Worth the Drive
Five drinks to sip. Five bites to savor.
All worth the mileage.
- Tarin Scarbrough
- Fred Lopez
There’s something deeply satisfying about hopping in the car with zero plans and ending up somewhere with a killer cocktail or a transcendent plate of food. These 10 places are the kind that make you forget about traffic on I-4 or that you were supposed to do laundry today. From lakeside drinks to late-night bites, here are five drinks and five eats that are totally worth the drive.
Five Eats Worthy of a Tariff
1. Dim Sum
YH Seafood Clubhouse, Orlando
YH doesn’t just do dim sum. They nail it. The salt and pepper calamari is crispy, addictive, and borderline life-changing. The shrimp dumplings are tender. The pork buns are pillowy. And the vibe? Energetic and elegant without being stuffy. Go with a group and order one of everything. Regret nothing.
2. Any Sandwich
Stasio’s, Milk District
Stasio’s nails it — stacked sandwiches, dreamy Italian groceries, and the smell of fresh bread basically punching you in the face (in the best way). Parking’s a mess, but the payoff is worth it, so wear comfortable shoes. Pro tip: order two sandwiches — one for now, one for later (or the car ride home, no judgment).
3. Widowmaker Pizza
Prato, Winter Park
Prato is one of those rare places that never disappoints. Everything on the menu hits, but the Widowmaker pizza is iconic for a reason: fennel sausage, farm egg, and a slightly charred crust that walks the line between chewy and crispy. Whether you’re dressed up for a date night or just swinging through post-errands, Prato always delivers.
4. Salmon Gravlax Bialy
Deli Desires, Orlando
If you’re not obsessed with Deli Desires yet, you’re about to be. Their bialys, bagels, and schmears are the real deal — and don’t even get me started on the salmon gravlax bialy. It’s salty, silky, perfect, and has absolutely NO contender for “best sandwich in town.”
5. Judson’s Live
Downtown Orlando
I recently attended a jazz show at Judson’s Live expecting a low-key night of cocktails and small bites. Instead, I found one of Orlando’s most underrated dining experiences. The food? Outstanding. The space? Intimate, moody, and acoustically rich. Judson’s feels like a speakeasy for people who read menus as carefully as they read concert programs — where each dish is as thoughtfully composed as the music on stage. From perfectly executed small plates to craft cocktails that hit all the right notes, this venue is a rare fusion of performance and palate.
Five Drinks Worth a Lyft
1. Arturo Fuente
Otto’s High Dive, Milk District
This one’s for the espresso martini lovers who are ready to evolve. Mezcal brings the smoke, amaro brings the depth, and the coffee ties it all together. It’s bold, unexpected, and strangely comforting — kind of like Otto’s itself. If this cocktail isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The drink list here reads like a greatest hits album of the Orlando bar scene. You can’t go wrong.
2. Dirty Banana
Salt Shack, Clermont
This drink was made for hot Florida days. Real banana lends a rich, creamy depth to this impeccably blended drink—a beachside indulgence that outshines even the Caribbean’s best. I’ve been known to abandon my Saturday plans (with absolutely no regrets) and make the drive to Clermont, where I can kick back by the lake with a Dirty Banana in hand.
3. Under the Sun
Tori Tori, Mills 50
Tori Tori isn’t just a bar — it’s a vibe. Part Japanese gastropub, part cocktail laboratory, it’s the place I go when I want to sip something weird and wonderful. Their current standout, Under the Sun, includes ube orgeat (yes, purple almond syrup) and is as photogenic as it is flavorful. Get there early to lock down a seat and maybe eat some small plates. Or, go later at night to enjoy the music and do some people watching.
4. Bella Donna
The Courtesy, Winter Park
Classic meets cutting-edge at The Courtesy, where bartenders are part mixologist, part spirit whisperer. Their ability to balance classic technique with seasonal creativity makes each visit feel special. My fave? The Bella Donna. Made with tequila, orange bell pepper, pineapple, lime, basil, and a splash of smoky Ancho Verde, it’s equal parts garden party and slow burn. But don’t take my word for it. I always recommend grabbing a seat at the bar and letting the staff guide you toward the cocktail of your dreams.
5. Layover in Tokyo
Susuru, Orlando
I can hardly believe I’m choosing a cocktail over the food at Susuru as my favorite item—but this drink is an Experience, capital E intended. Suntory vodka, creamy nigori sake, coconut, and crushed dehydrated strawberries all layered like a dreamy manga panel. Everything about Susuru is invigorating; it’s a culinary adventure everyone should experience. The runner-up cocktail, Tiki Time, is a shareable masterpiece that invites a “Lady and the Tramp” moment when enjoyed with a date.
