SoDo this week: Nov 12–18
The Kaley Street work-release center is back in the news, plus a chilly-weekend date night and a head start on Friendsgiving.
By EOLA Today ·
SoDo's big story this week isn't a restaurant. It's a building on Kaley Street, and what Orange County wants to do with it. Meanwhile, the weekend turns properly cold, which makes it a good time to head indoors and plan ahead for the holiday rush.
What's new
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Orange County intends to demolish the Kaley Street work-release center, the site the city once looked at for a homeless shelter. That plan was dropped after pushback from SoDo residents and from nearby Orlando Health.
Not everyone is ready to see it go. Per the Sentinel, speakers at the county commission urged the county and city to revive the shelter idea instead. Mayor Demings and the county administrator said there haven't been any recent talks with the city about it.
The Sentinel's editorial board has also weighed in, arguing the county should hold off on the demolition. Both pieces are worth a read if you live nearby and want the full back-and-forth.
Date night
Saturday evening is forecast cold, dipping into the low 50s, so here's a night that keeps you mostly inside and moving.
Dinner: Delaney's Tavern does farm-to-table New American with a cocktail list, a solid start for a night that's meant to feel like an occasion.
A drink: Swirlery Wine Bar is built for dates, with wine flights to split and small plates if dinner didn't quite finish the job.
Then: Cowboys Orlando is a country nightclub with a dance floor and line dancing. Nothing warms you up on a cold night like trying to keep up with the regulars.
Want something quieter to close the night? Timucua Arts Foundation hosts live jazz and classical music, so check what's on before you go. And if you're skipping alcohol, Kava (SoDo) runs late with kava and mocktails.
Plan ahead: Friendsgiving
Next Saturday, Nov 21, is the weekend before Thanksgiving, when friend groups try to get together before everyone heads off. If you're organizing, sort it out this week.
Group dinner out: À La Cart (SoDo) is a food truck park with outdoor seating and craft beer, so a big crew can split up, order what they want and still sit together.
Potluck shortcut: Chai Thai Cuisine Sodo does takeout curries and noodles, an easy way to bring something nobody else is bringing.
Something different: Palm Beach Meats Orlando mixes a butcher shop with Filipino food and wagyu burgers. Worth a look if your group wants more than turkey.
Looking further out, the night before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, Nov 25) is when everyone's back in town and nobody has work the next day. For late tacos and a happy hour crowd, Gringos Locos (SoDo) stays open late, and Tin & Taco is right there for more tacos. Chicho's Grill is another option if your crew wants Latin food.