Tanqueray’s

We went here tonight for my 22^nd birthday and my bartender was amazing! Every drink and shot was perfect!

Hands down our favorite bar in Orlando.
Why?
— Quality live bands every single night
— The best bar staff anywhere. Friendly, professional, just good people.
— Strong drinks, cheap prices
— Everyone is your friend at this bar. You make new friends every time you visit. A better version of Cheers.
Love love love this place!

The bar is down stairs which is some what cool. The bar it self is dark and has a wood and black leather look for the style. I had 2 glasses of reisling and they were good.
Apparently you can smoke inside which I did not like at all.
Overall nothing too special about it. If your into drinking you will like the prices during happy hour.

Go here. I would never have went to this place cause it looks weird. But, I had a friend suggest going and I’m super impressed. We had a few shots and I felt a good vibe here. I came here early so I can’t tell you how the night life is. When you are in downtown Orlando definitely check this place out. You might find your perfect spot. Meet some friends.

This is one hell of a place to come to and enjoy good drinks with awesome live music all 7 days of the week. It’s literally located underground which gives it an even cooler environment. So this is a place where you could either go to get loud, dance your butt off to great bands, or sit down to relax and have a conversation with the cool bartenders there or the cool people that go to this place!

Dive bars are fun, and I’m partial to several. A little dust or old surroundings are cool.
But actual slime mold behind the bar crosses the line.
When a place practices such abysmal cleanliness as Tanqueray’s does, I am concerned about genuine health risks.
I can’t claim I got sick from my visit, other than the urge to vomit triggered by the way Tanqueray’s practices «hygiene» — by seemingly ignoring just about every health department regulation.
Upon first arrival the bar top is as sticky as the floor around the toilets. Given that there’s more corn syrup (from the cheap drink mixes this places uses) on the bar top than on the bathroom floor, I’m gonna bet the bar top had more bacteria than the bathroom.
The glasses were not properly washed according to code and no final anti-​bacterial rinse agent was used. I watched the process in semi-​horror, incredulous at what appeared to be an experienced bartender was doing. But maybe if you’ve been in the industry that long and you just don’t care anymore because the place around you is already so filthy, you just give up caring. I’m not sure, but that was the attitude I strongly perceived (and over-​heard).
The ice going into the glasses looked somewhat melted/​refrozen in clumps, and that’s usually a sign of an ice cooler that isn’t working right, or a gummed-​up, old, uncleaned «cold plate» (for the soft-​drinks in the bar gun) that’s heating up the ice only to have it re-​freeze again when more ice is dumped in. When I saw that I decided ordering a nice SEALED container of beer was the safer option.
Tanqueray’s «bar guns» are seriously old, browned, and gummed. (I was paying pretty close attention to everything after noticing many things that set off alarm bells.)
Those bar gun heads need to be cleaned weekly and replaced as often as they have problems. You can spot a problem by brownish build-​up visible through the clear plastic. That’s exactly why they’re made of clear plastic — so the bar staff can notice when they need a cleaning. The spout can also collect bacteria, and if I had to place a bet on it, I’d plunk down heavy cash that a swab of the bar gun spouts will produce a jungle growth in a Petri dish.
There are a lot more problems, but let’s be pretty clear now about what a dive bar can and can’t really get away with:
Looking old is fine, but looking or being UNclean, especially in and around the bar and kitchen, is not ever appropriate.
A bathroom can look kinda divey, but it needs to be reasonably clean, stay clean, and all the plumbing fixtures need to work correctly. Dive bars are hangouts, so the bathroom needs to be something you’re comfortable with.
The walls can be covered in dusty-​looking artwork, or (often faked) graffiti or whatever. It shouldn’t be overly dusty, however. If the walls and hangings get a quick dusting once or twice a month, that covers it pretty well.
This isn’t rocket-​surgery, folks. It’s just plain elbow grease.
When you look at a place like The Lucky Lure or Red 13 or even The Smiling Bison, they each have a kind of divey theme, but all are clean and have very clean, well-​maintained bars and drink wells. They take the time to do it right Even super-​dive Wally’s on Mills has a much cleaner bar area.
It CAN be done — a clean dive. And cleanliness must be kept for any bar to protect the health of its patrons. Tanqueray’s fails.
I think that this is such an overwhelming issue here that I’ve covered little else.
I would be happy to update this review to cover their selection of drinks, the style of the place, the types of music they offer, what they put out for bar snacks (right into the unwashed containers on sticky bar tops), and whatever else they have to offer.
But it’s hard to talk about vodka selections when you know it’s being poured into a glass that you just witnessed a jaded bartender fail to wash properly, and poured over ice that, likely as not, has a good share of mold and bacteria in it.
The place has an interesting atmosphere. But it’s hard to enjoy it when you’re hearing the bad attitude of a bartender who is burned out and is loud enough about it to let customers know. (Glassy-​eyes are the tip-​off that intoxicants may play a role in this.)
There is nothing here to see or pay for until it’s clean and has the right procedures.
What kept occurring to me was what a great candidate this place would be for those bar-​makeover TV shows. In this case, they don’t so much need the makeover (I like the general vibe). They do need to lift up the bar mats to see the thick layers of slime built up, then clean and fix all the ice bins and bar guns, then teach the staff how to keep them clean, nightly and thoroughly.
I’ll stop back in when Tanqueray’s management starts caring about cleanliness.
It’s in a central spot and seems good for a couple of cocktails and some music after eating in downtown.
But only after the place has been de-​gunked.

