I have a love/hate relationship with Wally's. I don't go to bars often but when I do I never get into any drama. Yet at Wally's half the time I hear someone say something rude (some rich lady goes, "Youre drinking PBR?! OMG" to which I had to reply "You know you are in Wally's in that dress right?") or act ridiculous (a wedding party came in and two of five guys got in fights with people) annnnnd its probably because of the strong drinks. If you dont go to Wally's super late then you can probably avoid the super drunk stupid people. Also, I wouldnt park in the back parking lot as its sorta dark. I park on the side right next to the main entrance.
If you want to go out in jeans and get buzzed/drunk in a dark hole in the wall, this is your joint. The mix of people is odd. Some people look like regular 20-something-year-olds that you can talk to while some are dressed to the emo-hilt and then there's the regular creepy old guys, bikers and MMI students. I like it because I dont have to dress up to impress anyone, the PBR's are dirt cheap and someone friendly is always there. The bartenders drink right along with you and are characters themselves.
When the 20 or so bar seats fill up, you're gonna have to stand. They have some tables in the liquor store part of the place but its maybe three tables tops.
It also is a liquor store and you can buy some booze and roll out if you want.
Interesting note: on the wall to the left of the girls bathroom is an autographed picture of Lance Bass from NYSNC. That was a WTF moment when I saw that.
I have grown to love this place. Â There is a very divey dive bar feel to it. Â Dark inside and usually pretty smokey too. Â The jukebox is always going. Â They sell packaged bottled beer, wine and liquor in the front and there is a bar in the back room. Â
The bartenders pour the strongest drinks in town. Â Although this place doesn't have the most inviting look, the crowd and the bartenders here are friendly. Â
Please be aware that the bar only takes cash. Â There is an ATM but then you are stuck paying a fee so do bring cash with you.
The place is too much of a dive for me to hang out there on a regular basis but Wally's isn't without its charm. The place is legendary in Orlando for the ultra-strong drinks. The drinks are always 99.9% liquor with just a splash of this or that.
If you've never been I would say go at least once. The atmosphere isn't really my cup of tea but it's a fun place anyway.
This is a hard place to "rate."
FIVE STARS to the bartenders mixing skills. They will get you drunk, make no mistake.
TWO STARS for comfortability. There are a few tables pushed into an awkward corner, and one decent booth. Â Otherwise, you're gonna be standing unless you find a spot at the bar to sit. Â
THREE STARS for the decent microbrew section, though I think it's lame that you can't buy a six pack and drink it in the store. You have to pay for each beer separately, and they mark them up. Â I understand why the do it, but again--wee bit lame.
Despite it's flaws, it's still one of my favorite dive bars in town, and the naked lady wallpaper is classic:)
After eating my fill at King Cajun I decided to tempt my fate and head across the street to where the big kids like to play. Â Upon entering I saw a small liquor and beer area that comprised the store portion of this place. Â I could instantly hear loud laughs and carrying on in the adjoining room which I assumed was the bar. Â I entered the next room to find I was at the side of a large horseshoe shaped bar that filled up the room. Â About 7 people, ages 35-60 were scattered throughout the bar a few of them conversing amongst each other. Â I found my place next to the rowdy bunch and ordered myself a whiskey and coke. Â The bartender looked me over and asked for ID. Â After she got done double checking that it really was in fact me she pour me just what I asked for. A Whiskey drink with a side of coke. Â $4 for a stiff drink is excellent considering what some places charge for watered down child's play.
   A gentleman walked around the bar and told us all individually that he had just smoked some amazing salmon and that there are crackers and cream cheese/chives available and that we must have some.  I just nodded thinking "???" and continued on with my drink and taking in my surroundings.  When it came time to pay I realized they don't take card, only cash (I should've paid more attention to the other reviews) so I had to run into the next room to use the ATM.  After I use it, somebody stops me and says "Hey man, you gotta try this smoked salmon, its amazing!".  I stop and look to see what he is talking about and on the other side of the wall near the ATM there is a large smoked salmon with plastic forks and crackers etc.  People are chowing down and urging me to partake so I decided to do just that.  DELICIOUS!  I was floored by the general friendliness of everyone and the generosity to complete strangers.  Faith in humanity!
