Scarf in Style: Tasting The Best of Trendy Thornton Park

This fun, local burger joint now has a bunch of locations around the city of Orlando, but Thornton Park is where it all started. Bold colors, bold burgers, great happy hours (early and late!) and a universally friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from the young to the young-at-heart. And who doesn't love a creative sandwich served alongside a cold beer? The entire place, inside and out, is ablaze with colorful art. Graffiti Junktion's Thornton Park outpost sits right in the middle of the area's tiny-but-charming business district, outdoor seating allows diners to soak up the atmosphere while scarfing down sweet potato fries. Win-win.

If we had a 10Best Neighborhoods for day drinking and eating list Thornton Park would certainly make the roster. And with its outdoor seating section (along with a rustic-modern interior) the Stubborn Mule would get a mention. Fans of RusTeak, with locations in Winter Garden and the College Park neighborhood of Orlando will likely kvell over the fare, which includes some gargantuan burger options (try the resto's namesake, served with maple-pepper bacon, gooey gruyere and a messy stack of thin, fried onions - this is a knife-and-fork burger!), ample sammies, share-ables and more.

Eola Wine Company's downtown location, just a couple of blocks from Thornton Park and practically on top of Lake Eola Park, is resplendent. Inside, rich woods and exposed brick warm patrons like a robust red. Outside, the bright views of downtown engage, like a crisp white. Of course, you're welcome to a flight of bubbly if neither of those pique your palate. In addition to its extensive grape stock, Eola Wine proffers a delightful menu of light bites, wraps, tacos and flatbreads to pair with your vino selection. Craft beer enthusiasts will find a nice selection of these, as well.

Pop into this Thornton Park outpost for a petit déjeuner before work or a morning stroll around the neighborhood or nearby Lake Eola. Fresh pastries, croissants and baguettes baked on premises accompany coffee or, later in the day, an array of salads and sandwiches from the simple Le Parisien (Swiss cheese and butter) to the lavish Le St. Tropez (smoked salmon with dill-lemon crème). Quiches, of course, make more than an appearance. Try the familiar Lorraine or venture into something new, perhaps the La Montagne, with chicken breast or bacon accompanying confit onion, nutmeg sauce and goat cheese. Tarts, flans, macarons and more round out the menu – and perhaps your midsection.

It's eclectic, it's romantic, it's musical, it's fun, it's "neighborhood-y." Maxine's is lots of things, not the lease of which is a good restaurant that kinda feels like it's in the middle of a good friend's house. Just a couple of blocks outside Thornton Park proper, Maxine's on Shine actually does sit in the middle of a largely residential area, which adds to its appeal. Twinkly lights, outdoor tables, nights filled with live music are the side dishes to entrees such as fish tacos, skillet lasagna and a hearty brisket burger. Check them out for Sunday brunch, too. Festive and delish!

Great service, nice atmosphere, friendly staffers, excellent food (and two kinds; just in case your party can't agree!) – these are the high marks oft given to Oudom, which moved into digs many viewed as cursed (it was a rotating Thornton Park location for a host of restaurants that didn't make it) and turned that trend on its ear with a vengeance. Thai that's cooked-to-order spicy and succulent cuts of tender sushi-grade fish are the lures. Mussaman curry, pineapple fried rice and crispy boneless duck may appeal to Thai lovers, while the Mexican and Bubba rolls could be just what the sushi doctor ordered.

Soco offers up loads of plated Southern comfort, though its name is actually a representation of Southern contemporary, which means you'll find some down-home diner favorites that have undergone an evolution into something more upscale. Think boiled peanut hummus, mac-and-cheese croquettes and chicken and dumplings that infuse the latter with lobster. Its dining room is warm and inviting but its al fresco sidewalk seating infuses meals with a hip, urban vibe that ticks everything up a notch. As appealing for dinner as it is for Sunday brunch or happy hour cocktails, Soco's patio is lively when the weather suits (which in Orlando is often), but the food here is exemplary, and well worth the visit even if the Florida rain is teeming outside.