The Top 5 Bars & Nightlife in Orlando

A beloved indie bar and live music venue attached to Will's Pub, drawing a creative, eclectic crowd from Orlando's arts and music scene. The drink prices are refreshingly reasonable and the vibe is unpretentious and welcoming. Live shows happen frequently, so check the calendar — it can get loud and packed on performance nights.

Orlando's most celebrated speakeasy, hidden behind an unmarked door in a former shoe repair shop downtown. You'll need a password (found via their social media or mailing list) to enter, and once inside the craft cocktails — especially the rotating seasonal menus — are genuinely exceptional. The exclusivity is part of the charm but also means capacity is very limited, so plan ahead.

One of Orlando's finest craft beer bars, with an encyclopedic tap list that emphasizes rare Belgian, sour, and local Florida brews. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection, and the relaxed Audubon Park neighborhood setting keeps things unpretentious. It's a must-visit for serious beer lovers — food options are limited so eat beforehand.

Orlando's oldest bar and a proud dive, open since 1954 in the Mills 50 district. Stiff cheap pours, wallpaper you have to see, and a package store up front. Opens early (7am most days) and runs till 2am. No pretense, just a real Orlando institution.

Orlando's craft-cocktail pioneer. Heads up: the original downtown spot at 114 N Orange closed, and The Courtesy now lives in Winter Park at 1288 N Orange Ave. Still the same seasonal, spirit-forward cocktails in an intimate room. Closed Mondays; opens 4pm most days.

A sophisticated multi-level bar in a beautifully restored historic building downtown, with a serious craft cocktail program and a rooftop that offers some of the best skyline views in the city. The bartenders are skilled and the atmosphere skews upscale without being stuffy. Expect a dressed-up crowd on weekends and a wait for rooftop access.

Set on the grounds of the historic Dubsdread Golf Course, this outdoor bar and grill is one of Orlando's most charming spots for a relaxed drink with a view of the fairways. The patio is especially magical at sunset, and the cocktail list is solid without being pretentious. It's a bit off the beaten path in College Park, which keeps the tourist crowd away.

A warm, welcoming neighborhood bar in Thornton Park with a strong cocktail program and a genuinely friendly staff that remembers regulars' names. The outdoor seating on Robinson Street is perfect for people-watching on a breezy evening. It can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is wise.

A polished tequila and mezcal bar inside the W Orlando with one of the most impressive agave spirit collections in the city — over 100 selections. The margaritas are expertly crafted and the lakeside terrace is genuinely beautiful. It sits in a hotel on I-Drive so it draws some tourist traffic, but the bar program itself is legitimately excellent.