Visit downtown Orlando, and you'll discover great neighborhoods with grown-up queer appeal and nary a sign of a Disney character. Before hitting the gay bars, make a stop at Dexter's of Thornton Park, which serves contemporary American dishes like

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Visit downtown Orlando, and you'll discover great neighborhoods with grown-up queer appeal and nary a sign of a Disney character. Before hitting the gay bars, make a stop at Dexter's of Thornton Park, which serves contemporary American dishes like blackened Ahi tuna and Portobello mushroom ravioli in a casual, art-lined space with a large central bar and outdoor seating. It's a great, lively place for checking out the oh-so-gay and artsy area residents—and they do a mean brunch, too, with must-have Bloody Mary's. Save time before or after the meal for a stroll through the oak-lined neighborhood and its charming vintage Florida "cracker" homes with wraparound porches.

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