Orlando is an ever-evolving place that can feel overwhelming even for locals, but especially for newcomers. For any newcomer who feels they need a good stiff drink after moving and attempting to acclimate, we’ve got some great options for your own personal Cheers.
Cocktails
There is no shortage of new and familiar cocktail bars across Orlando. The Sunroom (1319 N. Mills Ave.) makes Mills 50 feel (even more) tropical with their tiki-themed cocktails. Even the interior brings a tropical vibe. The Courtesy (1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park) offers something new on each visit with an ever-evolving cocktail program. On weekends, the bar offers seasonal cocktail classes where guests can make and enjoy their own creations. Bellhop (37 N. Orange Ave.) takes guests back in time to the Prohibition era with their 1920s-themed bar. Located in the historic Angebilt Hotel, the bar brings a twist to classic drinks, like their Penicillin and Enzoni.
Dive bars
Dive bars have three things in common: cheap drinks, cheap food and storied history. These bars have all three. Whiskey Lou’s (121 N. Bumby Ave.) has been a landmark in the Milk District since 1968. Under their glowing red neon sign is a cash-only bar with pool tables and strong drinks. Located in Winter Park, Spatz (1025 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park) has been serving the neighborhood for over 40 years. This dive boasts big TV screens to watch any and all sports (perhaps even the World Cup), darts and pool. Thornton Park staple Burton’s (801 E. Washington St.) is a classic dive with strong drinks and a loud jukebox.
Neighborhood hangs
With over 115 neighborhoods across Orlando, there is no shortage of favorite stops through the city. The Outpost Neighborhood Tavern (227 N. Eola Drive) offers good food, good drinks, weekly drag brunches and sports watch parties. The Falcon (819 E. Washington St.) offers local art, live music and burlesque nights to anyone in Thornton Park. With weekly specials and events throughout the week, this bar has a fantastic atmosphere for a late-night hang. DBA (809 N. Mills Ave.) is a cozy bar that sits unassumingly on the main drag of Mills 50 inside the Strand, offering up craft cocktails, good food and a great atmosphere. Located at East End Market, Neighbors (3201 Corrine Drive) is a newer cocktail lounge that doubles as a quirky neighborhood store. This lounge is the place to shop, sip and eat when looking for a quiet drink in Audubon Park. Under Spanish moss and towering oak trees, Enzian Theater’s Eden Bar (1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland) hosts an impressive menu of cocktails. Many, including the seasonal Jarman’s Blue and Trashtown Fool, are inspired by movies showing next door.
Mixing it up
There are plenty of choices in Orlando for small plates and cocktails. Tori Tori (720 N. Mills Ave.) is a Japanese pub known for their good food and specialty cocktails. The dimly lit interior provides the perfect atmosphere for a chill night out in Mills 50. With a classic, yet modern take on the pink interior, Moderne (1241 E. Colonial Drive) offers residents something new on their cocktail menu every month. Moderne also offers a blend of Asian and Mediterranean-style shareable plates. Santiago’s Bodega (802 Virginia Drive) crafts a unique environment with stained glass and mismatched chairs. Though open all week, Santiago’s is a go-to brunch spot for many locals every weekend.
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This article appears in July 1-7, 2026 — Newcomers Guide.