Rooftop Bars in Orlando: 11 Places to Drink with a View

There are many obvious (but still fun)  ways to spend time in Orlando. All of the country’s best theme parks are crammed into the areas surrounding downtown Orlando. Traversing the expansive Disney and Universal theme parks is a rite of passage for many travelers and a bucket list for most. But for locals, business travelers, and swanky travelers looking for a bit of nightlife, there is an underrated bar scene in downtown Orlando and the surrounding area. One of Orlando’s best features for dining and drinking has to be its exceptional rooftop bars and restaurants. 

With year-round perfect weather, a Florida city like Orlando is perfectly set up for open-air drinking on rooftop terraces, patios, and pool decks. It’s the perfect activity to cap off a day of browsing the best shopping in Orlando, celebrate a milestone, or even just head to the rooftop for a romantic dinner. Whatever the reason, and you certainly don’t really need one, hitting up a fun rooftop bar or patio is the best way to relax and enjoy the view of a beautiful city like Orlando. Just remember to stop by one of Bounce’s luggage storage locations to drop off the bags, and you’ll only have to worry about securing the table with the best view. 

Here are the best outdoor terraces, open-air restaurants, and rooftop bars in Orlando: 

AC Sky Bar 

What's it like:

Located on the 18th floor of the AC Hotel Marriott in downtown Orlando, the sleek and stylish AC Sky Bar is one of the most popular outdoor terraces in the city. With modern decor, epic 360° views of the skyline, and an energetic vibe, this spot is perfect for groups looking to party. 

Our Recommendation: 

AC Sky Bar is best known for its Spanish-style tapas for afternoon drinks and dinner, which are perfect for groups to share. They also have a craft cocktails menu that uses seasonal ingredients to pair with the tropical weather and stunning views. If you’re hitting up the Sky Bar before heading to the parks or staying at the hotel, they serve one of the best brunches in Orlando. 

Location:

333 S Garland Ave Floor 18, Orlando, FL 32801

Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge

What's it like:

This buzzy rooftop bar turns into a nightclub every weekend, and it’s a popular spot for stylish locals and travelers who are visiting the city of Orlando rather than one of the theme parks. This rooftop terrace doesn’t just bring out a DJ on Friday or Saturday night, they have a light show, smoke, and other features turning it into a proper nightclub. Expect a large downtown Orlando crowd to make it a high-energy party. 

Our Recommendation: 

If you have a small group or are on a romantic getaway, planning can ensure your party sits at one of their coveted private cabanas along the pool. You’ll be able to hear the music and enjoy the views, but you’ll have a server to make ordering drinks easier. 

Location:

60 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Bar 17 Bistro

What's it like:

Located in the Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando Theme Parks, this fashionable rooftop terrace offers parents and older park visitors the chance to enjoy a night out. With incredible views of the downtown Orlando skyline as well as the surrounding greenery, this modern bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset and a few cocktails and relax in the ideal Florida evening air. 

Our Recommendation: 

The international-inspired dinner menu features tasty small bites like their Bao buns and craft cocktails. Definitely give both a try.

Location:

6725 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

California Grill 

What's it like:

One of the best and most stylish fine dining restaurants at Disney World, California Grill is located near the iconic Magic Kingdoms Park. From the restaurant's outdoor roof deck area, diners can see the Disney World fireworks shows, making this popular for families, especially parents visiting the park. Because of California Grill’s popularity, reservations are absolutely required. Once confirmed, customers should check the dress code because the proprietors have set up this upscale restaurant to be a true fine dining establishment. 

Our Recommendation: 

California Grill, being one of the high-end Walt Disney Resorts dining establishments, regularly programs special menus to celebrate Disney milestones, such as the park’s 50th anniversary. On most nights and weekends, expect an upscale dinner menu featuring everything from pasta to sushi. For drinks, California Grill has curated a deep wine list, as well as signature cocktails. 

Location:

4600 World Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Capa at Four Seasons Orlando

What's it like:

Located at the Four Seasons at Walt Disney World, Capa is perhaps Orlando’s largest rooftop bar. While the expansive outdoor terrace can sit hundreds of diners at dozens of tables, Capa remains an elegant space for drinks, dinner, and a view. 

The Spanish influence on Capa’s fashionable decor makes it ideal for parents looking for a romantic evening away from the kids or younger groups interested in a meal with some international flair. Most nights and weekends, diners are treated to live Spanish guitar music, creating a relaxing vibe at one of Orlando’s most tasteful rooftop terraces. 

Our Recommendation: 

With heavy Spanish influence on both the bar and the menu, customers can expect a deep wine list featuring selections of Spanish labels and a variety of shareable tapas bites. The play at Capa might be to order strictly tapas plates and their cheese board, which will surely please small groups that want to sample a few dishes. Make sure to check out their craft cocktails if you can’t pick a bottle of wine. 

Location:

10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

Hanson’s Shoe Repair 

What's it like:

The Hanson Building in downtown Orlando has pulled off one of the city’s best ideas for a nightlife spot: a rooftop speakeasy. This stylish outdoor terrace perfectly replicates the iconic 1920’s inspired drinking establishment, with the added wrinkle of a mostly open-air patio layout. 

