There’s no limit to the walks of life, personalities and cultures that call Orlando home, so it only makes sense that the city’s diverse community is mirrored by its endless nightlife options. Decades-old spots handing out cheap beers and karaoke mics aren’t hard to come by around town, but neither are the spaces serving up a bit more of an elevated ambience and high-end libations. Orlandoans in the market for a fancier bar where they can get a little dressed up for an intimate date night, special celebration or just a trendy night out have plenty of choices.
Death in the Afternoon
This “friendly neighborhood absinthe house” launched in late 2023 and was named for the Ernest Hemingway-created cocktail made with champagne and absinthe. Expect a moody, speakeasy feel and, as you can probably imagine, strong drinks.
930 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/death.in.the.afternoon
The Moderne
The Moderne is a contemporary cocktail bar serving up a rotating menu of both classic and reinvented beverages, plus tasty Asian-inspired tapas.
1241 E. Colonial Drive, themodernebar.com
Quicksand
Open seven days a week, this new spot specializes in natural wine and European-inspired fare in a dimly lit, intimate Colonial Drive space.
1903 E. Colonial Drive, quicksand.wine
Guesthouse/Sunroom
These homey, chill next-door-neighbor bars each offer a creative menu, ample bar and table seating, and good vibes. Out back, there’s a worth-the-wait patio seating area that connects the two.
1319 and 1321 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/the_guesthouse, sunroomcocktails.com
Alfie’s HiFi
A vinyl listening bar with a ’70s-inspired retro vibe, Alfie’s HiFi is a venture opened earlier this year by Team Market Group. Guests can order disco-era cocktails like Midori sours and Pink Ladies every day of the week (except Monday).
1300 N. Mills Ave., alfieshifi.com
Proper
Another vinyl listening bar in town, Proper offers a space for analog music listening, well-made drinks and a proper good time.
112 S. Orange Ave., properorlando.com
The Phoenix Jazz Club
One floor down from Mathers Social Gathering in a building almost as old as the city (140 years!), the Phoenix offers live jazz Wednesday-Saturday in a moody, dimly lit room full of velvet, stained glass, candles and craft cocktails.
69 E. Pine St., thephoenixjazzclub.com
Otto’s High Dive
This Milk District-born “neighborhood rum bar” offers a lush, design-forward ambience and plenty of (of course) rum-based libations and tasty Cuban fare.
2304 E. Robinson St., ottoshd.com
The Courtesy Bar
An influential part of Orlando’s craft-cocktail scene, the Courtesy offers delicious (and ambitious) drinks and small plates wrapped up in a sophisticated setting full of vintage furnishings and good vibes.
1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, thecourtesybar.com
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This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2025 and City Guide (2025).
