Posted by & filed under Destinations, Hot Spots, Volume 7, Issue #4 - April 2014.

By Tucker McCormack ITWPA Member There are times while at Walt Disney World when you need to escape the kids and the rides and the furry animals, and go out on the town. There are some great places to do that in Orlando, but it might take some planning, so listen up. Dinner at Hash House A Go Go First off, go to Hash House A Go Go (http://www.hashhouseagogo.com). The plates are actually platters. Rolls the size of ostrich eggs smeared with honey butter come out when you order. The tower of bacon waffles topped with flaky fried chicken and fried leeks is awesome, and more than filling — even ordering two plates between three people proved our eyes were still bigger than our stomachs. Double-stuffed burgers, black skillet chicken, and pancakes the size of regular pizzas will crowd the table as you dive in. Eat what you want from the mounds of excess food, then let everyone else trickle off into a food coma while you sneak away for a night out in downtown Orlando. corona_cigarCigars at Corona Start off your night in a smoker’s paradise at Corona Cigar Co. in downtown Orlando (http://www.coronacigar.com). Row upon row of cigars greet you as you walk in. The sweet aroma of tobacco permeates the room while you browse hundreds of premium sticks with guides capable of directing you to the perfect smoke. Drinks at their bar include signature cocktails and premium whiskeys and rums for a perfect combination. Even Angel’s Envy Rye is available, which opened up nicely with ice for a smooth, spicy finish. While pricey — around $80 a bottle — it is a great smooth transition if you want to get into more rye whiskey from bourbon. Cocktails at The Courtesy Bar Right up Orange Street we nearly missed stopping off at The Courtesy (http://www.thecourtesybar.com) for some great pre-prohibition-era cocktails. Mezcal, fennel-infused dry vermouth, and tobacco- and coffee-infused syrup are all ingredients in their craft drinks. Absinthe is also a staple here. Perforated spoons hold flaming sugar cubes after the absinthe is poured over, then dripping water from absinthe fountains dilutes the mixture for the absinthe cocktail. The bartenders are knowledgeable and the drinks smooth and complex in this great bar. If you want to get out of downtown and try a new area, head over to The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips for a relaxed environment down Highway 4 to get out of the crowded downtown nightlife. Pharmacy Pharmacy (http://thepharmacyorlando.com) also has unique craft cocktails you reach by calling for the service elevator in a hallway. The ‘secret’ speakeasy entrance gives it the flair and intrigue to make it a great stop in itself. Unique drinks, infusions, and food wait inside. Their mixologists are constantly creating new and exciting prescriptions for your sipping pleasure. World of Beer Finish off the night at World of Beer with a huge selection of draft and bottled beer just down the street (http://www.wobusa.com/locations/dr-phillips). They have every selection you could ask for to top off a great evening before returning to the kids and Mickey. If you would like to purchase this article for your publication, please click here to contact the author directly.