Nightlife in Orlando spans the category, even if you discount the nightly family-friendly firework shows accompanied by thundering music at many theme parks, and the themed dinner theater shows in the tourist corridors. Serious night owls gather at sizzling nightclubs, sophisticated cocktail bars, and casual beer-centered joints. Here’s a sampling of the best after-hours spots in town.
Bars
The Courtesy
114 N Orange Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-450-2041; www.thecourtesybar.com; Mon and Sat 7pm–2am, Tue–Fri 5pm–2am, Sun 3pm–2am
This star among Orlando’s cocktail purveyors is so serious about mixology that its staff even teaches cocktail classes. Located Downtown.
Cowgirls Rockbar
I-Drive 360, 8371 International Drive, Suite 80, Orlando; tel: 407-930-3654; www.cowgirlsrockbar.com; Mon–Fri 4pm–2am, Sat–Sun 11am–2am
A mechanical bull and DJs make this I-Drive spot more bar than restaurant. The country-western theme creates an upbeat atmosphere.
Herman’s Loan Office
22 W Pine Street, Orlando; tel: 407-649-0000; www.hermansloanoffice.com; Tue–Thu and Sat 8pm–2am, Fri 5pm–2am
Tiny and cozy, this quirky craft-cocktail bar creates drinks based on customer preferences, and offers punches to groups.
Hourglass Brewery
480 S Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Longwood, tel: 407-262-0056; http://thehourglassbrewery.com; Sun–Thu 11am–midnight, Fri–Sat until 2am
The beer is made on the premises at this 240-seat Longwood taproom, which embraces the owners’ geekiness by providing game consoles. Live music and comedy are common.
The Imperial
1800 N Orange Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-228-4992; www.imperialwinebar.com; Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight, Fri–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun 4–11pm
Furniture store by day, lounge at night, this relaxing nightstop in Orlando’s Ivanhoe district is a winner for atmosphere alone. An interesting assortment of wines and beers adds to the charm.
The Pub
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1003, Orlando; 407-352-2305; http://experiencethepub.com/orlando; daily 11am–2am
Brits homesick for the pub can get a fix at this I-Drive institution, with familiar foods and beverages.
Red Light, Red Light
2810 Corrine Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-893-9832; http://redlightredlightbeerparlour.com; Sun–Wed 5pm–midnight, Thu–Sat until 2am
Loads of Orlando places make their own beers now, but local suds lovers have long been enamored with this Audubon Park district place. In addition to three-dozen draft beers, Red Light stocks 300 bottled varieties.
Keith Harkin performs at The Social
Julie Fletcher/Visit Florida
Music venues
House of Blues
Disney Springs, 1490 E Buena Vista Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-934-2583; www.houseofblues.com/orlando
This cozy concert venue within Disney Springs is also known for a weekly Gospel brunch on Sundays.
The Social
54 N Orange Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-246-1419; www.thesocial.org
Locals frequent this small concert venue with an indie bent.
Tin Roof
I-Drive 360, 8371International Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-270-7926; www.tinrooforlando.com
It may look like a shack, but this I-Drive hangout, themed as a place for musicians to linger on their nights off, has food, drinks, and concerts by local artists.
Dancing the night away at The Groove
Universal Orlando Resort
Nightclubs
The Beacham
46 N Orange Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-246-1419; www.thebeacham.com
A 1921 cinema that has become a Downtown Orlando nightlife fixture for its live performances and dancing throngs.
Blue Martini Lounge
9101 International Drive Suite 1182; tel: 407-447-2583; http://bluemartinilounge.com); Mon–Fri 4pm–2am, Sat–Sun 3pm–2am
This glitzy, upscale, I-Drive dance club and bar, which often has live music, attracts the area’s young professionals.
Mango’s Tropical Café
8126 International Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-603-3820; www.mangos.com
This Latin-themed restaurant, bar, and dance club on International Drive serves a variety of mojitos and daiquiris.
Red Coconut Club
Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-224-2425; daily 8pm–2am
Dancing, dining, and a whole lot of music are on the menu at this vibrant nightclub at Universal’s CityWalk.