Discover Dining in Orlando's Thornton Park Neighborhood

It wasn't too long ago that Orlando's Thornton Park neighborhood seemed to be a run down, neglected area in downtown Orlando. In fact, when I first moved to downtown in 1996, Thornton Park was just beginning its renaissance into one of Orlando's hippest neighborhoods.

Over the years restaurants, shops, and bars have come and gone as Thornton Park tried to find its identity. But one consistent in Thornton park is it's always been a great place to grab an afternoon meal at one of it's sidewalk cafes or a romantic dinner in one of it's hip restaurants.

Here are some of my favorite Thornton Park eateries.

Dexter's of Thornton Park
Set in a building that used to be home to a small neighborhood grocery store, Dexter's simple, but innovative American menu always has something for everybody. Dexter's menu changes monthly but there is always innovative offerings in addition to traditional food. And Dexter's is always packed on Sundays for their not to be missed mimosa brunch.

HUE
One of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine's Best New Restaurants in the World, HUE offers a progressive American cuisine. Of all of Thornton Park's restaurant's, HUE is probably the most "upscale" and expensive. The trendy and tasteful decor seems to be pulled directly out of a New York or Los Angeles restaurant, yet it's Orlando's Thornton Park. And on the third Sunday of each month thinks get funky. HUE hosts their famous Disco Brunch featuring a DJ spinning disco tunes on the patio.

Graffiti Junktion
Graffiti Junktion describes itself as an American Burger Bar, and the description is right on. One of the neighborhood's newest eatery, Graffiti Junktion features burger and other favorites in a hipster themed restaurant. Order a burger, grab a beer and saddle up to one of Graffiti Junktion picnic tables and enjoy the best burgers in Thornton Park. And if you like wine, don't miss Wednesday nights at Graffiti Junktion when they offer all you can drink wine for only $10.

Anthony's Pizza
When I first moved to Thornton Park, the location were Anthony's Pizza is was a car repair shop. However, repairing cars has been replaced by Orlando's best pizza. Anthony's is cheap and it's good. If you grab a slice of pizza, a calzone , or one of Anthony's other Italian favorites, you won't be disappointed. And with Anthony's large outdoor patio, you can watch life go by in Thornton Park as you enjoy this little slice of Italy.