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For Dancing and Drinks Head to These 8 Outstanding Orlando Bars

Orlando Restaurants + Bars
by Elisabeth Sherman Feb 15, 2023

It’s true that most people head to Orlando for a family vacation at the city’s many theme parks. But even parents deserve a night out to enjoy a cocktail (or two). And if you’re here to enjoy the beach with your friends, on a romantic getaway with your partner, or looking to party all night with your bachelorette party then you really do need to know where to find the most fun bars in Orlando. Head to one of Orlando’s museums in the morning and then put on your dancing shoes at night — bars in Orlando is where the party is at.

From playful tiki vibes which match the city’s tropical climate to cocktail bars with an intimate speakeasy vibe, and high energy dive bars where the beer is cheap there are bars in Orlando to match every type of personality and traveler. One thing they all have in common? You’re going to have fun at the bars in Orlando. After all, Orlando is all about relaxing, cutting loose, and enjoying yourself. No better place to do that at bars in Orlando – and when you’re ready to sit down for a meal, don’t miss Orlando’s best restaurants. Here’s where to head for a night on the town.

BauHaus

 

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Located inside one of the oldest buildings in Orlando, The Hanson Building, BauHaus is a classic cocktail bar. The intimate space features exposed brick walls and limited seating for a more romantic, private vibe. This is where you want to go for a late night drink with someone you love.

BauHaus: 27 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

Price: $$

The Hen House Bar

The Wall Street Plaza is a complex of bars and nightclubs that covers an entire city block. If you like to party, this is where you should be in Orlando. Inside, you’ll find The Hen House Bar, which is known for its apple pie moonshine. The decor inside is pokes fun at an old fashioned bordello – the bartenders wear tight corsets and bras hang from the walls. Despite the wild decorations, The Hen House Bar attracts a chill crowd so come here for a few relaxed drinks with friends.

The Hen House Bar: 11 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801

Price: $$

Mathers Social Gathering

Soft dark leather chairs, high ceilings, low lights. The setting at Mathers Social Gathering is reminiscent of a private club combined with a university library. There are even shelves lined with books and liquor bottles. Mathers Social Gathering is decidedly sophisticated: Patrons are required to speak quietly, there’s a strict dress code so be prepared to dress up, and all the bitters and cordials are made in-house

Mathers Social Gathering: 3 Phoenix Building, 30 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Price: $$$

The Courtesy

 

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This intimate cocktail bar is great for couples, and tight knit (small) groups of friends. At this classy cocktail bar, the drinks feature ingredients like cherry bitters, smoked honey, and jalapeno gin. THe industrial design is sleek and modern – perfect for a midday drink after lunch.

The Courtesy: 1288 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Price: $$

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

Everything about the vintage tiki decor in this bar screams a good time. The 1960s design (complete with plush shag carpets) is supposed to transport you not to just a tropical paradise but to the iconic Las Vegas lounges of this era. The notoriously strong drinks include all the classic ingredients you would look for in a tiki cocktail, from guava and passion fruit, to spiced rum and coconut cream.

Aku Aku Tiki Bar: 431 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801

Price: $$

RockPit Brewing

 

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The spacious industrial taproom at RockPit Brewing is both pet and family-friendly. It intentionally cultivates a friendly neighborhood that feels casual and welcoming. Come here for a couple beers during the day to unwind with a plate loaded tots and bacon wrapped jalapenos. As for beer, you’ll find sours, lagers, and pilsners – as well as the usual line up of IPAs.

RockPit Brewing: 10 W Illiana St, Orlando, FL 32806

Price: $$

Player 1 Video Game Bar

For all the gamers out there, this bar is outfitted with gaming consoles, including Xbox, Wii, and Playstation. Order beer, cider, or a cocktail, grab a console, and play to your heart’s content. There are so many games to choose from, including racing, RPG, and fighting games. There are also upright arcade games scattered around the space for the more casual player who wants to drink a beer while challenging their friends to Donkey Kong.

Player 1 Video Game Bar: 8562 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32836

Price: $

Cowboys Orlando

Grab your cowboy boots and head over to Cowboys Orlando if you’re ready to party all night. Country music fans will especially enjoy this huge space – which includes a backyard with lounge chairs and fire pits – where dancing is strongly encouraged. There’s a light up dance floor, live music, and plenty of space to sit. Lines from outside the door because Cowboys draw big crowds. There are deals on drinks almost every night, too.

Cowboys Orlando: 1108 S Orange Blossom Trl Suite A, Orlando, FL 32805

Price: $

Where to stay in Orlando

Once you’ve hit the bars, it’s time to hit the hay. To do that – and get a good night’s rest so that you can get back on the horse tomorrow – you need a comfortable place to stay. These highly rated Airbnbs are near Disney World and Universal Studios. With beachfront views and pools in palm tree lined neighborhoods, these lavish homes are a little slice of paradise.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Vacation home with pool and lake view

Living room in Airbnb condo overlooking a lake close to Universal Studios

Photo: Airbnb

Couples and small families will feel right at home at this cozy two bedroom condo that sleeps six people. There are two communal pools on the property, and a stylish kitchen island. From the balcony, enjoy panoramic views of Orlando.

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Family-sized condo

overview of condo airbnb universal studios

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re traveling with a big group of friends or multiple families, you might consider this condo which sleeps 15 guests. The property offers two pools and is close in proximity to both DisneyWorld and Universal Studios. There’s also a large dining room and full kitchen to make cooking easier, and some of the rooms have Disney-themed bedding, to make the kids happy.

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Four bedroom cottage with heated pool

Airbnb Disney World Margaritaville Waterfront Cottage

Photo: Airbnb

With a private pool and a hot tub, your family will enjoy relaxing at this four bedroom cottage. There’s a big dining room table for family dinners, too. Located five minutes from Disney theme parks, the cottage is on the Margaritaville property – which offers complimentary transportation to Disney parks and Universal Studios. If you’re bringing kids with you, there’s also Island H2O Live, a water park, on site.

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