Best bars in Orlando

54 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Sideward Brewing in the Milk District is one of the most-recommended breweries in the Orlando threads, and many commenters name it among their favorites or as their top pick. A few call out its hazy beers, some mention the food, some mention the merch, and some name it as a brewery without TVs. One commenter says the space is small with limited weekend seating, and one thinks it no longer justifies a visit.

Milk District

51 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Will's Pub on Mills Ave is recommended by many as a live-music venue for shows. Several describe a friendly, easygoing crowd, and several suggest the back corner or back-room bar as a calmer place to stand. A few suggest earplugs because it is loud, and the room is described as very hot. One commenter has gone for shows at both its locations.

Mills Ave

40 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Redlight Redlight, a long-standing beer bar in Audubon Park, is recommended by most who mention it. Some praise its food or snacks, some describe it as chill, and some highlight its beer selection, with one calling it the best in town. One commenter calls it overrated and no longer enjoys its house-brewed beers.

Audubon Park

35 people recommendvia r/orlando

Lil' Indies on Mills Ave is recommended by most who mention it, and many praise its cocktails and its live music or DJ nights. Some note it sits next door to Will's Pub, and some call it a calm place to step away from a loud show. Some say it can make nonalcoholic drinks on request. One says its cocktails beat the ones next door, and one says its vibe did not suit a date.

Mills 50

32 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Tactical Brewing in Baldwin Park, and several name it among their favorite local breweries. Many praise its sours, a few point to its wide selection, and a few mention food trucks or food nearby. One commenter rates it the best for IPAs and NEIPAs. One says its sours taste sweet rather than tart, one was disappointed by most of its beers, and one says parking nearby is hard for a group.

Baldwin Park

32 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Mather's is a speakeasy-style bar downtown that most commenters recommend, and a few praise its cocktails. Some mention happy hour, a couple say it is usually busy so seats can be hard to get, and a couple say it shares a building with Phoenix Jazz Club. One commenter says it has become less classy since it dropped its dress code, and one calls it pricey.

Downtown

32 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend The Guesthouse on Mills Ave, and several describe it as a cocktail bar. Several note it sits next to Sunroom or near other Mills bars, which suits bar-hopping. A couple say it is very noisy, one of them noting Saturday nights, and one commenter finds it lacks the prep-heavy cocktails they were after.

Mills

31 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Death in the Afternoon on Mills Ave, mostly for classic cocktails. A few mention its absinthe, and a few advise booking ahead. Some note it sits near other Mills bars, one finds it easy for conversation, and another says its booths are not crowded.

Mills

30 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Ten10, a brewery on Virginia Drive just west of Mills Ave. Several single out its holiday beers, several mention cans to take away, some praise the food, and some say it has space for groups. A couple find the beer decent but not amazing, and one finds the food disappointing.

Mills

28 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Sunroom, a cocktail bar on Mills Ave, and several rank it among Orlando's best cocktail bars. Several note it sits next to Guesthouse and within walking distance of other bars. A couple say it makes house-created, prep-heavy drinks, though one commenter says it does not. One commenter warns of lines to get in.

Mills Ave

26 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Burton's in Thornton Park, and a few call it a dive bar, though one says it is no longer one. A couple mention its pool tables. One describes a busy neighborhood bar and another suggests ending the night there for friendly regulars. One commenter mentions TVs, a jukebox and heavy pours, it is also described as rowdy at times, and one says the draft beer has come out flat.

Thornton Park

25 people recommendvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Harp & Celt, a downtown Irish pub that many suggest for watching soccer matches. Several praise the food, and one points to the all-day Irish breakfast. A couple describe it as relaxed outside big matches. One visitor says it fills up for big finals but still calls it great.

Downtown

25 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Wally's on Mills Ave, and many place it among the Mills 50 bars. A couple say its drinks are strong, and a few still call it a dive bar, while several say it has changed from the dive it once was. One commenter calls it awful now, and one says it has slipped but the drinks are cold.

Mills Ave

21 people recommendvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Johnny's Filling Station, and many praise its burgers, with a couple singling out the burgers from the original bar side. Comments mention an original bar side and a newer side or location, so details may not apply to every outlet. A few call it a dive bar, and some praise the food generally. One commenter says the newer location feels a bit like an Ale House, and one says the crowd can get strange, as expected for a dive.

20 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend RockPit Brewing & Distilling, and several name it among the top local breweries. Some praise its beer and spirits, and a few describe a laid-back, easy place to spend time. A couple say Friday and Saturday live music or busy peak times can be loud or crowded, and one doubts the tables suit a group.

