The best drinking in Orlando is away from the tourist corridor. Downtown, The Social on Orange Avenue books the most consistent live music in the city — indie rock, electronic, and underground touring acts in an intimate room. Pharmacy Bar on North Orange has a good craft beer list and a beer garden. Nearby, Maxine's on Shine in Thornton Park is a no-nonsense neighbourhood bar with a covered porch and Wednesday trivia.
East of downtown, the Audubon Park neighbourhood has Redlight Redlight — a beer parlour with 300-plus bottles and 40 taps focused on Florida craft and Belgian production. CityWalk at Universal and Disney Springs both offer polished, tourist-facing bar experiences; Wall Street Plaza downtown is the main late-night cluster if you want something louder and more concentrated.