Third Places in Orlando
You may have heard about the disappearance of “third places” lately. These are places where we can gather with the community that are not our jobs or our homes. They allow us to get out of our normal day-to-day routine and experience a social environment that helps us feel less lonely and more connected. Think of your favorite coffee shop with accessible hours or a local bar or brewery offering more than a place to drink. A place that is low-pressure and comfortable where you can relax, become a regular, and have a feeling of belonging without paying for a membership or status.
Attributes of a third place have been defined as:
Accessible and inclusive
Low-cost or free
Conversation-friendly
Relaxed, loose structure
If you are having trouble identifying third places in Orlando, I’ve created a list below. This won’t be all-encompassing, but it will give you a start of places that might fit what you are looking for or give you an idea of the types of establishments to seek out. With so many people moving to Orlando without having a foundation of family and friends, it’s important to use these third spaces as a way to connect.
CAFES THAT ARE OPEN PAST 7PM
Achilles Art Cafe
Achilles Art Cafe is one of Orlando's few old-school coffee house-style places. It has walls full of local art, chill music in the background, and if it’s raining inside, you're entering one of those YouTube cozy coffee house videos.
Parking: Parking lot parking
How late do they stay open: 8PM
Snowbean
I rarely refer to anything as a hidden gem, but Snowbean is about as close as it gets. This spot on E. Colonial is great for several reasons. It’s small, dark, and quiet, perfect for studying or working. During your stay, you can enjoy delicious treats, and a bonus is the back patio with a stunning lake view.
Parking: Parking lot parking
How late are they open: 1AM
Duo 58
I don’t make it out to Duo 58 that often since it’s one of the furthest shops from me, but seating here is plentiful, so they are no strangers to laptops and books. If you live on that side of Orlando this is a great spot to chill for a bit and enjoy my favorite drink, The Lorax.
Parking: FREE Parking lot
How late are they open: 8PM during the week Saturday 3PM
Propagate Social House
Over in Apopka, you can bring the laptop and set up on the back patio surrounded by a lush Florida setting of plants (more lush than what’s in this picture for sure). Stay cool with an iced latte or beer and wine. They also host a Friday Night Farmers Market along with other events like Plant Swaps and Comedy Shows.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: Friday + Saturday 10PM Sunday 4PM Other Days 6PM
Stardust Coffee
Over in Audubon Park, Stardust comes to us straight from an independent 90s coming-of-age story, and this is the coffee shop the protagonist worked at. There are multiple spaces to work out of, my favorite being the cozy cubbies that look out of the front windows. On Monday nights, the Audubon Park Night Farmers Market happens in their parking lot, which is another great place to meet new people and local makers.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: 12AM
Whipporwill + Easy Luck
Whether you’re setting up shop in the AM or PM, Whippoorwill is a very chill place to get some work done. During the day, you can grab a coffee from Easy Luck, and later into the afternoon, you can grab a drink from the bar or the fully stocked fridge full of beers. They also host many events and pop-ups here, making it a community space. Keep an eye out for when groups like The Sketchbook Club have their free events here.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: Monday 3PM Tuesday - Thursday 10PM Friday - Saturday 12AM Sunday 9PM
BYNX
Bynx is a cool spot downtown that doubles as a venue for live music and a small record shop. During the day it’s a pretty chill place to study or crack some books.
Parking: PAID Meter Street Parking
How late are they open: 10PM most nights 11PM Friday and Saturday 7PM Sunday
Lobos Coffee Roasters
Lobos is another spot in Audubon Park where coffee and laptops come together in a quiet atmosphere. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but you’ll want to secure a spot near an outlet.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: Monday - Thursday 9PM Friday + Saturday 10PM Sunday 8PM
The Neighbors at East End Market
Sometimes you’ll find people in the East End Courtyard on laptops and such, but it gets a bit hot, so the ideal space is upstairs on the 2nd floor of the East End. There you’ll find the bar/shop The Neighbors, but it’s ok if you aren’t there to shop or drink (although chances are you won’t be able to resist something). You are welcome to bring food or drink from downstairs in the market up to this area where there is seating in a colorful and very local atmosphere.
Parking: FREE Parking lot parking
How late are they open: Sunday - Tuesday 9PM - Other Days 10PM
Axum Coffee
If you are looking for a place with ample room to spread out and hang Axum is going to be that place in downtown Winter Garden. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Axum is most definitely use to seeing their patrons set up with laptops and enjoy their brews. The best seat in the house are the bar counters facing Plant Street.
Parking: FREE Street or Garage Parking
How late are they open: 9PM - Sunday 7PM
Palate Coffee Roasters
Palate is a mission-based shop that donates proceeds to a non-profit dedicated to ending human trafficking. They have wonderful drinks and fun seasonal menus, so if you are looking for a spot North of Orlando, you can feel good about supporting this shop.
Parking: FREE Street Parking
How late are they open: 8PM Friday and Saturday
Picasso Moments Bakery
This cafe, not far from the Florida Mall area, is quaint and chill and offers not just bubble tea but some seriously good baked goods and other breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to cover you while you work any time of day.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: 7:30PM most days Sunday 6PM
BARS & BREWERIES
Home State Brewing
Beer or Coffee while you work? You choose! Home State Brewing has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and you can get a local coffee from Filigree Coffee Co. or a local beer on tap.
Parking: FREE Parking Lot
How late are they open: Friday + Saturday 11PM Monday - Thursday 10PM Sunday 9:30PM
Redlight Redlight
Redlight is an institution at this point and a wonderful community hub well beyond just a local brewery here in Orlando. They are always involved in the local markets in Audubon Park, they put on their own events (annual Galentines and Oktoberfest), and host local pop-ups from time to time. With their in-house kitchen run by Chef Jes, it’s a full experience for people of all ages.
