"Something about the circus stirs their souls, and they ache for it when it is absent" – Erin Morgenstern, Author.
Welcome to the greatest show on Earth…in Downtown Orlando. Sideshow Bar and Grill, the latest addition to dowtown's bar and club Mecca known as Wall Street, has opened its doors. And don't worry circus fans, this one won't be packing up and leaving town anytime soon.
Sideshow is located where the former One Eyed Jacks and Loaded Hog on Orange Avenue. Believe it or not, the transformation from the two legendary bars into this amazing new themed bar took less than a year. The circus/sideshow theme is the brainchild of the owner, Joel, who came up with the concept and collected the amazing art months before the renovation began.
» IMAGE GALLERY: Sideshow Bar & Grill
Magnificent art lines the walls, a clown face laughs at you from the end of the bar, a mesmerizing woman stands over the doorway into Cantina and more adds to the ambiance of Sideshow. