Whether you enjoy your nights spent with friends in eccentric lounges, pop-up shows, rowdy dance floors, bars where everyone knows your name, or even the occasional late night coffee shop hangs; there is a tasty eatery waiting for you before—and even after—the bartender calls for last call.
No matter if you are a native, transplant, or just passing through the city, the late night eats in Orlando will without a doubt, leave your after midnight, munching self, satisfied.
Compliment, to my own experiences of late night meals shared with great company, I have compiled a collection of the best late night noms in downtown Orlando.
My inner fat kid couldn’t possibly rate them in numerical order—not one appetite is alike, it’s essentially the essence of snowflakes…but with the munchies—so I will describe the overall taste spectrum and how that may align with your tummies. Yet, not overlooking your possible mood and preference of ambiance.
Smiling Bison
Perfect restaurant for an all around local flair. The Smiling Bison stands as an establishment that searches for sustainable ingredients that are locally sourced, when available. Their menu items are handpicked and crafted, to be enjoyed on a seasonal basis.
This restaurant also provides live music—free of charge— that showcases Orlando’s exceptional local musicians. During these late night events, the dinner menu is provided up until ten in the evening, which will then switch over to the late night menu that is offered until closing. Weekends Smiling Bison is open until two in the morning, so you can always stop on over for a night cap and a bison burger.
Honorable mentions:
- Pork and Bison Bolognese
- Poutine
- Seminole Pride Short Rib
- Colorado Bison Ribeye
- Sunday Brunch **too good to not mention**
Mamak
Mamak is great when you want a little bit of everything. Located in the Mills 50 area, the Asian fusion inspired dishes create an interactive aspect with those you are dining with, as you share tapas styled dishes or full plated entrees.
Perfect if your day at work or school ran late and you are looking for a tasty dinner after eight o’clock, or if you’re interested in a small bite before going out. The restaurant has minimal decoration with an open floor plan. The chatter of the restaurant may be too loud when it is full, but overall a great place if you have a large or small party.
Honorable mentions:
- Roti w/ Curry Sauce **Will want to pour curry sauce on everything**
- Black Bean Fish
- Singapore Mei Fun
- Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
Quickly
This bubble tea cafe is tucked in the back portion of a plaza, across the street from the Fashion Square Mall, that is surely a late night gem! Quickly offers a full menu that is driven from Asian influences. I have mainly dined at this restaurant for sweet tooth cravings only, but their popcorn chicken—vegan and meat-eater variations—are definitely a staple for this restaurant.
The shop is brightly lit and furnished with funky chairs you may expect to see in a Facebook or Google office, and as well a colorful, Boba tea inspired, animal mural that spread across the main wall of the restaurant. It is a fun spot to grab late night snacks, a full meal, or simply, satisfy that big ol’ sweet tooth of yours.
Honorable mentions:
- Popcorn Chicken (Vegan or Sans Vegan)
- Mochi Waffle w/ scoop of Ice Cream
- Boba Tea
- Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwich (The macaroon is so huge you will be trying to wrap your head, more so mouth, around it)
Santiago’s Bodega
Santiago's has a full menu until the kitchen closes fifteen minutes after one o’clock in the morning, Santiago’s Bodega is the perfect spot for those looking for a more sultry late night eatery. Tapas styled menu, full bar, and a great selection of beer and wine, Santiago’s is a great spot for a late night dinner date.
The lighting is romantically dim and creates a dramatic effect which plays well with the art hung throughout the restaurant.
Honorable mentions:
- Saganaki
- Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche
- Pinchos Morunos
- Petite-Rack Lamb
Pom Pom's Teahouse
On weekends, Pom Pom’s is open 24-hours a day. They have a large selection of sandwiches that have a range of variety within their ingredients. The atmosphere is a too cool vibe, with walls filled with local art, that you can purchase, and an array of Orlando’s most eccentric patrons.
Perfect place to grab a bite to eat at the beginning or end of your night. The tea selection an aromatic dream and you definitely can’t pass up a handmade cupcake while there.
Honorable mentions:
- Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving
- Spicy Elvis
- Yellow Curry Chicken Salad
- Lavender Hot Tea (for a calming night cap)
Tako Cheena
This is a sister restaurant of Pom Pom’s. Located off of Mills Avenue, Tako Cheena is the perfect late night spot, if you find yourself frequenting the bars in the Mills 50 district and are in dire straits of something delicious and fast—if there isn’t a huge line or anything
Tako Cheena serves dishes that could be found in a Mexican-Asian fusion. Whether it is the takos, burritos, or hot dogs, there is always something that will tickle your tummies fancy. Friday and Saturday’s the restaurant is open until four in the morning.
Honorable mentions:
- Pork Arepa
- Korean Beef Tako
- Chinese BBQ Char Siu Pork Belly Tako
- Korean Hot Dog
**Do yourself a favor and get some hot sauces**
Oblivion Taproom
If you love hamburgers and seek something far different than a vanilla, plain Jane burger, this place is for you. Open until two in the morning on Friday and Saturday, this is a great restaurant to grab a burger and a beer, when you have those late night hunger pains.
Honorable mentions:
- Godzilla Burger (Crispy Pork Belly w. Eel Sauce)
- Hog Wild (Pulled Pork and Beef)
- Magic Mushroom (Portabella Mushroom)
- Fries > Tots (Cajun Seasoning is a must)
Drunken Monkey
Although only open Sunday – Thursday until ten at night, and eleven at night Friday – Saturday, Drunken Monkey is a great spot to grab a fresh vegan/vegetarian, or non-veg head friendly meal. Coffee is fair trade and organic, which is some of the best brewed in the city. On Friday and Saturday’s there is an open mic, comedy show for patrons to enjoy.
Grab a bite, some java, tea or kombucha, and enjoy an atmosphere buzzing with eccentric exchanges.
Honorable mentions:
- Daily Soups
- Pesto Turkey Panini
- Florentine Croissant
- ANZAC Cookies
- Iced Tantric Mayan
Gringos Locos
Open until three in the morning, Gringos is the perfect spot to fulfill all of your cheesy, Mexican inspired cuisine, desires.
Gringos has two locations. One in the heart of downtown Orlando and another in the nearby Milk District. Though the Milk District location only has an area set aside, outside of the shop, the other location has an ample amount of seating indoors. Although, if you plan on hitting up this location around the hour of last call, you may be waiting in a line.
Honorable mentions:
- Double D’s
- Double D’s (They are a staple, what can I say)
- Dirty Sanchez
- Chimichanga
