Downtown Orlando Nightlife: Clubs & Bars
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Downtown Orlando nightlife is not to be missed if you’re visiting the area. Orlando nightclubs downtown bring the district to life at night. There’s a wide variety of clubs, bars, live music, and comedy venues to keep you entertained. Downtown is where many of the locals choose to hang out. It’s less touristy than CityWalk or Pleasure Island.
Downtown Orlando nightlife has a wide variety of music scenes – that’s definitely worth exploring! Many of the Orlando clubs are located along Orange Avenue which runs north-south just to the east of I-4. The best way to explore this area is to walk the strip and take in the vibrant atmosphere. TIP There are many ‘cycle taxis’ that can run you up and down Orange Ave for just a few dollars.
Downtown Orlando Nightlife
Nightlife in Orlando is vibrant and buzzing downtown. Downtown Orlando does seem to attract a younger crowd. It has many dance clubs/bars/pubs located around Church St. and Orange Ave. It’s safe to say that more locals choose to unwind here than tourists.
Downtown Orlando is quite far removed from the theme park atmosphere of Disney and Universal Resorts, this is where the locals come to party and let loose! There are over 40 bars and clubs to choose from. Much of the Orlando nightlife is centered around a few blocks along Orange Avenue and Church Street.
- The Independent Bar – a multi-level nightclub with an outdoor courtyard where you can listen to live music. This is a club definitely popular with the locals. Great views of downtown Orlando. Music changes according to the night, it could be anything from indie, goth, dance, 80s, and hip hop.
- Sky60 – This Orlando nightclub is another spot for the young and beautiful 20 to 30 somethings! Grab a cocktail at the rooftop bar and enjoy the views over downtown Orlando. Music is soul, hip hop and techno.
- Club 23 Orlando – Club 23 is a chic sophisticated night spot on Church St, Orlando. This club lounge is great for mingling, people watching and meeting singles. DJs play hip-hop, dance, and techno. Club 23 specializes in cocktails, liquors and imported beers.
- Club Firestone Orlando – A staple of downtown Orlando nightlife for the under-30s crowd. For fifteen years this has been a one of the best dance clubs in Orlando. The club is huge (over 13,000 sq ft) and is styled in a post-apocalyptic theme within this former Firestone tire warehouse! Music ranges from disco, house, latin, dance to rock, techno, and top 40. There are regular special events, DJ sets, rock bands and other live acts playing.
- Blue Martini – An elegant and sophisticated night spot with, as you would expect, an array of different martinis on offer. Listen to live music, pop, electronic beats and reggae music. Located approximately 3 miles southwest of downtown Orlando at the Mall of Millenia off I-4.
- Club Antigua Orlando – a true dance club specializing in hip hop, reggae, reggeaton, 80s, and top 40 tunes. Fridays are special happy hour nights with 3 for 1 drinks specials. Ladies 18 + get in on Fridays.
- Tabu Night Club – one of the most popular Orlando nightclubs to be relaunched as The Beacham. Yes, Tabu is no more, but Tabu Night Club fans shouldn’t worry, Friday nights are still the “Honey Pot” Ladies’ nights where over 18s are welcome and the drinks are flowing.
- The Social Orlando – a popular live music venue in downtown Orlando. The Social hosts live bands every night of the week. The venue is small but the vibe and atmosphere is electric. Popular among the rock and punk crowds.
- Dragon Room Orlando – great little dance club on Church St. Drinks specials every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Great for top 40, hip hop, mash-ups, and DJs. The young singles crowd, dress to impress.
- Club Roxy Orlando – Located away from downtown Orlando near the Orlando Fashion Square Mall, this huge nightclub plays a variety of music night after night. Whether you enjoy dance, rock, hip hop or latin – you’ll find it at Roxy’s. Known as a party spot for young crowds – 18+ great ladies night and drink specials.
If you enjoy Jazz music, don’t miss the annual Orlando jazz festival at College Park. The Orlando Jazz Festival is located north of downtown Orlando and is a free event for everyone!
Club Firestone Orlando
This Orlando nightclub is renowned among downtown Orlando nightlife goers for its ever-changing DJ line-up. For the past 15 years, some of the best DJs around have done sets here. The music is varied – different nights have different themes ranging from high-energy dance/techno to electro-indie.
Club Firestone has a huge dance floor and several other (less hectic!) bars and lounges. At peak times this place is busy and has a great atmosphere. you’ll find all kinds of people here.
578 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: 407-872-0066
The Independent Bar
Also known as Barbarella’s, this cool dance club is a huge draw for downtown Orlando’s nightlife.
For those looking to escape from the typical club scene and enjoy dancing to something other than techno, rap or r&b;, this is the place to go.
The music is up-beat and fun from present day to 80s new wave, there’s always something to dance to.
The drinks are not too expensive and the cover charge at max is $5.
There’s a large main bar area with booths around the edge. Then there’s an upstairs bar which overlooks the main floor – great for people watching!
70 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 328010
Tel:407 839-0457
Antigua Orlando
This club is styled like a Caribbean resort with palm trees, light decor and even an aquarium. The music is hip-hop and modern beats. Get there early on Friday and Saturdays to beat the long lines! It does get crowded, but that’s because it’s a popular dance spot. Make sure to dress smart i.e. no shorts, jeans, sneakers.
Friday Happy Hour (4 – 7:30pm) – 3 for 1 on all! Includes bottled beer, call liquors and house wine.
Friday Night House Party – $5 Jager bombs all night. $1 until midnight, $3 until 1am.
Saturday Night – Ladies drink free until midnight. 2-4-1 drinks from 11-12 and 2-4-1 shots after midnight.
Stereo Thursdays. 18 & up welcome, free cover ’till 11:30. 3-4-1 drinks till 12, 2-4-1 shots after 12. 2-4-1 bottles in VIP.
