8 Best Bars and Pubs in Orlando
Most Popular Places to Drink in Orlando
Bars and pubs in Orlando really do come in all shapes and sizes. Book a stay at your theme park of choice and you’ll find spacious live music venues and open-air bars that seat hundreds of people—often hosting nightly performances to keep the crowds entertained.
Intrepid vacationers who venture into the city’s lively Downtown area won’t be disappointed either. Around Church Street and North Orange Avenue there are dozens of drinking venues offering something a little different, from tiny local watering holes to fancy cocktail joints, and even a few rooftop bars. Orlando isn’t in short supply of lakes either, so we’ve also thrown in a couple of idyllic drinking spots good for a sundowner (or two) next to the water.
What are the best bars and pubs in Orlando?
1. Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
Select from over 400 types of tequila!
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is situated on the edge of Little Sand Lake, a 10-minute drive north of Walt Disney World Resort. Pay a visit during daylight hours and you’ll find a classic Mexican joint serving the expected taco, enchilada, and tortilla offerings. This hugely popular venue really comes alive after dark when the crowd descends upon the spacious bar, migrating away from the slightly less social booths at the back.
On the drinks front, we shouldn’t even have to tell you what the house specialty is: tequila, of course, and lots of it! And when we say ‘lots’ we mean 425 different varieties! Order one of Rocco’s signature margaritas or enjoy a round of shots with salt and lemon. Read more
Location: Plaza Venezia, 7468 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Monday from 11.30 am to 11 pm, Tuesday from 11.30 am to 2 am, Wednesday from 11.30 am to 11 pm, Thursday from 11.30 am to 12 am, Friday from 11.30 am to 2 am, Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 407-226-0550
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar
2. Hanson’s Shoe Repair
Hidden-gem haunt with a fabulous rooftop
Good for: Nightlife, Unusual
For creative cocktails, ambient lighting, and an unforgettable atmosphere, hit Hanson’s Shoe Repair. This intimate former cobbler’s shop-turned-speakeasy boasts only a dozen or so seats inside and standing space for around 20 patrons.
Claim your place at the bar to shoot the breeze with the bartender, or head to the rooftop terrace to watch live performers and films. Hanson’s Shoe Repair draws cocktail aficionados with its ritzy list of interesting beverages. We love the Barnum (Was Right) and Death in the Afternoon. Read more
Location: 27 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Daily from 8 pm to 2 am
Phone: +1 407-476-9446
Hanson's Shoe Repair
3. The Lucky Lure
Lakefront joint with a rotating menu of beers
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
There are so many stunning lakes in Orlando, but not that many watering holes that take advantage of the tropical views to be had, particularly at dusk. The Lucky Lure, however, is an exception to the rule, offering a range of beers, ciders, spirits, and flavored seltzers in an open-air setting right by Lake Ivanhoe.
There’s absolutely nothing glamorous about the décor—in fact, the Lucky Lure pretty much falls into ‘dive bar’ status with its lovable lack of grooming, but that’s all part of its charm. Make sure you arrive for a cold beer as the sun sets over the water. There’s also a pool table, foosball table, and live sports screens.
Location: 1427 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
Open: Monday–Wednesday from 3 pm to 2 am, Thursday from 2 pm to 2 am, Friday–Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am
Phone: +1 407-250-6949
The Lucky Lure
4. World of Beer at Lake Eola
A good-time gastropub
Good for: Food, Nightlife
World of Beer is a trendy modern bar that’s situated on the banks of Lake Eola, in the heart of Downtown Orlando. This laidback joint is home to hundreds of bottles from every corner of the globe, with a focus on US craft beers and European pale ales.
The setting is just as good, particularly if you grab a table outside amid the leafy surrounds of the Lake Eola Park, with the water just meters away. There’s also a hearty menu of pub grub featuring fish and chips, truffle burgers, crispy chicken sliders, and giant Bavarian pretzels. Check the official website for Happy Hour specials.
Location: 431 E Central Blvd Ste B, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 12 am
Phone: +1 407-270-5541
World of Beer at Lake Eola
5. The Courtesy
Ultra-hip speakeasy with imaginative cocktails
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Nightlife
A must-visit for cocktail lovers, The Courtesy mixes things up with inventive takes on classic tipples, as well as some extraordinary originals. Sample bevvies like the Bad Santa, Monk and the Maiden, and Bird on a Wire. Don’t miss Lone Wolf & Cub, a concoction made with Japanese whisky, yuzu fruit, genmaicha green tea, and cherry and saffron bitters. Exquisite!
The Courtesy also boasts about ten different kinds of absinthe and offers good-time shots for those who want to start the party early. It’s a classy affair inside, with exposed brickwork, cascading fairy lights, and a black and white tiled floor. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of food including cured meats and cheeses (The Bar Swine Board).
Location: 114 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm to 12 am, Friday–Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am, Sunday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Monday from 6 pm to 12 am
Phone: +1 407-450-2041
The Courtesy
6. Imperial Wine Bar
Don’t judge a bar by its name!
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Imperial Wine Bar is not what its name implies. This non-nonsense beer and vino venue at the top of North Orange Avenue is imbued with rustic charm and features no-frills wooden tables and collection of worldly trinkets showcased behind the bar.
The venue is actually part of Washburn Imports, a popular furniture retailer specializing in Asian items. Craft beers are a big deal in Orlando, and The Imperial offers around 40 different varieties and about the same number of wines by the bottle. Soak up the drinks with corn muffins, catfish, and delicious Cuban sandwiches.
Location: 1800 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 12 am, Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone: +1 407-228-4992
Imperial Wine Bar
7. House of Blues
World-famous music spot known for its electrifying performances
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Glance at the House of Blues’ events calendar and it’s clear to see that this is iconic venue takes its live music seriously. They book homegrown names and international talent on a regular basis—think Alter Bridge, Steve Hogie, Layla Brisbois, and Shaboozey.
This massive venue is divided up into several zones include a dining room, bar area, and a main concert hall which is where all the live performances happen. Non-blues fans shouldn’t be put off either; HOB plays everything including soft rock, EDM, pop, acoustic folk, rap, and thrash metal, which attracts hundreds of fans every week. Read more
Location: Disney Springs, 1490 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11.30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11.30 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 11.30 pm
Phone: +1 407-934-2583
House of Blues
8. Howl at the Moon
Popular bar chain with bucket drinks
Good for: Nightlife, Photo
Howl at the Moon is an effervescent nightlife chain with some 20 locations nationwide. The premise of this Orlando hotspot is no different, creating a high-energy show with live piano performances.
The show relies heavily on audience participation as well as the multi-talented backup band, with singing, dancing, clapping, and even stomping all encouraged. Must-tries at Howl at the Moon are its sweet liquor-laced cocktails (which are available by the bucket). Try the Malibu Barbie, Adios Mofo, Hurricane, and Hot Girl Summer.
Location: 8815 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
Open: Daily from 7 pm to 1.45 am
Phone: +1 407-354-5999
Howl at the Moon
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