Parking: Parking lot and street parking
How late do they stay open: Varies by day but 10-11pm most nights
Ten10 Brewing
Ten10 Brewing is located off Virginia near Mills. It has stood the test of time while other breweries have opened and closed over the past ten years. Beyond the brews, Ten10 Brewing hosts community events like Book Fairs, Record Store Day activities, and regular trivia nights.
Parking: Street parking
How late do they stay open: Varies by day but mostly 10-11pm
Ivanhoe Brewing
Ivanhoe Brewing is another local brewery known for hosting community events. Whether it’s the markets they hold in their parking lot or classes like bonsai trees, Ivanhoe Brewing offers more to locals than just the standard watering hole.
Parking: Some parking in the lot if a market isn’t going on. Otherwise, street parking.
How late do they stay open: 10pm most nights 12am on weekends
Sidecar Market
In Downtown Deland Sidecar Market offers a variety of reasons to pop inside. You’ll see a bar when you first walk in, mixed with some retail, but as you keep walking there is plenty of seating to hang out. On most nights it’s open until 9:30pm, even as late as 11 pm some nights, and open every day of the week, which is rare in downtown Deland. A mix of vintage and retro furniture and other goods, coffee and drinks make it a great third place in Deland.
Parking: Street parking
How late do they stay open: 9:30pm or 11pm
Crooked Can
Over in Winter Garden, you could say that their Plant Street Market food hall could be considered a third place. Lots of outdoor seating make it a good mix of a place to hang out, even work remotely if you can find some shade. The brewery anchoring the food hall, Crooked Can, puts on regular events like trivia nights, live music on the patio, and large annual events like Oktoberfest.
Parking: Parking lot parking
How late do they stay open: 11pm or 12am
PLACES TO HANG OUT, PLAY, OR CONNECT
The New Romantics Book Store
The New Romantics is Orlando’s only Romance bookstore, but don’t let that make you think that if you aren’t into romance literature, this place has nothing to offer. The owner, Jane Rodriguez, has quickly become known for organizing amazing events at the shop and other community spaces, from author signings, book fairs, audiobook walking clubs, and cozy crafting. Any resident, old or new, who is looking for ways to connect and meet new people should be glued to the events page on their website and following their socials.
Parking: Parking lot parking
How late do they stay open: 7PM unless there’s a special event
Blackbird Comics and Coffee
Blackbird Comics and Coffee is a true community space with multiple purposes. You can go shopping and pick up some new reading material, hang out awhile, play games, grab a coffee, or study. A chain positioned itself right next door, so continue to support them!
Parking: Lot Parking
Hours: Open til 7 most days.
Cool Stuff Games
Cool Stuff used to be a great spot to shop for tabletop games, but they’ve pivoted into more of a community space for gameplay. You can still shop online and pick up at this location, or have your purchases shipped. Now, the space is mostly tables of locals playing their favorite tabletop games with friends. They have weekly events, which makes it a great place to make new friends who are into the same stuff you are.
Parking: Free Parking Lot
Layton Gaming
This spot is relatively new in Altamonte Springs, an expansive space dedicated to gaming and hobbies. From Pokémon cards, miniatures and paint supplies, mixed in with a lot of stuff I’m not familiar with, this space caters to lots of different interests or just some good ol’ fashioned game play with friends.
Parking: Free Parking Lot
The Collective
Also located in Altamonte is The Collective, a comic shop. The space has expanded and now has a dedicated gameplay area. On my last visit on a Saturday, the place was pretty full with groups playing different games. According to their own website, they are a comic shop, card game store, miniature game store, role-playing store, and board game store. If you are into any or all of these things, you need to go!
Parking: Free Parking Lot
The Vintage Chair
At first glance, The Vintage Chair is a vintage shop near the Milk District, but it is unique because the owner has created a space where she encourages conversation. The focal point in the shop is the curved bar, where on some days, she has a local coffee pop-up, and for other hours, she has beer and wine. All are welcome to shop, bring a laptop to work, or just hang out. She even hosts conversation nights from time to time with guest speakers. So much more than your average vintage shop.
Parking: Dedicated Parking Lot
House on Lang
While this boutique is located between the Mills 50 area and Ivanhoe Village, it offers much more than just a place to add to your wardrobe. The back space transforms into an intimate community events space with almost a full monthly calendar of classes and experiences. While they are not free, they give many options to get out and meet people while taking a fun class. On top of that, their backyard space also hosts events like small maker markets and movie nights.
Parking: Street Parking
Other spots to check out:
Free & Open-Air Third Places (Open into the Evening)
Lake Eola Park
You can stroll, sit by the fountain, people-watch, or join informal meetups (e.g., yoga groups, drum circles). Great for just existing around others without spending money. If you don’t mind spending a little money, go on Sunday morning and enjoy the Farmers Market.
Mead Botanical Garden
Natural setting with trails and an amphitheater. Occasionally hosts free outdoor performances and stargazing nights.
Parking: Dedicated parking lot
Lake Baldwin
There is an excellent walking trail at Lake Baldwin, but there is also a grassy area right on the lake that locals use as a picnic or iced coffee hang (when it isn’t blistering outside). When the temps are right, it’s a great spot.
Parking: Use the street parking in Baldwin Park and walk over.
Other spots to check out:
Leu Gardens (not free)
Orlando Wetlands Park
Blue Jacket Park
Cady Way Trail
Blanchard Park
Lake Baldwin walking trail
Dickson Azalea Park