Love the band there on Saturday night. Crowd was very diverse and having a lot of fun. Drinks are strong which is a good thing. Smoky inside but it’s live rock and roll with a twist of blues so smoke is expected. I would go back.

Not a bad stop if you are making your way around downtown Orlando on Orange Ave. Take the street side stairwell underground for live music and cheaper basic drinks.
My main complaint, which may be others’ favorite point of interest, is you can still smoke inside here. Not my thing and it reeks in this stagnant basement turned bar.
Aside from that, this place is pretty laid back. Lots of locals and affordable domestic beers. Interior is dark and dated, but again fits with the whole vibe here.

love the jazz funk band they have play regularly as well as it being a basement bar, how fun is that?!

Have live music every night
Jeremy is great!
You can smoke here!!! Great place to hang out downtown!!!

Tanqueray’s is a small dive bar that has been in Orlando for many years. You have to go downstairs to get into this crowded smoky little place, but the entertainment is always good, the drink prices are reasonable, and the crowd is diverse. Good and friendly service from both the cocktail waitress and the bartender.

What a great locals bar in the heart of the Church Street.
Friendly locals on both sides of the bar. Many colorful characters to interact with and share shots.
The drinks are inexpensive and generous.
Live music was phenomenal!
Definately worth the visit

Stopped in on a Monday night while in town for a work conference, and was surprised at how busy it was. Most of the Wall St area was dead, but every table at this bar was filled. There was a great reggae band, playing fun cover songs. Drinks were insanely cheap — we spent less than $ 50 on two rounds for ten people. Only drawback for me is that people can smoke in the bar, which is located in a basement, trapping all the smoke in. Just personal preference, but bring from the northeast I am not used to this and not a fan. Had to leave after less than an hour because it was quite overwhelming.

This is by far my favorite bar in Downtown Orlando. The vibe is fantastic and the live music is ALWAYS good. They have local bands every night, my favorite nights– Tuesday for Groove Orient, and Saturday for The Company. I almost always end up there on Saturdays to watch The Company– an INCREDIBLE local band led by Rick Krasowksi. They are electric and so full of energy, and sooo personable. They take time to kick it and talk to friends and fans during breaks in their shows. It is definitely worth checking out. The bartenders pour heavy drinks (always a plus) and it’s not too expensive. It’s a smokey dive bar, so do expect to come out smelling like a cigar– however, the ventilation is actually really good so it’s not too bad being there if you’re not a smoker like me.

This place is ok. It’s really loud so it’s hard to hang out with friends and chat. You would really only go if you wanted to see the live music. Not a lot of seating to watch the band though so you would want to get there early to get a good seat. A little smoky in there too which my allergies didn’t appreciate. Worth a check in for the music.

Ah, Tanquerays. My favorite (& the only) basement dive bar downtown. As soon as you descend the stairs, the smell of smoke hits you. If you can overlook the fact that you will go home with the smell of cigarettes permeated in your clothes, you will definitely enjoy the live music that is here every night. The bands really are amazing: my two faves have been Evan Taylor Jones Band and The Company, two blues bands that are perfect for the bar atmosphere. You won’t find fancy fad cocktails here: cheap shots, great beer and strong drinks.

Though I’m from Columbus OH, this was a favorite haunt. Great pours reasonably priced.

I came here after hearing from a professional musician that this was the best place to hear good local bands. The band ended up being great, but I was disappointed to be blasted in the face with cigarette smoke when I entered the place. It’s such a cool location with such a great atmosphere but the smoke is so intense that it’s not worth it. If they cleaned up a little and became non smoking, they’d have so many more customers that would appreciate their musicians and what they’re offering. Looking forward to venues that realize that good drinks and a solid band have to be in a smokey bar.

Great place, great bartenders, just needs a more personable door man. The only one in Orlando who will have a 2 hour conversation with you and then 1 hour later act like he’s never met you before in his life. Other than that, this place rocks.

The smoke was as overwhelming as it gets. Understandably, it’s part of the atmosphere, but it reminded me why I stopped smoking in the first place as I smelled like Khaleesi after she lit Kal Drogo on fire and gave birth to her three baby dragons. Yes, that means you’ll smell like smoke when you leave.
With live music, wells, and beers, how else could you spend a pleasant night with blaring music that drowns out any conversation with your mates? I really couldn’t hear a damn thing from any of my friends.
That being said, the music was live and thoroughly well done. I usually don’t do live music, but this was enjoyable. I found myself immersed in these musicians and the music they developed. On some occasions, with a big enough tip from an audience member, they’d play requests that were genuinely on point.
I ordered a diet whiskey and coke and I only needed one. It was fairly over iced though. That being said, the drinks were strong. Anything more than two and you’ll be feeling it.

