A little party never killed no body....
Jump back to the days of the speakeasies. They have specialized cocktails. Most of them were gin based. But some had vodka, rum or tequila.
We sat at the "bird's nest table in the back" which was nice because we weren't surrounded by people who were waiting for drinks at the bar.
There is one downside to this place that keeps from a 5 star. A lot of the drinks on the menu are labor intensive. Specifically, the swizzle drink. You'll be waiting awhile if the bartender is making those. The drinks look cool and taste great but it's a slow process.
I want to end on a positive note, so make sure to check out the ice. It is perfectly cubed.
Awesome!
A refreshingly different hangout with quality drinks compared to the same old cocktails found at every other bar downtown. Â They keep the noise level pretty low so you can actually have conversations with your friends. Â They also enforce the maximum occupancy to a reasonable level. Â If you are turned away at first because it's too crowded, don't give up! Lollygag around for a while and come back in 15-20 minutes. It is worth your time - trust me.
It is roomy. Â I never fail to find a comfortable place to sit and chat. Â The bartenders seem to genuinely enjoy their job and will help you with your selection. Â I've never seen a full service absinthe bar before. Â It's an experience just watching them make your drink.
Overall, the most impressive aspect about the Courtesy is you can mention some uncommon specialty drink from who knows where, and even when it's not on the menu, there's a good chance they can duplicate it to near perfection. Â Ask for a blood and sand, for example.
Magnificent. Â I love this place. Â -- Super clean bathrooms too!
Heritage drink preparation by tight-vested gentlemen and sassy ladies who know exactly what to do to mix a great great drink. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey...you wouldn't think so, but it'll surprise you. Also, they have standards like Basil Hayden, Hudson Baby Bourbon. Creative cocktails and pretty good beer selection. Unique decor rounds out this social spot.
Review Source:Off the strip a little bit, but I can understand why. This quaint location is meant to be undiscovered or not overcrowded. The 1920s/Speakeasy theme is the main idea and I LOVE IT! It's small enough to create the experience of a speakeasy but its not too small to create claustrophobia.
We went on a Thursday and it was pretty steady with people in and out. I'd say this is a place to start your night or end your night. Well heck, you can spend the whole night there. The best part is that it's away from the rah-rah of clubs. It's past the corner of I-bar or Orange.
I ordered the blackberry. My friend ordered a ginger drink ... forgot the name but it was quite tasty!
Excellent drinks. They practice the art of mixology here for sure. Jesse was a great bartender the first time we went, he kept serving those addictive oyster crackers and was making sure that our drinks were up to par. The second time we went, he was not there, so the female bartender we had was not great. The drinks were great, but her service was not. We had to keep asking for the crackers, she wouldn't even bother asking if the drink was good or not. So, to make it short: drinks are excellent, service was hit and miss. They deserve the 5 star rating on the drinks alone, but make sure you ask if Jesse is in, he was great.
Review Source:Definitely an enjoyable bar to visit while downtown, especially if you like real drinks. If you're looking for a more DC/NYC/SF vibe, this is the best I've found in the area. The interior is pretty cozy with some seating at the bar and around the perimeter, but it'll go quickly when the place gets crowded. There's also a couple tables outside. I really enjoyed that the music isn't loud and you can sit and talk with your party, though it does get louder once it's filled to the brim with people.
The drinks are more "real" for lack of a better way to describe it. I'm a fan of whiskey, which is very well-represented on the menu here. I had a New York Sour (whiskey sour with red wine poured on top, it was a Malbec here), which was good but sweeter than I expected. It was fun to watch the bartender do her thing while making the drink, and it was even more fun to drink my drink.
I also tried several other drinks including the Old-Fashioned, Repo Man, Ruby Red Basil and Corpse Reviver. I enjoyed everything, though one person in the group had the Red State and said he didn't enjoy it. I'm guessing it was a matter of personal taste.
