Club 57 West

Got to see Michale Graves (ex-​Misfits) play here during his headlining Web Of Information tour on Thursday, July 12, 2012. The doors opened at 7:00, which I figured they would start at 8:00 since there was no opening band listed. Unfortunately I was in for a much longer night than I had expected. There was indeed an opening band and they didn’t start until almost three hours after the doors opened. They played the most generic punk rock music imaginable for close to an hour.
The Propeller Dream was the band’s name. Orlando locals that I’m pretty sure have not played a show since. Pity. So I ended up walking around downtown, just waiting for them to stop playing just so I could go back inside. Thankfully it’s not a boring town so time passed pretty quickly. Had the venue listed an opening band or a start time for the show or had some way of contacting them other than a Facebook page they don’t look at, I would have been able to show up even later to avoid this trainwreck.
After all of that, I still had to wait for them to break down and load all of their equipment. Then wait for Graves to unload and set up their equipment and then sound check. With the bands doing all this themselves, it took a really long time. Even if the venue had one guy helping the bands get their stuff on and off the stage, it would have got things moving a little quicker.
Michale Graves started at 11:45 PM. With the stage only being about half a foot off the ground, it only took five people being in front of it to completely obscure the view. Had the gigantic speakers been suspended from the ceiling rather than set on each corner of the stage, it would have allowed a few more people to see the band. I stood on the side of the stage, which obviously didn’t carry the sound very well. The sound wasn’t that good anyway since it was pretty empty, so at least I could see from this position.
The other side of the stage sat a few of Michale’s sisters, to whom he would dedicate songs to and just randomly talk with before starting the next song. Not really ideal for a punk band. The show didn’t end until 1:00 AM and I had an hour drive home to Daytona. Plus I had to be at work at 7:30 AM. Very unorganized venue. I don’t know if they just didn’t put on a lot of shows or what, but had I known a two band show was going to last six hours, I would have stayed home. No surprise this place shut down.

I played my first live show here one night. It’s a cozy little joint and the crowd doesn’t judge. I was playing some alt electronic music unfitting the venue but by the end of my set people we’re cheering me on — half drunk, half feeling it.
So If you’re nervous about doing an open night here don’t fret about it and just go for it.

I have been here a few times and its okay. The music is extremely loud. I don’t mind loud at all, but when your speakers sound like they are throwing up then we have a problem. It’s kinda like a car that has factory speakers trying to compete with someone who has speakers installed. There is no comparison.
I wish it was bigger. The bartenders are extremely nice! Unfortunately, I heard that this place is supposed to be closing soon. Am I devastated? No. Am I glad I got to go the few times I went? Yes. If you don’t want to stay home and just looking for something to do, this can work.

Sigh… I appreciate the atmosphere of the place but $ 7 for a vodka/​soda is crazy.
To have live bands here, I really suggest getting rid of the brick wall so the sound doesn’t bounce so much.

Went there to see my friend’s band play a few nights ago, it’s pretty small. I had problems getting in at first because the door guy lost the guest list and was trying to make me pay the $ 10 cover to get in but he made it right a few minutes later…
I guess the owner is the same as AKA lounge, so it has the art work of local artists posted up on the walls. There was a guy painting while the bands were performing as well. The bar is pretty big, the owner is pretty friendly and took care of us and the band. The bar sits about 5 feet from the stage.
And as previously mentioned, the bathrooms are so fancy, I’d never expect it from a local music club. I’m used to band stickers and people writing «call for a good time» all over the place, but this is like resturaunt quality. haha.
Nice place overall!

57 is definitely one of my favorite bars downtown Orlando. The atmosphere is so chill, that we usually end up there for at least one drink before the night is over.
I completely agree with the rest of the reviews; the bathrooms are incredibly nice! Depending on the night of the week, 57 has different events going on; karaōke, hip/​hop night, open mic, etc… When we were there is was a jazz band that was awesome! So much talent! Everyone in the bar was vibing to it. There is a big dance floor and an upstairs– tons of room to party!
The staff is so friendly and nice; they get that you’re there for a good time. Wes, my favorite bartender, always serves my drinks perfect and is always down to listen to a crazy story from the night.

Totally agree with the rest of the reviews
Even though the layout could have been better it didn’t bother me as much as their isn’t a designated «dance» area. I personally thought the seating sucked and would have rather stood and swayed around. Plus threw out the night when it did «fill up» people don’t care where your sitting and stand all in your view!
LOVE LOVE seeing local talent!

Went here before a 7pm Magic game. Wasn’t crowded at all so I don’t really know what the nightlife here is like. Bartender was cool. Because a buddy had a Magic jersey on, bartender gave him 2 for 1 but the sign out front said 2 for 1 from 4 — 7 pm. Sooo not really sure what was going on. They did have $ 2 pints of Coors Light so I was happy. The place has potential. They have a stage set up in the middle but might get a little cramped. Might have to go when people are actually there.

Woodpecker cider. You know I have to start with the huge wins =)
I agree with Aaron, the bathrooms are so nice, I know so random to point out but they are so clean!
We stopped in before the Magic game and they had game night specials, score! The bartender/​owner was super nice and even answered some questions we had about alcohol we were not drinking and gave us a taste.
They had tons of TVs and the space is large and open, I def want to stop back in on a busy night or back in before a game and take advantage of the 2-​for-​1s =)

Went here to watch Joey Beltram spin. The club is super small. It has an upstairs area, which I believe is VIP. Drinks are not that strong, and are bit overpriced for the size of cups they gave; then again it was an event. There was only two bartenders and the club was packed which sucked when it came down to ordering drinks. They have a little stage setup that people can dance on and make a fool of themselves, lol. Bathrooms are not so clean, so if you’re a guy, you’re lucky. Not sure how the ladies restroom is. but I am sure its probably the same thing.

The Good: [1] My favorite event «Sunday Night Live» has moved from AKA Lounge to this spot (much to my dismay), so there are some familiar faces here for me.
The Bad: [1] The layout is a bit weird, but perhaps that’s because of the huge stage that took up nearly all the space we needed to sit and enjoy the live band. Everyone was either forced to sit around the bar, or crowd upstairs in the balcony. I didn’t even go up there, but it looked a mess from the floor.
The Ugly: [1] Right outside, they have a BBQ stand selling chicken and some other mess, so as you’re standing in line waiting to get in, the wonderful aroma seeps into your clothing replacing whatever scent you sprayed on before you left home.

I attended a party for Orlando Weekly at 57 West last night and I believe it was the grand opening. Not sure though. The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were excellent, and it was clean.
I was very impressed by the bathrooms. They were probably the cleanest bathrooms in any bar/​lounge in the area. I’ll be interested to know if they can keep this up through night after night of rowdy customers.
There was a jazz-​fusion band playing the greatest hits of your local forecast on The Weather Channel. However, I actually enjoyed them in the cozy setting that is 57 West. I’ll be very interested to see how this establishment evolves and where it positions itself amongst downtown Orlando live music nightlife.