The Orlando Real - bar

JoJo's ShakeBAR Now Open on International Drive

By Yasmene Warren

Wishing you could go back in time to the 80s or 90s doesn’t have to be just a wish anymore! No, the time machine still hasn’t been invented, but many places are getting close to achieving the same effect with their time period-themed establishments. One worthy of noting is JoJo’s ShakeBAR, and it’s sure to blow you away!

What is JoJo’s ShakeBAR?

JoJo’s ShakeBAR is both a bar and restaurant with themes that highlight the nostalgia that’s associated with the beloved 80s and 90s era. The Orlando location just opened in March, 2023 and is located in Pointe Orlando on International Drive.

In addition to grabbing good eats and drinks, there are also old arcade game tables and an abundance of retro-looking decor littered throughout…

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The Hideaway Bar

by Marissa Potts

Dolphins fans, this one’s for you! The Hideaway Bar located in Ivanhoe Village is the perfect spot for any football fan looking to grab a delicious burger or top rated wings. As the home of the Dolfan Club of Orlando and with Dolphins decor everywhere, this spot is a little piece of Miami in the heart of Orlando.

The Ambiance

The Hideaway Bar is located right off of Virginia Drive, and it can be a little tricky to find parking. We parked right across the street when we visited and it was only a short walk across the way. Upon arrival, Hideaway has a huge Dolphins mural on the exterior of their building to really get you in the spirit. The building is also painted in teal and orange. There is an indoor portion of the bar…

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Bellhop

by Marissa Potts

Travelers, rejoice! We have found the perfect bar for you in Downtown Orlando! Bellhop, located on Orange Avenue, is filled with retro decor and one of a kind crafted cocktails.

Atmosphere

Bellhop has such a cool and unique atmosphere, you’ll want to book a trip right after leaving. This bar is themed like a vintage hotel, and there are hidden details everywhere you look. Walking in, there is a wall of keys ready to take you to your “room”. Remember when hotels had keys and not plastic cards?

All around the room are lamps, couches, and bar tops in vintage style. My favorite part of the entire bar was the back wall, which was covered from head to toe in vintage suitcases. The ambience is also very chill, with…

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Mathers Social Gathering

by Marissa Potts

Hidden inside a vintage building in Downtown lives a bar packed with food and drinks and a ton of personality. Find a bar tucked away behind the non-fiction section of a small library at Mathers Social Gathering!

History

Mathers Social Gathering is located in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown, built in the 1800s. Originally a furniture store, the building has been home to many tenants over the years. It has previously housed a Post Office, music teacher’s studio, drugstore, soda shop, and doctor’s office! Now, it is home to Mathers Social Gathering, and they definitely incorporate the building’s history into their decor and beverage offerings.

Ambiance

When you visit, you’ll head up the…

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Vault 5421

Hidden in the depths of a comic book store is a speakeasy with spooky decor and delicious drinks! Vault 5421, located inside of Gods and Monsters comic book shop, is the perfect place to grab some cocktails or craft beer and soak in the Halloween season!

Speakeasy and Book Shop

Vault 5421 is a true Speakeasy, hidden inside of Gods and Monsters comic book shop. It’s all the way in the back of the store, behind a huge door that looks like… well… a vault! You can’t miss it, the door definitely stands out and there is a sign for Vault 5421, so don’t be worried about needing a code, just walk in and enjoy!

Upon entering, you will immediately be captured by the decor and spooky vibes all around. There are skeletons, creepy dolls, and…

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The Local Bar & Grill

Football fans: get ready! ‘Tis the season for football and good food, and we’re visiting some of the best sports bars in Central Florida. This week, we visited The Local in College Park, a place filled with good food and lots of fun.

The Sports Bar

The Local stands out from many other sports bars because of its really cool atmosphere. Walking in, you’ll see the traditional bar setting as well as high top tables and chairs. Also common among sports bars: The Local has a variety of different games to play like arcade games and pool.

However, The Local also has a record player with a huge array of vintage records to get the tunes pumping. There are also records and music posters all over the bar for a really fun…

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Cocktails & Screams

The looming libations are poured all year long at Cocktails and Screams in Downtown! Cocktails & Screams is a Halloween themed bar that will serve you creepy cocktails in a perfectly spooky setting.

The Atmosphere

Cocktails & Screams is such a wonderfully themed bar, there is something to look at in every corner! From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed into the Halloween theme. On the right hand side is a Haunted House, then on the wall are varying Halloween masks. Seriously, everywhere you look there is something new to behold!

Even in areas you wouldn’t expect there are hidden gems to really capture you into the spooky season spirit. An example is underneath the bar, where there are skulls encased into the bartop.

My…

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1-Up Orlando

Marty, we have to go back to 1-Up Orlando in Downtown! This is one of the coolest bars I’ve been to in Central Florida with theming from video games, pop culture, and especially the 80s! I could not believe all of the amazing details that were crafted into 1-Up Orlando, the newly revamped bar of the former Joysticks.

The Atmosphere

From the moment you step foot into 1-Up Orlando, you are setting off on an adventure. There is such amazing theming all around the bar, each area is so unique from the rest. On the left at the bar is all kinds of MTV theming, with TVs playing music videos from the 80s and 90s. There is also a huge astronaut with a TV inside of his helmet! On the right is The Goonies area, an entire room themed like the classic 80s…

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Whippoorwill Beer House & Package Store

If you love a good brew (coffee or beer, both are here!) and love to bring your dog out on the town, have we got the place for you! Whippoorwill Beer House & Package Store is located in the Milk District, and is a one-of-a-kind place. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, grab a beer, or take home a pack of unique ciders, all with your four legged friends.

The Coffee Shop

Whippoorwill has so much to offer including a bar, coffee shop, merch station, and a wall full of beer and wines for purchase. For now, we’ll start with the coffee shop since there is so much to talk about here!

The coffee shop is really cute, nestled into the corner of the building and offers all kinds of beverages and small plates. They serve traditional coffees like…

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The Falcon Bar & Gallery

A one of a kind bar like I’ve never been to before sits nestled in Thornton Park in Downtown Orlando. The Falcon Bar & Gallery is not only a late night spot to grab drinks and snacks, but also an art-experience, showcasing local art, comics, and even psychics on special occasions.

The Atmosphere

The Falcon Bar & Gallery is one of the coolest bars I’ve been to downtown because it’s so unique! You’ll notice as soon as you walk in the door that this bar has a personality of its own, with local artists’ work for sale on the walls. There’s also hand painted art on the walls to decorate the place. There are an assortment of couches, high tops, and bar stools available to sit in, which really gives the bar a cozy atmosphere.

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