Sometimes a beer just doesn't cut it and since cocktails are a necessary part of any well-balanced alcohol diet, here are a few Orlando watering holes that do mixology right.
The 20 best cocktail bars in Orlando, right now
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Mar 25, 2016 at 4:55 pm
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The Courtesy Bar
114 N. Orange Ave.; 407-450-2041
The Courtesy is a don’t-miss on any true connoisseur’s barhop. Truly creative drink recipes are tested exhaustively before hitting the menu – no “hey, this might be good” sloppiness here – and only a few customer favorites stick around through the menu’s seasonal updates. 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 and long banquette are high.
Photo via The Courtesy/Facebook
114 N. Orange Ave.; 407-450-2041
The Courtesy is a don’t-miss on any true connoisseur’s barhop. Truly creative drink recipes are tested exhaustively before hitting the menu – no “hey, this might be good” sloppiness here – and only a few customer favorites stick around through the menu’s seasonal updates. 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 and long banquette are high.
Photo via The Courtesy/Facebook
Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446
The speakeasy theme has been done to death, but Hanson’s does it right – you have to call ahead to get a password; only a limited number of people are allowed into the dim, narrow, impeccably designed space; and the craft cocktails are out of this world. No vodka served here – vodka wasn’t part of the American cocktail lexicon during the Prohibition era – but the bartenders will be happy to mix you something that’ll prove even more satisfying than that Cosmopolitan you may have had in mind.
Photo by Patrick Chin/via Hanson's Shoe Repair Facebook
27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446
The speakeasy theme has been done to death, but Hanson’s does it right – you have to call ahead to get a password; only a limited number of people are allowed into the dim, narrow, impeccably designed space; and the craft cocktails are out of this world. No vodka served here – vodka wasn’t part of the American cocktail lexicon during the Prohibition era – but the bartenders will be happy to mix you something that’ll prove even more satisfying than that Cosmopolitan you may have had in mind.
Photo by Patrick Chin/via Hanson's Shoe Repair Facebook
Aku Aku Tiki Bar
431 E. Central Blvd.; 407-839-0080
It's a dark, intimate lounge ripe for a takeover – a group of a dozen could own the place. Comfy 1950s rattan furniture, a giant tiki idol, leaning surfboards, and hanging blowfish and glass floats set the scene for sweet-but-not-too Zombies, Singapore slings and Volcano bowls. Try (not to fall over after finishing) the Tigerfucker, built from 44 North huckleberry vodka and house-made blackberry-jalapeño syrup, topped with a flaming sugar cube and served in a huge glass goblet.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
431 E. Central Blvd.; 407-839-0080
It's a dark, intimate lounge ripe for a takeover – a group of a dozen could own the place. Comfy 1950s rattan furniture, a giant tiki idol, leaning surfboards, and hanging blowfish and glass floats set the scene for sweet-but-not-too Zombies, Singapore slings and Volcano bowls. Try (not to fall over after finishing) the Tigerfucker, built from 44 North huckleberry vodka and house-made blackberry-jalapeño syrup, topped with a flaming sugar cube and served in a huge glass goblet.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
The Guest House
1321 N. Mills Ave., 407-630-6574
All vestiges of the old Peacock Room are erased at the Guesthouse, Mills 50’s newest, chillest hangout. The many hanging plants (and the nifty palm-print wallpaper in the restrooms) give it a fern-bar feel; the lighting’s soft glow and the cushion-strewn couch pick up on that pick-up vibe. The walls, ceiling and floor are all dark, and the flickering candles and hanging globes give this bar the most flattering lighting ever. You’ll feel like you’re floating as you sit at the bar, quaffing carefully shaken craft cocktails. Don’t miss the Army-Navy, a gin-based wonder.
Photo by the_guesthouse/Instagram
1321 N. Mills Ave., 407-630-6574
All vestiges of the old Peacock Room are erased at the Guesthouse, Mills 50’s newest, chillest hangout. The many hanging plants (and the nifty palm-print wallpaper in the restrooms) give it a fern-bar feel; the lighting’s soft glow and the cushion-strewn couch pick up on that pick-up vibe. The walls, ceiling and floor are all dark, and the flickering candles and hanging globes give this bar the most flattering lighting ever. You’ll feel like you’re floating as you sit at the bar, quaffing carefully shaken craft cocktails. Don’t miss the Army-Navy, a gin-based wonder.