Wednesday Night (Latin Night). Ladies 21 and up get in free until midnight. 2-4-1 drinks until midnight. Ladies: 18+, Men:21+. $100 bottles in VIP.
41 W Church St,
Orlando FL 32801
Tel: 407-649-4270
Sky 60 Bar
This is the place to come for some relaxed and sophisticated people-watching. The style and atmosphere is trendy yet casual – i.e. not too much loud and hectic music! Sky 60’s rooftop bar has great views over downtown Orlando’s nightlife.
Mon-Fri 5pm-2am;
Sat 8pm-2am. Full bar.
Cover charge $3-5.
Dress to impress or you might feel out of place.
Music played includes hip-hop, soul, techno.
Sky 60 Bar
64 N Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
Tabu Night Club (now the Beacham!)
Tabu Night Club has been on the downtown Orlando nightlife scene for years. Now it has just been relaunched as The Beacham.
Friday night ladies nights remain in place! Saturday and Sundays play a mix of reggaeton, latin, dance, hip hop and old school. Fridays are 18+ to party. Read more about
The Social Orlando
Downtown Orlando’s best independent live music venue. This small venue attracts local and national music acts every night of the week. There’s always a band playing at The Social. Music is mostly rock, punk, and electro. Some nights are 18+ and over, and ticket prices are reasonable – usually between $5 and $25 depending on who’s playing.
Club 23 Orlando
An ultra-trendy downtown Orlando nightclub. A small yet sophisticated night spot to dress up and be seen. Club 23 has drinks specials and free entry for ladies until 11 pm most nights. There are daily drinks specials – usually free cocktails for ladies and $3 cocktails for guys. DJs play hip-hop, dance, and techno.
Dragon Room Orlando
A buzzing club on Church St in downtown. More of an upscale cocktail lounge that plays dance, top 40, hip hop, and mash-up. The best nights are Thursdays (18+) , Fridays & Saturdays which always have free entry for ladies till 11 pm, and nightly drinks specials, whether $3 martinis or 2 for 1.
Casey’s On Central Bar
If you’re looking for a more relaxed hang-out, check out Casey’s. Downtown Orlando bars are often not too casual – here you’ll find that this bar has a casual dress code – yes, that means you can wear shorts/slingbacks/flip-flops! Many local bands play here on the small stage. There’s an outside terrace too which is perfect for watching the world go by on a balmy Florida night.
Casey’s bar has a unique style – you’ll see all sorts of odds and ends of memorabilia on the walls. Anything from college banners to Key West souvenirs to car registration plates. The best thing about Casey’s – the staff doesn’t skimp on the liquor! Their generous mix drinks should have you set for the night!
Opening Times
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Sat-Sun 7pm-2am
50 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: 407-648-4218
SAK Comedy Club
This popular 200-seat comedy theater features acts from all around the world. The theme here is improv – in a similar vein to ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway’. You know the drill – it’s improv comedy based on audience suggestions. Did you know that Wayne Brady began his career within these four walls!? The comedy is good clean fun – so it’s suitable for families.
At SAK each night has a different theme. Saturdays are Live Request nights, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is the ‘Duel of Fools’ comedy show at 8 pm.
Admission is $15. There is a $3 discount for Students, Seniors, Military and Florida Residents. Simply show your ID at the Box Office for proof of age, residency, or military status.
SAK Comedy Lab
380 W. Amelia Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Call 407-648-0001 for Reservations.
Visit SAKS’ official website for the latest line-up.
Bonkerz Comedy
Bonkerz Comedy Club is the longest-running comedy troupe in the US. They perform shows at many locations throughout the country. In Orlando, the shows take place inside the Abbey in downtown Orlando. Shows are selected Saturdays at 8pm (doors open at 7 pm).
100 S. Eola DR.
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: 407-629-2665
Visit the official Bonkerz Comedy website.
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is a 30-acre entertainment district that is the gateway to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. There’s always a real party atmosphere after dark, with definitely plenty going to provide an evening’s entertainment. Orlando nightlife wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Citywalk. It has many unique shops, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs and a 20-screen cineplex.
Its’ signature attractions are:-
- Bob Marley – live reggae music every night.
- Pat O’Brien’s – a themed restaurant and bar featuring ‘dealing pianos’ and the world-famous signature ‘hurricane’ drink!
- Hard Rock Orlando – the largest of the Hard Rock venues featuring live music and a nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll theme.
- The Groove nightclub – a dance club playing the best in the 70s and 80s and dance music. Orlando nightlife for under 21s – The Groove hosts teen nights for 15-19-year-olds.
- Red Coconut – an upscale bar and nightclub with signature martinis and balcony views over Citywalk.
- City Jazz – live music in the jazz, R&B;, soul, and funk genres. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays City Jazz plays host to ‘Bonkerz’ Comedy Club, with comedy shows starting at 8.00 pm.
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – a restaurant and bar with live musical performances every night.
- CityWalk Events Throughout the year Citywalk hosts special events such as beer festivals, St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Pat O’Brien’s Bar and other seasonal events such as Mardi Gras and Halloween nights, click here for the latest events.
Orlando Night Life: Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island
The main venue at Downtown Disney is the House of Blues. (As the complex is undergoing a complete overhaul over the next two years, this is perhaps you’re best bet for Disney-based nightlife!)
House of Blues – a famous night spot featuring live music and Mississippi-style food. There are a number of stages including an outdoor stage. National acts often play here.
Orlando NightLife – Disney Nightlife Latest News:
Disney’s Pleasure Island was once a thriving nightlife hot spot too. But, its six nightclubs have now closed (as of September 2008). The whole downtown district is being redeveloped over the next two years to create a more family-based entertainment area.