Transcript
It is all too easy to think of Orlando as just a vacation paradise for families or the occasional week-long business convention. But, if you desire to hang out in a cosmopolitan city with night clubs and speakeasies that rival the best in Miami and New York, I’ll let you in on a best-kept secret. Orlando has some of the best bars, lounges and intimate speakeasies in the World! Look, it may come as a shock, but Orlando has a good bar scene. Like, really good.
When it comes to cocktails, you’ll find everything from high-end Japanese whiskey to rare mezcals. With high-class establishments like the ultra-exclusive Hanson’s Shoe Repair and the big-city elegance of Mather’s Social Gathering pouring eucalyptus bitters, amari, and thyme-infused vermouths, you’ll find cocktails to rival Chicago and L.A.
With all the emphasis on Orlando’s stature as the theme-park capital of the world, it would be a mistake to miss the vibrant nightlife scene we have here.
I’ll take you on a visual tour of some of best Orlando bars and speakeasies, coming up next.
I chose Halloween weekend to visit Downtown Orlando’s clubs, and our visual tour through the best Orlando bars and speakeasies begins with The Bullitt bar and McQueens. The Bullitt bar dispenses with the top-40 and VIP club scene, and instead, embraces a rock-n-roll ethos and an in-your-face décor with homages to some of rock’s greatest heros. The bar invites those with a modern day flair and a come-as-you-are attitude.
The owner claims it is a collision of music, art, alcohol and some bad decisions. But the drinks are top notch.
If you are looking for some unpretentious fun, The Bullitt Bar and McQueens may just be your style.
If making the scene without making a scene is more your speed, then Bauhaus is the perfect hang-out for you. This small and intimate venue serves as the front office for the even more intimate speakeasy upstairs – which we will visit in a moment. Bauhaus is located on the first floor of the historic Hanson building which is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Orlando. With dark and relaxed seating, it’s the perfect place to hide away from your personal paparazzi.
Bauhaus has a superb craft cocktail menu. Try one of their signature cocktails or request your bartender to craft something bespoke just for you.
Head upstairs and you will come across the door to ultra-elite Hanson’s Shoe Repair. Find the buzzer and give the password to enter a speakeasy that takes its craft of handmade cocktails seriously. Only 40 guests can enter, but once inside, you will feel truly special in this dark and cozy space that features low beamed ceilings, brick walls, and private outdoor rooftop terrace catering to the privileged few that make it in.
The bartenders at Hanson’s Shoe Repair are perfectionists and dedicated to their craft. Only premium spirits are used. Expect to wait — and expect the wait to be worth it.
Truly a ‘hidden gem’ in downtown Orlando. Bauhaus and Hanson’s Shoe Repair are some of the best Orlando bars and speakeasies – worth seeking out.
Last on our tour is Mathers Social Gathering, an incredible speakeasy that rivals any club you will find in New York, LA or Miami.
Mathers Social Gathering is a bespoke speakeasy that you must locate by first finding a hidden door behind a bookcase in a 3rd floor library – check the fiction section.
Inside, find a breathtakingly designed prohibition-era living room – complete with comfortable leather armchairs, polished bookcases, plenty of exposed brick, wood beams, and well-worn leather sofas.
Located in a historic building built over 140 years ago in downtown Orlando, Mathers Social Gathering is loaded with every base spirit, liqueur, amaro, vermouth, and bitter under the sun. Including a prized collection of mid-twentieth century spirits curated in their self-described dusty bottle collection that you can sample if you have the desire and the means. The collection includes a first-bottling ultra-rare ’69 George Dickel whiskey in the Powderhorn bottle. A 1951 bottle of Imported Canadian Schenley O.F.C. whiskey, and an exceptionally smooth 77 Jim Beam in the yellow Stutz Bearcat decanter.
Most of their handmade craft cocktails are classics or variations thereof. I recommend you try a smoked cocktail like the Envy – misted with whiskey barrel bitters, and served in an oak smoked decanter – the drink includes Angel’s Envy bourbon, Honey-Ginger blend, Lemon, whiskey barrel bitters, green apple and thyme.
