Great spot. A truly unique place. Went last Friday - very good crowd. Busy but not too packed. Got some sushi from the food truck parked outside (Fish Out of Water Food Truck - also really amazing and creative). Had a couple of hard to find brews. Service was very good. Friendly but not intrusive. Perfect night out with the hubs.
Review Source:the imperial has definitely helped to bring about the renaissance starting to take place on ivanhoe row!!!
this place is unique, fun, and laid back. Â part furniture store/part bar--it's a pretty stellar combination. aside from great indoor space they also have an awesome beer garden that feels cozy and private. the beer and wine lists are both great and are accompanied by a knowledgable friendly staff. they also have live music and frequent food truck visits!
this place is just a great respite from the usual bars that are offered up. go.
I love the imperial. Great beer selection, and not too too high priced. It has a fun hipster chic and artsy atmosphere (as it is an upscale furniture store by day). The back patio is one of my favorite places to enjoy some beers and even a cigar. All together a great place for a relaxed night or a date. And be sure to try the food trucks- I love La Empanada!
Review Source:This is the place that we bring people that visit from out of town.
Without a doubt it has the most unique character of the bars in Orlando, save maybe Stardust, but that's a whole other animal. The Imperial is one of a kind. The draft list is small, but always top notch. The wine list is fantastic. The best food trucks in Orlando show up frequently. The servers are down to Earth, friendly, and intelligent. All I can say about the decor is get up off your ass and come to this bar.
My friends and I like to play the Price Is Right with all of the awesome imports. Closest without going over on the giant wooden cobra gets a drink! One Dollar, Bob!
I love just about everything that Imperial offers. Â Its in a great location, Â there is always parking and you're close enough to other businesses that offer a stroll down the sidewalk.
I enjoy every visit as I get to look at all the stressed furniture, which is for sale by the way. Â It is obviously handmade and more about art than it is furniture, but the pieces are functional. Â
I like the side and back areas to sit with friends. Â It offers a more intimate setting away from the loudness of the main room. Â The lighting through out is perfect. Â No spot is dark or too bright.
They offer a wide variety of beers and wines. Â You wont be disappointed. Â if you aren't sure what you want, ask, they are knowledgeable and helpful with whatever preference you have. Â
Certain nights they have a food truck parked outside, which is great because Imperial doesn't serve food. Â Normally the trucks will bring it in for you if you like, perfect! Â
I enjoy this Imperial, now I just need to try their other location! Â :)
What a gem! A friend suggested this little place for an after work drink and thank goodness! As others have mentioned, the front half of the building is an import furniture store. The furniture, lighting, accessories, etc. spill into The Imperial, and create a very cozy, cool setting. The craft beer and ciders come from all over as well. (Excalibur cider is phenom!) It's the perfect place to go if you don't want to be hassled by big crowds (at least not after work on a weeknight) and the downtown club types. And if you really like that chair you're sitting in, take it home!
Review Source:This is a great place to hang out and have a few nice drinks (wine or beer only). It can get loud and crowded on the weekends but so what!? If you like it a little quieter go earlier and vice versa.
Check the website or call about the food trucks. The Brisket one is incredible!! It's the only one I've tried because by the time we got there when the sushi one was there there was a really long line so we just had a glass of wine and had a nice time.
Good for dates, hanging out with friends. or just a nice place to have a glass of wine or a beer. Funky old movies playing add to the feel...
Parking can be difficult but you'll find something fairly close.
Definitely one of my favorite spots in Orlando. Staff can be kind of moody sometimes, but in general it's great. They introduced me to 2 of my all-time favorite beers - a Grapefruit Shandy and a Cucumber Seison. AND, they have the Fish Out Of Water Sushi Truck there more often than not. Love that stuff.
Review Source:Here's the bottom line...down on Edgewater (near White Wolf Cafe) you can go to a bar where virtually everything around you--from the decor on the walls to the tables and chairs you rest dat ass and drink on, are for sale.
All of them rich antiquities and unique artifacts that'd make a cool addition to your home (if you have the expendable cabbage to divulge in such niceties).
The staff is amazing, friendly and patient...exactly what you need when a beer list is so big and the bar line is on overflow.
