Park Social

I have been to this place in the past. It was great… then. Fun night of Motown hits and 70’s music! But last night I took friends to share what I hoped would be a fun night of the same. Instead the DJ was awful! Disco beat covered up every great song played. So disappointing! How can you ruin Journey? Put a annoying disco beat behind it! Unless they change the DJ we will never go back! What was a true winter park treasure became another downtown Orlando club! Really too bad…

Visited Park Social with a few friends on a Friday night last week after the doorman let us in with the secret passcode. They are technically a speakeasy as there is no sign or open door, but they are a little flexible on knowing the password if you didn’t call ahead.
Guys, be sure to wear a collared or otherwise nice shirt. They have a bit of an unspoken dress code it seems to keep the place more exclusive. Upscale casual ish maybe? I had jeans, boots, and a nice sweater on this night.
Great décor and theme, but on the night we visited the DJ was not upholding his end of the bargain. I would expect classic tunes from the 50s-​80s given the décor, which was played, but he was also swayed to play some current dance hits which threw off our vibe. We enjoyed our craft cocktails and classic tunes until the music changed.
The place was full and hopin around 9 p.m. that Friday. Mostly business professional types between their late 30s to early 50s, at least on this night. We felt a little young (and a little poor) amongst the crowd, to be honest. Not that we didn’t feel welcome by the staff. They were friendly and served us without problem.
They also offer beer, wine, and some expensive small plates if you’re hungry. I’d try it again to check out the music and the crowd because our cocktails were so good.

Is this place a speak easy? It’s kind of divey, it’s kind of upscale, it’s kind of 70s, I’m not sure.
Vibe; You’ll find a lot of an older crowd and given the area, it gives off a bit of an ostentatious feel to someone who typically spends their time in Milk District, Mills, and select downtown spots. Not that I really care, but I definitely felt the eyes on me stepping in and out of here. I think the establishment itself is ok, the decoration is a little wonky to me but I did find some cool pieces like the Pepsi machine and the Akai reel-​to-​reel player they had. The music wasn’t bad either. I felt the DJ definitely seemed to have avoided any kind of Hiphop and leaned more on the side of Cyndi Lauper, Ricky Martin, and Michael Jackson… not that there’s anything wrong with that (well okay maybe Ricky Martin).
Drinks; The drinks here are very well done and service here seems to be a bit slow, but the dudes behind the bar seem to keep their composure very well to the slew of shit talking that I’ve seen some customers throw at them.
Price; Prices are about average for a speakeasy, so around 10 – 13 for their cocktails with beer seemingly on the high side at $ 3 for a can of PBR. (Although I don’t drink PBR, I think it’s a good way to gauge their beer prices, haha!)
I would probably skip over Park Social personally but I don’t have a problem coming in if a friend wanted to and doing some people watching. There are a lot of interesting people who step in to here (even saw some mid-​40 year olds making out, uhhh…) and I can definitely see some fun in finding a nice seat with your s/​o or pal and taking in the crowd.
Oh! There is also a «supposed» dress code here. The guy outside seemed to make a big deal to how we were dressed and made an «exception» for us. One of my friends was told to remove his hat and to keep it off yet as he opened the door an older gentlemen stepped out with his curved billed trucker hat and running shoes. So if you’re on the younger spectrum and not dressed in the common «style» of the area you may have an issue walking in.
In short: cool spot, good drinks, pop music, hot moms. It’s not hip, but it’s trendy.

Everything here is always excellent. They have the best bartenders and they are so friendly. They will usually have music playing and its tolerable. Great mix of the 70s, 80s, its a great spot for a date night or just to grab a beer. We’ll be back for sure!

Moved here from San Fran and was happy to find a nighbourhood with some culture and what we thought was a cool hole in the wall bar.
Its home to a very pretentious crowd, drinks were bare minimum, nothing special. But its Orlando so you can’t be picky :/​. The OWNER is a complete DOUCHE BAG and for that reason I wouldn’t recommend this place.
My bf and I went there after dinner around 8pm with a couple friends. We had a lovely time sitting and chatting, the music wasnt loud. Really cool ambience Around 10 a group middle aged moms came in and kept staring at myself and made several comments about us… my bf is white and I’m black. We ignored them for a while. Then boyfriend finally responded to one old lady and they were quiet. Before you know it, some girl came up yelling at my bf, that hes rude, and saying she knew the owner. Then shes like «i know the owner, lets just get them kicked out». We thought she was kidding so we didnt respond. Not even 5 mins later The owner came and asked our party to leave, no questions asked.
When I tried to explain to the owner that we didn’t do anything, he threatened to call the police. So we left.
I thought that was incredibly rude and insulting to not only put up with snide remarks from strangers about who I date, but that I got kicked out for a lie and the owner was condoning of their behavior. The group was laughing and kept saying «bye».
I’ve dealt with people like that my whole life so I am quick to ignore because I know it’s ignorance that’s fuels them. I just wished the owner had handle the situation with a little more class. Instead of looking like a complete bigot.

