It’s that time of year; temps have dropped a few degrees and, at last, the unrelenting heat of summer is behind us. Now’s the perfect time to get back out there and revisit all the local spots that are made even better by a slight Central Florida breeze.

For spots to enjoy a drink or two with a view, or just some good outdoor vibes, Orlando has plenty to offer. Here are 25 of the best Orlando restaurant and bar patios perfect for golden hour drinks. 

Lil Indie’s 1036 N. Mills Ave., Orlando You never really know what you’ll get here: going out for drinks with friends is always a new experience depending on whether this bar has a live show playing that night. Sit at a booth with friends, although sometimes you’ll have to scream over the music, or stand and mingle. The outside patio area is always nice for a breather where you can relax under the twinkling lights in an intimate (this is a code word for small) space that may just push you to make some new friends. Credit: Photo via Lil Indies/Facebook
Hanson’s Shoe Repair 27 E. Pine St., Orlando Don’t let the “shoe repair” name fool you — this is a classic bar in downtown Orlando serving tasty cocktails and a good time. And if you didn’t know already, this place is a speakeasy so you’ll only be allowed in with a secret password. Call 407-476-9446 on the day of your visit to get it (shhh). Credit: Photo via Hanson’s Shoe Repair/Facebook
Propagate Social House 40 E. Fifth St., Apopka Propagate is a local spot in downtown Apopka offering coffee, wine, breakfast, brunch or lunch. Check out their grab & go bottle shop for craft beers and canned cocktails before you sit back and take in the homey backyard patio perfect for summer nights. Credit: Photo via Propagate Social House/Facebook
The Waterfront 4201 S. Orange Ave., Orlando This iconic waterside Orlando eatery is usually what comes to mind when locals hear “golden hour views.” The restaurant offers al fresco lakeside seating dining every day of the week, plus brunch on the weekends. Credit: Photo via The Waterfront/Facebook

