The Milk District is an underdog neighborhood. Underestimated and yet always rising to the occasion. It's got industrial energy, no doubt rooted in its namesake: the T.G. Lee Milk Factory, found at its core. That gritty spirit lends itself to an inclusive "come as you are" mentality, alongside a utility few neighborhoods in the city can match. Everything you need is within the boundaries of this neighborhood: coffee, cocktails, an oil change, dry cleaning, groceries, the Philharmonic Orchestra, a skate park, drag shows and even an (executive) airport. It's compact, but packs a punch. The Milk District is a neighborhood that picks up the night shift, and says they'll sleep when they're dead.
HIGHLIGHTS
Black Magic Pizza, 121 N. Bumby Ave., facebook.com/blackmagicpizza
Popular upstart pizza pop-up now runs (in soft opening as of this writing) a takeout window helpfully carved out of neighborhood dive institution Whiskey Lou's. A match made in heaven.
Milkhouse, 203 N. Bumby Ave., 407-237-0575, milkhousesocial.com
Food hall destination in the heart of the action offers up coffee, ice cream, Italian bar food and spirits.
Pho Hoa, 649 N. Primrose Drive, 407-895-6098, phohoa.com
Pho Hoa offers delicious Vietnamese fare, as well as revolving art murals and graffiti walls for all to enjoy.
Whiskey Lou's Lounge, 121 N. Bumby Ave., 407-896-2593, no website
The neon-red Whiskey Lou's banner sign is a beacon — signaling heavy pours, killer jukebox selections and a giant Blues Brothers sculpture. The bar is cash-only, so be prepared.
Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria, 67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865, pompomsteahouse.com
A Milk District staple with creative sandwich options. We will never stop recommending the Mama Ling Ling's Thanksgiving.
Se7enbites, 617 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727, se7enbites.com
Decadent brunch spot (also a great place for a custom cake). Don't let the line turn you away, it's absolutely worth the wait.
Stasio's Italian Deli & Market, 2320 E. Robinson St., 407-277-7755. instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
Subs worthy of obsessing over plus imported Italian groceries you won't find elsewhere.
Iron Cow Sushi Lounge, 2438 E. Robinson St., no phone, facebook.com/ironcowsushilounge
Cocktail lounge-cum-sushi bar hosts a mix of DJ events and concerts.
Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., 407-228-1220, plazaliveorlando.org
One of our city's oldest theaters — first cinema, then theater, and now live music and events — since the 1960s the Plaza Live has served our town. The theater facade takes you back in time, while the performances take you to exactly where you need to be.
Orlando Skate Park, 400 Festival Way, 407-246-2800, orlando.gov
You can finally land that ollie you've been working on for years. Or you can fall on your ass in front of a bunch of teenagers, whatever.
The Nook on Robinson, 2432 E. Robinson St., 407-906-6675, facebook.com/thenookonrobinson
Cozy neighborhood bar and art/music venue, specializing in a creative slate of local beers.
Otto's High Dive, 2304 E. Robinson St., 321-231-7902, ottoshd.com
Bustling new rum bar with delicious dinner options. You might have to wait a little bit to get in.
Etoile Boutique, 2424 E. Robinson St., 407-895-6363, etoileboutique.com
Vintage, handmade & locally-designed clothing and housewares.
Kick Bright Shop and Buttons, 2436 E. Robinson St., 407-900-3120
Tiny but mighty shop specializing in vintage clothing as well as manufacturing bulk order buttons.
Retro Records, 59 N. Bumby Ave., 407-898-2484, no website
A neighborhood institution with a wide selection of vinyl, video, CDs and comics waiting for you.
Dickson Azalea Park, 100 Rosearden Drive, no phone, orlando.gov
Lush secret garden walk in the heart of the neighborhood.
Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar, 444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994, drunkenmonkeycoffee.com
Cozy homestyle coffeehouse with drive-through for your on-the-go neighborhood java run.
Easy Luck Coffee and Bodega, 2425 E. South St., no phone, easyluckorlando.com
Sunny coffee shop with specialty lattes where everyone knows your name. Also check out the attached Whippoorwill Beer House & Package Store for creative spirits.
Southern Nights, 375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-412-5039, facebook.com/southernnightsorlando
LGBTQ+ club complex provides a welcoming haven — and nonstop party. Includes Southern Nights, District Dive and Southern Craft.