The location is convenient with lotsa parking and enough room out front for a food truck to post up (holler Fish Outta Water).
The atmosphere is trendy but also very cultured and sophisticated. You could be at the bar ordering next to a fixie-girl on one side of you while on the other a dude that looks something like Tony Bourdain.
It's a people place and I'm glad to have finally checked it out...won't be the last.
The gist: Yep. You found out. This is my favorite bar in Orlando. Friendly people that don't mind telling you about a particular wine or beer. The atmosphere is some of the best in the city and because its in the back of a furniture store, it's an ever changing place to drink. Me love.
I love this bar. (I hate Toby Keith and that stupid song. Sorry bumpkins.) The bar managers of this bar were my neighbors but I had been to their bar and experienced it long before I even realized that odd fact. They are wonderful people that love the food and wine experience and they will go out of their way to help you select the perfect drink. Like most bar of it's kind, they have wines and beers that rotate and you'll always find something a little odd on the menu if you're thinking about stepping out of your "Tom's." I'm a beer guy and I'm never disappointed when I go there. (In fact...as I type this...I'm off to meet some friends there.)
There have been times when it's been far too crowded in the bar and in order to get away from that, I've relocated me and my wife outside on their small patio. That would work perfectly if the weather was like it is right now (High of 75 - Low of 55) but if you're going there in August and you try to pull this maneuver just know that you're going to be sweating your butt off. (You have no idea how many silk shirts I've ruined this way.)
It took me a little while to get used to actually sitting on the furniture that people can buy, but it's all good. You get used to it. And if you're like me and get drunk enough, you actually start to believe that you can afford some of the really amazing furniture that they sell. I can't and never will be buying my chairs there but I will drink there for as long as they're pouring.
I really enjoy this establishment; the decor, the staff, even the crowd. It's chill and cozy and not at all a disgusting bar. The staff is friendly; the bathroom is tidy; parking is free! I would like to check out their other location, which serves liquor, to see how that changes the vibe.
It's a great place to take guests, especially if you actually want to talk with them. Love that the food trucks rotate through as well. Hurrah for no smoking and cleanliness!
I enjoy a night out with friends catching up with craft beers. I'm one who prefers a cozy setting over a sports bar. I have found a number of cool spots to go hang with friends, one of them being The Imperial.
When we first moved to Orlando I took off exploring Ivanhoe Village I came upon this exotic furniture store. My husband and I walked around Washburn Imports oohing over the eclectic mix of furniture laid out in the store. Well this cool furniture store has a double life. At night the lights are dimmed and the bar is open. While I can't vouch for the wine I am pleased with the small, but decent selection of craft beers on tap.
The furniture for sale by day becomes an intimate seating area by night. The tunes are right and if you're hungry you're bound to find some good eats from a local food truck parked outside.
Just wish a couple of the bartenders could be a bit friendlier. Â I know you work in a cool place, but being rude does not make a good impression on customers. Â Not all of them have attitude, so I'll keep coming back and enjoy drinking my craft beer with friends in this exotic setting.
This place is super neat for multiple reasons.
1. The furniture: rustic, classy, unique and organic. There is  high seating and low benches
2. Ambiance: It makes you feel all warm and cozy.....with an artistic vibe! There is loads of different textures due to the wooden surroundings. There is also low lighting......plants.....you will feel like you are in coolest chill spot......there is an outside are of sorts  for more intimate settings with friends in large setting areas. The whole place is set up in vignettes for private-like areas to be with friends.
3. The alcohol is expensive but, very unique choices.
4. No waitstaff, you order at the bar.
5. Food: The Empanada Food truck is there to sell fresh food! Love it!! Cheap and yummy. Just walk out and order (plantain & black bean empanada with a kale apple salad $5!) and bring it back in.
Parking across the street....free and easy to do.
Pretty cool little place... The Imperial is all about atmosphere - and that atmosphere is great. The location is actually an antique store by day and hipster bar by night. The crowd is great for people watching, but beware, like everyone knows each other there! It is very "clique-y." And if you aren't one of the "known" it can take a bit to get a drink, especially if it is very crowded. The staff is way laid-back, I'm talking the bouncer is always sipping on a glass of wine when we arrive. The bartenders are always drinking, but that is totally helpful because they always pick me out a great brew or glass of wine. The staff is all very knowledgeable about their beverage service and if you need a little sweet, they have a secret stash of the most delightful chocolates behind the counter if you ask nicely. They also usually have a food truck parked out front if you get a touch of the munchies. All in all, definitely check this place out! If you love different beers and wine and enjoy a low-key, cool atmosphere, you need to be here!