This place seemed like a friendly bunch of locals just relaxing and enjoying some drinks. Â There seemed to be a Jukebox on the wall at the bottom of the horseshoe and some TVs at the very top. Â Nothing High-Def, but just your basic televisions. Â Dive Bar it is and unwelcoming it is not. Â I intend to come back here for a few drinks another time and maybe even purchase from their store. Â I saw that they have Banana Bread beer in stock! Sounds good! Â Just remember to bring cash!
Dive bar indeed and a GREAT one at that! Â I don't normally go to hang out here as it's WAY too smokey for my tastes but, I stop every once in a while to grab some drankkkks to take home or to a partay! Amber Woodchucks in the fridge, ready for me to drink ice cold, yes please!
I should look into hanging out here tho, they pour a STIFF one. And by stiff I mean, YOLO stiff! They throw some mean events too, those rock.
It's real gritty up in here so just expect that. They have a wide range of liquor and beer though so they got you covered =) It's an Orlando thang up in here!
The three of us were asked to leave at 9 AM one time because we kept trying to talk to the clearly exhausted nurses who were getting a drink after their graveyard shift, my friend kept obnoxiously inquiring at what price they would sell the pistachio dispenser, and I kept falling asleep/passing out in my bloody mary.
I also proposed to my wife here while on leave in 2009.
...so it's that kind of place.
Wally's is awesome...
When I heard that they open the store and bar at 7:30AM, I knew I had to make a stop and check it out. I work the third shift, so if I ever wanted to go to a bar after work, I was out of luck. Â I was out of luck until I heard about Wally's!
I'm so glad I found out about this place. Â It was my first time going but I felt like I was going there for years. I had conversations with random people at the bar, which most of them were nice. It was mainly older folk in the morning. Â They have several flat panel TVs above and they have this cool touch screen juke box so you can listen to your tunes.
The lady who served me the drinks made my gin & ginger's and whiskey & coke's so strong..... just like the way I make them at my house. haha. After four of the drinks, I was pretty hammered. So be careful about the drinks if you are a light drinker.
The only negative part is that it is a cash bar.... but if you have a credit card you can just go to the sales part of the place and they will give you cash there.
The quintessential of a DIVE BAR. Â Perfect in every aspect of what it is trying to be. Half is a one horseshoe bar with the stiffest liquor drinks ever, and the other half is a chill liquor/beer market with additional tables and chairs if you wanted to sit around with a group of friends. Â Don't go here to meet some ladies or dudes, bc the pickings are slim to zilch, come to Wally's to drown your sorrows or celebrate that you like to get drunk.
Review Source:I've been to Wally's twice now. Both times have been for an art show. Now, if you're familiar with Wally's, you're probably scratching your head - and for good reason. This isn't the sort of place you expect to go for an art show.
Wally's is essentially two businesses under one roof. One side is a liquor store. It's small, but the prices are generally pretty good. Not the greatest selection, but come on - the room is like 20x20.
The other half is the bar, and what a bar it is. As all the other reviews mention, this is a dive bar. It's dark, it's small, it feels and looks a bit dirty. During my visits, there has never been more than one bartender on duty, but the bar isn't that big to begin with. The room the bar is in is even smaller. You're going to feel very close to anyone you're trying to get by.
But after a drink or two, you won't care. In fact, you may not even be able to walk. To say that drinks here are strong would be an understatement. Only enough mixer will be added to your drink to be able to technically say that it was added. With most bars, I'm happy if my rum and coke is 50-50. At Wally's, my rum and coke practically has a floater of coke in my rum.
Even better is the prices. Even being stronger than anywhere else in town, they cost less than anywhere else in town as well.
The beer selection here is decent as well. They've got all your standards as well as a handful of smaller craft brews that rotate. The wine selection isn't so good.
