The Best Cocktail Bars in Orlando

If you’re looking for a night out with friends and family, you may be looking for the best cocktail bars in Orlando. Regardless if you’re local to the Orlando area or a tourist (are you team Disney or Universal?), these cocktail bars are the best for their drinks and decor.

I’ve lived in Orlando, FL, for many years, and this list was designed from my experience visiting these bars, as well as hearing the thoughts of other local friends. 

The cocktail bar scene in Orlando has been on the rise. A few years ago, we mostly had only chain restaurants, but now, we have some high-quality bars. 

In my experience, the two best areas for cocktail bars in Orlando are on Mills Ave and downtown. Winter Park is good, too. Most of the bars on this list are located in one of these locations. 

Let’s jump in!

Tori Tori

The vision of Tori Tori was to mash up a modern-day cocktail bar with traditional Japanese pub food. And guys, they did a fantastic job of it.

Tori Tori features intricate cocktails that look just as unique as they taste. In addition, you can get sake and unique beers/wines. My favorites include the El Diablo and Floral. 

If you visit Tori Tori, you can’t miss their bar food. It’s so much better than what you’re used to with options like blue crab and corn croquettes, wagyu imperial gyoza and crab fried rice.

My tip is to visit at the beginning of happy hour. Tori Tori gets very busy and it’s not unusual to see a long line after 7pm. There are limited booths inside, so the earlier you get there, the higher chance you have to snag one!

Address: 720 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Mathers Social Gathering

Mathers is one of the best bars in Orlando and is loved by all different age groups. One of the reasons is the aesthetic! Mathers is definitely one of the most Instagram and TikTok worthy bars. 

It’s also technically a speak-easy. I say technically because it’s pretty easy to get to, but I’m not complaining. It’s located behind a fake bookshelf in a building in downtown Orlando, but usually the bouncer will guide you to it. 

Mathers pairs vintage cocktails and sultry spirits. Their cocktails are so good!

I have two recommendations for Mathers based on my experience. One is to go for happy hour if you can. The second is to visit during a holiday – they always decorate so well for holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

Address: 3 Phoenix Building, 30 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Wally’s Bar and Liquors

Wally’s is a staple of Orlando that you absolutely must visit. It’s a landmark dive bar with a jukebox, and you’re guaranteed to have a fun time. 

One of the most unique things about Wally’s is their hours. They are open from 7am to 2pm most days. Yes, you read that right.

Not only can you get great (and strong) drinks at Wally’s, you can visit their liquor store. It’s located in a neat neighborhood in Orlando (Mills 50). 

Address: 1001 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

The Neighbors

Part neighborhood store, part cocktail bar, The Neighbors is a creative and collaborative space. Their signature menu represents all the local neighborhoods in Orlando, so they definitely win the sentimentality award. I like the Bumby and the Baldwin drinks.

If you want to get a feel for what it is to be a local in Orlando (and have a great drink in the process), be sure to visit this cocktail bar. 

Address: 3201 Corrine Dr Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32803

Hanson’s Shoe Repair

This stylish bar really wins the speakeasy award. Hanson’s Shoe Repair is password-entry only, meaning you have to look on their social media that day to find the password.

The name stems from the fact that it used to be a cobbler’s shop – now it’s one of the best cocktail bars in Orlando! It’s an intimate spot with limited seating, so getting there early is a good idea.

Their cocktail menu is small but delicious, and they feature a collection of rare whiskeys and bourbons, if that’s your taste. Additionally, they’re known to have a live jazz band on scene!

Address: 27 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

The Guesthouse

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Guesthouse is how chic the décor is – plants are everywhere! I love it because it gives the bar a great vibe.

Located on Mills 50, the Guesthouse is buzzing and perfect to go with a small group. The small cocktail menu features well-done classics as well as plenty of wine. 

I definitely recommend this spot for a happy hour with friends or colleagues.

Address: 1321 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Sunroom

Next door to the Guesthouse is Sunroom, a bright, airy space for cocktails. I can’t leave out that there’s a lovely patio behind the bar that sometimes has a food truck.

This is a great bar for unwinding and relaxing. They keep the cocktail menu fresh with new additions every so often, but they keep the classics too. 

If you get hungry after your visit to Sunroom or the Guesthouse, you can head next door to Black Rooster Tacos for dinner! 

Address: 1319 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

The Robinson

Café by day, cocktail lounge by night! The Robinson has something for everyone. Located in downtown Orlando, this bar has an eclectic menu.

The Robinson is all about curating experiences – hence why they encourage patrons to visit the café during the day and watch it turn into a bar at night. 

One of the reasons why I love the Robinson is as I feel it has the right crowd. In my experience, it doesn’t get overbearingly crowded in the way some downtown bars do. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Address: 63 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801 

Proper

Proper has made its reputation in Orlando for being a craft cocktail and vinyl hi-fi bar. In other words, they have a listening room for vinyls.

Located in downtown Orlando, Proper is definitely more upscale compared to others in the area. You don’t have to dress up, but if you want to, you’ll definitely fit in.

Although I enjoyed the DJs (“selectors” as they call them), be warned that it can get a bit loud in there if you’re near the listening area.

Address: 112 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Bellhop

Bellhop, like its name might imply, is unique because it’s themed like a vintage hotel. There are details throughout the whole bar, including a wall of keys for your “room”.

Their menu consists of craft cocktails that are equal parts tasty and unique. You’ll probably feel like you’re being transported back to a vintage hotel in the 1920s when you’re here. 

Address: 37 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

You can’t go wrong with any of the above bars on this list, but I encourage you to look into each to see which one best fits the vibe you’re looking for on a night out.

Bottoms up!

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