The nightlife and drinking scene in Orlando is no joke — there are places perfect for any type of nighttime mood you may find yourself in. But maybe most exciting is discovering some of our watering holes and speakeasies off the beaten path.
Some of these spots offer clandestine bars or patios, some are fully concealed from oblivious passersby, some just give off that ’20s speakeasy vibe … but all of them offer good drinks and good times. Here are 19 of Orlando’s best speakeasies you might not know about, but definitely should.
Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E. Pine St., Orlando
Don’t let the “shoe repair” name fool you — this is a classic bar in downtown Orlando serving tasty cocktails and a good time. And if you didn’t know already, this place is a speakeasy so you’ll only be allowed in with a secret password. Call 407-476-9446 on the day of your visit to get it (shhh). Credit: Photo via Hanson’s Shoe Repair/FacebookVault 5421
5421 International Drive, Orlando
The speakeasy-style venue, located in the back room of I-Drive comic shop Gods & Monsters, has a large selection of beers, ciders, meads, wine, sake, themed cocktails and shots. Vault 5421 celebrated its sixth anniversary this year, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to head out and wish them a happy belated if you haven’t already. Credit: Photo via Google MapsThe Courtesy Bar
1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
One of the first Orlando bars to kickstart the craft-cocktail movement here, the Courtesy is a don’t-miss on any true connoisseur’s barhop. In addition to the delicious drinks, the vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy: Lighting and sound levels are both pleasingly low, while style points for the vintage furnishings are high. Credit: Photo via The Courtesy Bar/FacebookThe Courtesy Bar
1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
The Bandbox is one of the few establishments specializing in non-alcoholic drinks – and quite possibly the most dedicated to its craft. The Bandbox aims to provide an intimate, exclusive speakeasy atmosphere for everyone, even those who prefer a mocktail. Credit: Photo via The Bandbox/InstagramMathers Social Gathering
3 Phoenix Building, 30 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando
Several times voted Orlando’s best downtown bar and best cocktail by our readers, Mathers Social Gathering will really take you back in time with its speakeasy atmosphere and the elaborate process you’ll go through to get inside. There’s kitschy Bathtub Gin cocktails, sure, but also a swinging blue velvet couch, dueling pianos, bustling burlesque nights and even a resident poet. Credit: Photo via Mathers Social Gathering/FacebookImperial Wine and Beer Garden
1800 N. Orange Ave., Orlando
This unlikely drinking spot is tucked away in the back of Washburn Imports, a high-end furniture store in Ivanhoe Village. When you step inside the homey living room-esque bar area, you may be hesitant to sit on (or even touch, for that matter) the exquisitely crafted furnishings. We suggest grabbing a drink from the moderate list of boutique wines and heading to the comfortably squished outdoor beer garden embellished with natural cedar loveseats and soft, twinkly lighting. Credit: Photo via Imperial Wine and Beer Garden/FacebookHigh T
23 W. Church St., Orlando
This tripped-out themed bar is an ode to Alice in Wonderland in every way possible. From craft cocktails with a play on words such as “Maybe I’m Dreaming” and “Travel by Hat” to over-the-top decor, this spot is really a trip down the rabbit hole. Credit: Photo via High T/FacebookCocktails and Screams
39 W. Pine St.
Orlando’s only Halloween-themed bar has plenty of spooky spots to snag a pic, including a bone-covered witch doctor bar and a replica of the hallway from The Shining.
Photo via Cocktails and Screams/Facebook Credit: Photo via Cocktails and Screams/FacebookPermanent Vacation
106 Lake Ave., Maitland
“Always a great experience at Permanent Vacation. It’s a tiki experience with friendly bartenders, great food, cool decor, and really an overall great time. We got the chicken and steak skewers, both were great but I especially loved the chicken. It had an amazing charred flavor.” — Colleen G. Credit: Photo via Permanent Vacation/InstagramArgonaut Bar
122 W. Ruby St., Tavares
This submarine-themed bar and lounge is decked out in colorful lights and oddball decor. The spot serves wine, craft beer, tiki drinks, specialty cocktails and tapas-style food offerings. Credit: Photo via Argonaut Bar/FacebookArgonaut Bar
201-205 E.First St., Sanford
Hollerbach’s is an Orlando-area mainstay that’s been around for decades. But what you may not know about is the restaurant and bar tucked away on the building’s second floor. Überkeller serves craft cocktails and plenty of beer. Credit: Photo via Hollerbach's/YelpThe Vintage Speakeasy
13526 Village Park Drive, Orlando
This bistro and speakeasy-inspired bar offers a traditional prohibition era-themed handcrafted cocktail experience with a modern twist. Credit: Photo via The Vintage Speakeasy/InstagramOrlando nightclub The Treehouse on East Pine Street Credit: Photo via The Treehouse/InstagramAnn Teague’s Lamp Supply
22 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando,
Take a step in, and you’ll find this unsuspecting “lamp supply” store is really a dimly lit cocktail bar (although they like to call themselves a mixology lab). You’ll find a neighborhood bar feel with the experience of a prohibition era-style speakeasy. Credit: Photo via Ann Teague's Lamp SupplyTaco Kat
11 S. Court Ave., Orlando
Luckily for Taco Kat, the new downtown taquería is being met with approving purrs. It’s the first taquería in town to specialize solely in Sonoran-style tacos, of which harina, not maíz, tortillas form the base. Under the charge of Team Market Group executive chef Nick Grecco, Taco Kat makes their tortillas in-house using Sonoran wheat flour. The result: tortillas that are thin, browned, chewy and plenty pliable. Credit: photo by Rob BartlettThe Guesthouse
1321 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Watch out – if you’re not paying attention you might just drive right past this Mills 50 bar and hangout spot. The Guesthouse offers a sprawling bar with ample seating indoors, plus the worth-the-wait patio out back. It’s more intimate (meaning you might need to fight for a spot) but the vibe is worth it. Credit: Photo via The Guesthouse/FacebookSunroom
1319 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Located on the same block as The Guesthouse, Sunroom is similarly tucked away along Mills Ave. This cocktail bar offers a creative menu, ample bar and table seating and good vibes. Credit: Photo via Sunroom/Yelp
1560 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista Disney created the fictional Enzo’s as an underground, Prohibition-era, rum-running tunnel, which the no-last-name bootlegger Enzo happened upon one day and duly transformed into a subterranean grotto for hungry drunks. Even if you don’t choose to suspend disbelief in the backstory, it’s a sprawling warren of secret tunnels in which to get lost, as well as to find some damn good drinks. Credit: Photo via Enzo’s Hideaway/FacebookWally’s Bar and Liquors
1001 N Mills Ave., Orlando
Wally’s has more than once brought home the title of best dive bar in Orlando, according to Orlando Weekly readers. There’s a full bar, patio, darts annndd its very own liquor store. Everything a dive bar should have. Credit: Photo via Wally's Bar and Liquors/Facebook