The Wellborn

211 N. Lucerne Circle W.
This quaint neighborhood hangout spot and bar aims to offer a “taste of vacation.” Guests can enjoy the scenic atmosphere, small plates, desserts and Sunday brunch on top of a plentiful wine and cocktail list. Credit: Photo via The Wellborn/Facebook
The Taproom at Dubsdread 549 W. Par St., Orlando While the Taproom may be dark on the inside, this sports bar located on Dubsdread Golf Course offers a patio brunch with a full Sunday morning cocktail menu. The shaded patio overlooks the golf course; we’re not sure where you can get a more Florida Sunday brunch than that. Credit: Photo via The Taproom at Dubsdread/Facebook
Cafe Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando The funky tapas spot offers creative food and drink specials every weekday, plus live music and relaxed patio seating, too. With tons of sharable plates to choose from, signature cocktails, and artists who paint while you eat, Cafe Tu Tu Tango is an attraction in itself. Credit: Photo via Cafe Tu Tu Tango/Facebook
Garp and Fuss 348 N. Park Ave., Winter Park This spot packs a punch with out-of-the-box flavor pairings like buffalo cauliflower and butternut squash & apple soup. Garp and Fuss is the place to be if you’re trying to treat your taste buds to something new. But the best way to do it is to grab a seat in the beautiful indoor patio-esque dining room, with greenery crawling up the walls and the sun (or moon) shining through the windows overhead. Credit: Photo via garpandfuss.com
Bar One Orlando 1516 McCoy Rd., (407) 745-5829 Bar One has the spirit of a dive and the patio of a family-forward brewery. Doesn’t hurt that you can ask for a cocktail without being ushered out. Credit: Photo via Bar One/Facebook
Bartaco Orlando 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando This “upscale street food” chain specializes in creative taco creations. The Dr. Phillips location comes with an adjoining covered patio. Credit: Photo via Bartaco Orlando/Facebook
Barley and Vine Biergarten 2406 E. Washington St., Orlando The Milk District Biergarten has one of the best patio bars in town, perfect to sip on one of the more than two dozen draft beers available. Credit: Photo via Barley and Vine Biergarten/Facebook
The Guesthouse 1321 N. Mills Ave., Orlando This Mills 50 bar and hangout spot offers a sprawling bar with ample seating indoors, but the true place to be is their patio out back. It’s more intimate (meaning you might need to fight for a spot) but the views are worth it. Credit: Photo via The Guesthouse/Facebook
The Hideaway Bar516 Virginia Dr.This dive with a breezy patio has been a consistent presence for decades. New development in the area means that their home on Virginia drive might soon shuffle to a new spot across the street. Take in that hard-won essence while you can. Credit: Photo via The Hideaway Bar/Facebook
name 110 Orlando Ave., Winter Park This Dallas-based, wine country-inspired restaurant offers an enclosed greenhouse patio offering a “wine garden experience.” The menu of NoCal-influenced dishes (local and seasonal, of course) come ready to pair with the 60-plus wines on tap. Credit: Photo via Sixty Vines/Facebook
Armando’s 463 W. New England Ave., Winter Park Armando’s gives you the opportunity to eat some Neapolitan pizza out on their patio, right in Hannibal Square. You get the views and the food without having to fly all the way to Italy. Credit: Photo via Armando's/Yelp
Pat O’Brien’s 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando Located in Universal’s CityWalk, this bar is a replica of the one in New Orleans. There’s all the Cajun food your soul could take, and a flaming fountain out by the patio area perfect for a relaxing evening after a day in the theme parks. Credit: Photo via Pat O’Brien’s/Facebook
The Boathouse 1620 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista Dust off your Party City captain’s hat for a night full of oysters and crab legs on the Boathouse’s patio. Credit: Photo via The Boathouse/Facebook
Rocco’s Italian Grille 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park At Rocco’s Italian Grille, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine on an outdoor patio reminiscent of an Italian villa. Enjoy your meal under strings of twinkling lights as you sit sipping champagne to the sounds of a courtyard fountain. It might just be the perfect spot for an intimate first date or a quiet night out with friends. Credit: Photo via Rocco's Italian Grille/Facebook
Ember 42 W. Central Blvd., Orlando Grab a drink on Ember’s picturesque Mediterranean piazza-themed patio. The 7,600-square-foot outdoor terrace hosts sofas and a beautiful bar. Credit: Photo via Ember/website
Hamilton’s Kitchen – Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park Hamilton’s Kitchen at the Alfond Inn is one of the pricier patios to chill at but if you’re up for it, it’s worth the cash. Enjoy drinks and snacks in the courtyard, or go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (along with brunch on the weekends) — plenty of opportunities to enjoy their Southern-style cooking al fresco. Credit: Photo via Alfond/Facebook
Columbia Restaurant 649 Front St., Celebration Columbia Restaurant in Celebration brings the iconic flavor of Spanish food to Orlando while also offering covered outdoor seating to escape the heat and enjoy some sangria. Credit: Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Facebook

See a show (and grab a drink) at Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Enzian Theater has a sizable and attractive patio surrounding its Eden Bar, perfect for enjoying a drink or small bite before catching a movie. From cult classics to the latest buzzing blockbuster, the theater offers daily showings sure to please. Check their schedule for matinees, kids’ showings and special events. Credit: Photo via Enzian Theater/Twitter
Topolino’s Terrace 1080 Esplanade Ave., Lake Buena Vista Located in the Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers French and Italian-style eats, for both breakfast and dinner. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio offering sprawling views and a high-end lounging atmosphere. Credit: Photo via Topolino’s Terrace/Facebook
Hillstone 215 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park You can access Hillstone’s glorious lakeside patio by car, boat or seaplane. Choose from a lunch, dinner or wine menu, and bask in the beautiful view of Lake Killarney with friends and strangers. Credit: Photo via Hillstone/Facebook
Grape and the Grain 1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando Grape and the Grain is a quaint neighborhood wine bar that also offers frequent live music and some killer high-rise views. Credit: Photo via Grape and the Grain/Facebook

Additional Slideshows

20 Orlando restaurants and bars with the best scenic views

Chloe Greenberg is the Digital Content Editor for Orlando Weekly.