It is already my third season of sharing bucket lists here on the blog, and as a result, I’m approaching this one a bit more realistically. With just over two months until I leave for my Europe trip, I know I won’t be trying out 10 new places in the Palm Beaches and Orlando. Instead, I’ve put together a more strategic list of places that would fit into other plans and be more convenient to go to.
The Palm Beaches
- Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach
It’s slow season on the island of Palm Beach, when most residents go up north to their other homes or are traveling. For those of us who stick around for summer, there are often summer specials and less need for a reservation (though you might as well still get the OpenTable points). Three places that have remained on my bucket list since winter/spring are Sant Ambroeus, Honor Bar, and Palm Beach Grill. Because they are all in the same walkable plaza, I’m going to try to check them off this summer either via a hop or split into two, with drinks only at Honor Bar. Newer to the plaza is also Coyo Taco, a more casual option. But, if anything at all, Palm Beach Grill would be my number one. It’s a staple that has been there for years and years, and I honestly I don’t know what has taken me so long! - Lynora’s in Jupiter
Also from my spring bucket list, Lynora’s remains on the list since recently discovering their daily happy hour deal from 3-7pm and 10pm-close, which includes 50% drinks and yummy affordable bites. - Little Moir’s Food Shack or Leftovers Cafe in Jupiter
These casual neighborhood classics are places that have been around for a while, and yet I still haven’t made my way to try them. The Sweet Potato gluten-free crusted fresh fish really appeals to me! - Kapow Noodle Bar in West Palm Beach
A place I “almost” went a few times, but it never worked out. I’ve read great reviews of the Clematis restaurant recently and seen it repeatedly on Instagram. I love everything about the Asian-fusion menu, and that they have happy hour weekdays from 4-7pm! - Galley @ Hilton in West Palm Beach
Another restaurant discovered via Instagram, this newly redesigned hotel restaurant looks to have some amazing cocktails and pizza. Every Friday they have live music starting at 7:30pm! If the weather is nice and not too hot, they also have nice outdoor seating. - Salute Market in Palm Beach Gardens
I recently went here for a drink before dinner at La Masseria, and ordered the De-Tox Water with Crop Organic Cucumber and Meyer Lemon Vodkas, freshly muddled mint and lemon, finished with water. It was as healthy as a cocktail can be, followed by a not so healthy bowl of pasta at La Masseria! I ended up chatting with the bartender for a while and am anxious to come back for food and wine. They also have a happy hour (a plus in my book)!
Orlando
- Chroma & Canvas Restaurant & Market in Lake Nona
I love exploring different neighborhoods (i.e. Sanford and Winter Garden), and Lake Nona remains on the list! A friend that used to live there recommended both of these places, so I hope to try one for dinner and the other for a drink/dessert! - Truck Stop Pop-Up Kitchen in Thornton Park
I don’t go to Thornton Park often enough, but this pop-up kitchen with a changing menu peaked my interest last spring and remains on the list. - Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company & Better Than Sex Desserts in Ivanhoe Village
The brand new Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company is on Virginia, one of my favorite streets for bars! I can’t wait to try it out and hopefully add it to my Virginia hop list. - Cafe Linger & Ollie’s Public House in College Park
Work on my laptop and have breakfast at Cafe Linger, then go to lunch at Ollie’s – sounds like the perfect plan, right? - Tartine Wine Bar & Eaterie in College Park
This French wine bar looks like a great date night spot with perfect sharing plates like cheese & charcuterie boards and other hors d’Oeuvres. They also have happy hour from 3-7pm! - Fiddler’s Green & The Porch in Winter Park
I’d love to try out these two casual pubs that are close to each other. Although I’ve already been a few times, I might go back to an old favorite, Ravenous Pig, in the same hop! - Garp & Fuss in Winter Park
The menu is a perfect combination of comforting/familiar dishes with upscale ingredients, the interiors look charming and bright, plus there’s a pool table. Plus, it’s a place on Park Avenue that I haven’t tried, so I’m into that.
What places are on your summer restaurant & bar bucket list where you live? I’d love to know!