It's been an intoxicating year for new watering holes in the Orlando area. From craft cocktail bars, to new breweries, to rooftop patios, here are a few exceptional additions to the Orlando bar scene.
The 20 best new bars to open in the Orlando area in 2017
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Dec 8, 2017 at 7:55 pm
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Mathers Social Gathering
30 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-250-5005You 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/Instagram
The Nest
4963 New Broad St., 407-629-6601The 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/Facebook
Rock & Brews
6897 S. Semoran Blvd., 407-367-2840Gene 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/Instagram
Irish Shannon’s Local Pub
41 W. Church St., 407-866-1191Opened 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/Instagram
Southern Craft
2405 E. South St., 407-412-5039The Milk District got a brand new craft cocktail and beer bar last November when Southern Craft opened its doors and it's a welcomed addition to the area. Check out the happy hours from 5-9 p.m. every Wed-Sat for $2 off beers and $8 specialty cocktails.
Photo via SouthernCraft/Facebook
Shots Orlando
69 E. Pine St., 407-374-2499As the rapper Lil Jon once poignantly stated, "Shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots, everybody!" Shots Bar & Kitchen, a Miami-based watering hole that specializes in over 120 types of shots, opened this fall in downtown Orlando. Besides a punishingly massive menu of shots, the bar also features craft beer, cocktails and various pub fare, like sliders, wings and hummus.
Photo via ShotsOrlando/Facebook
M Lounge
2000 N. Orange Ave., 407-448-1631Located 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/Facebook
Orange County Brewers
131 N. Orange Ave., 407-914-2831Back in August, downtown Orlando got a new beer and pie option, Orange County Brewers. The new 3,400 square-foot facility, which is located in the former Fiat building at the corner of Orange Avenue and Jefferson Street, features a massive selection of beers, and some damn good wood-fired pizzas.
Photo via OrangeCountyBrewers/Facebook
Ace Cafe
100 W. Livingston St., 407-996-6686The 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/Instagram
Dirty 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____/Instagram
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, 407-824-3200The 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.com
Lion’s Pride
123 W. Church St., 407-203-4099This 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/Facebook
Flamecraft Bar at SeaWorld
7007 Sea World Drive, 1-407-545-5550Located 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 socalcoaster521
The bar at Market on Magnolia
150 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-412-9230This new watering hole, located inside of a food hall, not only has a 40 craft beers on draft, another 40 in cans, 25 whiskeys, and some crafty cocktails, it also has access to some of the best grub in town with Da Kine Poke, Gnarly Barley, and 081 Wood Fired Pizzas within arms reach.
Photo via mrktonmagnolia/Instagram
Gods & Monsters Vault 5421
5421 International Drive, 407-270-6273When Artegon Marketplace closed down earlier this year, Gods & Monsters regrouped and reopened at a new location on I-Drive. Though it’s smaller in size, the new location’s post-apocalyptic decor inspired by Fallout will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the game. But have no fear; the only “toxic chemicals” in this bar are the dangerously delicious craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
Photo via lui_the_third/Instagram
The rooftop bar at Four Rebels American Taco Kitchen
1618 N. Mills Ave., 407-601-6575Four Rebels American Taco Kitchen & Bar opened back in November in the former Segafredo spot in Mills Park.The new taco joint, whose slogan claims they offer an "Unapologetically American Taco Experience," has a diverse menu of tacos and small plates, but the real crown jewel of this place is the rooftop bar, which is truly one of the better rooftop patios in Orlando.
Photo via orlandoweekly/Instagram
Choza de Margarita
200 Epcot Center Dr.Choza de Margarita, in the Mexican Pavilion at Epcot, opened at the foot of at the foot of the pyramid last November. Under the shade of its thatched roof and vaguely Aztec decor you'll find plenty of tasty treats to top off your walk around the massive theme park.
Photo via dpomeroy85 /Instagram
Burton’s Bar
801 E. Washington St., 407-425-3720When 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/Instagram
Sanford Brewing Co.
400 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6419Sanford 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/Instagram
Irish Shannon’s Local Pub
41 W. Church St., 407-866-1191Opened 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/Instagram
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