Review Source:This is one of the best places in Orlando when you just want to have a relaxing evening with friends while enjoying delicious wine or beer. Their outdoor patio allows you to soak in the gorgeous Florida weather. And both outside and inside are filled with an eclectic collection of furniture that are always too expensive for me even though I want to take many of them home with me.
It has never been all too crowded while I'm here, which is great so you don't have to deal with too many drunk crazies. The bartenders are also knowledgeable and mostly friendly. If you have questions or unsure of which to try, just let them know what you usually like, and they'll gladly provide suggestions.
Music is not overwhelming, so you can actually have a conversation. Smoking is not allowed inside, so you don't have to shorten your life from the second hand. There is often a food truck outside in case you need some food to soak up the alcohol you've been drinking.
It's a great place for a date, but it's also a great place for a group of friends. I love it!
Lately, this is my favorite place to drink in Orlando. Â By virtue of being nestled into a furniture store (yes, you can buy any piece of furniture/decor that catches your eye, but be aware it'll be at drunken-impulse-buy prices as no one at the bar is authorized to haggle), this bar has no shortage of places to SIT and chat with friends. High and low tables are arranged into cozy conversation nooks and an ample outdoor patio offers chairs and benches, and the lighting and music are both kept unobtrusive. It's also dog friendly.
Drinks include a respectable variety of wine and craft beer, some on tap. If you want your beer in a bottle, I've learned to be sure to specifically request it that way, as that's how I prefer my fav Hitachino Nest. There's occasional live music, and for noshing, a small charcuterie plate is available and the Fish Out Of Water sushi truck is generally outside, but the emphasis is solidly on just hanging out, drinking and chatting. The place has character - maybe it's all the feng shui from all those arrangements of furniture or something. Absolutely worth checking out for a low key evening.
One of the only places I know where you can buy the table you are sitting at after enjoying some great drinks. Â And not just any table, but a table with a top that is constructed out of a single solid slice of tree trunk. Â If that doesn't make sense then I suggest you check this place out to see what I mean. Â
This is one of my favorite spots in Orlando to have a few beers and relax with friends. Â This place is truly one of a kind. Â I also love how they welcome different food trucks to park outside because we all get the munchies when drinking. Â The outdoor beer garden out back is great too. Parking is usually not a problem because you can park in the lot across the street.
I had heard about this place from a few people how its a furniture store by day bar at night. It is an interesting place to drink at, not only do they have great beer they have wild furniture. One table was made out of what looked like an old tree stump. We sat in the back for a while and tried to guess how much everything cost.
As a novice wine drinker I went with a couple beers and my girlfriend went with a mascato, she loved it. Like any specialty bar it can be a little pricey but a great atmosphere that wasn't to loud and a place to sit outside I will be back.
This is probably one of my favorite places to sit back and enjoy some beverages with friends. I am in love with the environment. As you can see from other reviews, it's in a furniture store. How cool! Best of all, it's not just some typical furniture store (I mean, drinking in a Rooms to Go wouldn't be this fun) - it's a furniture store that is filled with unique items (mainly wooden) from all over the world that has been collected and brought back for you to buy or just sit on while you drink. :)
They also have a patio out back that is perfect for cooler nights in Orlando. Lights and cozy furniture fill up this area and it's quite lovely. In addition have food trucks out at least one night a week (I think Thursdays but I'm not 100% sure).
Basically the point of this review is to tell you to go. Like now. It's fantastic and you'll love it.
Love, love, love The Imperial.
It's a different kind of bar-- hidden in the back of Washburn Imports in the Lake Ivanhoe area. Â The decorations are eclectic but everything about it is warm and inviting.
They provide a perfect environment to kick back, enjoy drinks (Imperial offers a sophisticated wine list and pretty good selection of craft brews) and chat with friends. Â It's not a loud bar and due to it kind of being in the back of a furniture store, there's great places to lounge around with a fairly large group.