They also have a good representation of absinthe here. I would have loved to try some, but my bank account would have been disagreeable the next day. Still, it's worth a try if you've never had any, and no, it's not illegal in the US. You won't hallucinate though, the "Green Fairy" juice from the 1800s/1920s/whenever is still illegal here.
The staff was great. The woman making my drink told me about the classes they do a couple times a month where you learn to make three different cocktails. I think she said that they're currently doing gin cocktails and will switch to something lighter and more summer-y soon for the Floridian season of death (or summer, depending on how you look at it).
I'll echo the other Yelpers who are cooler than me and alraedy reviewed this establishment: Go check it out!
This place is where you want to go if you want a REAL cocktail! It's funny, as I am enjoying my drinks, I was a witness to several people who were ordering beers... REALLY?
These peeps really know what they are doing. They are great at making drinks their own! They use really fresh ingredients and I know that their menu rotates, as they print out their menu fresh every day! Our bartender was so friendly and knowledgeable! All of the drinks that I had were very tasty.
While this place gets really really crowded, its worth it if you are looking for something besides your standard rum and coke! Check this place out!
This bar has got to be one of my new favorites downtown. Why? I'll tell you why:
It wasn't very crowded and the type of people that go there are not the slopping LETSGETWASTED type. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but I think they're worth it because of the way they're made and what they're made out of.
I ordered the Blackbird, which I thought it was so neat watching the bartender girl do her thing. I don't know exactly what was involved but I saw her crushing a sugar cube, mixing up blackberry jam, a couple drops of lemon juice, and using lemon zest for it. It was pretty cool compared to the usual coke and whiskey from a fountain hose. The Repo Man was really good too- that was similar to a margarita but with a little spicy zing to it.
The décor is pretty neat also. I loved how dim the place was with candles and vintage looking paintings and decorations around.
I enjoyed it very much. I'll be going again!
This may be my new favorite bar in Orlando.
It's small, quiet and totally the swanky speakeasy cocktail vibe I've been searching out.
The space is beautiful. Â The woodwork, the chairs, the bottles behind the bar...all perfection.
The drink menu is unique and fun and you totally don't get the pretentious feeling that other place try to put out there.
The wait staff is super friendly and helpful. Â We made it there for happy hour one night and it was excellent.
The other people in the bar were about the same age...30-ish. Â They have good happy hour specials: $4 for all draft beer - Â $4 hand crafted PUNCH - $4 featured wine.
I had the punch because it sounded fun - and it was delicious!!
Plus, they had these really yummy crackers they they kept putting in front of me. Â It was a deadly combination. Â I can't wait to go back!
Get on down here and get your cocktail shaken, stirred, even poured for that matter! Â
This place has a great ambiance, cozy, not too loud, and some lovely combinations of liquid bliss. Â Their bar is stocked, so no matter if you want just an everyday libation or if you need your palette to be challenged, they've got you covered. Â
The Old Fashioned I had this last week at Happy Hour was fanfreakintastic and made this Old Kentucky boy smile three ways to Sunday. Â My friend's choice for the Sazerac was equally as divine and will be my choice next time I'm there.
Even their ice rocks (pun intended)! Â It isn't your ordinary cube....it's big, firm, and lasts (innuendo not intended, well maybe it was). Â Seriously, the ice must be made extra extra cold because it seems to not melt and therefore otherwise change the complexion of the taste intended.
Chic.  Chic.  Chic.  This boîte could be in Paris or New York--think Delancey Street meets Ralph's on Avenue Saint Germaine.... It's romantic, sexy and fun.  The mixologists-bartenders are charming and clever.  And the cocktails are made with  special ice cubes--that alone is worth the trip.  The beer and wine selection is great.
It's best to go on the early side because the word is out and it gets crowded.
Orlando's best cocktail in an area that is surrounded by jager bombs and domestic beers. When I arrived at Orange Avenue, I wasn't expecting much, especially with it being Taco Tuesday, with hundreds of people crowding into a nearby bar for $2 margaritas and Coronas. I had to get out of there, fast.