So, complaints. The most popular one is the fact that it's cash only.
My personal biggest complaint, however, is that they still allow smoking. Yeah, I know that's a selling point for a lot of people - but I hate coming home smelling like an ashtray.
For those of you wondering about those art shows, the art is hung up on strings that are run across the liquor store. Think clotheslines. The space is cramped, but it works.
Ah Wally's. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1- Cindy the bartender is adorable and I love her.
2- You're drinks are super strong for the price that you charge. Last time I went I ordered a drink that's supposed to have a lil sprite in it for some sparkle... there was no room in the glass for it. Needless to say this lightweight got lifted away into a very strong wobbly buzz. ;)
3- You're 5 houses away from my home so I don't have to drink and drive and that wobbly walk home is a short one.
4- I love how there's always a familiar face sitting at the bar. And even if you don't know anyone there it feels like you do. I went to Wally's for New Years and I had the best time even though I didn't know anybody. Made lots of new friends.
The only thing I can think to say that I don't care for is the small size of the bar (sometimes it's hard to get a drink). And sometimes it's a little too smoky in there but that happens at most bars.
Much Love Wally's, much love.
My friend that took me out on the town in Orlando lives near this joint and informed me I would love this place. Â Why? Â It's divey, it has strong drinks, an interesting jukebox, and is full of drunk chatty people. Â
First off - holy wall of people! Â Apparently the word is out about this dive! Â So I strolled up to the bar and ordered a rum and diet. Â Immediately a guy at the bar started chatting me up while I wait for my drink. Â He seemed as though he may have been there a while. Â The bartender handed me a drink. Â I tasted it. Â I struggled to swallow (that's what she said?) but persevere because a) I likey the alky and b) I was there to get my drink on. Â
HOLY SHIT people. Â These are strong drinks. Â Like fill the glass up to the top with rum and hit it with a splash of diet. Â Very much like the only other bar I know that makes drinks like this (the Loon in Dallas) except maybe this one is a bit cooler because the people were more laid back. Â I also knew immediately that if I lived here I'd have too many stories about this place...and how I got into drunken antics while here...that is, if I remembered them. Â Two very solid thumbs up for Wally's and a thank you to the guy that paid for my drink!
I had never heard of Wally's before this year's first annual Yelp Drinks Week. Â It totally reminded me of so many bars that I went to in college. Â The locals are chilling, everyone knows who you are, the bartenders are tons of fun, and they pour a nice, strong drink. Â The Wally's Lemonade featuring GT Vodka was delicious. Â
Also, what a great outdoor location to block off and have an outdoor party. Â They were wonderful hosts and had everything taken care of. Â And outdoor beer cart, Yum Yum Cupcake truck and The Crooked Spoon was invited. Â All delicious items.
Thank you for bringing me to this location. Â I will surely be back to start off a friday night :-) Â Ohh, and make sure you bring cash...and if you don't like dark., smokey, dive bars...go away. Â not for you.
Wally's is truly a neighborhood grimy bar that deserves a lot of respect for being so true to itself. Where else can you expect your bartender to reach into your bag of fast food and help herself to a handful of your potato chips without asking?
Gotta love it! The drinks are strong, the regulars are a bit eccentric but you definitely won't feel out of place. Expect to make new, not-entirely-sober friends.
Ok, I know I'm in the minority because Wally's is an Orlando landmark but I just can't take it anymore due to the smoking. When I first moved here in 1999, I would go here fairly often, and it does have the cool vibe that others mention along with the eclectic  crowd. They even have Guinness and Sam Adams seasonal beer, Always a plus with me.
Sadly, these days I cannot stomach smoking at all and the fact they don't take credit cards makes drinking difficult because I rarely have much cash with me.
Wally's is definitely a place that many people love and it does have a charm about it. It's just not for me anymore.
I'd heard quite a bit about Wally's. Well, actually not that much, but I came in with expectations. Weird kind of expectations - not good, not bad, but just dirty, but in a good way.
