By Jim Carchidi
December 22, 2025
A longstanding symbol of local nightlife will be throwing a New Year’s Eve party that also marks its final close of business. Tanqueray’s Bar & Grille at 100 S. Orange Ave. will say goodbye to 2025 by saying goodbye to its fans and staff.
Ending an era
Images courtesy of Tanqueray’s
Owner Dan Charles made the announcement on the venue’s Instagram account, thanking patrons and staff for their support. “I am humbled at the patronage our “regulars” have participated in over the years along with all the magnificent local musicians that have performed at our venue,” he wrote, adding the last night of operations will be December 31.
The business opened in 1989 and earned a loyal following for its affordable drinks, live music, and dive-bar vibe. It became a staple of the local music scene, hosting funk, jazz, reggae, and blues bands seven nights a week. Charles, who turns 70 on New Year’s Eve, will be retiring and stated the current landlord would not be renewing Tanqueray’s lease. But his farewell post also referenced the current state of the central business district.
“The city has not been kind to the local bars in the downtown entertainment district since 2023, that have been in existence for a very long time,” he wrote.
Signs of the times
Just three months shy of its 37th anniversary, Tanqueray’s will be the latest in a long list of nightspots to exit downtown Orlando within the past year. HighT, 1Up, and Dapper Duck Bar all closed in 2025 with Chillers, Irish Shannon’s, Cahoots, High Tide, and Ember announcing their departure at the end of 2024. Vacancies and diminished foot traffic in the once-thriving Orange Avenue/Church Street area have taken a toll on the remaining businesses. However, safety ordinances requiring bar and nightclub owners to enact security measures have also taken a toll. The measures range from installing ID scanners to hiring off-duty police officers for security details, and the costs can add up to about $1,000 per week.
While many business owners are voicing their concerns, including Matteo Terrasi who spoke with The Orlando Real's Ken Pozek in November, the city is hoping to create an economic boost for the downtown district with new developments including the Westcourt Orlando mixed-use project, additions to Creative Village, and the recently announced renovation of the Orlando Sentinel property.
Final farewells
Prior to the closing night party, Tanqueray’s will host an “Appreciation Happy Hour Hang” on Tuesday, Dec. 23, from 5-8 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to check the venue’s social media for New Year’s Eve information and other events leading up to the closing night party
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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