I came to Park Social after a nice Luma dinner with a group of 12. I made reservations earlier in the day and was able to get a couple of tables reserved. Service is great and the bartenders are all really nice. You would expect it to be a bit pretentious because it is Park Ave, but this was not the case.
Park Social is one of the few places in Orlando where I’ve been that has Japanese whisky. Unfortunately, they did not have any Yamazaki. The bartender told me they did a couple of weeks before and it only lasted two days. It was the 12-​year they had though. They did have Hakushu though, which I gladly partook.
The crowd definitely is on the older side, but if you’re looking for something chill and loungey give Park Social a shot.

My new favorite bar to take people to when in downtown Winter Park. Just a cool laid back place with a fun atmosphere, lots of seating areas, and interesting cocktails. The servers are always so friendly and they make you feel welcome. I also like the music the DJ spins since he adds to the 70s vibe and there is just enough space to get a dance floor going if people want to break out in their groove.

This place is great! An 80’s style «speak easy» per se. We went there after dinner at boca with a large group and they were nice enough to reserve and area for us. Which was much appreciated. Between all of us we practically ordered every drink and all of them were amazing! Some of them not my style but none the less still great drinks. And the list is extensive. Definitely a cool place to check out in winter park.

Service is mediocre” foods good but very limited menu, drinks are well worth the money the guys behind the bar know how to mix up to my likeing. Overall happy, kind of a retro theme, its a friday night not as busy as id think but maybe the yucky weather. Hope this place works out.

I came here the week of my wedding while my mom was in town. We had gone to happy hour and wanted to try out this speak easy. You do have to call to get the code to get in.
When we walked up the stairs it was like a scene from the 70s. It was great! They have a DJ playing all the 70s hits with a smallish dance floor to boogie. They have different seating areas that are themed from popular shows which was really cool.
We stopped by the bar and ordered a few drinks that did not disappoint. Our overall experience was great and I look forward to coming here again.

So I get obsessed with places I love and I feel like an obsession for this place is coming! My coworker found this gem looking for «secret» places in Orlando. You call, they give you a password and you use it to get in. We had quite an adventure finding the place which is actually really well hidden! (We get the point guys, it’s a secret)
There’s a telephone at the door you have to pick up and say the password to get it.
I immediately fell in love with the place as soon as I opened the door. The décor is vintage mixed with modern. The lighting, the furniture and most importantly, the dance floor was perfected placed.
We were there pretty early so it was empty but when we left at around 9:30pm, you can tell it was starting to get packed. I would definitely be going back, just a little later. Ant wait to review their drinks next time!

Great atmosphere, great drinks, great music.
The crowd was a little pretentious, as I anticipated, but it was fun to people watch.
The guy at the door was letting anyone in so we didn’t need a password. Kinda took the fun out of it but it’s so nice upstairs I forgot my disappointment walking up the stairs.
I wish the drinks were $ 2 cheaper but regardless I’ll definitely return!

Eclectic place. Lots of comfortable places to sit for all sorts of meetings. If you want to sit close to your date, they have couches for that. If you are meeting a group of friends, the seating is arranged in such a way to make it easy to group together and talk.
The staff was friendly and quick as well. It’s a little hard to find, but well worth it.

Super fun and retro! I love the funky vibe and the friendly bartenders — it’s one of my must-​visit bars when I’m showing people around town. Plus, the music is always on point.
Like other reviewers have said, you get a nice eclectic mix of furniture and décor — awesome high-​backed chairs, velvet couches, a high farm table, and walls of circular booths all round the back. There’s also a lounge/​DJ dance floor that’s usually packed with dancing people. Keep a look out for some old school games like Jenga or Rock Em Sock Em Robots to keep you and your group entertained.
Drinks are absolutely ace. I haven’t had a bad drink yet and the bartenders are really good at creating drinks to your specifications. Ross was our man last time and he was super nice and quick with the drinks. They do change the menu, so if you fall in love with something in particular, don’t forget the name! They serve food too — like sushi, tapas, and appetizers. I haven’t tried anything but the popcorn so far so I can’t tell you too much about it. It’s usually crowded, so I don’t really find it a comfortable place to eat, though.
This is a speakeasy and it’s a very nice one. Dress code is enforced, but it’s not super crazy (heels not required). Blazers or collars with nice close-​toed shoes for the guys and a dressy casual for the ladies. You will need to call ahead for the password, but there have been a couple of times when the bouncer has let us up without asking for it.

After visiting Boca and neighboring ABO, our evening was capped off at Park Social, the Avenue’s only speakeasy complete with retro pinball, dessert and a password required for entry. A throwback to the ‘70s, you’ll feel completely transported to another era with modern bites ranging from Lamb Kabobs, to Sage Brown Butter Parmesan Popcorn and a variety of sushi rolls. The perfect spot for cocktails, mingling and hiding away in Winter Park’s chicest spot.
Boca, ABO and Park Social are emerging as the Ave’s power trio, you’re sure to find something for every mood, occasion and taste. If you haven’t visited the revival of the former «cursed corner,» you’re missing out on some of this city’s chicest and tastiest dining spots.