All in all, a hidden gem and wonderful place to just have a drink and hang out. Â Without a doubt, one of my favorite little corners of Orlando.
OK, I feel like small business owners are guilty of giving lofty often misleading names to their businesses. I get it, it's chic and trendy to call yourself a Shoppe or a Boutique or a Pâtisserie. If you're familiar with beer gardens you'll know that Imperial doesn't really fit the bill and the cutesy tiny patio in the back doesn't count.
With that said, I absolutely love the interior! They basically decided to utilize all the bad-ass furniture from the eclectic (albeit overpriced) furniture store next door and it really looks fantastic. I love the atmosphere, I love the look!
The crowd is diverse and the energy is relaxed. I love the bluesy, rustic live music that a guitarist started to play.
The casual almost grungy element that you'd usually experience from a traditional beer garden is lost here - however, Imperial has a rustic but elevated bar experience and the great tables and chairs would make for great beer + board game/trivia nights.
Aside from a meat and cheese plate, there is no food served but a food truck tends to turn up out front. I asked the bartender if I could bring in outside food (the way Orlando Brewing allows) but they don't allow anything other than whatever food truck is parked outside. Somewhat off-putting, but I'll take it.
Overall, a great experience!
This place is so nice. I felt like such an adult. Especially since I went here after seeing a show at Bob Carr.
Apparently, it is also an antique store. You can buy a lot of the decorations. it is decorated in the kind of a cabin-esque. Wooden benches and chairs. Tables are like stumps or wooden planks. Fun atmosphere.
It has a nice patio area. Â It was a good night, not too hot. Parking is fairly easy. There is some in the back (it's dirt spots though - got sand in my shoes). Then there is street parking. Â This night Fish Out of Water Sushi truck was outside for those needing food. I don't believe they have food there. Although there was a cheese platter. And it was tasty.
A bar in an import furniture store, what could be better? Well add a great array of craft beer, cider and wines, some Turner Classic Movies, great chill areas and a great atmosphere and you have a true gem in Orlando on your hands. Hungry? No worries, you will probably find the Fish Out of Water Sushi truck outside. Beautiful product surrounds you, so if you see something it's probably for sale!
What are you waiting for? Go!!!!!
One of my favorite chill-out hang out bars in Orlando is definitely The Imperial. I remember the first time I visited, I thought I was in Colorado or something to that effect. Dim lighting, moody, beautiful furniture and have you seen that beautifully hand crafted Bar built by Mr. Muir? Every detail is there at the Imperial and the beer selection is perfect. Not too many, and enough to not always be drinking the same things.
Agreed. Feels like a Wes Anderson film. Find the Washburn Imports sign off Orange, and have a rendevous. :)
One of the things I love about Orlando is finding all these off the beaten places that only the locals know. Get out of the tourist trap mousetrap and visit some great local neighborhood joints...especially The Imperial.
First of all, this is a furniture store by day - eclectic bar by night. Enjoy a nice microbrew (we had a ommegang) or a lovely glass of wine (great wine list) in a cozy corner by candlelight. A wonderful spot to have a nice conversation away from your typical loud bar scene.
The furniture and vibe encourage a different kind of clientele. This is not the place to start a bar fight and it's doubtful you'll find a 20-something puking on a couch. You don't want to awaken the "you break it - you buy it" policy!
Location, location, location ... It doesn't get much more convenient than being just a few blocks of exit 84 off I-4 on Orange Avenue, not to mention the proximity to downtown Orlando. There is street parking and plenty parking lots around.
More than meets the eye ... first thing that struck me when I walked in with my fellow foodie was an opulent chandelier right off the entrance. How Cool! I was pleasantly surprised with the eclectic, calm, & sensual style of the space.  We made ourselves comfortable on a huge wooden divan style couch after checking out the place. Wait a minute? Was that a price tag we saw on the couch? Apparently, the entire store actually has a day time job as a Furniture Store and converts to a Bar promptly at 5 each night. And in case you are wondering, YES, everything that meets your eye including furniture, lighting, and décor is on sale.
