4 Best Bars in Universal Orlando, Florida

Background Illustration for Nightlife

With the wide range of nightlife you'll find at Universal, you may get the feeling that you're vacationing not in Orlando but in New York City. CityWalk's stores open by midmorning, and its restaurants come to life between lunchtime and late afternoon. Eateries that double as nightclubs (such as Pat O'Brien's, Bob Marley’s, and the Red Coconut Club) start charging a cover before dusk and apply age restrictions (usually 21) around 9 pm. For details on a particular establishment, check with Guest Services (aka Guest Relations). A Party Pass ($11.90) is good for admission to the clubs of CityWalk, and Universal's hefty $20 parking fee is waived after 6 pm.

Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom

CityWalk

Modeled after the King of Reggae's home in Kingston, Jamaica (even down to the air-conditioning window units), this nightclub is also part museum, with more than 100 photographs and paintings showing pivotal moments in Marley's life. Though the place does serve Jamaican-influenced meals, (like the No Woman, No Cry Jerk Chicken Salad) most patrons are at the cozy bar or on the patio, where they can be jammin' to a (loud) live band and DJ that plays nightly. For a nice souvenir, pose by the Marley statue outside the club.

6000 Universal Blvd., Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
407-224–2692

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CityWalk's Rising Star

CityWalk

If singing is your thing, you and other hopeful (and hopeless) songbirds can really let loose in front of a live audience. You'll croon to either recorded tracks or, when available, you'll be accompanied by a live band complete with backup singers. A full bar is always on tap. Admission is free. Must be 18+ with valid photo ID; alcoholic beverages available for 21+ with valid photo ID. 

6000 Universal Blvd., Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
407-224–2961

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Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

CityWalk

Buffett tunes fill the air at the restaurant and at the Volcano, Land Shark, and 12 Volt bars. There's a miniature Pan Am Clipper suspended from the ceiling, music videos projected onto sails, limbo and hula-hoop contests, a huge margarita blender that erupts "when the volcano blows," and live music nightly—everything that Parrotheads need to roost. Across the promenade, another full-size seaplane (emblazoned with “Jimmy Buffett, Captain”) is the setting for the Lone Palm Airport, a pleasing and surprisingly popular outdoor waterfront bar.

6000 Universal Studios Plaza, Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
407-224–2155

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Pat O'Brien's

CityWalk

An exact reproduction of the legendary New Orleans original comes complete with a flaming fountain and dueling pianists who are playing for highly entertained regulars and visitors—even on weekday afternoons. Outside, the cozy and welcoming Patio Bar has a wealth of tables and chairs, allowing you to do nothing but enjoy the outdoors and your potent, rum-based Hurricanes in Orlando's version of the Big Easy.

6000 Universal Blvd., Universal Orlando Resort, FL, 32819, USA
407-224–3663

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