Photograph courtesy of Boston Public Library
By Bartender Paul Johnsen
COFFEE
Photograph courtesy of Lineage Coffee
Lineage Coffee Roasting
Hands down best coffee in town. If you truly love and appreciate coffee this is the place to go. They are very knowledge about what they are brewing, their Cold Brew in amazing, and they have one of the friendliest staffs.
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando FL 32803
T: 407.205.8096 | www.lineageroasting.com
BREAKFAST
Se7en Bites
This place is an absolute hidden gem. In a small part of town called "The Milk District," this place is small and perfect for breakfast. Their menu is always changing yet there are a few favorites that tend to always stick around. The Florida Citrus Bundt Cake is a must. It's a great place to sit outside with your dogs and enjoy the beautiful weather with an even better breakfast.
207 N Primrose Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
T: 407.203.0727
LUNCH
The Artisan Table
This is a great place to have lunch in downtown Orlando. A nice quiet atmosphere to be able to talk and have a nice enjoyable lunch. The Roasted Corn Pesto Rigatoni is awesome and the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich is an easy winner.
22 E Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801
T: 407.730.7499 | www.artisanstableorlando.com
SHOPS & SNACKS
Photograph courtesy of East End Market
East End Market
This market is just awesome. You can start by getting a cold brew coffee from Lineage or fresh juice from Skyebird. Then you can hit up La Femme du Fromage for some artisan cheeses and Olde Hearth Bread for amazing pastries and breads. Local Roots Farm Store is great to pick up some fresh local produce or craft beers. Plus if you get hungry, Kappo is a Japanese restaurant on the other side, and with only seven seats is an experience to say the least.
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
T: 321.236.3316 | www.eastendmkt.com
COCKTAILS
Photograph courtesy of The Courtesy
The Courtesy
One of the first craft cocktail bars in Orlando. They have a very talented staff with an amazing cocktail selection. If you don't find something on the menu, just let the bartenders know, and they will make you something right up your alley. This is one of those place you want to visit over and over again.
114 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
T: 407.450.2041 | www.thecourtesybar.com
Lake Eola Fountain | Photograph courtesy of Visit Orlando
DINNER
K Restaurant
This place is a must if you are visiting Orlando. What makes it stand out from every other place is the creativity and locally-sourced ingredients that go into every dish. They also have a great wine selection. It's an ideal place to enjoy a night out. I've never been disappointed going into K Restaurant. The Fried Green Tomato is amazing and the Mac n' Cheese with Lobster is insane.
1710 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
T: 407.872.2332 | krestaurant.net
Photograph courtesy of Capa Steakhouse & Bar
Capa Steakhouse & Bar
This restaurant is one of my favorites for sure. The food is amazing and sharable; the cocktails are some of the best; and the dining atmosphere is one of the best in town. Ordering a Spanish G & T is a must. One of the best things about the place is the view of the fireworks at night overlooking Disney World.
10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
T: 407.313.7777 | Website
LATE NIGHT
Photograph courtesy of The Woods
The Woods
This bar has everything you could want for late night drinking. The ridiculous gin and whiskey selection is probably the best in Orlando. You can have awesome cocktails, amazing craft beers, or just leave it up to the bartender and they will be sure to point you in the right direction. A must visit drinking spot for sure.
49 N Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
T: 407.203.1114 | www.thewoodsorlando.com
Paul Johnsen | Photograph courtesy of Slate
Paul Johnsen
Bartender Johnsen is the bar manager and cocktail program director at Slate in Orlando, FL. He is also the President of the United States Bartenders Guild Orlando. He previously ran the cocktail programs at Scratch, Park Social, Boca Winter Park, and Atlantic Beer. He was named one of the Top 50 Most Imaginative Bartenders in North America by Bombay Sapphire / GQ and created the USBG Iron Bartender Challenge and the Frenet-Branca Florida Cocktail Competition.
SLATE
8323 West Sand Lake Road, Orland, FL 32819
T: 407.500.7528 | www.slateorlando.com
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