Photo by the_guesthouse/Instagram
The Matador
724 Virginia Drive
Matador is the best of both worlds: It’s a dark dive with plenty of seating, where you can get an adventurous craft cocktail or just order up your usual drink. The patio is typically jumping after hours, but happy hour is normally chill. It’s almost too easy to order round after round in this well-rounded Ivanhoe watering hole.
Photo by Chris Martin via Matador/Facebook
724 Virginia Drive
Matador is the best of both worlds: It’s a dark dive with plenty of seating, where you can get an adventurous craft cocktail or just order up your usual drink. The patio is typically jumping after hours, but happy hour is normally chill. It’s almost too easy to order round after round in this well-rounded Ivanhoe watering hole.
Photo by Chris Martin via Matador/Facebook
Eden Bar
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; 407-629-1088
It’s a place that can make a couple looking for craft cocktails just as happy as a crowd who just want to split a few pitchers of beer. The splashing fountain and tropical landscaping make it picturesque (when the weather’s nice), the menu is a good balance of satisfying bar snacks and more upscale fare, and the best movies in town are screening inside, just steps away. Unbeatable.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland; 407-629-1088
It’s a place that can make a couple looking for craft cocktails just as happy as a crowd who just want to split a few pitchers of beer. The splashing fountain and tropical landscaping make it picturesque (when the weather’s nice), the menu is a good balance of satisfying bar snacks and more upscale fare, and the best movies in town are screening inside, just steps away. Unbeatable.
Photo by Rob Bartlett
Bosendorfer Lounge
325 S. Orange Ave., 866-663-0024
One of the best places to grab a martini before a show at Dr. Phillips, the Bosendorfer (located inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel) is a classy bar with classy drinks for the classy downtown clientele.
Photo via grandbohemianhotel.com
325 S. Orange Ave., 866-663-0024
One of the best places to grab a martini before a show at Dr. Phillips, the Bosendorfer (located inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel) is a classy bar with classy drinks for the classy downtown clientele.
Photo via grandbohemianhotel.com
Lil Indies
1036 N. Mills Ave., 407-748-8256
The bartenders at Lil Indies know how to make a damn good drink. There's an ever-rotating cocktail menu, but if you have the chance to try a Drug Mule, then go ahead and ride that donkey. They also serve up some fun cheaper drink options if you're sipping on a budget, like bendejos (Corona filled with tequila).
Photo by parkerart/Instagram
1036 N. Mills Ave., 407-748-8256
The bartenders at Lil Indies know how to make a damn good drink. There's an ever-rotating cocktail menu, but if you have the chance to try a Drug Mule, then go ahead and ride that donkey. They also serve up some fun cheaper drink options if you're sipping on a budget, like bendejos (Corona filled with tequila).
Photo by parkerart/Instagram
The Treehouse
68 E. Pine St., 407-205-2062
The Treehouse is so perfectly twee that it makes you feel like you're drinking in an elf's apartment. Find the green door on Pine Street and walk up stairs carpeted in fake grass and under "branches" that frame the stairwell, into a cozy wood-paneled room scented like pine needles. Craft cocktails are the bar's specialty, but be forewarned: The menu skews toward the sweet. Fortunately, the bartender was more than happy to mix us something a little less cloying off-menu.
Photo by jakewhitacre/Instagram
68 E. Pine St., 407-205-2062
The Treehouse is so perfectly twee that it makes you feel like you're drinking in an elf's apartment. Find the green door on Pine Street and walk up stairs carpeted in fake grass and under "branches" that frame the stairwell, into a cozy wood-paneled room scented like pine needles. Craft cocktails are the bar's specialty, but be forewarned: The menu skews toward the sweet. Fortunately, the bartender was more than happy to mix us something a little less cloying off-menu.
