5 Best Bars in Orlando, Florida

A rare Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano takes center stage at what might be the city's classiest gathering spot. The highly civilized (but not stuffy) lounge attracts a cross section of trendy Orlandoans, especially the after-work crowd, among whom conversation and camaraderie flow as smoothly as the champagne, beer, wine, and cocktails. And, with its location across from the performing arts center, it's a draw pre- and postconcert. Call in advance for the schedule of jazz combos and solo pianists who perform in the lounge. Many are among the area's finest and most talented musicians.

Here since 1987, this pub just a few miles east of Downtown has become a neighborhood institution. It's an atmospheric place to get a hand-drawn pint, play a game of darts, and have a (still) smoky chat. The tap lineup covers 10 imported beers and ales and quadruples that number in bottled selections, while the kitchen prepares fish-and-chips, cottage pies, and Scotch eggs. Darts leagues, comedy nights, and weekly pub quizzes make it feel like a piece of old London.

Known as Orlando's original party bar (it's been here since 1992), Chillers is a Key West–themed nightspot that features a wall of frozen daiquiri machines. Upstairs, Chillers' sister club, Cahoots, offers more than 100 craft beers and 40 bourbon whiskeys. Latitudes is a large rooftop bar with a tropical theme and Top 40 music.

Of all the entertainment possibilities in Downtown Orlando, the most interesting one might be the hardest to find. Housed in a former bank vault, Tanqueray's is a below-ground hideaway featuring live music and a full bar, including craft beers and drink specials. You can enjoy a variety of entertainment from one night to the next, including reggae, funk, and high-energy blues. No food is served here, though.

Wall Street Plaza is a complex of seven distinct, themed venues. Choose the Wall Street Cantina for Mexican fare, the Hen House ("The World's Smallest Bar-dello") for craft beers, Hooch for an outdoor bar, the Shine dance club for its "moonshine warehouse" look, the Monkey Bar martini lounge, the outdoor WaiTiki Bar, or Sideshow for a party scene. With a calendar packed with events, this is considered Party Central for many in the Downtown crowd.