Orlando is not exactly a place of deep history, which is why the businesses that do persist in this ever-changing city are that much more impressive. And who better to toast to than the ones who’ve been pouring the drinks all these years? With popular bars like Redlight Redlight celebrating their 10-year anniversary, we looked even further back in time to identify which bars have aged like fine wine over the years (like Wally’s and George’s and Will’s and Kiwi’s!).
This is by no means a comprehensive list, and we would love to hear from more of Orlando’s bar owners about the rich histories of their establishments. Comment if there’s a bar you love that’s holding strong and pouring strong in equal parts.
Independent Bar – 31 years70 N. Orange Ave.Affectionately known as I-Bar, the drinks that have been flowing here for more than 30 years have served the exclusive purpose of greasing the dance floors (they have two of them) where nearly every Orlandoan has gotten loose at least once. Photo by Christopher GarciaRedlight Redlight – 10 years2810 Corinne DriveThe most recent bar to join the 10+ club is nationally acclaimed craft beer bar Redlight Redlight. Currently in its third location (and its biggest), Redlight Redlight also recently began brewing their own craft beer. Related: Redlight Redlight is throwing a weeklong beer party for their 10 year anniversaryPhoto by Studio222 PhotographyBackbooth – 11 years37 W. Pine St.Originally located near UCF, Backbooth changed owners and is currently under brothers Aaron and Adam Wright in their always-humming new spot downtown. With some of downtown’s favorite dance nights immediately following some of the area’s best underground concerts, Backbooth packs in fun like no other bar in town, and on busy nights, they run with two bars operating to keep the party going.Big Belly Brewery – 26 years33 W. Church St. Opened in 1999, Big Belly actually was a brewery until 2002. According to their website, it’s “rumored that J.E. Nicholson [Big Belly himself] and Bernard Dreyfus ran a speak-easy in 1992 above their then clothing store and was codenamed ‘Bernie’s Buffet Club,'” so the culture there dates back a little further. Photo via churchstreetbars.comWally’s Mills Ave Liquor – 67 years1001 N Mills Ave.Originally opened in 1948, Wally’s was handed down from Wally to his daughter and remains in the family. With the longest happy hour in Orlando, these old stiffs are only serious about their pours and flip the phrase: it’s been a business doing pleasure with you.Photo via Wally’s on Mills on FacebookStardust Video and Coffee – 16 years1842 Winter Park Road For 16 years, the quirky scene at Stardust has been sipping strong (whether that’s an imaginative drink from their whimsical bar or their notably intense coffee) in Audubon Park. Their liquor shelf is tops, and the drink specials nearly always have a clever, pop-culture-oriented theme.Sportstown
Free
2414 E Robinson St, Orlando
(407) 894-6258
sportstownbilliards.com
Sportstown has a super cheap happy hour and if your date is into billiards, there’s free pool from 12-4 p.m.Devaney’s Sports Pub – 24 years7660 University Blvd, Winter ParkOpened in 1991, Devaney’s Sports Pub is a spot to flag for St. Patrick’s Day should you ever need to wing it, and is about the same age as its patrons, who are graduating from UCF house parties to wild bar culture with beer-guzzling grace.Photo via Devaney’s Sports Pub on FacebookWill’s Pub – 20 years1042 N Mills Ave.Opened in 1995, Will’s Pub has changed from its original location but remained under the same owner, whose name’s on the place. They’ve made some changes – non-smoking, liquor added, that lil bar next door – but what keeps regulars fastened to their stools is that it always feels the same.Big Daddy’s Roadhouse – 18 years3001 Corrine Dr.Big Daddy’s Roadhouse recently came under the new ownership of Frankie Guerrero. They also recently added liquor, so your liquid courage options for their widely regarded as city-best karaoke nights (every night) has expanded beyond the 33 draft options.Photo via Big Daddy’s Orlando on FacebookBull & Bush
2408 E. Robinson St., 407-896-7546Chillers – 23 years33 W. Church St. Established in 1992, Chillers froze out your typical drink order to become the only frozen daiquiri bar downtown. Show up on Wednesdays to slurp on the cheap.Photo via Chillers, Big Belly, Latitudes on FacebookGeorge’s Bar and Grill – 44 years5507 Edgewater DriveOpened in 1971 and commonly called George’s Hideaway, this is one of Orlando’s oldest bars. It is family owned and operated, with a massive bar, plenty of table seating, games for the sporting types, plus a liquor store next door.Kiwi’s Pub and Grill – 21 yearsSan Sebastian Square, 801 W. State Road 436, Altamonte SpringsOpened on July 7th, 1994, Kiwi’s is owned by childhood best friends Mike Hood and Rick Culmer, who came to Orlando from New Zealand. There has been no change in ownership over the years. Although it appears like a “hole in the wall” from the outside, once you’re inside, you’ll be surprised by roomy atmosphere with tons of high-tops and the wide bar, plus there’s plenty of fun to get into mingling with the very talkative crowd the pub draws.Photo via Kiwi’s Pub & Grill on Facebook