Enter, The Courtesy. It's a small bar, dark with lights around the edges, and a few corky couches around. The best seating in the house is the bar or window seats. A seat at the bar gets you a front-row experience with some fine cocktail bartenders that are crafting up some excellent drinks. They serve up four different kinds of absinthe, exactly as it should be with sugar cubes melted over top with a cold water drip & flame. Â These mixologists know what they are doing (except for the random bartender that only poured beers and watched oddly as we asked about the cocktails adn specials).
Sailor Mule- Spiced rum, lime, ginger syrup, ginger beer served in a tin mug. This was the best drink I have had at the Courtesy.The ginger gives it a nice punch, but it's still calm and wonderful.
Slow Hum Fizz- ambler gin, hibiscus, and cardamom liquor, maraschino liquer and club sodas, lime.
Ruby Red Basil- Standard vodka, St. Germain elderflower, grapefruit, basil
El Dorado- Cachaco, velvet falernum, tamarind shrub, and lime
The Courtesy is one of my top 3 favorite bars in Downtown Orlando, possibly anywhere! Their drinks are out of this world. The first time I went there, I thought they were a bit pricey looking over the menu, but once I had my first sip, I was hooked. I think their drinks are worth the few extra dollars. My two favorites are the Ruby Red Basil and the Sailor Mule. They could use one more bartender on the weekends, but other than that, this is the place to go with some good company!
Review Source:Wow-- what an awesome little place! Â Got to try it for the first time a few nights ago. Â Wandered up and down Orange a bit trying to find it (Google Maps has it marked on the OTHER side of the road and there is NOTHING to indicate that this Cocktail Bar is what it is until you wander inside)-- a literal hidden gem.
Inside is an interesting blend of apothecary, steampunk, wish a splash of old west saloon tossed in. Â It's dark, but cozy-- and not too loud! Â Lots of good places to sit with a few friends and enjoy a great drink.
The bartenders were friendly and really knew their stuff. Â I had a Ruby Red Basil-- great summer drink! Â Refreshing and not too sweet.
The more I think about it, the more I feel like although the drinks are on the expensive side, they are priced fairly-- you are paying for the ambiance of the bar itself and the experience that their mixologists bring to the table.
Come thirsty, bring patience, and bring a good conversation partner. Â You won't be disappointed.
DT was in dire need of real mixologists and The Courtesy has filled that need! The  inviting, apothecary-inspired decor sets the mood for a drink experience like no other in Orlando.
The ambiance sets the mood for a chill atmosphere. Remember that patience is a virtue as you hang out at the bar. The bar can get very busy and these are not your typical pour some vodka over juice drinks. These mixologists are crafting timeless classics for you and the wait is well worth the cocktails. If you follow their FB page, you'll see these mixologists are bringing us the classics with a new twist. Â
If you love spiced rum and ginger concoctions, this is your bar! Their Sailor Mule combines spiced rum with ginger beer- a lot like a dark and stormy. The ginger really makes a statement in this drink!
Right by the entrance is an absinthe bar. I think the shots were like $15 each, but potent to the last drop. I had one shot and I literally felt my inside were on fire.
I can't wait to return to The Courtesy and be introduced to a new cocktail.
Love this spot. Finally a real cocktail bar in Orlando. Great decor, chill atmosphere, top-notch drinks, and staff that takes pride in what they are handing you. A perfect spot for when you need something more adult and chill than what the usual bars/clubs in the area can offer. If you're looking for a real classy cocktail, go here.
Review Source:yes, this place is wicked awesome! i love the craftiness of the cocktails. They take their time to make it just right and you can taste it! I had a champagne margarita...totally amazing! The atmosphere is cozy and quaint and the details in the decor is top notch. Will for sure be heading back for more than just one cocktail :)
Review Source:What a great concept for Downtown Orlando. The Courtesy is laid back, relaxing, and just what we needed outside the "norm" of dubstep / party clubs. If you wanna chill atmosphere to meet up and grab a drink with friends. THIS IS THE PLACE! Think of it as the "Cask & Larder" of Orlando bars.
