Where to find the 19 best speakeasies in Orlando
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.
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Photo via Hanson’s Shoe Repair/Facebook
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 or check their X account (formerly Twitter) on the day of your visit to get it.
Photo via Google Maps
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.
Photo via The Courtesy Bar/Facebook
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.
Photo via The Bandbox/Instagram
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.
Photo via Mathers Social Gathering/Facebook
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.
Photo via Imperial Wine and Beer Garden/Facebook
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.
Photo via High T/Facebook
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.
Photo via Cocktails and Screams/Facebook
39 W. Pine St., Orlando
If you like your craft beverages with a generous dose of horror and dark camp, then this downtown spot is for you. Also features themed nights, drag shows and a secret speakeasy, The Craft witch bar, in the back (oops).
Photo via Permanent Vacation/Instagram
106 Lake Ave., Maitland
This spot just north of downtown Orlando promises a “never ending” night of drinks and tiki-themed vibes.
Photo via Argonaut Bar/Facebook
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.