FUNNNKY little place! Funky as in retro décor & a disco vibe. I did appreciate the slight intermingling of current music with the hits of the past decades. The lounging compartments of the room look cute & comfy although some of the décor and placing seems a little confused. I love that there is a dance floor, even though it is small and could use some sprucing up.
I would also suggest something to target all age ranges as I felt kind of out of place being an 80’s baby.
I had no idea this place existed! The advertising was basically non existent… Which makes sense if it’s supposed to be a speak easy, but we were not asked any sort of password and I don’t remember even being stopped at the door.
I do find this place very quaint and inviting with some partying disco vibe to it. With some minor tweaks this place could be a real 5 star awesome-​BOMB! With nothing of its kind on Park Ave, they’re definitely on to something and I personally hope they stick around.

Boogie, y’all.
After experiencing Boca last week I mad a point to experience Park Social soon after. I’m not sure if they’re really supposed to go together or not. That’s besides the point.
The ambiance is very full-​on. It’s a hodgepodge of styles loosely attributed to the 70s decade. The effect is… Effective. I think the saving element was the fantastic funk playing loudly overhead.
The drinks were standard and well thought out. When I asked what the most popular cocktail was, I was recommended the Easy Rider– a rye, amaro, egg white, mint, and lemon concoction – which I enjoyed.
My friend ordered sushi, which I won’t comment on, because this is a bar and not a sushi restaurant.
I would bring a group of out of towners here in a heartbeat, or would probably enjoy spending a brief period of time here before a night out.
Let it be noted, there is no adequate-​sized dance area to be found amongst the collection of assorted chintz and ephemera.

It’s a speakeasy on park ave where a password is required for entrance. You head up the stairs and jump into an era from the 60/70’s. This is such a neat spot with several different living rooms to lounge around in. They have a great dj spinning out some nice tunes.
Their cocktails are made with great care, but a bit hefty on the wallet. If you sit by the bar you can experience their creation before you.
We had a late lunch and decided to order a few things from their menu. Their snacks and bites was ok. Wasn’t too impressed by it. The fondue only came with vegetables, it would have been great if there was also some bread. The cheese platter only came with 1 type of cheese but 3 types of characuterie cuts and 2 crackers and the flatbread wasn’t that great. The popcorn though was pretty tasty.
On our next visit, I think we would just stick to the drinks.

Park Ave now has its very own password-​required speakeasy. Call 407−636−7020 prior to visiting to get the password, then when you arrive, enter it into a funky vintage-​style phone and the door unlocks for you. After you go up a narrow flight of stairs, you end up in a 60’s-vibe open lounge with a DJ, a large bar and lots of conversational areas. Perhaps «speakeasy» and «1960s» together is a bit of an anachronism, but it works in practice. As something of a furniture nerd I would like to praise them for doing an eclectic collection of pieces that aren’t all Mad Men mid-​century modern — so it’s cozier, less too-​cool-​for-​you. Speaking of cozy, I tucked myself into a porter chair by the window and it was like being in my own little world, though most spots (other than the booths by the bar) are more open for large group socializing and/​or peoplewatching.
Unlike some speakeasies, 1) there’s no draconian list of rules here and 2) they provide table service, so you can hang out with your friends on a big tufted sofa while you wait for your craft cocktails. The cocktail list is short, with a few classics and a few house specialties — I believe they are expanding it soon. Our drinks took a bit but the wait was expected/​worth it. I stuck to the sweet side with the Bees’ Knees (gin, lemon/​honey vodka/​lavender) and hubby went with the Serpico, a strong Manhattan-​esque cocktail worthy of its name (we ended up explaining the name to our server, which is cool, not everyone is a scholar of 70’s cinema or police corruption :)) There is also a small food menu, and a respectable beer and wine list. The crowd skewed younger than your average Park Ave venue and I saw lots of couples as well as girls’ night groups. Worth checking out!

Go here for the atmosphere and cocktails!
Oh yeah, diggin’ this lovely addition to Park Ave. You do need a reservation or the password for the day to enter, so go prepared: (407) 636‑7020. There is a telephone on the street right in front of the door. Once you give the password, you head up the stairs inside and you are transported into a living room, lounge feelings of a 60/70’s Brady teen’s apartment. Yes, a Brady’s apartment is what I envision in my head.
Great eclectic art and furniture that all works and meshes together. Options of single table seating, group table seating, chairs, couches, etc. Your choice on what you are feeling that evening. We took a seat at the bar, which is a little too close to the booths at the windows, but hopefully they will learn and improve upon that since this place is brand spankin’ new.
Also, on the new note, I know all the bartenders are still learning so I will skip the note of how long it actually took to make our three cocktails =) It was def worth the wait, they were all delicious and truly a craft cocktail. I went with the Dr No and it was light and refreshing. I also tasted the Dazed and Confused (a delicious, melted Popsicle), and the Bees Knees, an aromatic, smooth delight. I can’t wait to head back and try more. They have an extensive wine list and craft beers as well.
We were headed to dinner so we didn’t get to try any of the food but it sounded great.
I do believe with the love that went into this location, it has a bright future. This place is a treat for all of your senses.