How have I not reviewed this yet? What the ...
For a good 1-2 years, The Milk Bar has been one of my favorite places in town. I began stopping by more frequently in 2012 and that pace has continued into 2013. I even was here last night! I've enjoyed each experience here and doubt I'll ever have an unfavorable one.
The employees are very cool as well as enthusiastic and knowledgeable about beer. The bar has quite a selection, too - on any given night, you are likely to see 20 or more craft beers, some of which you aren't likely to find elsewhere in town. Redlight Redlight may have MORE beers, but The Milk Bar has at least a few that RL RL does not. The bar's owner (?), Brian, gets a lot of good beer in; if I haven't had something before, I ask Brian what's good, he recommends something, I try it and it becomes a favorite. This guy knows his beer! There's plenty from which to choose: ales, stouts, porters, ciders, etc. There should be a beer here for everyone. Check out his selection of Sprecher sodas, too - they're awesome. The orange cream or creamsicle one is ridiculously good.
The bar's interior recently was remodeled and looks very cool. I prefer it to the old set-up, though the old one was cool as well. During my past 2-3 visits, each of which has been with the new set-up, I've sat at the bar and watched movies/TV and haven't sat at a table ... if you do find yourself sitting at a table, check out the bar's collection of board games, if it still is there. When the bar had its old set-up, there were many unique and collectible board games customers could use. Not sure if the new set-up still has them, but it probably does!
A good night to check The Milk Bar is Tuesday, when some of the city's food trucks park behind the strip of businesses containing the bar/Etoile Boutique/Bull & Bush/etc. The bars in this strip allow people who purchase food from the trucks to bring the food inside and sit down to enjoy a drink with their meal. It's very cool.
I highly recommend The Milk Bar! I'm sure that most people who stop by will enjoy it as well. It's very cool and unique without being pretentious.
I hadn't popped into Milk bar in awhile, which is a shame since I've always enjoyed grabbing a beer here (and a bite from social chameleon when it was next door). Â The new layout has increased the seating and bar area, allowing hundreds of people to pack in on a Tasty Tuesday or Thirsty Thurs, TGIF or random 'it's time for a beer' day. OK, not really hundreds of people...but it can seem that way.
Even with the place jam packed full of happy people enjoying good people, the bartenders efficiently keep glasses full and tabs straight with a friendly and welcoming manner. Nice rotating selection of craft beers by the bottle and on tap.
Stopped by this bar with a friend on a weeknight. Very cool and laid back hang out place with a great selection of beers and ciders. Old Rasputin stout was available and I couldn't pass it up, always good! This bar is non-smoking, so while not mandatory for me, it is nice to find a place to hang out and chug beers while not having to deal with the smoke. The bar is also not too big, so doesn't get so loud where you cannot visit with someone. I would recommend checking this place out!
Review Source:Now this is my type of Orlando bar! Â When they say it is owned by local and for locals they are 100% serious and keep to it! Â I felt a little weird at first bu then some random girl came up and asked us if we wanted to play games and I felt like I was back home with my family, just this time it was with strangers and I wasn't sober. Â It is a locals bar and I wish I lived closer or else I would be a regular, which is not good for anybody!
Review Source:This is a place to go if you enjoy actually talking to the people you're hanging out with. Â Milk Bar is refreshingly devoid of televised sports, screaming douchebags, and conversation-nullifying music volumes. Â It's small place where you can get great beer served by bartenders who know their product.
Oh, and you can play Connect Four.
They're also cool with you bringing in outside food - especially from their sister establishment, Social Chameleon, whose name I hate, but whose food I dig.
But that's for another review.
Fun night with fun friends! Â I enjoyed the selection of beers that the Milk Bar offers. Â Too many to pick from. Â I went with the only one I knew... the Holy Ale from the Python people. Â it was tasty! Â
The staff is super nice and I so wish we had a lay back bar like this near me in Winter Garden. Â I totally recommend The Milk Bar for a quiet place to relax... play a few games... watch a fun movie or hang out with friend!
I had been wanting to come to this joint for a couple of months now, and last night I finally had the opportunity of giving it a try. This bar went above and beyond my expectations. The bartenders were incredibly nice, the beer selection is extensive and the atmosphere is freaking awesome. Great music, board games, and decor. I loved it!
Review Source:Blending a chilled atmosphere with the warmth of a local bar, Milk Bar is one of my favorite stops in Orlando. Â The bartenders are really knowledgeable about every single craft beer they sell.
