Marc Sznapstajler
With a main campus bolstering more than 40,000 students and faculty, the University of Central Florida’s Orlando campus has a whole community within a two-mile radius. The CFE Arena is constantly hosting events and concerts, which makes the area even more enticing for bars and restaurants.
There are regular fast-casual spots located close to the CFE arena: Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, Bento, several burger joints, and local favorite pizzeria Lazy Moon (with pizza slices bigger than the moon). All of these restaurants are good for a quick bite to eat and maybe a beer or two, but if you’re looking for a more distinct bar and dining experience, you may want to check these out:
Bar Louie
Bar Louie is located directly across from UCF’s main entrance on the corner of Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard. Hosting a modern and upbeat vibe, Bar Louie is constantly packed with patrons enjoying some ol’ fashioned American grub and brew. The restaurant has Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. The deal includes $3.50 drafts, $4.50 wine and $5.50 signature martinis. Every Tuesday, Bar Louie also has Burger Night, where each of their signature burgers is just $5. It’s a great spot for pre-gaming any of the shows held at CFE Arena.
World of Beer
If you’re looking to flex your beer muscles, World of Beer is the place for you. It’s difficult to imagine just how many beers this bar has in stock every day, but you can download their app to find out. World of Beer is in walking distance from Bar Louie on University Boulevard. Each Wednesday they host what’s called WOB Wednesday. The price of a wide selection of beer and bar food is cut in half and you can try whatever new beer your heart is set on. The bar food includes giant pretzels, cheese fries, sliders and many other bar staples.
Brass Tap
Brass Tap is located in the Waterford Lakes Town Center, which is two miles south of UCF’s main campus. If you’re interested in the best Moscow Mule this side of the Pacific, Brass Tap is the spot for you. The mega mug will make anyone’s jaw drop, and it’s well worth it when you have a group to help you out. Similar to the other restaurants, Brass Tap hosts a casual and fun environment. There are plenty of other bars located in Waterford Lakes and would be perfect for a group who likes to bar hop around an area instead of staying put.
Public House
Public House is just across the street from Bar Louie. Picture a speakeasy bar from the prohibition era in the 1920s. With the lights and windows dimmed, the bar just radiates a cool, calm and collected vibe. Feel free to bring board games or other forms of entertainment to enjoy while you’re inside. The bar serves various craft beers and cocktails to enjoy in the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
These are just a few of the hot spots located around the hub of UCF’s main campus. Are there any other bars or restaurants you’d recommend to a friend in the area? Feel free to comment with your favorite spot.
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