Admittedly, I spent most of my time in the lot behind the place, as I was attending an event with Yelp, but I did get a chance to grab a drink at the bar, use the facilities, and generally check the place out.
Yep, it's a dive bar. It seems like the kind of place that I'd expect to see my dad in - when he still left the house and all. You don't know my dad, but he spent a lot of time in bars as I was a kid, but I'm pretty sure all that time without him helped me build character - or it taught me that being an alcoholic was a bad idea. But anyway, that story sounds kind of negative, but notice that I gave the place four stars...
It lived up to my expectations. I actually wished more people would have hung out inside. I feel like I could have had some conversations in there with people that were really drunk who would give me advice that they were sure was going to shape the rest of my life. But alas, I only passed by the bar, and don't want to judge the folks who did - although they looked and smelled a lot like the ones who tried to give me advice with more beer vapors than carbon dioxide coming out of their mouths, but again - no judgement.
So in that sense, it's kind of like an amusement park. It's kind of like when Hot Topic was still pretty cool, and before they turned the lights up super bright, started selling shirts about internet memes and Justin Bieber, etc, and girly-girls would come in with their soccer moms. They probably felt the same way as I, or any halfway-decent human being would walking in there. Aside from walking into these kinds of bars as a kid (yeah terrible childhood, blah blah blah), the closest comparison would be a haunted house at Busch Gardens. It wasn't really scary, and there was just enough light to see what was coming at you, but you still felt a bit uneasy.
The part that kinda sucked is that I bought one drink at the bar, and although I was very specific on what I wanted, the lady bartender (who had an appropriate number of teeth, viewable in the low light) overcharged me by a buck. I don't mean to be a dick, but I was going to leave a dollar as a tip. Maybe she was following that rule where you put automatic gratuity when there are more than X people in a party (but I thought that was 15-18%, not 33%). I won't cry over spilled milk - math can be hard for some people.
Anyway, the bathroom was nicer than expected. There was even a helpful note written in sharpie above the sink, indicating that it was in fact not the urinal. But the urinal had absolutely no privacy, so I could understand why they needed to point that out - incase someone couldn't get a stall. And it was very low for a sink. If they raised it up a bit, they probably wouldn't need that note. But then, maybe they were thinking of the kids that grew up like me, getting quarters from their dads to play video games while they drunk away their woes. If it were taller, then they'd have to deal with either kids whining, or kids with dirty hands - and both of those are sucky options.
So then there was the Drink. The GT Vodka Lemonade. I didn't watch her like a hawk, but I'd seen that prior pours were quite strong. But those prior pours at least had some color. Mine was 100% clear with ice, no bubbles and some lemon rinds that I think might have been trying to pass off as wedges. Maybe she could read the desperation of my joblessness in my eyes and accepted that extra dollar to upgrade me to a quadruple (or however many it takes to fill up a Solo cup).
Luckily, it was GT Vodka, which I meant to buy before I left. That stuff is smooooth. I could tell that I had a glass of vodka and ice, but it wasn't as bad as it sounds. I progressively weakened it with some Vitamin Water, and about 60-70% through, I was down to what one might call a heavy pour.
Oh, and I met the owner - I didn't catch his name, but I assume it to be Wally. I didn't want to be the dumbass who asked. He seemed like a really cool dude.
I hope nobody reads this like a robot and sees my four stars as an ironic rating. I'd go back. Hell, the three drinks they have on special for Yelp Drinks are the three best on the entire list - hands down (well, one place had cider, but you've gotta give it to the liquor). If I'm allowed out again, I might make it back this week. I've heard so many people talk about this place that I know are amazing people, and if I were to meet more people like them there, and it would be worth it hands down.
So I hope you enjoyed reading my review. My apologies if you're not down with all of the backstory (like those 8 new friends that I was going to karaoke with, until they decided to go home) and feel left waiting for a climax that never arrived.
