Look, the bar scene in downtown Orlando is great. In fact, it’s never been better. But there’s plenty of  kickass watering holes that aren’t on Church or Orange that should also be on your radar. Here are a few of our favorite spots to get boozy that aren’t in downtown Orlando.

The Waterfront 4201 S Orange Ave, 407-240-2557 Originally known as Julie’s Waterfront, this redone spot has an upgraded menu and views overlooking Lake Jennie Jewel. Happy hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with half-off drinks starting at 10 p.m. until close. Photo via Waterfront/Facebook
The Guesthouse 1321 N Mills Ave., 407-630-6574 This relatively new addition to the Mills 50 bar scene is becoming a bit of a local’s favorite. With lots of greenery, string lights and stiff cocktails, Guesthouse is pretty much a mandatory weekend stop. Photo via Guesthouse/Facebook
Park Social Retro Cocktail Den 358 N Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-636-7020 Vintage couches and decor ranging from the ‘50s to ‘70s makeup this blast-from-the-past retro bar. Holding true to their theme, they play music ranging from old school to modern so you can boogie all night. Photo via Facebook
Eden Bar 1300 S Orlando Ave., Maitland,407-629-1088 Eden Bar is the outdoor bar for the Enzian Theater. Although you don’t need to purchase a movie ticket to dine or drink, it offers daily food and drink specials, as well as lunch and a late night menu. Photo via Enzian Theater/Facebook
Will’s Pub 1042 N Mills Ave. Will’s Pub has been a host and cornerstone to Orlando’s live music scene for years. But it’s not just music, comedy, fairs, art shows– just about every night of the week you can find something weird enough for even the seasoned Orlandoan. Photo via Will’s Pub/Facebook
Stardust Video & Coffee 1842 E Winter Park Rd., 407-623-3393 This bar disguised as a coffee shop and bookstore is for the artists, poets and the wandering soul. They offer a new Scotch Bar and speciality drinks. The staff picks are the Blackberry Peach Old Fashioned and the Scottish Heavy beer. The bar opens in the evenings but the staff will gladly make you a drink in the morning to cure your hangover. Photo via Facebook
Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors 3231, 1001 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-6975 Just reopened under new management, Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors is a long-time Orlando landmark, existing even before Disney. A hub for Orlando locals, you can usually find people of all types drinking at this watering hole, from late-shift workers to city commissioners. Photo via Wally’s/Facebook
The Imperial 116 E 1st St., Sanford, 407-732-6956 This bar is located smack in the middle of an imported furniture shop. Shop your heart out while enjoying signature cocktails and beers in downtown Sanford. Photo via The Imperial/Facebook
Whiskey Lou’s Lounge 121 N Bumby Ave.,407-896-2593 Whiskey Lou’s Lounge is about as classic a dive bar as you can go to. They have pool tables, a jukebox and live music throughout the week per the new management. Photo by Amanda Reh
Gnarly Barley Gnarly Barley 7431 S Orange Ave.,407-854-4999 This restaurant is more than just brisket tacos and gourmet grilled cheese. They offer 16 beers on tap and events like Kill the Keg on Saturdays which is $3 drafts starting at 6 p.m. until the keg runs out. Photo via Gnarly Barley /Facebook
Sportstown
Vanbarry’s Public House 4120 S Orange Ave., 407-704-8881 Casual dining eatery and bar with extensive outdoor seating that includes a fire pit and lounge chairs. Their food selection ranges from typical bar food to full-size family meal options. They have various craft beers, but their specialty lies in cocktails and mixed drinks. Photo via Vanbarry’s Public House/Facebook
Big Daddy’s 3001 Corrine Dr., 407-644-2844 Located in Audubon Park, this bar was voted the #1 karaoke spot in Central Florida in last year’s Best of Orlando voting. Karaoke is offered here every night, plus they have pool tables and dart boards for those less-inclined to get up on stage. Martini Mondays are worth it as well, which means 50 cents off Martinis from 9 p.m. to close and Hospitality Nights on Sundays which offers $3 sake shots and 50 cents off all draft beer from 9 p.m. to close. Photo via Big Daddy’s/Facebook
Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub 2421 Curry Ford Rd., 407-895-1555 Imported beers and wines, traditional pub grub and live traditional music are what this Irish pub boasts most about. Their selection includes stouts, lagers, pilsners and ales to be paired with sandwiches, pies and soup all made from scratch. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub & Eatery 544 W Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-2050 Featuring authentic Irish decoration, live music and Irish-inspired food, this bar teleports you right into the heart of Ireland. Since it opens in the morning, you can live like a true Irishman and start your day off with a pint. Photo via Fiddler’s Green/Facebook
Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden 1800 N Orange Ave., 407-228-4992 Imported furniture for sale as well as sitting fill the room and give this space its unique atmosphere. Equipped with a bar and patio area to kick back and hang out in a relaxed environment, it also has local food trucks rotate in and out Monday through Saturday. Photo via Imperial Washburn Imports/Facebook
M Lounge 2000 N Orange Ave. Suite 300, 321-430-1140 A trip on a glass elevator takes you to this rooftop bar and acoustic music accompanys your night overlooking Winter Park. Guests can enjoy speciality drinks and cocktails with happy hour Wednesday through Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Photo via M Lounge/Facebook
The Porch 643 N Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-571-9101 The Porch offers daily food and drink promotions with special brunch menus for the weekends. Picnic style benches and tables fill the space while food is served on classic red and white checkered paper sheets reminiscent of a sunny summer’s afternoon barbeque. Photo by Rob Bartlett
Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour and Brewery 2810 Corrine Dr., 407-83-9832 Wednesdays mark ‘wine Wednesdays’ in this bar, which means every glass of wine is $2 less for the entire night. They produce their own craft beer, specializing in sour and wild beers, using their own in-house brew-system. Photo via Redlight Redlight/Facebook
The Hideaway Bar 516 Virginia Dr., 407-898-5892 Open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, The Hideaway Bar is sure to be open whenever it is you get off work. This popular Virginia Drive staple features a pinball machine, a pool table and murals in Miami Dolphins colors of women in The Hideaway jersey. Photo by Ashley Belanger
The Hammered Lamb 1235 N Orange Ave., 407-704-3200 Sandwiched between Lake Ivanhoe and the SunRail train tracks, this bar is most famous for their “train shots” (every time a train passes, everyone gets free shots) among other features such as ping pong and live music, and it’s a great spot to watch a Orlando City match. Photo via The Hammered Lamb/Facebook

Additional Slideshows