Street Food
Asian Street Fare
"The energy here is electric. It mimics the hawker centers of Southeast Asia. Sharing small plates of Roti Canai and Curry Laksa is the best way to break the ice."
💡 Date Tip
It gets loud. Ask for a table on the side patio if you want a quieter conversation, or sit at the chef's counter to watch the wok action.
Hawkers.
This is the original location that started a national chain. It defines the Mills 50 aesthetic: bustling, delicious, and unpretentious.
Roti Canai
You cannot leave without ordering this. It’s flaky Malaysian flatbread served with their signature curry sauce. It’s life-changing.
The Guesthouse. 🍸
The coolest bar in the neighborhood. It feels like a mid-century modern living room filled with plants. The cocktail menu is impeccable.
Date Tip
There is always a high-quality food truck parked permanently in the lot (usually burgers or pizza). Grab food there and bring it into the bar.
Plant Vibes
"The atmosphere is dark but filled with ferns and palms. It strikes that perfect balance: fancy enough for a second date, casual enough for a Tuesday."
BBQ Pork Buns
Cash Only
"This isn't a sit-down date spot. It's a 'grab a bag of incredible pastries and walk to the lake' spot. The scents of sesame and sweet dough are intoxicating."
💡 Date Tip
Bring cash. They do not take cards. Buying your date a massive, fluffy bun for $2 is a power move.
Sun Pearl Bakery.
A tiny, authentic Chinese bakery that locals swear by. It’s arguably the best quick bite in the entire city.
Taro Cake
Try something adventurous. The Taro Cake or the Red Bean Buns are sweet, savory, and memorable.
Utility Box Art. 🎨
Mills 50 is famous for turning ugly utility boxes into vibrant works of art. Walking down Mills Avenue is like walking through an open-air gallery.
Date Tip
Start at the intersection of Mills and colonial and walk North. Count how many painted boxes and dumpsters (yes, dumpsters) you can find.
Photo Ops
"Look for the 'Orlando Strong' murals and the massive dragons. The art here reflects the diverse, inclusive, and resilient spirit of the neighborhood."
Binchotan Fire
Japanese Pub
"It’s dark, loud, and smells like charcoal smoke. It’s not a sit-down dinner; it’s a 'standing room, holding a highball, eating chicken skin skewers' kind of date. Pure energy."
💡 Date Tip
They don't take reservations. Put your name in, then walk a block to the "Dirty Laundry" speakeasy while you wait.
Tori Tori.
A modern Izakaya that sets the standard for cool in Orlando. The menu is mostly small plates—crab croquettes, grilled avocado, and pork belly—meant for sharing.
Highballs
Their Japanese whisky highballs come out of a specialized machine for perfect carbonation. They are dangerously refreshing.
The Strand. 🍽️
It feels like a diner from 1950 that grew up and got sophisticated. Wood paneling, warm lights, and honest, incredible food. It is the neighborhood's favorite date spot for a reason.
Date Tip
Save room for the Oliver's Olive Oil Cake. Splitting a dessert here feels quintessential and cozy.
Community Vibe
"The window seats offer a perfect view of the bustling Mills Avenue. It feels intimate but connected to the city. The service is always warm, never stuffy."
Velvet & Vinyl
Cocktail Parlor
"It feels like the living room of a very cool Victorian eccentric. Velvet couches, antique portraits, and usually a DJ spinning actual vinyl records in the corner. It is moody and perfect."
💡 Date Tip
If you want to switch vibes, it's connected to Will's Pub (gritty live music) and Dirty Laundry (outdoor patio). You can have three dates in one building.
Lil Indie's.
The ultimate nightcap spot. It’s smoke-free (rare for a dive-adjacent bar) and the cocktails are craft-level without the pretension.
The Art
The walls feature rotating exhibits from local artists. It’s a great conversation starter if you run out of things to say.