But - if you giggled or agreed, liked, or just read this far, click some of those buttons below! :)
When my group walked into Wally's, all dressed up for a birthday party, we were immediately welcomed and asked what we wanted to drink. Â So as another yelper mentioned, though we were dressed outside of the typical jeans and sneakers dress code, they were happy to have us. Â It is not a big space though so find your spot and keep it. Â
Bring cash, be prepared for smoke, and know that you're among some of Orlando's true residents. Â So sit a spell and enjoy the bevy of good stories being told.
Step into Wally's through the side door with no label so you don't look like a tourist. Just be prepared for the darkest bar on earth where you will find drunk, skanky people in the early hours of the day... oh wait, that includes me I guess?!
I hadn't been here in awhile and took my friend on a daytime drinking tour of Mills and this was one of the first places we stopped. After all these years, it hasn't changed and didn't disappoint. The bartender still seemed a little drunk and still served up the strongest drinks around.
After a visit here, I feel as though I use the term "hole in the wall" inaccurately about 95% of the time. Â This is quite possibly the epitome of hole in the wall.
Highlights:
- Open at 7:30AM and starts serving drinks
- very small and crowded
- extremely eclectic group (ranging from older regulars to obnoxious college kids)
- PBR is $2.00
- extremely generous pours
- they do offer some sort of food, but from the comments I heard "OMG! You ordered food from Wally's" it's probably not a good idea.
- it's attached to a liquor store
Overall, I appreciate this spot and while I wouldn't become a regular I think it's a great change of scenery from my usual haunts.
Oh yeah, and as everyone has already mentioned - take a look at the wallpaper. Classy! :)
Wally's put the "dive" in "dive bar". Drinks are strong, 1.5 will put you under a table, well, bar stool. That said, Wally's has got character and holds some fun memories for just about everyone who has passed through Otown. Â
Be sure to check out the package store, as you can crack open a bottle of Silver Oak or Camus Reserve to enjoy there. (I know, Whaaaat?) I know, I was there. Good times.
I'd heard about the legend surrounding Wally's--that the place was a miniature dive with the strongest pour in Orlando. I can now confirm that the rumors are true (at least, what I can remember of them anyway).
The bar is cash only, and the prices are great for how strong the drinks are. The crowd is eclectic and laid back, with a lot of older regulars mingling with a younger crowd. The bar itself is very small--maybe enough room for twenty or so people to hang out, but again, it's a great time. Just be sure to eat something first, or afterwards, or not drink four beers at Will's before coming here. In other words, don't be like me.
Oh, and it has to be said: Naked lady wallpaper!
I was braced for.. I don't know what, but it wasn't too bad. We got there a bit early in the evening so it wasn't too crowded.
Yes, the drinks are almost pure liquor - wow did they hit me later! So you don't need that many. Pretty cheap too. I wasn't prepared for the cash only, but, no worries, I had cash on me.
We put some tunes on and started singing and being goofy. Why not? We were celebrating a birthday after all!
The only thing I didn't like was the smoking, but oh well... it's part of it's charm.
Oh man oh man! Â These are the first words that come to mind when describing Wally's. Â As one of the more well known dives in Orlando, Wally's never disappoints their fans need of a stiff drink. Â When i first was introduced to this fine establishment, I was overwhelmed by the smell of smoke. Â But that was quickly eclipsed when I took a sip of my vodka and orange juice. Â It was at this point that my friends introduced me to the infamous "Wally's Pour"! Â For those that haven't been there, they serve drinks in tiny glasses. Â But when they mix it is like 3 parts booze and a splash of your mixer. Â
I would've given Wally's 4 stars but couldn't because of their cash only policy and the overpowering smoke smell.
WeatherMan Predicts:  100% chance of blacking out if you spend more  than 3 hours here.  High probability of having some good stories to tell about your adventures in Wally World!
There are dives and then there are DIVES! Wally's is the latter of the two and really leaves an impression.
