Even though we’re only half way through 2017, its already been a good year for new bars around in Orlando. The metro Orlando area is currently blessed with some up-and-coming watering holes, including a few new breweries. Here are a few brand-spanking new bars that are worth checking out.
Ace Cafe
100 W. Livingston St., 407-996-6686
The original Ace Cafe was actually established in London in 1938, but it made it eventually made its way to the states. The Orlando cafe–located in the building that used to house this very publication–has been revamped with a beer garden, outdoor stage, and the Stonebridge Motorgallery, which showcases motorsports and rock & roll-inspired artwork, photography, sculptures, and memorabilia, as well as vintage and custom motorcycles. The location also houses a full restaurant, coffee bar, a BMW bike dealership, and more.
Photo via acecafeorlando_official/InstagramWhat to drink here: Bloody Marys from the Bloody Mary Bar at Sunday Brunch
Photo via acecafeorlando_official/InstagramBurton’s Bar
801 E. Washington St., 407-425-3720
When Burton’s closed its doors in February after 80 years of business, the owners of The Lodge and The Woods–two other downtown Orlando bars–took it upon themselves to save it. Though there are now pool tables and additional seating, they were sure to retain the bar’s classic atmosphere. You can sit at the bar and watch sports while downing Miller Lites, debate politics while kicking game-animal ass at Big Buck Hunter, discuss the last book you read over a round of Lagunitas IPAs or just watch Thornton Park street life pass you by as you lounge outside with your dog.
Photo via orlandobungalower/InstagramWhat to drink here: Terrapin Watermelon Gose, Ace Pineapple Hard Cider, Sixpointe Lo-Res, Sixpointe The Crisp
Photo via burtonsthorntonpark/InstagramThe Copper Rocket Pub
106 Lake Ave. Maitland, 407-636-3171
The Copper Rocket has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. A month after it first closed in March of 2015, it revealed a relaunch for its 20 year anniversary. Two years later, it was featured on the television show Bar Rescue where it underwent a total makeover. You can no longer smoke inside, but you can choose from the new selection of craft beers, wines, and late-night bites. Don’t forget to check out the open mic nights and performances from local comedy and music acts.
Photo via orlandoweekly/InstagramWhat to drink here: Big In Japan Sake Beer
Photo via tonysoundsgood/InstagramDirty Laundry
1030 N. Mills Ave.
The intimate outdoor bar is a part of Will’s Pub, so it’s no surprise that this spot rocks. Enjoy cheap beers, tiki drinks, and the new boozy popsicles to keep you cool in the Florida heat, all while jamming to heavy metal. How’s that for the best of both worlds?
Photo via dirtylaundry____/InstagramWhat to drink here: Nuns Have No Fun
Photo via dirtylaundry____/InstagramFlamecraft Bar at SeaWorld
7007 Sea World Drive, 1-407-545-5550
Located inside the Seafire Grill, the Flamecraft Bar offers a rotating list of 16 craft beers. Buy a souvenir pilsner and you can get refills for $7.99, and munch on appetizers like nachos and a pretzel that weighs in at over a pound if you’re hungry. However, don’t expect to evade the high prices that are common for theme park fare.
Photo via socalcoaster521What to drink here: Pineapple Beach Ale
Photo via _timsmyth/InstagramGeyser Point Bar & Grill
901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-824-3200
The new eatery at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers water-side lounge seating, handcrafted cocktails, small plates and a quick-service walk-up window for eating on the go. Sipping on a frozen cocktail amid the Pacific Northwest-inspired ambience will leave you feeling sophisticated.
Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.comWhat to drink here: Huckleberry Punch
Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.comIrish Shannon’s Local Pub
41 W. Church St., 407-866-1191
Opened in late spring, this Irish pub boasts a full liquor bar, 16 beers on tap, and a selection of unique Irish whiskeys and vodkas. Stop by for their weekly drink specials and events like karaoke, trivia nights, and live musical performances. Of course, don’t forget game days, too; their five 60-inch HD televisions play the latest soccer and UFC matches, NFL games, and more.
Photo via orlandoweekly/InstagramWhat to drink here: Harp Irish Ale
Photo via Irish Shannon’s/FacebookJoysticks Arcade Bar and Lounge
69 E. Pine St. (second floor), 407-613-5007
Joysticks spares no detail when it comes to re-creating the neon frenzy of the 1980s. Homages to Jaws, The Goonies and other nostalgia-heavy flicks abound, and there are more than enough arcade and console video games to go around (including couches with old Nintendos hooked up to TVs for adventurous nerds on dates). The drink menu matches the bar’s over-the-top theme with specialty cocktails using dry ice and colorful liqueurs to concoct science-project worthy beverages.
Photo via joysticksorlando/InstagramWhat to drink here: Shark Attack
Photo via riff_majors/InstagramLion’s Pride
123 W. Church St., 407-203-4099
This Orlando City Soccer-themed bar sports more than 50 televisions airing men’s and women’s soccer matches from around the world, all year round. Lion’s Pride provides the perfect atmosphere for supporting your city while downing some great beer and much more than your average sports bar grub.
Photo via Lion’s Pride Orlando/FacebookWhat to drink here: Pineapple Caipirinha
Photo via b.damota/InstagramM Lounge
2000 N. Orange Ave., 407-448-1631
Located in the former Orlando Surgery Center building, M Lounge is Ivanhoe Village’s first rooftop bar. Access to the upscale bar requires a trip in the external glass elevator to the top floor. The craft cocktails, imported beers and wines and a beautiful view of downtown make for a pretty fancy night out.
Photo via M Lounge/FacebookWhat to drink here: Piña Under the Sun
Photo via M Lounge/FacebookMathers Social Gathering
30 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-250-5005
You won’t find a better-looking throwback bar than Mathers Social Gathering. The space is decked out in early 20th-century opulence, from comfortable leather armchairs to polished wooden bookcases to some of the best mood lighting around. Touches of local history abound, including seats and a giant U.S. flag rescued from Tinker Field. Just know that you’re going to have to pay a steep price for the privilege of drinking anything here. There’s also a dress code, so suit up.
Photo via mathersorlando/InstagramWhat to drink here: Frozé
Photo via Mathers Social Gathering/FacebookRock & Brews
6897 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-367-2840
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley brought their rockin’ restaurant chain to the Lee Vista area. The burger and beer joint features an assortment of rock-themed decor, a “Great Wall of Rock,” and a variety of music-themed artwork. The crazy-long list of beers, ciders and wines will make you want to rock and roll all night–and party every day.
Photo via rockandbrewsorlando/InstagramWhat to drink here: Metal Mule
Photo via rockandbrewsorlando/InstagramSanford Brewing Co.
400 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6419
Sanford Brewing Company serves up one of the greatest bar food-and-beer tandems in Central Florida. The wood-paneled taproom’s sumptuous bacon flights, hand-breaded chicken tenders and customizable mac & cheese delightfully twist the typical bar menu, while they also sling tasty home-spun brews that stand among Orlando’s best.
Photo via sanfordbrewing/InstagramWhat to drink here: Chocolate Raspberry Porter
Photo via klc714/InstagramThe Nest
4963 New Broad St., 407-629-6601
The Nest has quickly begun to take its place among the competition against other craft bars like Hanson’s Shoe Repair and Courtesy Bar. The “mixologists” behind the bar curate seasonal drink menus with out-of-this-world creations.
Photo via The Nest Bar Orlando/FacebookWhat to drink here: The Baldwin Park Swizzle
Photo via orlando.foodie/Instagram