I’m a huge fan of Tanq’s. not just because I’ve played here as a musician, but because the vibe is so cool and refreshing. the bartenders make strong drinks and always quick to help. the downstairs feel will make you think it’s a speakeasy since it’s kind of hidden. if you are not into loud amazing local music, this isn’t the place for you. otherwise, a truly awesome Orlando must do if you want to have a drink and enjoy great music.

I’m a jamband, jazz, and a little bit of rock n roll kind of man. First of all, the downstairs, underground cheers kind of vibe, sets Tanquerays apart from the rest. The music is always energetic and the drinks aren’t to expensive. You can dress up or go in casual. All cliques are invited to take part in this cool hip and classy bar. The only thing that should change in my opinion is the cigarette and cigar smoke. I do notice a lot of gain smokers tend to hang out in this bar. If you can get past that you’ll be sure to have an amazing experience!

I came here last night (Thursday) around 8pm with a friend who frequents this bar often. We headed straight for the basement and surprisingly it was crowded. Despite how many people there were, the bartenders were extremely nice and made sure we were taken care of the entire time.
They have a really nice, modern, touch-​screen juke box filled with a ton of great music from all the genres and eras. It was fun to go through the selections and figure out when the perfect moment would be to belt out «Bohemian Rhapsody» or some Bad Company!
They’ve got two dartboards in the rear room and my friend and I played that for quite some time. It was a lot of fun and I would definitely go back. The drink prices are really reasonable and the service is wonderful.
Keep it up, guys!

The treatment my friends and I received here was absolutely appalling. I both emailed and facebook messaged Tanqueray’s with my complaint and never received a response. Perhaps writing it on Unilocal will get their attention:
A few weeks ago some friends and I went to Tanquerays for our first time. We were there for a couple hours, ordered several beers, and decided to stop drinking around midnight so we could sober up to drive home. Our server, Jennifer, refused to serve us water. When we asked if we could order a round of waters she said «I’m not bringing you waters when you haven’t even ordered a drink within the last hour. You can go to the bar and get it yourself».
My friends and I will not be back, ever. While I do not blame the bar as a whole, I think it is absolutely appalling that one of your servers refused to give us water after we had already done our «due diligence» and spent our money at the bar. Not only that, it is also illegal for a server to deny a customer water.

I especially love this place on Sunday’s with a live band that plays there. They are amazing with Brandon in bass guitar and Thom Shea on sax. They sing funk, rock, and soul music.
The bartenders are great and the drinks are inexpensive for the most part.
The atmosphere is bark and dingy. And you are allowed to smoke and by the end of the night it gets smokey. But they have suitable ventilation.
A great time every Sunday!

I’ve seen this place for years while driving by or walking down Orange Ave. My friends and I were bar hopping the other night and it was our last stop. It’s kind of divey. It definitely has that sort of Cheer vibe going on because it’s in the basement.
The drinks were really good, well made, and reasonably priced. Nothing fancy, but you don’t always need a fad cocktail. We played darts and hung out. It was lots of fun. I would go back.

Tanq’s is an old reliable. Back in my working downtown days, this was a regular spot for my coworkers and I to blow off steam. Their good beer selection and reasonable prices kept us coming back for more. The other night I was out with one of my old coworkers, who suggested we head in for a drink for old time’s sake.
Sure, there are no windows, the place reeks of cigarette, and gets crazy crowded, especially when there’s live music. But isn’t that what you expect when you head downstairs into a basement bar?! If you want something fancy, this is not your place. But if you want good drinks from great bartenders, and some good conversation with other patrons (everyone here is always friendly and I end up chatting with someone new each time), this is a great choice.

I am rarely EVER downtown, so I hadn’t heard about this place until last night. I was at an event across the street and a friend suggested that we go to Tanqueray afterwards. It is definitely a hole in the wall, er ground, but that is what I liked about it. That and the sign out front advertising $ 3 tequila shots :)
It was small and dark, but not crowded. We were able to quickly get our drinks (tequila shots!) and found a little «room» hiding behind the bar that we quickly took over. We were able to hang out and talk without having to yell to hear each other. This is a major win in my book.
I could have done without the smoke, but its just one of the things you have to deal with sometimes when you are going out.

I cant tell you how many times I walked past this place while downtown due to its unassuming and kind of shady look, but oh how I was wrong! Underground bar that has a heavy pub feel right when you walk in, this was intensified on my visit by the English chap leading the crowd in a stellar rendition of «champagne supernova»…So, that was my first impression and boy did I love it. ON to the drinks, cheap and good, good and cheap. Nothing stellar that other bars don’t have, but pricing is better than expected. The folks serving the drinks were great as well!
The live music was great as well. One huge plus of being underground is the acoustics that are amazing to the music! I hung out in the bar section most of the night, but they do have seating and such in front of the music if that is why you ventured in. One thing I found well planned was that the bar and music venue section are connected, but there is a big wall that spans ¾ length sitting between the two, so when live music is playing you can still have a convo at the bar without feeling the music being obtrusive. This is a good thing for the folks that popped in for the drinks, not necessarily the live music. Overall my only gripe is the smoky nature of the place, but that is easily overlooked with a good beverage in hand!