. Its Panko-Crusted Cod Tacos or the Indian-Inspired Burritos will get you salivating in no time.
WHERE: 948 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: 407-757-0626
10 | Chuan Lu Garden | Chuan Lu Garden operates as part of the large Ginza steakhouse. The joint is popular for its spicy, sophisticated and authentic food. The restaurant’s colorful and aromatic menu will challenge all your taste buds like never before. It is designed for Americanized Chinese, or those of you craving a little bit of Chinese food late in the night. Chuan Lu Garden is an opportunity to explore something new. It offers a totally unique culinary experience that you are not going to get anywhere else in the city. However, if this is your first time eating Chinese food or stepping out of your culinary comfort zone, you may want to take it slow just to ease into the food. But once you do, you will absolutely love it.
WHERE: 1101 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: 407-868-8709
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Last Tips on Local Picks for Late Night Food in Orlando
Orlando is a popular tourist destination and let’s face it, a lot of people don’t come here for the food. I mean, there is Walt Disney World Resort here not to mention several other world-famous theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. The city also has a vibrant nightlife too at hotspots like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk and downtown Orlando. But don’t let this sophisticated and world-class urban jungle fool you.
There is still a lot of good food to go around, and the great thing is that you don’t even need to go to a fancy and expensive restaurant. Orlando’s cultural diversity is clearly reflected in its food and the 10 joints above will overwhelm you with heartwarming delicacies and exotic cuisines, prepared with a local touch. And while you’re sampling the Orlando’s late-night eats during your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to plan an epic bar crawl at Disney Springs, the best Orlando breweries and the most popular International Drive restaurants.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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