One time I recently stopped in and I didn't know exactly what I was feeling. It was a laid back Friday night with a girlfriend. I approached the bar and asked the bartender, as I often do at this place, which IPA he recommends, and it was clear he was intentional about his suggestions.
This isn't one of those places where you have to worry you're being sized up by stuck up staff and uber trendy beer connoisseurs. Everyone is friendly, the prices are great, and at the right time of the day, you can even order food from The Social Chameleon to be delivered to the bar and added to your tab!
The board games, the comfortable seating, and the 'interesting' artwork make this a must-stop for meeting up for drinks after a long day of work.
Really like this place. Very chill and relaxed, not loud, small. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but what I had was good. Bar Jenga can be fun to play with a group, though one set of Jenga blocks is better than the other, and by better I mean less scary. (Bar Jenga is Jenga where the blocks all have things written on them that you have to do, sort of like a Truth or Dare and Jenga mash up. It's fun.)
So, if you like beer, definitely check this place out! If you don't, I still recommend swinging by.
Definitely a fan of the milk bar. Â Great bottle selection, limited draft selection; however, for a craft beer bar they have great options. Â A bit of the small side, this bar is best described as "intimate." Â
Honestly, my wife and i do not go here enough because Redlight, Redlight and Oblivion Taproom are closer to us. Â
Parking Situation is a bit cumbersome.
Lack of Food is an comment, not an issue.
I will have to say that, although I like this place, I was a bit underwhelmed. Â Having read the prior reviews I was expecting so much more. Â On the one hand it is a great, cozy little place with a worthwhile, albeit tiny, beer selection. Â It is non-smoking and they also offer a nice selection of cider.
They serve no food but allow you to bring it in from the outside. Â I did enjoy my time there and the staff was friendly and helpful. Â I'm saving this place for a time when I really want to chill.
As a patron of Sportstown, I'd commonly pass by Milk Bar, and not pay it much mind. Â After my first experience with the establishment, though, I'd realized I'd made a mistake. Â Yes, I love how I can occupy myself at Sportstown for hours on end; having a beer, chowing down on a pretzel, Â using the wifi to get work done, taking a break to play skee ball occasionally (it's like Chuck E. Cheese with booze) -- but I was enchanted by Milk Bar in a different way.
I don't think I've ever been to a beer bar with good lighting, aside from Milk Bar.  There are a lot of places that play off the "dive" atmosphere, but Milk Bar was sensible and mature.  It was a refreshing step in a different direction.  Not only was the selection of beer great for what's essentially an easily-missed place, if you don't drive slow and turn your head, but it was all of friendly and informative.  The bartender was versed in  the beer menu, and was able to make some great recommendations for a guy who'll try anything (but not necessarily like it by default).
Would I recommend it? Â Why yes. Â Yes I would.
2430.. Â No that's not it; 2428, nah; that's not it either. 24...24!!! Finally made it here geez!!!!
I've had this place bookmarked for like seven months!!
The Milk Bar totally exceeded my expectations from the decor to the variety of drinks that are available.
We came here to have a few drinks after getting food from the Tasty Tuesday food truck event. I had this Pear Cider from California and it was amazing!
The place has a cozy feel to it, and it wasn't dingy like other bars. The furniture was actually half way decent and being a non-smoker I appreciated that the smell of cigarette smoke wasn't the first thing that hit me once I opened the door. They've got board games, and flat screen TV's, it's an awesome set up.
The bar tender is very well informed with what's being offered, and he was super friendly and attentive; This place will definitely become a regular hang out spot.
I have had this review in my drafts for sooooo long that I basically am re-writing because I have returned various times since my first experiences.
This is a quaint, intimate, lovely neighborhood bar that delivers in great company, fun board games and fabulous cider (and beer). The staff is friggin' fabulous (esp Jose) and will chat with you about anything, especially what you are drinking.
I have struck up some lovely conversations with the community in here as well, just a really nice, chill vibe. Yes, it's small so not much room to roam but that makes it nice for meeting new people. It is difficult to play some games if you only have a small table but there are options.
You can bring food in since they don't serve it which is nice of them. And, it's smoke free, HOLLA!
Oh, the milk district.  You are filled with so many wonderful spots.  I can't believe the city I grew up in has became so hip?  Growing up, I never thought Orlando could be fun or hip - in fact, I have always hated on this city.  Perhaps it was because I grew up  there and you always tend to dislike the place you knew most of your life?  Anyway, to my surprise, there is so many awesome joints popping up in this city.