Review Source:I LOVE The Courtesy.....from the decor, to the genuinely nice staff, to the delicious drinks. This is a delightful NEW addition to Orlando. Â It's nice that it's on the edge of the crazy that is downtown Orlando at nights and on the weekends.
If you want a hand crafted cocktail in a classy environment, The Courtesy is your place!
I love this place. It has an old steampunk feel with a dash of apothecary mixed in. the cocktails are creative and reminiscent of the long forgotten speakeasy type drinks that you'd have to know the password to be invited in to get.
It can get kind of nuts later in the evening, since these cocktails take a minute to create. It's worth the wait, be patient.
Impeccable decor!! Â These folks didn't miss a thing. Â For real....amazing. Â
I had the drink that has ginger in it (sorry, can't remember the name). Â It was pretty tasty and had a stick in it that read 'Well Done'. Â Again, nice touch. Â
I've been there a few times (both when it's busy and not so busy). Â The wait was lengthy every time but if you don't mind waiting in a beautiful space for a delicious drink then this is your place.
Came here last night on the suggestion from a friend. I will definitely be coming back.
Loved the atmosphere. It was very relaxed with an inviting, throwback vibe. The crowd was very hipsterish, but friendly. The music was on point and not too loud, so you could actually speak to the people you were with.
THE DRINKS! Delicious. I had an old-fashioned, which is probably the best that I've had in Orlando. I love the ice cubes too. =] Â I also had a Widow-maker which was good, but not on par with the Old-fashioned. My friend had the Blanco 114 and I am extremely happy that I didn't order that. Not my style and I don't believe she enjoyed the tequila/champagne mix either.
The Courtesy is one of the new bars in the downtown area. Â We came here on a Friday night during a Magic game, and to our surprise it was not busy! Â This definitely has a Speakeasy type feel from the obscurely lit sign out from to the concrete walls and ornate lighting glowing atop the bar.
We were instantly greeted by the bartender and the man with the handlebar mustache (need a pic of that), when we walked in and given a paper menu that had two sides. Â one was their specialties, the other the beer. Â One cool thing to note, is that they have a decent selection of Absinthe (green fairy anyone?) Â My wife and I decided to try two of the drinks on the menu, The Widow Maker, and The Corpse Reviver. Â Both were excellent! Â They were made in an old fashion style in front of us, then the mouths of the glass were wiped down with a lemon, and served with the drink.
They are kind of pricey, but are basically pure alcohol and definitely have a kick!
The new hot spot in Orlando - watch out!
This place is pretty cool. They have some really delicious drinks for you to sip on while you're lounging on their comfortable couches and seats. The decor is amazing. I honestly don't even feel like I'm in Orlando when I'm at this bar. The bartenders are nice and I think overall this is a great place to just hang out with some friends.
As much as I like this place, I'm not a fan of waiting forever and a day for my drink. Seriously, I don't care how "hand made" a drink is, 15 entire minutes on one drink is absurd. Also, don't plan on going here on the weekend. You'll be lucky if you can get in the door. (Can you imagine the wait time then?)
Overall I like this place and I will for sure be back - it will just be on a low key night when I hope nobody else is there.
What I liked: Â RUBY RED BASIL. Â Super delicious drink with vodka, grapefruit juice, and basil leaves. Â It was heavenly. Â The place is trendy, cute, and fun. Â I like the environment. Â The crowd was a little "hipsterish" but I friendly.
The downside: Â VERY very busy on a Saturday night. Â The drinks are kinda "fancy pants" and take a little bit to prepare... so the bartender was very backed-up. Â It look 15-20 minutes to get a couple of drinks. Â
Also, my drink was like $8-9 bucks. Â That's kinda steep for one drink, but it was absolutely delicious... so I didn't feel that upset about it.
