Orlando Date Ideas
Dining & Shows at Dr. Phillips Center
From Valentine’s Day to Spontaneous Nights Out
The recipe for a perfect date night includes 3 things: something fun, something tasty and some great creative chemistry. Downtown Orlando is home to exciting entertainment and romantic, vibey restaurants that complete the recipe for a great night out.
With our diverse show lineup and four breathtaking theaters, Dr. Phillips Center has you covered on the entertainment and ambience front. Dining options range from casual fare to sultry speakeasys, so whatever you’re looking for, the night is truly yours.
Read on for your guide to a unique date night in downtown Orlando.
JUDSON’S LIVE: A Truly Unique Date Experience
For an all-in-one, done-for-you date night, Judson’s Live is the place to be. The newly opened space is located in Dr. Phillips Center and serves as an intimate venue for live music and creative entertainment. Visiting artists include esteemed jazz vocalists, local Americana bands, Master Sommeliers and more.
Choose a genre that you and your partner enjoy and cozy-up in one of the plushy booths. The evening is complete with a thoughtfully-crafted menu serving tapas-style plates and an extensive beverage selection. The moody atmosphere and mouthwatering bites make for a unique night out that you won’t find anywhere else in Orlando.
Shows, Concerts & Events for Date Night
Besides the great lineup at Judson’s Live, there are plenty of other shows to check out at Dr. Phillips Center. You can build your own date night by choosing a show and heading to a great downtown restaurant that suits the scenario (more on dining options in a bit).
After sipping wine or sharing a slice of pizza – your evening has only just begun! It’s time to head to the arts center and round out the night with world-class entertainment. Be sure to arrive early so you can grab a crafted cocktail or gourmet snack at the bar. Settle into one of our cozy nooks or enjoy the outdoor patios with a view.
With a diverse season lineup, you and your partner are sure to find a show or event that both of you will love. Each season, Dr. Phillips Center hosts a huge array of artists and performances like Grammy award-winning musicians, famous comedians, Broadway tours, renowned variety acts and a lot more. Many guests find a genre they enjoy and become subscribers to experience the arts center all year long.
Some popular series subscriptions include:
- AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando Season
- The Great Orchestra Series
- Local Performance Groups: Orlando Ballet, Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
The Dr. Phillips Center is always adding new artists and events to the season. Stay updated with upcoming performances and on-sale dates by subscribing to our email list. Becoming a subscriber will ensure you hear about your favorite artists first and, hopefully, add more date nights to your year!
Downtown Orlando Restaurants Near Dr. Phillips Center
Now, where to grab dinner and a cocktail in downtown Orlando? The first step is to find a restaurant that fits your foodie desires. You and your partner may like a trendy restaurant with steak on the menu, or a hidden gem with great pizza. Dining downtown offers both sides of the date night spectrum and you’re sure to find something that fits your preferences.
And here’s a tip: If you’re seeing a show at Dr. Phillips Center, pick a restaurant within walking distance of the arts center. That way you can park and not have to move your car prior to the show. Because what’s less romantic than rushing to get to your seats on time? Valet Services are a great option at the arts center. Valet is open two hours prior to shows, giving you plenty of time to drop-off your car and head to a nearby restaurant.
Upscale Dining
- The Boheme at Grand Bohemian – Swanky restaurant located inside the Grand Bohemian, boasting menu items like Prime Filet and Chilean Seabass
- Kres Chophouse – A local upscale steakhouse with a dress code, serving prime steak and chops
Happy Hour & Post-Show Cocktails
- Bösendorfer Lounge – Moody, dark lounge inside Grand Bohemian serving shareable bites and signature cocktails
- The Wellborn – Local favorite open for happy hour and late nights. Refreshing cocktails and tapas-style bites located inside historic Orlando buildings.
- Mathers Social Gathering – Speakeasy lounge serving craft cocktails in a stylish setting
Casual Fare
- Solita Tacos & Margaritas – Mexican cuisine known for its frozen margaritas and tableside guac
- The Stubborn Mule – New American dining that pays tribute to Moscow Mule cocktails. (Note that The Stubborn Mule is about a 15-minute walk to Dr. Phillips Center, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Quick Bites
- Gitto’s Pizza – A hole-in-the-wall favorite serving classic New York-style pizza, great for late-night eats
- Papi Smash – New fast-casual spot, grilling up smash burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches
Check out our hotel and restaurant partners here.
Dr. Phillips Center is always adding new shows and entertainment to the calendar. You’re sure to find something that fits the vibe of your night out, whether it’s for date night, family time or a girls night out. Subscribe to our email list to stay connected and receive updates about upcoming events right to your inbox.