The drawback (aside from no table service), if you want to call it that is that the only food served is a Cheese & Charcuterie Plate platter. Â Which I might add maybe the best cheese selection I have tasted in CFL: Aged Cheddar, Stilton, Manchego, St. Andres (Yes, the double creamy French indulgence), super crisp Cornichons, Dolmas, Toasted Nuts, Olives, perfectly spiced and pickled Vegetables, Chorizo, Dry Salami, Hot Italian Salami, and Prosciutto, that suffices as the perfect party in my mouth.
Bottom line.... in my opinion, Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden is an ideal happy hour or late night destination to hang with colleagues and friends. And perhaps, you might be tempted to take some inspiration to decorate your own home too.
Cute little bar with a good selection of beer and wine. The prices are competitive and the surroundings are fun to look at. Your eyes don't get bored too quickly here.
My only gripe would be the bartender serving me a beer in a pint glass that should have been a 10 oz pour into a tall, slender glass. I know, boo hoo you got too much beer? Not really a complaint then, just weird. It was weird.
I'll be back there. I like it.
My friend says to me, "You want to go drinking in a furniture store." Â I say, who the hell drinks in a furniture store?? Â Well color me pink, I was pleasantly surprised. Â This isn't your regular Ashley's Furniture show room. Â Oh no, this is FANCY!
After purchasing my red wine, I proceeded to sit on the museum worthy couch and pray to God I didn't drop my drink. Â My friend and I had fun guessing how much items were and trying to guess their history. Â I would highly recommend this place for a good night out. Â Maybe not so much for the decorator on a budget...
I've known about the Imperial for a while and driven past it often, but for some reason never stopped in. Â As others have pointed out the Imperial is situation in the back part of Washburn Imports.
Well a few weeks ago I made my first visit. Â I immediately liked everything about it. Â The staff is wonderful and upbeat even when the place gets real busy. Â They have a nice selection of craft beers and import beers on tap and in the bottle. Â The wine selection is always interesting, varied and revamped periodically. Â I've discovered a few wines that I'd probably never would have come across or sampled if it were not for a suggestion from Brett.
The Imperial doesn't have a kitchen but does offer two different cheese/charcuterie plates that tend to to the job for me when I have to urge for a small bite with a glass of wine. Â I hear that there may be some food truck hookups in the future which would provide some food options just outside the door.
My most recent visit was on this past Wednesday night, where it was an acoustic Rolling Stones tribute night. Â A series of local musicians provided their individual take on classic Stones tunes. Â Quite the treat, especially one very memorable jam session with a trio that include Jeff Nolan on acoustic guitar, a steel guitar and electric fiddle. Â I will be back for more evening like that.
A good mix of people spanning a few generations seem to populate the place. Â What could be better than having a glass of wine or beer and sitting on the exotic furniture from Washburn Imports.
I really like this place, especially when it's not crowded. It has a small and personal feel to it, and the beer selection reflects the quality of the atmosphere. Everything around you is interesting to look at, and at night with the lights just right there's a bit of mystery in the air, almost like being alone in a museum in the middle of the night. Â At least once while you're sitting there, you'll probably think to yourself, "This place is so cool."
The bartenders are personable and they know their stuff. If you feel like stepping out for a bit, there is some seating in a patio area behind the bar lit at night with strings of lights (see photo). Â It's nice and peaceful out there, a great place to hang out and talk with your friends. The staff remains attentive no matter where you're sitting, so you won't have to go back in to get your next drink.
Antique store, bar, antique store, bar? Â Both!
Make sure you find the most expensive thing to sit on and tell your friends about it. Â In fact make it a contest. Â I am not sure if we are adding to the aging of the furniture but they are not at all strict about coasters. Â The it is almost the opposite of going to a warehouse party.
Nevertheless, a good concept and even though I've heard it is hit and miss, the two nights I went were both hits.
Go.
Dt
WOW!
ok not sure where to start. Â We got there I immediately saw Delirium Tremens, ordered it, had to wait for it to chill but sooo worth it. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, personable and fun.
The outside is the best part. Its a little garden and makes you feel that you are not in a city.
We were not done with our beers, and they let us hang out about 15-20 mins after close to finish. I really liked that, since I did pay $15.00 for my beer it was nice to finish it.
