The Matador is closing
You may have heard the rumors that the Matador, one of our favorite downtown watering holes, is closing. Sadly, it's true. Co-owner Jon Davis confirmed on Facebook this week: "The Matador downtown is leaving at the end of this month. (Not our fault!) But plan on relocating in a different area that makes more sense. Eight years of hard work/fun at this location! Let's blow out these last few days downtown and thank you to all our fans and employees for a great run! We will be back!"
Bid farewell to the old Matador with a roast taking place at the bar on Wednesday, Nov. 28 (9 p.m., 56 E. Pine St.), then sit tight while we wait to hear when and where the new Matador will spring up. We think it would make a nice addition to the collection of awesome bars that call Mills 50 home.
Wine sellers
Two new (ish) concept bars focusing on wine are up and running in Orlando. First, there's Quantum Leap Wine Winery (1312 Wilfred Drive) near the intersection of Mills Avenue and Virginia Drive has transformed a warehouse space into a sleek, modern wine-tasting room. Quantum Leap doesn't own a vineyard – rather, the owners have partnered with producers from various wine regions to bring their products to Orlando customers. Quantum Leap has limited hours – 2-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday – but the space is also open by appointment.
The owners of Uptown Park Wine Bar in Baldwin Park have opened 111 Wine and Champagne Bar at 111 E. Washington St. In addition to wine and beer, the menu has an impressive list of bubbles – proseccos, cavas, sparkling wines, champagnes – and the prices range from affordably delicious ($9 splits of select sparkling or prosecco) to the deliciously decadent ($700 bottle of Angel, anyone?).