The Milk Bar would be one of them. Â A good spot to catch up with some old friends over a beer. Â I really like the space because it gives you the opportunity to talk to people without booty bumping strangers like at your usual indie bars. Â The staff are also extremely friendly. Â Is this a southern thing? Â Maybe I've been living in all the wrong cities as of late cuz I love me some friendly people.
Dear Gratitude,
Upon the pondering of a more recent visit, I considered my favorite new source of culture. Â Brian is the premier aficionado of his craft; not only learned, but honored, to bestow such gems to his people. Â The service is matched, only by the convenience of the Milk District. Â
The best in company is paired with the best in medium -- as an 80's cult-classic in surround sound often festoons the multiple monitors. Â My only complaint: that more people do not engage the early hours of operation. Â It has been my experience, that the en mass crowd strikes past the tick of 9. Â This, I find tragically understated; as, my two favorite visits were kissed by the tingle of sunshine.
Sincerely,
--R. Brahm Fay
This is the perfectly chill beer drinker's paradise. Â The music is background enough for easy conversation, the light levels are low and comfortable, and above all the manager Brian is both a veritable fount of beer-related information and a super friendly guy.
Oh, and they carry Old Engine Oil, one of my favorites.
I love the small size of the place, but in the past I have walked by it when it was standing room only inside. Â I don't know how often that happens, but I definitely prefer it less crowded. Â The beer menu is pretty exceptional, better than most bars I've seen in the area with the exception of World of Beer. Â Of course, with WoB you have to deal with the sports bar type of atmosphere and huge weekend crowds. Â So I guess it's a trade-off.
So here's what it all boils down to for me: I have a new favorite bar.
Ok so my hubs goes here on a regular basis, and I tag along every once in a while. Â This place is awesome, the staff is REALLY nice, and the music is pretty awesome.
We seem to go at random times and hours...usually mid-week, or early Saturdays, late Sundays...and as weird as it sounds I mostly like to go and read my Kindle and drink some ciders.  Oddly enough, I'm not the only one!  The free-wifi seems to attract a lot  of multi-taskers.  Either way, this place is just so relaxing, and not obnoxious, and can be fun for some people-watching, trivial pursuit playing, random bar conversation making, and of course reading.
I'm not one to even think about rating the bartenders. I usually grab my drink and run away, but this place has some SERIOUSLY friendly staff. Â I'm so glad they had specials for Yelp Drinks or I would never go in here.
You get a warm greeting when you enter and even if you sit with your own group, you feel part of the crowd. Â After getting lost in my boardgames (and forgetting to drink!) I noticed I was greeting people coming in the door on instinct. Â Weird...
Oh, they also had some weird R-rated stuff playing on the TVs.
I like.
Solid, solid bar.
They have a huge selection of beers none of which include anything that starts with Bud. Â The menus also list alcohol content which is helpful in making decisions. Â The first time I went I had a couple Lost Coast Downtown Browns. Â Very yummy if you like brown or amber ales. Â The 2nd time I went I don't remember what it was but I liked it because the bartender listened to my preferences and made a recommendation. Â They also have a $3 and $4 beer every day.
If you like big crowds, long lines, rowdy people, and expensive drinks this is not the place for you.
If you're a beer snob or just pretend to be and you like laid back, uncrowded bars with friendly bartenders, this is your place.
This is seriously starting to become one of my favorite places to hang out. The only reason why it can never be my ultimate favorite is the lack of actual food (unless you order pizza from The Social Chameleon next door). My world somehow revolves around both food and drinks - can't just do one or the other.
Anyway, The Milk Bar...
(1) Is Pretty Small - so go early if you're going with a bunch of people, but I heard from the guy there that they plan on adding more tables and chairs (yay!)
(2) Has Art On The Walls That You Can Buy - so far, it's been the pretty cool stuff...so cool that if I had money, I'd already buy some.
(3) Has Friendly And Knowledgable Bartenders - feel free to ask them for suggestions if you wanna try something new or not too familiar with beers/wines.
(4) Has Board Games Galore - try playing CLUE while drinking.
(5) Is Smoke Free - I think that alone is worth 2 stars in my book.
But like someone else has said, it kind of lacks an outdoor area because it would actually be pretty cool to be able to chill outside and enjoy the nice weather here in Central Florida.