One of the best bars in town...
DIG IT! This spot is located within one of my favorite (but too expensive for my budget) furniture stores. Yep, a bar in a furniture store... and it's so much cooler than you are picturing in your head right now.
Imagine huge, eclectic furniture imported from all over the world with so much character you need to name each piece. Then throw in the smell of musky amazingness and the relaxation of just loungin' around in this amazing furniture while throwing back a craft beer or cider! (wine too)
If that isn't enough, the bar itself is a masterpiece, I swear I take a photo of it everytime I go in. It looks so rugged and old but so classy. There is also local art that adds to the decor sprinkled throughout.
But wait... there is more... a garden lounge outside! It's down the alley, skinny and long and it allows you to take in some nice fresh air and just sit with friends and strangers alike. Â
Trust me, stop in here and you will be glad you did. Â It's a true hidden gem!
Though I'm certainly no small biz expert, I would imagine it's tough to stand out in the wine bar business. Â Your customer base has seemingly limitless choices, ranging from casual gathering spots to card-loading dispenser megabars to posh lounges where the cost of a glass of wine is what I'd normally spend on four burritos at Tijuana Flats. Â Whatever- the owners of The Imperial have done a good job at standing a bit above the crowd with their wine and beer bar in darling Ivanhoe Village.
As everyone knows by now, The Imperial is tacked on to the back of Washburn Imports, a used furniture store that's been around in Orlando or Winter Park for what seems like eons. Â (Look for the deep red building on the corner of Orange and New Hampshire, where Flo's Attic used to be.) Â You enter through unassuming industrial double glass doors on New Hampshire and, were it not for the sight of the small bar on the other side of the room, you may feel like you walked into the wrong place as- yes- it looks like a furniture store.
Our group of three stopped by on a Friday night around 10pm. Â The place was humming but it wasn't packed, which is just fine with me. Â We were able to immediately find a table but were a bit disheartened to see there was no table service. Â It seems like a place with this much lounge seating would have servers taking your order. Â
The beer selection isn't as extensive as what you'd find at, say, Redlight Redlight or The Milk Bar, but it was decent enough; about 6-8 microbrews on tap, and another 25 or so bottled. Â I went with the draft Peak Organic IPA (one of my faves, always a hoppy delight). Â The wine selection, which also was only medium-sized at best, still hit the high notes with the wine drinker in our group. Â The prices were all reasonable- $5-9ish for beer, a smidge higher than that for wine.
The Imperial fills a necessary niche in Ivanhoe Village- a wine and beer bar (without a focus on cigars like Nora's) with pleasant atmosphere and generally reasonable prices. Â It's a genius concept, really: Â run a successful furniture and home decor store, then open a bar inside said store and make sure every chair, table, and accessory has a price tag on it. Â It's like killing two birds with one stone. Â You'll walk in looking for two $7 glasses of wine, but walk out with a $300 African tribal mask.
The Imperial is in it's own class. No other bar in town quite captures what this place offers...
+Sophisticated beer and wine list
+Eclectic seating on antique furniture
+Excellent mix of music: soul, vintage jazz, etc.
+Polite bartenders
+Good lighting
+Non-smoking (indoors)
+Patio outdoors
When you factor all of these things together, it's a rejuvenating change of pace from the typical smoky bars in town. While the decor here is rich and lavish, the vibe of the bar is very accessible and cozy. If you enjoy Eola Wine Co, Redlight or Milk Bar, give this place a try. It's destined to become one of my favorite places for a night out.
The location of The Imperial is in a part of town that some people call the antique district, which includes a few stores with odd pieces to fill your home. Â
When I first entered The Imperial I recalled a comment another reviewer made "drinking in a furniture store is a little tough to get use to at first". I personally only had that feeling for about 10 seconds which was the amount of time it took me to reach the bar.
Once I was greeted and handed a nice menu of Wines, Beers, and Non Alcoholic drinks I knew this was a hidden gem in Orlando. Â Something about the atmosphere is warm, and calming. Â
I would choose The Imperial to have an opportunity to just sit down and enjoy conversing with others.
Drinks Ordered:
Blueberry (Something Good!)
Monavie Organic Energy Drink