18 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Lamp & Shade on Mills Ave, and a few mention its THC drinks favorably. Some name its cocktails, and one praises the small plates and says there are TVs for games. One commenter finds it upscale enough, while another says it is good but does not feel fully upscale.

Mills Ave

18 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Big Daddy's on Corrine Drive, and several suggest it for karaoke. A few describe it as a dive bar, and one calls it a fun place where people dance to the music.

Audubon Park

17 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Hourglass Brewing, and several name it among their top local breweries. The Curry Ford location in the Hourglass District is the one commenters name. Some mention cans or crowlers to go, and one visitor who tried a flight of sours found them pretty good. Sideward is named as the stronger brewery in one comparison, and a couple find it a bit strange or less laid-back.

Curry Ford

16 people recommendvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Hanson's Shoe Repair, a speakeasy-style downtown bar, and several praise its cocktails. Some say entry needs a password found on social media, a couple describe it as laid-back, and a couple say it is small. One commenter says its drinks are not as good as Bauhaus's.

Downtown

16 people recommendvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Lucky Lure in Ivanhoe Village, and several call it a dive bar. A couple describe it as relaxed or easygoing, and one says it often has live entertainment. One commenter finds the vibe older and less suited to a first-timer, and one notes it may not be walkable from downtown.

Ivanhoe

16 people recommendvia r/orlando, X

Most commenters recommend Whiskey Lou's in the Milk District, and some call its drinks cheap or a good value. Some call it a dive bar, and some praise its tall pours. Many note it is cash only. The jukebox is also praised.

Milk District

16 people recommendvia r/orlando, r/florida

Commenters who name Cavo's in Thornton Park mostly recommend it. Many point to it for watching games, especially for Philadelphia fans, and a couple praise its sandwiches. A couple say it gets lively. One mentions Tuesday trivia and one mentions happy hour drafts.

Thornton Park

15 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend The Hideaway in Ivanhoe Village, and several praise its food and wings. Many say it lost its old dive feel when it moved across the street into a newer building, and one says the new building is loud. A few suggest it for watching sports. One finds the food poor.

Ivanhoe Village

14 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Bull & Bush, a pub in the Milk District, and some describe it as a traditional or English-style pub. A couple praise the food, one rates its tap beer as solid, and one mentions a weekly comedy night.

Milk District

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend The Moderne, and a couple praise its drinks, with one noting they rotate monthly. One commenter calls it an upscale spot, and some list it among Mills 50 bars. One commenter finds the drink quality uneven and one dislikes the place.

Mills 50

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Casey's on Central downtown, and a few praise its strong pours. Some mention live music, some call it a good starting point or pre-game stop, and some call it good value. One commenter says it is not a dive bar.

Downtown

12 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Gnarly Barley in Ivanhoe Village, and some suggest it for watching sports, though one says it is not a true sports bar. A couple praise the food, and one says it is dog-friendly with a good beer selection.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend The Castle, an Irish pub in College Park, and a couple call it a good place for soccer matches. A few praise the food, and a couple call it a favorite pub. A couple find it pricey, and one says it feels more modern than traditional.

College Park

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Twelve Talons, a brewery on E South Street, and several praise its beers, with one placing it alongside Sideward. A couple find some beers uneven, one was underwhelmed on a single visit, and one says a single beer tasted worse than homebrew. One commenter mentions a food truck serving Mexican-style fare.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend The Matador on Virginia Drive, and some describe it as chill, and one calls it a great cocktail bar. One suggests it for pool tables, and one says happy hour is calm enough to talk. One commenter finds the inside dark.

Virginia

11 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Zymarium Meadery on Mills Ave, and a few point to its mead. A few mention its decor or theming, one praises its fresh draft wines, and a sizable event room out back is also mentioned. One commenter doubts it works as a day bar, and one finds the mead poor and thinks the theming is its main strength.

Mills 50

11 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend the sky bar at the downtown AC Hotel, and several point to its open-air deck and views over the highway, including as a spot for a photo. One commenter says the cocktails are good and the feel is fancy, though a bit pricey. One finds the lounge seating uncomfortable, and one calls it mediocre.

Downtown

10 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Quicksand, a wine bar off Mills 50, and a few praise its wine, with one calling its natural wine selection top tier. One praises its sound system, which keeps music loud without making people shout, and one says the music has been decent on recent visits.

9 people recommendvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Thirsty Topher, a beer spot, and several praise its beer selection. A couple suggest it for a date night, and one suggests renting it for a group with outside catered food allowed. One commenter likes its pizza and craft beers, while another liked the vibe but was not a fan of the pizza.

9 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend District Dive, and a couple call it a dive bar. A few suggest it as a gay bar, and one calls it a fun bar. One says women outnumbered men on past visits. One commenter found it cliquey, and one calls it the only place they found with a real crowd.