All in all, I look forward to heading back on a less busy night and trying another one of their drinks!
I've been here once so far, but plan on returning! Â I don't normally drink liqour drinks and am more of a beer and wine girl, but after tasting a few of the cocktails a friend of mine had....I'd definitely like to return to have a few of those drinks myself. Â They do have a good selection of beers and wines for those of you who either don't drink liqour or who just want a change of pace.
The Corsair Mule will be first on my list. Â The little taste I had of it was absolutely delicious and like nothing I've ever had before!
The ambiance is very cute. Â It's small and intimate and the lighting is dim and comfortable. Â They have couches that line the wall with tables and plenty of seating at the bar. Â Very cozy and comfortable spot to come have a few good drinks and it's not loud either which makes it easy to talk to the people you're with.
The girl's bathroom was very cute and clean. Â Pink walls with old fashion decor and a small chandelier type light fixture. Â Always a nice touch. Â They don't have purse hooks under the bar, which I hope they add in the future since the bar chairs are not made for hanging a purse on the back of it. Â So you either have to hold it in your lap, put it on the bar or set it on the floor.
Finally Orlando gets its first "speakeasy" kind of bar. I wouldn't think it fits into any category but maybe neighborhood dive/speakeasy. It's not a classy place but people sure try to dress the part. Sipping on cocktails and hanging around your friends is nice. The decor is a little confusing. Reworked vintage furniture with disco era upholstery?
I know the place use to be "Have a nice day cafe" back in the day. Not sure if it was anything after that.
Now onto the cocktails.... the "Old Fashioned" was good by Orlando standards.
Watermelon Basil Cocktail.. What were you thinking? I thought it was supposed to be fresh ingredients but it tasted like it was sitting in the fridge for a couple days. Definitely not fresh at all. I couldn't even take more than two sips.
Another courtesy is for fresh herbs... Out of the five of us drinking, all the herbs (basil) were wilted badly.
I hope this place makes some minor changes. I was informed everyone that works there are friends for a long time and opened this place together. So this is just my input to you guys. Nice job.
Thank Jesus, we have a REAL Cocktail bar in DT Orlando!
The atmosphere is bangin', velvety couch up front, long bench in the middle and a cozy corner in the back with a nest on the ceiling (you can find me here weekly) and of course, the grand wood detailed bar - WOW! Just gorgeous. The Edison lights lining the bar give it a San Fran feel for sure.
Orlando, behold, a gorgeously made cocktail. Yes, you have to wait a while for your turn to order and then watch as they do their magic and craft up a deliciously details drink. I am glad I made it in here during the opening weeks because I think once the word gets out, this place will be uber busy. I may make this my go-to bar during slow week days so I can actually relax and enjoy the ambiance.
My favs:
- Blueberry Lavender housemade soda (i had Gin added) - brilliant!
- Slow Hum Fizz - first class
- Ruby Red Basil - refreshing
If you are in a rush, don't go here.
If you want a lovely, relaxing evening with an all sense inspiring beverage, stop in here!
Tip generously, these bartenders and actual mixologists and not just throwin' some vodka with a mixer, they rock at what they do, respect them!
Courtesy, I like the cut of your jib.
This new bar downtown is definitely stylin' - taking some cues from the architecture of the Dolive building, which is nearing the century point, the long and narrow space features what are likely the original stamped tin ceilings, dim lighting from Edison squirrel-cage light bulbs, a heavy wooden bar manned by bartender in a bow-tie (and a steampunk cash register for ringing up your bill), and ample seating in the form of several conversation groups and a long, low bench that runs along the length of the space, parallel to the bar, with tables interspersed. Â At some point I want to come back here in '20s garb with my husband rocking a sweet monocle.
Drinks include draft and bottle beer and wine, but there's an emphasis on spirits and craft cocktails - it's a fun atmosphere to hang with friends and try new drinks.
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