Every year millions of tourists find themselves in the Orlando area seeking the perfect night out after a long day at the theme parks. With so many options, it can be daunting to find the right place and still experience authentic Orlando.
Here is a local insider look at the most unique bar experiences available while visiting the City Beautiful:
Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge
Topping the list of unique bar-options in the Orlando area, Frosty’s offers up a truly fantastical atmosphere blended perfectly with everyone’s favorite holiday: Christmas. Meant to bring out the nostalgia in everyone, visitors can’t help but feel welcomed in this bar which plays holiday music year round. There’s even a full-size sleigh hanging from the ceiling! Enjoy original cocktails made-to-serve like the Snow Cone Cocktail or dare to try the delicious Klondike-bar shot.
Stardust Lounge
If you’re looking for a night on the town handcrafted for adults only, then Stardust Lounge is truly the place to be. Built in the space below a renovated hotel, Stardust transports its patrons instantly to a den of sin with a retro twist. Red leather booths, chrome lamps and eclectic wall-furnishings make this establishment a fun throwback-experience reminiscent of 1960’s Las Vegas. Every first and third Wednesday Stardust plays host to PEEK-A-BOO burlesque shows that are sure to set the tone for a scintillating evening out with your spouse or partner.
Hanson’s Shoe Repair
For a night with a focus on adventure, try Hanson’s. This ultra-exclusive modern-day speakeasy allows only thirty patrons at a time but if you’re one of the few people lucky enough to gain access, there is no way you’ll be disappointed. How do you get in you ask? In true prohibition-fashion, you have to call a number and get the evening’s secret password to get past the doorman. Serving drinks with a bourbon-twist, this cozy hideaway in the middle of Orlando is a rare find and true hidden treasure.
The Falcon Bar & Gallery
Known as one of Orlando’s best kept secrets, Falcon Bar & Gallery has a little something for everyone in your party. The Falcon plays host to frequent art gallery exhibitions with a focus on local artists and their passions. Open mic nights draw a big crowd at this cutting edge bar in Thornton Park. Topics include worst tinder dating stories, heart-sick spoken word and of course bad love ballads for everyone’s listening pleasure. The Falcon is the perfect place to spend a weekday evening catching up with old friends or to bring a first date to.
ICEBAR
Florida is known mostly for two things: its thrilling theme park attractions and its unbearably sweltering temperatures. Enter ICEBAR, Orlando’s answer to having a ‘chill’ night out with close friends or new acquaintances. Kept at a constant 23-degree temperature, ICEBAR offers the exciting opportunity for visitors to explore handcrafted sculptures and architecture made completely out of ice. On-site, visitors can also enjoy access to the Fire Lounge which offers flaming and smoking cocktails to get the night started off with a bang.
Whether you’re embarking on a first date or an anniversary celebrating thirty years of wedded bliss, an evening exploring Orlando will always be in style. Orlando has something for everyone; all it takes is a little imagination and a great partner to share in the experience (try to travel outside hurricane season, too).
If having a drink at your hotel bar or pool after a day in the Orlando sun sounds like a dream, check out the reservation specials that Westgate Resorts in Orlando offers, with dining, golf, and spa options right on the property too.
Katie Parsons works with Westgate Reservations communications and is the creator of the parenting blog Mumbling Mommy. She regularly blogs about attractions in the Orlando area and visits with her 5 kids.