We spend a lot of time and energy here at Orlando Weekly telling you about the latest and greatest trends in the libation space. New bar programs, interesting cocktails and themed pop-ups are our bread and butter (to say nothing of butterbeer). But that doesn't mean we don't appreciate a good special on pitchers from an everyday hole in the wall.
In fact, journalist salaries being what they are, you're more likely to find a Weeklian holding court at one of Orlando's many dives than any other corner of the city. There's something to be said for a place that's cool, dark and cheap. Luckily, Orlando has them in abundance.
From downtown institutions like Tanqueray's to relative newcomers like District Dive, there are plenty of places to get a double of well whiskey and toast the City Beautiful. Check out a few of our favorites.
24 essential dive bars in Orlando you should know by now
By Alex Galbraith on Sat, Nov 12, 2022 at 8:00 am
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B Nice/Facebook
B Nice
151 E Washington StDive's aren't normally noted for their stunning views. One upside of of Orlando being littered with lakes is that lakefront property isn't quite so precious. Where other cities would plop a wine bar or a snooty restaurant, we've placed this space for loud music and cheap drinks.
Bar One/Facebook
Bar One Orlando
1516 McCoy Rd., (407) 745-5829Bar One has the spirit of a dive and the patio of a family-forward brewery. Doesn't hurt that you can ask for a cocktail without being ushered out.
Big Daddy's/Facebook
Big Daddy's
3001 Corrine DriveEvery city on Earth has a dive bar called Big Daddy's. If your city has only one dive bar, chances are it's called Big Daddy's. Orlando's take on this time-honored tradition sets itself apart by being the spot for screaming karaoke at people who are just trying to play pool.
Burton's/Facebook
Burton's Thornton Park
801 E Washington St.This dive bar pushes back against the tonier influences of Thornton Park. Even among the high-end bungalows and snooty shops, Burton's remains unapologetically itself: the kind of place to go when you really just want a High Life.
Casey's On Central/Instagram
Casey’s On Central
50 E Central Blvd.There's always somebody playing in this memorabilia-decked hole. Venture into downtown after hours and see why its been a hit since 1998.
Cheers/Facebook
Cheers
6923 Municipal Dr., (407)248-0105They probably don't know your name at this Orlando bar. But you might not either if the cheap pitchers have anything to say about it.
District Dive/Facebook
District Dive
2401 E South St, (407) 601-2813This LGBT dive bar opened up behind many others on this list. Without the patina of years of hardcores, how would folks know that District is casual? They settled for putting dive in the name and going all out on the availability of pool tables, dart boards and cheap drinks.
Grumpy's/Facebook
Grumpy’s Underground Lounge
1018 N Mills Ave, (813) 898-4717This haven for live music and late-night vegan food has kept its corner of Mills humming for years.
Google Maps
Jerry's Nice and Easy
5470 Hoffner Ave, , (407) 447-5222It's hard to find a good photo of the inside of Jerry's which is always a good sign for a dive bar
Lucky Lure
The Lucky Lure
1427 N Orange Ave, (407) 250-6949Lucky Lure shows Orlando is spoiled for choice when it comes to dive bars with excellent views.
Nora's Sugar Shack
Nora’s Sugar Shack
636 Virginia Drive, (407) 447-5885You can't just take a name like Nora's Sugar Shack. You have to earn it by being a proper dive. Luckily, this dog-friendly bar has the spirit.
O'Shucks/Facebook
O’Shucks Pub & Karaoke Bar
7467 International Drive, (407) 352-7892Brave I-Drive for this great karaoke dive. Feel free to sing to confused tourists in a vintage ADTR 'Fuck You From Florida' tee.
Orena/Facebook
Orena Sports Bar
6159 Westwood Blvd , (407) 370-0303How often do you get the chance to play ping pong in a bar? This sports-focused dive also has decent bar grub.
Shovelhead/Facebook
Shovelhead Lounge
900 Hwy 17, LongwoodThis Longwood hangout is a great place to grab drinks and catch a metal act or three.
Sly Fox/Facebook
Sly Fox Bar
63 N Orange Ave, (407) 601-4658Another downtown Orlando staple, this pub is known as the home of the City Beautiful's emo night and a hotspot for vegan hot dogs.
St. Matthew's Tavern/Facebook
St. Matthew's Tavern
1300 N Mills AveSt. Matthew's name is only semi-ironic. The gathering space for all kinds of folks started its life as both a bar and a meeting space for a local Catholic group on Sunday morning. That group's mass has moved on The Center but the "anyone's welcome" vibe has remained.
Stagger Inn/Facebook
Stagger Inn
100 E Central Blvd,, (407) 317-8484Orlando might not be a hotspot for country music, but its propensity to pull folks from the piney woods of Central Florida is notable. They need somewhere to drink and Stagger Inn fits the bill quite nicely.
Suffering Bastard/Facebook
Suffering Bastard
200 South Myrtle Ave, SanfordFlorida does things a little different and that goes double for its dives. While Sanford's Suffering Bastard certainly nails the atmosphere of a typical dive, the menu is strictly tiki.
Tanqueray's/Facebook
Tanqueray’s
100 S. Orange Ave., (407) 649-8540Tanqueray’s is quite literally a dive. You have to descend into this underground bar with live music everyday and an awesome atmosphere.
The Hideaway Bar
The Hideaway Bar
516 Virginia Dr.This dive with a breezy patio has been a consistent presence for decades. New development in the area means that their home on Virginia drive might soon shuffle to a new spot across the street. Take in that hard-won essence while you can.
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