Alex Martinez
Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe 12
Alex Martinez: For a great movie experience you don't have to drive away from the comfort of downtown Orlando. There is the Plaza Cinema Café 12 located in the Chase Plaza. The seats are very comfortable and roomy, and aside from the usual theatre food & drinks, you can get wine and beer, burgers, chicken wings and even some chili fries.
Amway Center
Alex Martinez: For large events, great sporting events (see the Magic basketball team play LIVE), as well some of the best concerts touring the nation, just walk or bike over to The Amway Center located on West Church Street, and when you're done just walk across the street and you'll find rows of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops to top off the evening.
Liquid Night Club
Alex Martinez: One of the great things about the downtown Orlando area is it's nightlife. There is a great variety of nightclubs, bars and lounges for all tastes. Liquid Nightclub has a hip vibe with a great variety of music, depending on which area of the club you hang out at. Tired of dancing? Then slip on over to one of the more relaxing areas ... whatever your mood there's a spot in the club to suit you.
Lake Eola Park
Alex Martinez: One of the great things of urban living in Orlando is Lake Eola Park. Aside from great night life and bars, you also have tons of family-friendly activities. One of my favorites is the kiddie section of Lake Eola Park. Once the kids are restless from feeding the Swans they can run and play in a safe environment.
Iza Tapas Bar, Orlando, FL
Alex Martinez: Nestled along the cobblestone streets that make this historic area of downtown Orlando such a great place to be in, is the amazing Iza Tapas Bar. WOW is all I can say about their food! This is a MUST try (and try again and again) location (just look at the crowd hanging out on the patio).
Anthony's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Alex Martinez: You can't live in Lake Eola Heights district and not visit Anthony's Pizza! This place is the definition of great NY pizza and located just a quick stroll from Lake Eola Park. They offer the traditional pizzeria fare (they just make it better than most!), and they are located in a nice building that seems to have been a home at some point in the past. Adds to the charm of this great area in Orlando.
Walking Works of Art (Cottage Way)
Alex Martinez: Nestled among the beautiful historic homes in the Lake Eola Heights area in downtown Orlando is Angi Peretti's 'Walking Works of Art' collection in the beautiful Cottage Way building. A true Floridian, Angi Peretti has designed and created clothing for country-western brands, custom-made swimwear for models and beauty pageants, and in 2007, Angi finally realized her life-long dream and founded her costume design studio at Cottage Way! Be sure to visit.
Relax Grill
Alex Martinez: Situated alongside the walking path that surrounds beautiful Lake Eola, in downtown Orlando, is RELAX GRILL! A wonderful place to relax, people watch, and enjoy a varied cuisine including American, Middle Eastern, and Greek fare that is both fun and delicious. They also have a great selection of beer and wine, with one of the best happy hours in town!
Lake Eola Park
Alex Martinez: This iconic park is situated in the heart of downtown Orlando, providing a wonderful area to relax, take in the scenery, or go for a stroll or brisk walk along the winding path that surrounds the lake. You can also take a leisurely ride on one of the Swan paddle boats (real swans abound in this lake!), or stop by RELAX GRILL at lake eola for a drink and a meal. And don't forget! There is a great farmer's market every Sunday filled with local produce, food, arts and crafts!