Street Scene - Orlando
Church Street was once the heart of downtown Orlando’s entertainment scene. Bolstered by the construction of a state-of-the-art sports arena, the Amway Center, the historic stretch near Orange Avenue has once again become a hotspot for dining, dancing, shopping and nightlife.
One80 Grey Goose Lounge
Baby Grands Dueling Piano Bar
54 W Church St
Take a standard piano bar, add a pinch of vaudeville and a splash of Vegas — and you’ve got yourself Baby Grands. Hors d'oeuvres and a full bar accompany two piano players whose request repertoire range from Broadway standards to Lady Gaga. The all-adult atmosphere means no kids and, more importantly, no limit on the musical mischief. 407-849-1911; www.babygrandsduelingpianos.com
One80 Grey Goose Lounge
400 W Church St
Located atop the multimillion-dollar Amway Center — home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic — is this South Beach-style lounge that offers up an unparalleled view of downtown Orlando. The open-air, sixthfloor hotspot serves up creative handcrafted Grey Goose vodkabased cocktails. 407-440-7180; www.180downtown.com
The Dessert Lady
120A W Church St
Owner Patti Schmidt supplies cakes to the Orlando Magic, desserts to the county courthouse and rich confections to anyone lucky enough to step into her shop. Her signature carrot cake is dense and delectable, and the four-piece sampler will make any sweet-lover swoon. 407-999-5696; www.dessertlady.com
The Social
54 N Orange Ave
You won’t find canned music or DJs here. Topnotch local talent and national touring bands fill this intimate setting with music most nights of the week. It’s as if the owners outfitted a living room with a full bar and a killer sound system. Make yourself at home. 407-246-1419; www.thesocial.org
Sak Comedy Club
29 S Orange Ave
This long-running improv comedy troupe has given several comedians, including Wayne Brady, their big break. Using audience suggestions, the troupe builds elaborate scenes and sketches on the fly. No two shows are ever the same and, after 20 years in the business, the ever-changing roster remains as hilarious as ever. 407-648-0001; www.sak.com
The Rusty Spoon
55 W Church St
Serving organic vegetables and grassfed beef and pork from local farmers, chef Kathleen Blake brings the trendy gastropub concept downtown. Menu items such as onion rings and goulash may sound familiar, but they've never been this delicious. 407-401-8811; www.therustyspoon.com
Spa at Grand Bohemian
325 S Orange Ave
Nestled inside the AAA Four Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel is a relaxing refuge — the new Poseidon Spa. Open to the public — not just to hotel guests — the spa allows visitors to kick back with therapeutic treatments like aromatherapy, reflexology, heated shell massages and more. 407-313-9000; www.grandbohemianhotel.com
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