Photo by jakewhitacre/Instagram
The Imperial
116 E 1st S., Sanford, 407-732-6956
Sanford’s version of Imperial is a much more alcohol-friendly version than its Orlando counterpart. Might as well make a night of it and slip right into the Classic Sazerac in all its 100-proof Rittenhouse Rye glory.
Photo by Imperial/Facebook
116 E 1st S., Sanford, 407-732-6956
Sanford’s version of Imperial is a much more alcohol-friendly version than its Orlando counterpart. Might as well make a night of it and slip right into the Classic Sazerac in all its 100-proof Rittenhouse Rye glory.
Photo by Imperial/Facebook
The Woods
49 N. Orange Ave., 407-203-1114
The Woods is one of the linchpins of the craft cocktail scene in downtown. Accordingly, there’s very little in the place to distract you from the business at hand: trying new cocktails. Though the menu they had when we stopped by for happy hour skewed a little sweet for our tastes (is that just a downtown thing?), the list of interesting ingredients will bring us back. (There was cachaça, apple bitters and poblano pepper syrup in the Raising Cane we tried.) Check out their website to stay informed of Iron Bartender competitions or other distillery- or brewery-sponsored events, often with complimentary booze for attendees.
Photo by Jessica Bryce Young
49 N. Orange Ave., 407-203-1114
The Woods is one of the linchpins of the craft cocktail scene in downtown. Accordingly, there’s very little in the place to distract you from the business at hand: trying new cocktails. Though the menu they had when we stopped by for happy hour skewed a little sweet for our tastes (is that just a downtown thing?), the list of interesting ingredients will bring us back. (There was cachaça, apple bitters and poblano pepper syrup in the Raising Cane we tried.) Check out their website to stay informed of Iron Bartender competitions or other distillery- or brewery-sponsored events, often with complimentary booze for attendees.
Photo by Jessica Bryce Young
Park Social
358 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, 407-636-7020
Walk up a flight of stairs on Park Ave and you're suddenly hanging out in a bar suitable for Austin Powers; '60s-style furniture and decor furnish this hidden Winter Park gem. They have a nice selection of fancy cocktails and beers. and if you're into cutting a rug, this place goes off on the weekends.
Photo by Park Social/Facebook
358 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, 407-636-7020
Walk up a flight of stairs on Park Ave and you're suddenly hanging out in a bar suitable for Austin Powers; '60s-style furniture and decor furnish this hidden Winter Park gem. They have a nice selection of fancy cocktails and beers. and if you're into cutting a rug, this place goes off on the weekends.
Photo by Park Social/Facebook
Sir Harry’s Lounge
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, 407-597-5405
Deep within the Waldorf Astoria hides this fanciful lounge with composition and decor straight out of a Mad Men episode. But there’s more to sip on here than Don Draper’s signature Old Fashioned. Take the Rob Roy, for instance, a drink first introduced to the world by an Astoria bartender in Manhattan. The mix of sweet vermouth, Scotch whisky and bitters soothes the senses, complementing your night at this sophisticated, dark and quiet establishment.
Photo via Sir Harry's Lounge
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, 407-597-5405
Deep within the Waldorf Astoria hides this fanciful lounge with composition and decor straight out of a Mad Men episode. But there’s more to sip on here than Don Draper’s signature Old Fashioned. Take the Rob Roy, for instance, a drink first introduced to the world by an Astoria bartender in Manhattan. The mix of sweet vermouth, Scotch whisky and bitters soothes the senses, complementing your night at this sophisticated, dark and quiet establishment.
Photo via Sir Harry's Lounge
Harry's Poolside Bar & Grill
9840 International Drive
With its Caribbean-inspired menu, Harry's Poolside Bar & Grill is the perfect destination for a sunny day. Chalk it up at the beautiful blue bar or kick it by the pool with your frozen beverage of choice.
Photo via harryspoolside.com
9840 International Drive
With its Caribbean-inspired menu, Harry's Poolside Bar & Grill is the perfect destination for a sunny day. Chalk it up at the beautiful blue bar or kick it by the pool with your frozen beverage of choice.