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Bellhop downtown, and a few praise its cocktails, with one noting creative drinks including a miso soup cocktail. One says it suits dressing up. A few say it turns club-like later, with club music clashing with the lounge theme, and one advises going early for a calmer feel.

Downtown

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Aku Aku, a downtown tiki bar near Lake Eola, and several name it as a go-to when asked for a tiki or downtown bar. One commenter rates its tiki drinks highly. One says it falls short of other tiki bars, mainly because of its space.

8 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend Ivanhoe Park's Lager House, the newer, bigger outlet of Ivanhoe Park Brewing, though some comments say only Ivanhoe Park without naming an outlet. One suggests it for groups because of its long tables, and a few list it among their favorite local breweries. One commenter likes the covered patios and the pizza and salad menu, and one says it outdoes Motorworks while another prefers the variety at Motorworks.

8 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters who name The Wellborn recommend it, and several suggest it as a bar to try. One praises the patio bar in pleasant weather, one likes its quiet spots for reading at happy hour, and one says the food is excellent.

8 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters who name The Falcon in Thornton Park mostly recommend it. A couple mention local art on the walls, a free sake shot with drinks is also mentioned, one describes it as a very relaxed spot, and one counts it among their favorite bars. One mentions a monthly goth night, one a watercolor painting session with drinks, and one recalls a drink-based spelling bee in the past.

Thornton Park

8 people recommendvia r/orlando

Several commenters suggest Santiago's Bodega, most of them naming it without describing a visit. One praises its daily happy hour and sangria, and one notes quieter areas inside.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Savoy in Ivanhoe Village. One mentions regular drag shows, one midweek karaoke, and one says they like going there to drink and dance. One commenter says it was not fun on a past visit, one says it is only okay, and one feels it does not come close to replacing an earlier bar.

7 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters who name Stardust mostly recommend it as a late-night coffee-and-bar spot. One says it has a well-stocked bar and a small stage, one gives it as an answer to a request for strong drinks, one says it fits the dive label, and one suggests it for a late night out. One thread starter has heard mixed reports secondhand.

7 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Uncle Lou's, and a few answer a question about goth-night bars with it. One calls it the top venue in Orlando, one says it is a fun bar, and one lists it among the dive bars they frequent.

7 people recommendvia r/orlando

Many commenters recommend Wing Shack, often while answering questions about watching games or dive bars. A couple describe it as dive-like, and one mentions Philly-style wings. One says it is especially good during football season, and another likes it for micro wrestling nights.

E Michigan St

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Commenters suggest The Roque Pub on Curry Ford Road, with a few naming it as a bar option without detail. One mentions a jukebox, pool table and poker table, and one mentions a Golden Tee machine. A couple like the food, including wraps, wings and burgers, while one finds the food falls short and says its preferred beer is often unavailable. One finds it decent but underwhelming.

6 people recommendvia r/orlando

Several commenters recommend Ollie's Public House in College Park, mostly with little detail. One calls it their usual spot with good music and good food in the evenings, and one picks it for its patio.

College Park

6 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend Sloppy Taco Palace on Kirkman Road, and a couple frame it as a dive. One calls it the classic dive bar with pretty good tacos, one loves the sloppy tots and the mango margarita, and one suggests the Long Island.

6 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend Ivanhoe Park Brewing, the outlet on Lake Ivanhoe, with a newer, bigger Lager House opened since; some comments say only Ivanhoe Park without naming which outlet. Some list it among their favorite or go-to breweries, one calls it awesome, and one notes it is dog-friendly.

6 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend Gravity Taproom, and several praise its beer, with some saying the selection rotates and one pointing to hard-to-find canned beers. One says the food is good, one calls it cozy, and one says it is easygoing about people spending hours there. One says it draws professionals after work.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Most commenters recommend Thrive, a downtown cocktail lounge with food, and a few praise its creative cocktails. A couple mention the food, one notes bar seating with game TVs, and one says it is calmer than club-style bars. One commenter found it too loud during a weekend work dinner.

Downtown

5 people recommendvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend Nuri's Pizza Tavern downtown, and a few link it with watching sports. One recommends its pizza and wings, one calls it their go-to downtown bar, and one says pizza, drinks and Bucs games make for an enjoyable time. One says the pizza is good but feels pricey.

Downtown Orlando

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/orlando

Commenters recommend BauHaus on Pine Street, a downtown cocktail bar. One calls it the most relaxed place downtown to chat over cocktails and thinks its drinks may be the best there, one calls it intimate, one visited recently and enjoyed the vibe, and one lists it as a speakeasy-style option. One commenter warns others off after a bad experience.

Downtown