The Ivanhood is growing more each year, though so far (so good), the area has maintained its quirky and human-scale charm. All the new bars and restaurants are fitting in well with the overall eclectic vibe of this artsy, walkable neighborhood – as is the presence of Orlando’s first medical marijuana dispensary. North Orange Avenue and Virginia (between Orange and Mills) are where the action really is, but promising new businesses are regularly popping up further down Orange and up Virginia Drive. There’s truly something for everyone here.
EAT
Better Than Sex
1905 N. Orange Ave., 407-761-8949, betterthansexorlando.com
Decadent, grown-up desserts and drinks are the order of the day (along with a metric ton of double entendre) at this nightspot.
Nova
1409 N. Orange Ave., 407-745-4080, novaorlandorestaurant.com
Newer neighborhood spot serves up creative, locally sourced American cuisine and adult beverages in elegant environs.
Santiago's Bodega
802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979, santiagosbodega.com
The expansive tapas menu and full bar make this restaurant a crucial and buzzing nightspot, but there's also lunch and brunch for those who aren't nocturnal animals.
Trevi Pasta Express
1811 N. Orange Ave., 407-897-5672, facebook.com/081italiantakeout
Little sister to the original Trevi Pasta serves the same high-quality, fresh-made pastas, sauces and gelatos.
Mesa21
1414 N. Orange Ave., mesa21.com
After so ... much ... waiting, March 2017 finally marked the reanimation of this spot on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe, serving upscale Mexican fare on one of the best patios in Orlando.
DRINK
The Hammered Lamb
1235 N. Orange Ave., 407-704-3200, thehammeredlamb.com
Frequently raucous – though spacious – indoor/outdoor full bar (with food as desired) that also promises ping-pong, trivia and live music.
The Hideaway
516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892, thehideawaybar.net
Unpretentious neighborhood bar where locals of all stripes come to drink, eat and play pool at reasonable prices.
Ivanhoe Craft Bar & Packy
1915 N. Orange Ave., 407-270-4685, theivanhoeorlando.com
Unholy union between the Savoy and Ivanhoe Spirits birthed a package store that's also an intimate little craft cocktail bar with quality drinks on order.
The Matador
724 Virginia Drive, 407-872-0844
Dark, spacious dive bar with a creative cocktail menu; pool tables and outdoor patio area add the final touches.
SHOP
Horizons
1817 N Orange Ave., horizonsvintage.com
Sister to a Brooklyn boutique, Horizons offers a well-curated selection of new and '90s vintage clothing, shoes and jewelry.
Washburn Imports
1800 N. Orange Ave., 407-228-4403, washburnimports.com
Unique furniture from around the world makes this spot a delightful browse; then head around the back to the Imperial for craft beer and wine.
Homegrown Co-op
2310 N. Orange Ave., 407-895-5559, homegrowncoop.org
This rare area co-op is open to the public, for those desiring local organic produce, meat, dairy and sundry artisanal goods.
Rock & Roll Heaven
1814 N. Orange Ave., 407-896-1952, rock-n-rollheaven.com
Perennial favorite spot for music obsessives; it takes multiple visits to even begin fully grasping the amount of LPs, 45s, tapes, CDs, books, magazines and toys held within.
GO
Mennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton Street, 407-246-4278, mennellomuseum.org
About to enter its second decade, the Mennello houses a permanent collection of Florida folk artist Earl Cunningham's work and also hosts rotating shows of work by contemporary American artists. Bask in the lovely Sculpture Garden while you're there.
The Venue
511 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6895, thevenueorlando.com
The order of the day at the Venue is artful eclecticism; check out everything from burlesque to dance productions to theater to a Chakra Khan performance.
