2019-2020 Meeting Professionals Guide - 23

RD E

RETAIL, DINING
& entertainment

Here's a fun fact: Orlando has the most nightlife
establishments per 100,000 residents of any
destination, according to WalletHub. Whether
you want to plan a post-convention event, host
a VIP cocktail party, or simply send the crew
out for a fun evening on their own, Orlando
delivers with venues featuring everything from
Indiana Jones-themed cocktails to amphibious
cars - and many within minutes of the Orange
County Convention Center.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVE/
CONVENTION DISTRICT

Orlando's convention district is home to two
popular retail, dining and entertainment complexes: Pointe Orlando and ICON Park™.

Photography via Patina Restaurant Group / The Edison

At Pointe Orlando, you'll find more than a
dozen eateries, unique attractions and a range
of entertainment. Hotspots include B.B.
King's Blues Club and Lafayette's Music
Room, both of which offer live music seven
nights a week. More Southern cooking is
served at Itta Benna, and Marlow's Tavern
features the best of American fare. Then, enjoy
a nightcap at Blue Martini, which specializes
in exquisite, handcrafted cocktails.
For amusement-park ambience with great
dining, head to ICON Park™, the destination
complex previously known as ICON Orlando
360. Its centerpiece is The Wheel, a 400-foottall observation wheel with air-conditioned
passenger capsules. It's complemented by
other family-friendly attractions and several
restaurants perfect for a casual meal with
colleagues. Adult-oriented entertainment here
includes live music at Tin Roof, and a dessert
you must see to believe - the Chocolate
Piñata - is waiting for you at Uncle Julio's.

While you're in the area, enjoy dining and
high-energy dancing at Mango's Tropical
Café, or stop by Orlando's editions of Señor
Frog's or Twin Peaks. All three are within
walking distance of ICON Park™, as are
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant and
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, as well
as Kings Dining & Entertainment, Howl at
the Moon dueling piano bar, ICEBAR
Orlando and Sleuths Mystery Dinner
Shows. Don't miss the area's excellent hotel
restaurants and lounges, either, such as
Everglades Restaurant and Harry's Poolside
Bar & Grill at Rosen Centre, and 3NINE
and '39 Poolside Bar & Grill at Rosen Plaza.

SAND LAKE ROAD AREA/
RESTAURANT ROW

If you're a foodie at heart, head to Restaurant
Row on Sand Lake Road, just a short ride from
the Convention Center. This upscale dining
and entertainment district is packed with topflight restaurants perfect for networking or
entertainment. Here, you will discover several
upscale steakhouses and other high-end
eateries, as well as one-of-a-kind venues.
One not-to-miss spot is Rocco's Tacos and
Tequila Bar, where you can nosh on fish tacos
and sweet plantains while sipping a tequila
flight. If you prefer Italian, try Christini's
Ristorante Italiano, which has hosted a wide
range of famous celebrities. Another favorite is
Morton's the Steakhouse, one of the district's
original venues, and great seafood can be found
at Big Fin Seafood Kitchen. For a nightcap,
head to The Whiskey, offering gourmet pub
fare and an extensive whiskey selection. Or,
enjoy a fine smoke at Corona Cigar
Company's Superstore & Cigar Bar.
Orlando Destination Specialists: 800-643-0482

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2019-2020 Meeting Professionals Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019-2020 Meeting Professionals Guide