First thing you need to know ... CASH ONLY! Yes, there is an ATM machine at the liquor store side of this venue, but it'll cost you $5 to use it. Nah, I'll keep that $5 for the I-Tunes machine. Gotta have good music and that'll buy me 15 songs! "Tonight's gonna be a good night"
So there's no dance floor, but that doesn't keep peeps from dancing! There's no stage, but that doesn't keep peeps from singing! and There's no doubles, but you don't need 'em, the drinks are strong! Think ... LIQUOR with a splash of mixer and you're all set. The Long Islands are clear-colored and I swear they could put hair on your chest (ladies), but that's OK, I drink a third and then request a little "coke floater" so I don't slide off my bar stool.
The crowd is such a mix of crazies, corporate, bikers, trashy, gay, rocker-types, and all around locals that you never know what to expect. Tuesdays is Karaoke, but I've never been there for that,
The decor ... nude women wallpaper, need I say more. It's dark, it's dingy, it's my new favorite dive! Lots of parking for such a small place, about 24 stools and people standing around for lack of vacancies, but the peeps just keep coming.
You have to try Wally's at least once. Honestly my first visit I felt kind of snobby when I saw the place and was ready to walk right back out, but I'm glad I stuck around for the "entertainment". Eat first because they do not serve food, just peanuts, chips and popcorn (all the make you thirsty-sort-of goodies). Mmmmm
There are NO doubles at Wally's.  Why you ask?  Because they fill your glass to the top with liquor and then add a 'splash' of mixer for color.  What adds to these drinks are the clientele and the  hilarious bartenders with all sorts of personality.  One time, after my friend tasted her extremely strong drink and made a face the lady behind the bar said, "Don't worry hunny, the ice'll melt in a minute." LOL  You have to go here at least once to take in the naked lady wallpaper and stiff drinks!
Review Source:Wally's is a great place to go when you want to go out, but you don't want to go all out. Â The drinks are poured stiff, the beer is cold, and you can get nicely toasted for less than 20 bucks.
It's an Orlando institution. Â It's a dive. Â It's where you should go, at least once, if you call yourself a local.
The day I moved in, my friends and I were on a quest to find beer to break in the new place and celebrate the completion of the move and no more heavy furniture to move. I remember searching yelp for a dive bar and remembered they also sold beer. This place is the epitome of Dive bar, and is great.
Quick Pointers
Liquor and Beer store side of building takes Credit/Debit
Bar Side Cash only
Drink Specials posted on a chalkboard on the wall in the bar
Beer priced at the same price point can be mixed and matched by 6 packs with Case pricing
Per the Owner - open the latest for liquor and beer sales b/c their bar allows them to sell until last call.
The first time I found Wally's was when I was in desperate search of booze and refused to drive more than a few blocks from my house for it. Â I was a bit intimidated by Wally's at first (especially by the guy passed out on the bench in front), but I quickly got over that. Â Not only is it a store selling beer, liquor and wine, but it also has a bar in the back for those times that you just can't wait to drive home and drink your poison of choice.
Wally's has your normal assortment of alcohol, and it is often times at a cheaper or reasonable price. Â The bar attracts an always interesting and varied crowd from the ViMi area. Â I would certainly suggest Wally's when you need your spirits lifted by some spirits.
Not a bad place to swing in for a beer or mixed drink.
It looks and feels like a Northern neighborhood bar. Older bar maids, way outdated wall paper, wood paneling, neon lights and small TV's. But definitely have a plan B so you can move on without getting trapped. I simply can't imagine anyone under the age of 40 wanting to spend a whole night here. The bar area is very small, such that people are constantly bumping into you and... they don't take credit cards.
At least go here once in your life. There aren't many places like this around town anymore.
Wally's closes at midnight. Â But they are open again at 7:30AM for your drinking pleasure. Â Very much a dive bar. Â Used to live across the street, yet I rarely took advantage of being within stumbling distance of this place. Â My friends were an eclectic bunch, and the crowd can be a little conservative at times. Â Despite the neighborhood, my friends who enjoy an 'alternative lifestyle' didn't feel comfortable. Â But the pinup girl wallpaper and Wally the standard poodle made this place special.
Wally's is also a packaged goods store, so we could stop in for some booze to take home