The Milk Bar has definitely been added to the list of places that I'll rattle off when a friend asks if we wanna catch up over a few drinks. =)
The joke one is tempted to make about diminutive bars is that they're so small you have to go outside just to change your mind, but that wouldn't be totally true about The Milk Bar. It's on the smaller side, sure, but what it may lack in sheer yardage it more than makes up for by the variety and intrigue of what's going down (literally and figuratively) inside.
From the expansive and rich beer selection (and some ciders, turns out), parlor games -- including some sort of sandwich-based game (SlamWhich) that Colleen B and I decided to junk the rules regarding and make up our own game -- this spot seems to survive on selection and amiable conversation. Prime for regulars, or those of us considering becoming the same.
My favorite bar.
The bartender Brian is awesome.
I've made some new friends here among the regulars.
I love how they always have new beers when I go in, things I've never heard of before.
They do not have Budweiser or any of that regular beer you might want, this isn't the place for that.
Make sure you check out the book on the bar where people have done drawings, there is one amazing drawing in there of a kooky guy drinking.
Nice, cozy (small) place to chat with friends and share a beverage. No pretentious clubbers here.
Loads of beer choices for the more discerning connoisseur. Plus, a number of ciders. Always a plus in my book!
Food is available and is delivered from the Social Chameleon next door. I haven't tried them yet, but it's on my list!
I kept hearing about this place and finally was able to check it out couple weeks ago. I immediately became a fan of this little hang-out place, non-smoking which is a plus. GREAT CIDERS!! I'm a fan of ciders (since that's pretty much all I drink anyway), they have so many different ciders to try out! The male bartender with cute beard (I don't know his name..I need to find out next time) knows all the drinks and makes excellent cider recommendations!
They also have different board games which I'm also a big fan of!! ONLY IF that place is a bit bigger then we'll be able to play Twister there. Wooho!!!
Oh, also you can order food from The Social Chameleon next door which has excellent pizza!!!
DRINK TO THE CIDERS!!!!
I met up with friends for a few drinks at the Milk Bar prior to our first visit to the Social Chameleon. Â The Milk Bar pretty much defines down-scale cool. Â We were there around 7:00 PM on a Wednesday and were the only patrons. Â
Music videos were playing -- some interesting nearly soft-core animated porn, of all things. Â The paintings along the wall were very nice to look at. Â There was a good selection of beers, and maybe ciders, although the three of us are wine drinkers. Â
Our bartender made us feel right at home on our first visit there. Â I didn't get his name -- he was a burly guy with a dark brown or black beard. Â We completely enjoyed it.
How did I not know that this place existed until this week! Â I feel like I've been missing out on something fabulous. Â
This place is adorable, comfy, and awesome. Â There were a few things that I liked about it:
1) Â Cozy and friendly atmosphere. Â The bartender was great - attentive and nice. Â She gave me a sample of a beer I had never tried before to make sure that I'd like it before ordering. Â The walls of this place are covered in really unique and interesting artwork by local artists.
2) Â No smoking! Â You don't leave here smelling like an ash tray.
3) Â GREAT drink selection. Â There's only beer and wine, but there is a massive selection. Â The front page of the menu features their seasonal selections which made me very happy. Â For fall, they have about 3 different pumpkin brews which rocks my world. Â They also have unique beers, like the "milk stout" that I tried. Â
4) Â Food - they don't make it there, but apparently they also own the Social Chameleon (a few doors down). Â They have flat breads, pizzas and such. Â They deliver it right to your table.
5) Â Good music playing in the background. Â Not too loud, but good stuff.
I am smitten with this place. Â I'll definitely be back!
17 4-star reviews, including mine.
Milk Bar is becoming a cool hangout, away from the idiocy of downtown and the cig smoke of so many other bars...
The beer list is growing nicely, with probably over 100 beers to choose from. A menu will help you decide what to pick, because this is not a Bud Light/sports bar. It's a place to meet a couple friends, listen to some music and talk. Imagine that, a place where you can have conversations. I've been a few times, and it seems to be getting better, with better music, cool movies and interesting patrons. The artwork is getting better too.
The only key drawbacks I find are the limited space for mingling and the lack of a proper outside hangout area (for the puffers). There's only so much that can be done with the space, but they are making the most of it. I'd say it's best to go with a date or with a small group.
Check it out some night, and enjoy a nice craft beer. Staff is friendly too.
The Milk Bar. In the Milk "District." Ok, sure. My personal view is that a few shops next to the TG Lee Milk Factory does not make a district. But what do I know?
