MT. Dora Marketplace

You can’t miss the large two-story building on the main drag of downtown Mt. Dora, where many restaurants have fought to leave a mark. Right now, it would appear the main attraction for locals and visitors would be Wolf Branch Brewing, which takes up most of the space on the bottom floor. Honestly, it’s been awhile since I’ve gone and their website doesn’t work so I can’t tell you the current list of vendors.

The last time I visited I went to Fun-Ko's Poke Bowls and Asian snacks which was really good.

Address: 100 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Back Porch Pizza Bar

This is a casual spot for pizza that had some pretty decent pies! The pizza is a thinner crust, but it wasn't overly floppy and had good flavor. We sat outside so I can't speak to the inside ambiance, but we enjoyed our meal here with a few cocktails.

Address: 237 W 4th Ave Suite One, Mt Dora, FL 32757

The Salted Fry

The menu offers a few different options of savory fries with various toppings. I ordered what was called the Gnome Garden, which came with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. I enjoyed my fries, but the only miss was that the toppings didn't come on the fry. You can dip them, or as my friends and I tried, you can do your best to layer the toppings and other available sauces to the cone on your own. The menu has expanded with burgers and sandwiches, but I have yet to try those. Several drink options to pair with your fry indulgence include kombucha, wine, beer, and ciders. If you are looking for gluten-free options, you can try this spot in Mt. Dora.

Since my last visit, they have moved into a different space in downtown Mt. Dora, so it might look a little different from the pictures.

Address: 112 W 3rd Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Butcher’s Nook

Butcher’s Nook took over what used to be a small Cuban cafe. For foodies its definitely an upgrade because the owner is using high quality meats in these hearty sandwiches. We ordered the Italian Americano (Prosciutto Cotto, Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone) and the L’Diablo (Prosciutto Cotto, Hot Capocollo, Salame Calabrese, Smoked provolone, Calabrian chili aioli). Sandwich enthusiasts need to stop here!

Address: 237 W 4th Ave Suite 4, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Allyson’s Bake Shop

Just steps from the Mt. Dora Marketplace is a beautiful bakery with a case full of cookies, cupcakes, lemon bars, and all the other goods that make your mouth water just by looking at them. When I visit Mt. Dora, I usually opt to go here for an iced latte (the type of coffee I enjoy is slim pickings in Mt. Dora, sadly). It’s usually a peaceful place to sit, hang, and get a slight reprieve from rain or Florida humidity so you can cool down with a sweet treat.

Address: 122 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Le Petit Sweet

NOW BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

This use to be a great dessert shop to pop into for a treat, but sadly it’s no longer open for walk-ins. However if you are near the are and looking to order desserts for a party or event, they are delicious!

Handlebar MT. Dora

On the second floor of the marketplace (with its own stairwell) you will find Handlebar. This is a craft cocktail lounge and bar. The space is modern and colorful and the drinks are pretty good.

On my last visit I got one drink because it was a punch meant for two. It’s served in an adorable Hippo vessel and was a fruity yet strong concoction.

Address: 100 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

PizzAMore

It’s a spot locals love, and it feels very homey as the building itself is a large, yellow house in downtown Mt. Dora. I am a lover of several different types of crust, and PizzAmore offers a thick, soft crust on their pizzas. They also provide cheese-less pizza for the lactose intolerant and gluten-free options. The wings, garlic knots, and salads are also immensely satisfying. I crave their wings crispy, grilled wings regularly.

Address: 722 E 5th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Magic Tea Market

If you are looking for boba or fun Asian snacks and treats Magic Tea is going to be the place you stop at! Freshly made milk teas, fruit teas, slushes are among the options to keep you cool as you stroll the downtown streets.

Address: 118 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Modernism Museum

I visited the Modernism Museum almost a year ago to see The Ultimate David Bowie Memphis Collection, and I’m happy to say its still there! If you are a Bowie fan, the personal pieces from his collection are sure to draw you. Still, you will leave with a much fuller understanding and appreciation of the Memphis Design Group thanks to a short film you are encouraged to watch before examining the collection. It’s beautiful and inspiring, and I highly recommend it. Standard admission is $8 and you really can’t beat that for an hour of getting to look at such beautiful work.

Address: 145 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

1921 MT. DORA

If you are looking for a more upscale dinner you can take a look at what 1921 in Mt. Dora has to offer. Since my last visit they changed head chefs so I can't tell you if there’s a noticeable difference. The food is usually pretty solid although not cheap.

Address: 142 E 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Vyntage Goods

This small vintage shop is well curated and you can absolutely find some goodies here whether it’s home goods, local made gifts, or some wearable pieces. The owner also has a booth in Orlando inside the Lovely Boutique.

Address: 127 W 5th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Papilio

It’s been so nice to see this business grow. The very first time I visited they were in a different, much smaller space. Beyond plants you will also find home goods and gifts, and there is even a small bar inside.

Address: 439 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Barrel of Books & Games

This spot is a large book store located in downtown Mt. Dora with rows and row of books. The back has a modest comic book collection. You’ll also find gifts, games, and local trinkets.

Address: 403 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757

Walk down to the lighthouse

If the weather is nice you can walk down to Grantham Point Park which is right on the water. At sunset you can get some beautiful views and see the faux lighthouse.

Other places to consider visiting:

Checkered Moon - a stylish and trendy boutique with gifts, home goods, and baby items.

Goblin Market: A Mt. Dora staple for 23 years.

Windsor Tea Room: A fanciful, romantic tea experience.

All images in this article are property of LemonHearted Creative. All goods pictured and mentioned were paid for, nothing was given to me for free in exchange for its inclusion.