Photo via harryspoolside.com
Stardust Video & Coffee
1842 Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393
OK, bear with us for this one. Yeah, we know, you go here for your coffee, but there’s more to order than a macchiato or cappuccino, kiddos. There’s a bar for a reason, and that specialty cocktail list keeps on growing. Keep cool during the upcoming hot Florida months of hell with a Mint Julep, or check out what’s featured on their constantly rotating menu.
Photo by Stardust/Facebook
1842 Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393
OK, bear with us for this one. Yeah, we know, you go here for your coffee, but there’s more to order than a macchiato or cappuccino, kiddos. There’s a bar for a reason, and that specialty cocktail list keeps on growing. Keep cool during the upcoming hot Florida months of hell with a Mint Julep, or check out what’s featured on their constantly rotating menu.
Photo by Stardust/Facebook
Ravenous Pig
565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, 407-628-2333
Shaken, not stirred? Don’t pull a James Bond here. Ravenous Pig offers cocktail options of both varieties to pair with your cured beef brisket, and while it’s not technically a bar, the drinks are solid enough to merit a mention on this list. If you’ve given into the bacon hype, pick up their version of the Old Fashioned for a taste of bacon-infused bourbon.
Photo by Ravenous Pig/Facebook
565 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, 407-628-2333
Shaken, not stirred? Don’t pull a James Bond here. Ravenous Pig offers cocktail options of both varieties to pair with your cured beef brisket, and while it’s not technically a bar, the drinks are solid enough to merit a mention on this list. If you’ve given into the bacon hype, pick up their version of the Old Fashioned for a taste of bacon-infused bourbon.
Photo by Ravenous Pig/Facebook
Mizner’s Lounge
4401 Floridian Way, 407-939-3463
This upstairs bar is located right behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra bandstand, so every time you go there’ll be a jazzy soundtrack to sip your Manhattans and sidecars to.
Photo via maximum_wolf/Instagram
4401 Floridian Way, 407-939-3463
This upstairs bar is located right behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra bandstand, so every time you go there’ll be a jazzy soundtrack to sip your Manhattans and sidecars to.
Photo via maximum_wolf/Instagram
Rocks
9801 International Drive, 407-284-1234
Like your drinks shaken, stirred or on the rocks? Then this upbeat local hotspot is the perfect place to grab a cocktail after work. Try the bar’s signature Rocks Burning cocktail, vodka infused with hot pepper and sweet Florida citrus.
Photo via orlando.regency.hyatt.com
9801 International Drive, 407-284-1234
Like your drinks shaken, stirred or on the rocks? Then this upbeat local hotspot is the perfect place to grab a cocktail after work. Try the bar’s signature Rocks Burning cocktail, vodka infused with hot pepper and sweet Florida citrus.
Photo via orlando.regency.hyatt.com
Herman’s Loan Office
22 W. Pine St., 407-649-0000
Though it’s a little hard to find, the sister bar to Hanson’s Shoe Repair is worth the journey. Tucked behind the TD building (in the old Club Sound spot), Herman’s Loan Office offers up creative and top-notch cocktails in a swanky atmosphere without the secret passwords.
Photo by Herman's Loan Office/Facebook
22 W. Pine St., 407-649-0000
Though it’s a little hard to find, the sister bar to Hanson’s Shoe Repair is worth the journey. Tucked behind the TD building (in the old Club Sound spot), Herman’s Loan Office offers up creative and top-notch cocktails in a swanky atmosphere without the secret passwords.
Photo by Herman's Loan Office/Facebook
The Lobby Bar
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., 407-313-7777
The bar closes earlier than most (midnight) but there’s plenty to take pleasure in while you’re paying it a visit. Listen to live music Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour and appreciate the cleverly named cocktails on the menu. Saged by the Bell, anyone?
Photo via Four Seasons
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., 407-313-7777
The bar closes earlier than most (midnight) but there’s plenty to take pleasure in while you’re paying it a visit. Listen to live music Mondays and Tuesdays during happy hour and appreciate the cleverly named cocktails on the menu. Saged by the Bell, anyone?
Photo via Four Seasons
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