Like any true speakeasy, you’ll need a password to get in. But don’t worry, you won’t need to know any bootleggers to get in; simply check their social media accounts before heading to Hanson’s. 

Our Recommendation: 

Hanson’s Shoe Repair specializes in craft cocktails prepared by expert bartenders. Easily the most popular drink on the menu is their signature Old Fashioned, but don’t sleep on their seasonal offerings like their Roman Holiday Cocktail. 

Location:

27 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

ILLUME 

What's it like:

Located at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, this gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant overlooks much of downtown Orlando. You’ll also enjoy views of one of the city's most stylish shopping and nightlife districts. The sleek and modern design and decor perfectly set the mood for a romantic outing or provide an elegant setting for small groups to get together to appreciate the upscale food and drinks. 

ILLUME’s prime location also provides a beautiful vantage point to watch the Disney firework shows around 9:00 PM every evening. This is an adults-only spot, which definitely suits the atmosphere they’re trying to create and allows for a more adventurous menu. 

Our Recommendation: 

ILLUME curates a fantastic menu of craft cocktails using Asian ingredients like sake and soju. The food menu is also a can’t-miss experience, with some of the best Japanese cuisines in all of Orlando. The sushi is solid, but the best bites come from the appetizer menu, so make sure you give that a good look.

Location:

14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821

Paddlefish

What's it like:

This Disney Springs spot takes its inspiration from a theme park ride. Located on Lake Buena Vista, this open-air bar and restaurant overlook some of the best views of this iconic Disney property. With charming decor, Paddlefish’s patio will remind visitors of their time at Walt Disney World Resort.

Our Recommendation: 

Paddlefish is, first and foremost, a social spot. Everything about the experience is geared towards small groups looking to have a good time and enjoy some food and drinks. Their menu of signature cocktails features fun creations using citrusy, seasonal ingredients. Their food is Cajun-inspired, with plenty of southern seafood and shellfish options that are perfect for sharing. 

Location:

1670 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

Sky Lounge Orlando 

What's it like:

This trendy rooftop terrace, located in the shadows of the iconic Amway Center Spire, is one of Orlando's most popular open-air bars. Sky Lounge was one of the OG rooftop nightclubs in the city, and its luxurious lounge furniture and bar area have been the blueprint for imitators around Orlando’s nightlife scene. The outdoor terrace is spacious, with plenty of tables near the rooftop’s edge for the best views of downtown Orlando and a bar area for a more social experience. 

Our Recommendation: 

Sky Lounge serves signature cocktails in an upscale club-like setting. There are VIP tables with bottle service that you can reserve ahead of time. If you’re heading toward the Amway Center and looking for some delicious craft cocktails, this is the place to head. 

Location:

400 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801

STK Steakhouse

What's it like:

This rooftop steakhouse in Disney Springs is equal parts fine-dining restaurant, bar, and nightclub. STK’s superb food, nightly DJ sets, upscale bar, and comfortable rooftop terrace make it a place for just about every occasion. With a rooftop lounge situated within the restaurant, there is ample seating at the bar or at a table. The club atmosphere really gets dialed up after Disney’s nightly fireworks show, but couples and small groups can enjoy an intimate dinner earlier in the evening. This outdoor terrace is one of the most popular in Orlando, so reservations (at any hour) are highly recommended. 

Our Recommendation: 

This rooftop steakhouse offers some of the best cuts and chops in Orlando, with a wide variety of dry-aged and specialty options for connoisseurs and adventurous eaters. For those looking for something lighter, there are plenty of salads and appetizers featuring seasonal ingredients. Their seafood menu is one of the true highlights, with a raw bar showcasing a rotating selection of shellfish, catch-of-the-day, and seafood pasta dishes. Surf and turf with parmesan truffle fries are, understandably, their most popular item. 

To drink, their signature cocktail menu features some homemade concoctions using premium ingredients, and their wine menu is certainly one of the finest in Orlando. 

Location:

1580 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

The Whole Enchilada

What's it like:

This Mexican-inspired rooftop lounge is situated on an outdoor terrace overlooking downtown Winter Garden. This trendy spot is geared towards social dining and drinking, with an energetic vibe, fun music, and fashionable decor like string light bulbs and exposed brick. It's the ideal spot to grab some tacos and margaritas. 

Our Recommendation: 

This bar was aptly named, as its namesake dish is one of their best options. Outside of the amazing enchiladas, expect upscale versions of all your Mexican favorites. They serve some of Orlando’s best margaritas as well, and they have a deep menu of tequilas and mezcals if you’re really looking to party. Their food makes it one of the best rooftop restaurants in Orlando, but you'll undoubtedly stay for the social atmosphere.

Location:

129 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Conclusion

While nightlife isn’t Orlando’s main draw by a longshot, it’s one of the city’s best features. Travelers who do their research tend to find some of the most fun experiences outside the theme parks. If you’re with a group of friends or on a romantic getaway, hitting up a rooftop bar for dinner, drinks, and an unforgettable view is one of the best ways to spend time in Orlando. So check out one (or two) of these rooftop bars, enjoy the view and some signature cocktails, and appreciate Orlando for being more than just one big theme park.