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 steps or elevator to the second floor. All around you will be shelves of books, and pictures of the building from years of the past. The bookshelves have a secret, however. Hidden behind the shelf in the middle of the room is the bar, and you just have to gently tug on the shelf to get inside.
Once inside, you’ll be immediately immersed into a world of whimsical and vintage decor and libations. Mathers is decorated beautifully once you get inside. They have original exposed wood-truss ceilings, and cozy candles everywhere. They even have a swing in the middle of the bar, a great place for relaxing or taking pictures!
Food & Drink
On the menu you will find both traditional and vintage drinks, as well as current trendy cocktails. Among the traditional drinks on the menu include the classic Old Fashioned, and Mathers Lemonade. Current drinks include Mathers Frosé and the Bathtub Gin, served with lavender, lemon, simple syrup, and half and half. They have so many drinks to choose from, but my personal favorites were the Watermelon Mojito and Mathers Fizz served with gin, cucumber, lime, and soda water. As mentioned above, there are a few drinks that represent the history of the building. The Phoenix is one of these, representing the name the building was given after rising from the ashes of the great fire in 1884. This drink is served with some heat, consisting of tequila, jalapeño, mango, and lime.
For food you can find a variety of small plates here, and I definitely suggest the flatbreads and cheese boards. On my list for next time are the Prohibition Milk and Cookies, as well as the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies served with a shot of bourbon.
Overall
For delicious vintage inspired eats and drinks, and a totally cool atmosphere with history, check out Mathers Social Gathering. I could have spent all evening looking at the neat items they had hidden among their decor, and visiting their candy bar! Be sure to look at their bathtub decoration when you walk in as well, it really sets the “Squeakeasy” theme!
Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando is the place to be for anyone and everyone who loves the energy of the city. There are so many restaurants, bars, and events here to fuel your sense of fun. Other bars include 1-Up Orlando and The Falcon Bar! If you love the hustle and bustle of the city but also love the quaint and quiet moments, Lake Eola provides walking trails and a Farmer’s Market for a more relaxed pace. If you are inspired by the vintage atmosphere of Mathers Social Gathering, homes on brick roads in Eola Heights and Thornton Park might be the perfect fit for you. Interested in homes in Downtown Orlando?
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