Downtown Orlando is stacked with incredible bars and clubs, and honestly, that’s what makes it one of the best nightlife destinations in Florida. Whether you’re craving craft cocktails in a speakeasy-style lounge or want to dance until the lights come on at a packed nightclub, downtown has you covered.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best bars and clubs in downtown Orlando — the spots locals actually go to, not just the ones that show up on tourist brochures. Bookmark this list. You’re going to need it.
Best Nightclubs in Downtown Orlando
1. Anthem Orlando
100 North Orange Ave | Open daily from 3 PM
If you’re looking for the best club experience in downtown Orlando, Anthem is it. Sitting right on Orange Avenue in the heart of downtown, Anthem Orlando has quickly established itself as the must-visit nightlife destination in the city. The production value here is next-level — think world-class sound, dynamic lighting, and a lineup of DJs and performers that rivals any major city.
What really sets Anthem apart is the variety. Harmony Saturdays bring the high-energy dance party vibes. Rewind Wednesdays take you back with throwback hits. Perreo Central goes hard with reggaeton and Latin beats. And the drag shows and cabaret nights? Absolutely legendary. Anthem’s vibe is bold, inclusive, and celebratory — a place where everyone belongs and every night feels like an event.
Whether you’re rolling up with a crew of 10 or flying solo, you’ll feel the energy the second you walk through the door.
Pro tip: Follow @anthemorlando for event announcements — their themed nights sell out fast.
2. The Vanguard
578 N Orange Ave
Housed in the historic Firestone Tire Building after a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Vanguard brings serious production to downtown Orlando. The sound and light systems are top-tier, and the space manages to feel both expansive and intimate. It’s a favorite for EDM nights, live performances, and anyone who takes their nightclub experience seriously.
3. The Beacham
46 N Orange Ave
Built inside a 1921 Art Deco movie theater, The Beacham is equal parts history and hype. By day it hosts concerts from touring artists. By weekend night, it transforms into one of the biggest dance parties in downtown Orlando. The acoustics in this converted theater are genuinely impressive — you can feel the bass in your chest from the moment you step inside.
4. EVE Orlando
110 S Orange Ave
EVE is where downtown Orlando goes glam. The main club room features a massive glass chandelier suspended over the dance floor, LED walls, and VIP booths that attract a dressed-up crowd. The balcony overlooking Orange Avenue is perfect for taking a breather between sets while watching the downtown energy below.
5. The Attic Orlando
68 E Pine St
The Attic has that cool New York loft vibe — exposed brickwork, faded advertising murals on the walls, and a sound system that brings the heat. Local DJs and occasional big-name acts spin EDM and top 40 hits until the early morning hours. It’s raw, gritty, and exactly the kind of spot that makes downtown Orlando’s nightlife scene feel authentic.
Best Bars in Downtown Orlando
6. The Bellhop
37 N Orange Ave (Angebilt Hotel)
Stepping into The Bellhop feels like walking onto a movie set. Designed by former Walt Disney World Imagineers, this cocktail bar occupies the bottom floor of the historic Angebilt Hotel. The gleaming wood bar, feathered chandeliers, and leather armchairs create a glamorous atmosphere that makes even a Tuesday night feel special. The cocktail menu is creative, well-crafted, and worth every penny.
7. Mathers Social Gathering
30 S Magnolia Ave
Mathers has been a downtown Orlando institution since 1894, and it wears that history well. The bartenders here are the real deal — dapper, skilled, and passionate about their craft. If you appreciate cocktails made with small-batch spirits and served in an atmosphere that oozes old-world sophistication, Mathers is your spot.
8. The Courtesy Bar
114 N Orange Ave
The Courtesy is a downtown staple that cocktail enthusiasts swear by. What makes it extra cool? They offer cocktail-making classes on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. Learn to make your own drinks, then stick around to enjoy the bar’s atmosphere for the rest of the night. It’s interactive, fun, and a great date night move.
9. Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge
7 S Orange Ave
There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail on a rooftop with the downtown Orlando skyline as your backdrop. Aero takes that experience and dials it up with DJs on weekends, neon lasers cutting through the night sky, and drink specials that keep the energy high. It’s half rooftop bar, half outdoor nightclub — and fully worth the visit.
10. Wall Street Plaza
Wall St, between Orange Ave and Court Ave
Wall Street Plaza is less of a single bar and more of a nightlife ecosystem. This entire city block houses eight different bars and restaurants, from laid-back sports bars to high-energy dance floors. On weekend nights, the whole block comes alive with a massive block party atmosphere. If your group can never agree on one spot, Wall Street solves that problem — there’s literally something for everyone within a 30-second walk.
How to Plan Your Downtown Orlando Bar Crawl
Here’s our recommended route for the ultimate downtown Orlando night out:
Start (7-9 PM): Kick things off with craft cocktails at The Bellhop or Mathers Social Gathering. Soak in the atmosphere, sip something special, and ease into the evening.
Mid-Night (9-11 PM): Head to Aero Rooftop for sunset views (if you started early enough) or drinks with the skyline. Then grab a round at The Courtesy or Wall Street Plaza.
Peak Night (11 PM-3 AM): This is when you hit the clubs. Make your way to Anthem Orlando for the full experience — the energy peaks around midnight and doesn’t let up until close. Check their event calendar to see which themed night lines up with your visit.
The Bottom Line
Downtown Orlando’s bar and club scene is deep, diverse, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a dance floor warrior, or someone who just wants a great night out with friends, these 10 spots are the real deal. And if you want a night you’ll actually remember (for all the right reasons), start your planning at anthemorlando.com.
See you downtown.
