Some of these watering holes are off the beaten path, some of these might be your regular hangouts, and some you may have driven by a thousand times without even knowing it. But regardless, here are a few of our favorite hidden bars in the Orlando area that you might not know about, but should.
Belle Isle Yacht Pub
7521 S. Orange Ave., 407-850-3491
You hear this a lot, but the Yacht Pub really is like drinking at a friend’s house (well, the big covered porch is, anyway, with its dartboard, air hockey table and random assortment of battered couches). Inside it’s a compact, cozy spot to get a decent beer or three, watch the game, or maybe take in a band on the tiny stage.
Little Fish Huge Pond
401 S. Sanford Ave, 407-221-1499
This bar might have more character than any other watering hole in Central Florida. The entire bar is furnished with all kinds of art and trinkets. There’s usually live music on the weekends. It’s also a great place for picky beer lovers looking for something new.
The Treehouse
68 E. Pine St., 407-205-2062
The Treehouse is so perfectly twee that it makes you feel like you’re drinking in an elf’s apartment. Find the green door on Pine Street and walk up stairs carpeted in fake grass and under “branches” that frame the stairwell, into a cozy wood-paneled room scented like pine needles. Craft cocktails are the bar’s specialty, but be forewarned: The menu skews toward the sweet. Fortunately, the bartender was more than happy to mix us something a little less cloying off-menu.
The Guest House
1321 N. Mills Ave., 407-630-6574
All vestiges of the old Peacock Room are erased at the Guesthouse, Mills 50’s newest, chillest hangout. The many hanging plants (and the nifty palm-print wallpaper in the restrooms) give it a fern-bar feel; the lighting’s soft glow and the cushion-strewn couch pick up on that pick-up vibe. The walls, ceiling and floor are all dark, and the flickering candles and hanging globes give this bar the most flattering lighting ever. You’ll feel like you’re floating as you sit at the bar, quaffing carefully shaken craft cocktails. Don’t miss the Army-Navy, a gin-based wonder.
Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446
The speakeasy theme has been done to death, but Hanson’s does it right – you have to call ahead to get a password; only a limited number of people are allowed into the dim, narrow, impeccably designed space; and the craft cocktails are out of this world. No vodka served here – vodka wasn’t part of the American cocktail lexicon during the Prohibition era – but the bartenders will be happy to mix you something that’ll prove even more satisfying than that Cosmopolitan you may have had in mind.
The Hideaway
516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892
The Hideaway is open at 7 a.m. every day but Sunday (when they open at 9 a.m.), so it’s very aptly named any time you want to duck away. The bartenders have got your back day or night, making anybody feel welcome but sternly against any bullshit in the bar. It’s a perfect place to catch a game, shoot pool, bury your face in a dark room with fried food, or post up on the patio and watch another day in the Ivanhood slip by.
Park Social
358 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, 407-636-7020
Walk up a flight of stairs on Park Ave and you’re suddenly hanging out in a bar suitable for Austin Powers. 60s-style furniture and decor furnish this hidden Winter Park gem. They have a nice selection of fancy cocktails and beers. and if you’re into cutting a rug, this place goes off here weekends.
Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub
4308 Curry Ford Rd, 407-895-1555
It looks a little tough on the outsde, but don’t let the exterior fool you. This bars has great live music on the weekend, darts boards, pool and arguably some of the best Irish food in town. Their Scotch eggs are insane!
Check out more at: The 25 best hidden bars in the Orlando area