Look around and you’ll realize that the Milk District has changed more rapidly in the past two years than the preceding 10, and it’s not entirely clear what the future holds for this area. In the meantime, though, there is still so much to take in and discover in this deceptively unassuming area abutting the T.G. Lee dairy plant. During the day, there’s good food to be had and shopping to be done, but the pace really picks up at night.
GO
The Plaza Live
425 N. Bumby Ave., 407-228-1220, plazaliveorlando.com
Once upon a time it was a movie theater; it's been reborn several times (and almost became a jazz club once!) but now it's one of the comfiest music venues in town, host to a truly eclectic mix of live music and comedy – old masters like Richard Thompson and Todd Rundgren; adventurers like Deerhoof and Portugal the Man; motormouths like Henry Rollins and Hannibal Buress; and the smaller, more exploratory programs of the venue's owner, the Orlando Philharmonic.
EAT
Beefy King
424 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-2241, beefyking.com
Neighborhood mainstay (40 years and counting) plies the hungry customer with a myriad of meats (emphasis on roast beef), sides and milkshakes.
Bad As's Sandwich
207 Primrose Drive, 407-757-7191, badasssandwiches.com
Local food truck takes the plunge with a new brick-and-mortar outlet. Take a seat and try the Minion or the Medusa.
Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar
444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994, drunkenmonkeycoffee.com
Delicious and strong array of coffee, along with an excellent, vegetarian-friendly food menu make this comfy spot stand out.
Gringos Locos
2406 E. Robinson St., 407-896-5626, gringoslocos.com
Late-night spot of choice for those spilling out of the District's myriad bars; offers up a hearty menu of tacos, burritos, nachos and quesadillas.
Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria
67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865, pompomsteahouse.com
Utterly charming, intimate eatery that stays open far into the night and morning on weekends, for those wanting an adventurous selection of sandwiches and teas both hot and cold.
DRINK
Barley & Vine Biergarten
2406 E. Washington St., 407-930-0960, barleyandvineorlando.com
Craft beer offerings par excellence from this bar, which also boasts a comfy, sprawling patio and we swear we heard Jesus and Mary Chain on the stereo once.
Whiskey Lou's Lounge
121 N. Bumby Ave., 407-896-2593
Seedy, smoky dive bar lit by lurid neon on the outside, with fantastic wood paneling on the walls inside. Drinks are cheap and strong. These are all compliments.
Sportstown Billiards
2414 E. Robinson St., 407-894-6258, sportstownbilliards.com
Slightly different vibes from other local haunts but hey, different strokes ... video games, skee ball, pool tables all augment the beer, wine and liquor ready and waiting for the imbibing.
SHOP
Etoile Boutique
2424 E. Robinson St., 407-895-6363, etoileboutique.com
Small but packed vintage shop that offers up retro-style options for all, as well as a unique array of local goods.
Market on South
2603 E. South St., 407-613-5968, marketonsouth.com
Dixie Dharma, Humble Bumble and Valhalla Bakery all under one roof for your gastronomic delight – but it's also well-stocked with a variety of locally produced artisan goods and items.
Retro Records
59 N. Bumby Ave., 407-898-2484, retrorecordsorlando.com
This is prime crate-digging territory for audio obsessives, offering up mountains of new and used vinyl, cassettes, CDs, videos and pop culture ephemera.
