Orlando is constantly being updated with glitzy new eateries and hangout spots, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about our humble homegrown classics. That’s why we’re highlighting some of the most loved dive bars around town.
And you’ve got lots to choose from — there’s karaoke halls, billiard hotspots, sports bars and plenty more places to grab a cheap beer and a good time. Here are 25 classic dive bars essential to the Orlando experience.
801 E. Washington St., Orlando
Even among the high-end bungalows and shops of Thornton Park, Burton’s remains unapologetically itself: the kind of place to go when you really just want a High Life. Credit: Photo via Burton's/Yelp
3001 Corrine Drive, Orlando
Every city on Earth has a dive bar called Big Daddy’s. If your city has only one dive bar, chances are it’s called Big Daddy’s. Orlando’s take on this time-honored tradition sets itself apart by being the spot for screaming karaoke at people who are just trying to play pool. Credit: Photo via Big Daddy's/Facebook
2408 E Robinson St., Orlando
Boasting itself at Orlando’s best (and oldest – open since 1987!) English pub, Bull & Bush is a traditional pub offering comfort eats and plenty of pints, as well as quiz and comedy nights. Credit: Photo via Bull & Bush/Facebook
2414 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Sportstown is an old school spot, complete with billiards, skee ball, darts and other classic arcade games, plus an all-American menu and extensive beer selection. Credit: Photo via Sportstown/Instagram
1516 McCoy Road, Orlando
Bar One has the spirit of a dive bar and the patio of a family-forward brewery. And it definitely doesn’t hurt that you can ask for a cocktail without being ushered out. Credit: Photo via Bar One/Facebook
1205 N Mills Ave., Orlando
This Mills bar lives in the former home of Conrad’s Shanty, and is now home to plenty of cheap drinks all seven days of the week. Credit: Google Maps
7467 International Drive, Orlando
”Karaoke every freakin’ night.” And they mean it. Sing it out any day of the week starting at 9 p.m. at this hometown dive. Credit: Image via Google Maps
50 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando
There’s always some sort of live music playing in this memorabilia-decked hole-in-the-wall. Venture into downtown after hours and see why Casey’s has been a hit since 1998. Credit: Google Maps
1042 N Mills Ave., Orlando
You can’t list Orlando dives without Will’s. This punky dive has been bringing heavy hitters and heavy pours to Mills for more than two decades, and it remains an ideal hometown destination. Grab a brew, take your turn in the photo booth and catch some homegrown live music – from big-name touring acts to up-and-coming young artists. Credit: Jim Leatherman
1001 N Mills Ave., Orlando
This Mills staple has a full bar, patio, darts annndd its very own liquor store. Everything a nightspot needs to supply a good time. Credit: Wally's Bar and Liquor/Facebook
2401 E South St., Orlando
While this LGBTQ+ dive bar opened up behind many others on this list, it’s no less loved. Just to really drive it all home, they put the word “dive” right there in their name, to really show us they mean business in the realm of the dive bar world. There’s pool tables, dart boards and tons of cheap drinks. Credit: District Dive/Facebook
100 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando
Orlando might not be a hotspot for country music, but its propensity to pull folks from the piney woods of Central Florida is undeniable, and Stagger Inn waits in downtown with open doors. Credit: Photo via Stagger Inn/Facebook
636 Virginia Drive, Orlando
This cozy wine and cigar shop doubles as a locals’ lounge, all opened up by owner Nora Brooker. Enjoy a cigar in the designated cigar room or hang around the patio for the good vibes. Credit: Google Maps
1427 N Orange Ave., Orlando
The Lucky Lure is an open-air Orlando bar with a fish camp vibe and views of Lake Ivanhoe. The spot offers a changing beer list, pool tables, and yes, the spot is dog-friendly. Credit: Google Maps
516 Virginia Drive, Orlando
This dive with a breezy patio has been a consistent hometown presence for decades, although its now serving locals across the street from where it once was stationed. Nonetheless, drinks, eats and good times are to be had here. Credit: The Hideaway Bar
1827 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
Open every day of the week, and every day of the year, The Caboose Bar delivers bar bites, drinks and laid back vibes.
1016 N Mills Ave., Orlando
Part of the slate of Mills music dives, Uncle Lou’s has long been a spot for the down and out to get a drink and take in a live show. It gets loud in this hole-in-the-wall bar and live venue. Credit: Photo via Uncle Lou's/Facebook
5470 Hoffner Ave., Orlando
It’s hard to find a good photo of the inside of Jerry’s which is always a very good sign for a dive bar. This spot offers pool, karaoke and bar foods. Credit: Image via Google Maps
7032 International Drive, Orlando
The “oldest and only Irish owned pub on I-Drive” offers traditional food, imported beers, live music, pool and no shortage of screens displaying the game of the night. For this year’s big green day, Lucky Leprechaun will open its doors at 11 a.m. to start the day with performances from the Irish Dance Academy, Disney’s Reedy Creek Fire Department on pipes and drums, an acoustic set from Steve Brannon and authentic Irish eats (and no cover charge). Credit: Photo via Lucky Leprechaun/Facebook
63 N Orange Ave., Orlando
Another downtown Orlando staple, this pub is known as the home of the City Beautiful’s emo night and a hotspot for vegan hot dogs. Credit: Photo via Sly Fox Pub/Instagram
121 N Bumby Ave., Orlando
This cash-only institution has been slinging cheap drinks for more than half a century on Bumby Ave. It’s a cash-only cozy spot with pool tables, a juke box and some fun decor. Credit: Photo via Whisky Lou's/Facebook
6923 Municipal Drive, Orlando
They probably don’t know your name at this Orlando bar. But you might not either if the cheap pitchers have anything to say about it. Credit: Image via Google Maps
100 S Orange Ave., Orlando
Downtown Orlando spot Tanqueray’s is quite literally a dive. You have to descend down a flight of stairs into this underground bar with live music everyday and plenty to drink. Credit: Image via Google Maps
6159 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando
How often do you get the chance to play ping pong in a bar? This sports-focused dive also offers a small food menu, plus darts, pool and plenty to drink. Credit: Image via Google Maps