Like its parks, the 10 best bars in Orlando run the gamut in terms of themes, and you can rest assured that the themed bars are done as well as the amusement parks in town. Here, you can enjoy a tavern that’s more of a dive, sip some rum and fruit juice concoctions within a Polynesian wonderland, and visit an authentic (right down to the changing passwords) speakeasy. Crafty craft cocktails, jazzy lounges and beer and shot joints are just some of the things you can enjoy while sampling the spirits in Orlando. Here are the ten best bars to visit in Orlando, Florida – and ten reasons to hit them today.
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Name |
Location |
Description |
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325 S. Orange Ave |
Located inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel, the Bossendorfer Lounge is aptly luxe. It’s one of the only places to sip a scotch and listen to the Imperial Bosendorfer Piano (one of only a few in the world). Live jazz, hot cocktails, and a sumptuous atmosphere make this a spot to remember. |
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800 N. Orange Ave and 116 N. First. St, Sanford |
It’s a store, but it’s also your favorite bar located within your favorite store, with plenty of great wines, beers and spirits to sip. Shop for exclusive home furnishings, then stick around for a cocktail or two. And maybe, browse a little afterward. |
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27 E. Pine St |
No, it’s not a place to get your worn heels replaced. It’s actually a cool speakeasy (and one of the 10 best bars in Orlando). And you actually have to call ahead, text or check the bar’s Twitter account to get the password to gain entrance. |
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431 E. Central Blvd. |
If authentic tiki is what you’re craving, then head to Aku Aku, where you can sip Zombies and Mai Tais in an authentically kitchy atmosphere. The good rum abounds here. It’s located right above the Stardust Lounge. |
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1321 N. Mills St |
Light and airy, this fern-filled bar is the perfect place to chillax. Atmospheric yet not over the top, this is a place where you can quaff contently. Especially if you want to sip craft cocktails. |
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724 Virginia Dr |
The environs of The Matador are dive-bar-meets-hipster hangout, and it’s a good meld of the two. Enjoy a beer and a shot, or get something crafted with tinctures and elixirs. |
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5101 E. Colonial Dr |
Yeah, you can get some good grub at this pub, but everyone comes here for the beer. With 40 tap lines and too many bottles to count, this is where brew lovers congregate. |
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114 N. Orange Ave |
Dating back to the Prohibition era, this is where all cocktails are handcrafted. It’s also a place where you can learn how to make said handcrafted cocktails. And every so often, it also becomes a themed pop-up bar, too. |
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Pleasure Island Boat Dock, Lake Buena Vista |
The story goes that Jock Lindsey was Indiana Jones’ pilot, and this theme is carried out well (which, you, of course, expect from Disney). A little bit of dive, a whole lotta show, this is a family-friendly tavern. And there are plenty of good drinks to be had, too. |
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1001 N Mills Ave |
This is a true dive, a hole in the wall and a neighborhood tavern. Open since 1954, it predates the mouse, and it’s a verifiable Orlando institution. Plus, it serves PBR in a can. |
Cheat Sheet
Orlando is the place to be when you want to wet your whistle. Plan your next outing at the links below to enjoy drinks at the 10 best bars in Orlando, Florida:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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