Great little spot, super close to where I live (a plus for when I've had too much "milk"), quiet enough to talk, but good music playing in the background, smoke free (YAY), nice bartenders, board games (ALSO YAY), decent selection of beers. Some funky art on the walls. Not very big, but that's a good thing.
Wish they had more beer on tap, but I say that about every place I go. Definitely a great place to chill out and have some quality beer with quality people.
Why did I not find this place earlier?! It's a super chill bar with a ton of pros:
- You can get yummy pizza delivered from Social Chameleon (same owners, yay!)
- Good beer selection (my friend's husband has been looking for one in particular and this is the first place in Orlando that he's found it!)
- Lots of board games (we played several rounds of Scattergories and the world's longest game of Uno! Though I wonder where people would play Twister... they have two of those here which makes me think maybe they do push the tables aside once in a while to have tournaments?!)
- Cool local art
- And my fav part, a no smoking policy!!
I'll definitely be going more often and you should too =)
I am a big fan of the beer selection and overall vibe of this bar. Â The bartender is a really nice guy who always makes you feel welcome. Â He also has great taste in music, movies, and board games, in my humble opinion. Â :) Â
My friends and I spent about 3 hours just hanging out in comfy chairs, playing Scattegories, and trying all kinds of different beers. Â What's not to love about that?! Â
P.S. - Â you can order food from The Social Chameleon and have it delivered there since they are owned by the same people.
1st visit to The Milk Bar left a lasting impression. The place gives off a warm local feel to it, and feels like it has always been there. It fits right in w/ the style and taste of the new Milk District. They have a nice variety of paintings and artwork displayed along the walls giving off a nice indie feel. The tone of the place had a mellow relaxed feel w/ good music playing while movies run on the tvs on mute, giving an interesting new identity to the film. The music was a loud enough to enjoy, but not too loud to drown out the conversation w/ the people you are drinking with.
*** The Beer Selection - Another gem in Orlando w/ a great selection of great beers. I don't think they have any PBR or Budlite on hand, but they did have Duchesse De Bourgogne, Left Hand Milk Stout and many other excellent choices to choose from.
*** You can also order in food from The Social Chameleon next door
*** They do accept Debit/Credit
Located right across the street from the TGLee factory, the Milk Bar is not just a catchy name! Â Offering a pretty decent selection of microbrews, board games, and movie viewings (certain nights), this place is definitely something worth checking out.
During my last trip (July 4th), the neighboring pizza place stopped by to drop off free pizza to it's patrons. Â Who doesn't like FREE?! Especially free pizza!
Maybe on your visit you'll be so lucky.
Also, the management is pretty rad too!
Every once in a while you will meet a bartender who is on a personal quest to find you your perfect beer. Â The barteneder (and owner??) at Milk Bar is one of those types. Â I like that. Â :)
He recommend me this sweet (as in totally rad, not as in sugary) summer ale. Â I'd check this cozy little spot out.
While hanging out in the newly coined "Milk District," I couldn't help but desire to traipse over to the bar named after this tiny, downtown district. Â Upon entering into The Milk Bar, I was pleased with the chill music, the film silently playing on the television, the eclectic artwork covering most of the walls and the piles of games on the shelves. Â It was like entering into a friend of a friend's living room. Â A warmth of community encompassed me.
The beer menu is pretty extensive and must definitely please the beer connoisseur. Â I prefer ciders, and while this low key and welcoming bar offers two ciders, I think the menu would kindly receive a few more. Â Hint hint. Â
This place has a really welcoming atmosphere and the bartender was totally awesome. Â He was friendly, helpful and sociable. Â He asked us for a name of a band and then sought to play music we would like. Â For the remainder of our visit, we played Clue and listened to The Smiths and MGMT. Â I'll definitely be going back!
I stopped in last night for an 'after dinner' beer (aka dessert). Â I had read online they had Hofbrau House Maibock and sho'nuff, they did!
Mmmmmmmmmaibock!!
It was a short stop, we were in and out in 30mins, but what I dug where the selection of board games, and there was a deck of cards at our table. Â So we played a quick game of Gin Rummy with our beers. Â
The seating is a little awkward, not sure how it would manage with a large group, and it was also a little quiet. Â Which was ok... but maybe could have pumped up the volume a bit on the music. Â LOVE that it was smoke free. Â
Overall I think this little neighborhood joint has a lot of potential. I can't wait to go back!
Oh. and Hey Colleen--- they have cider!
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
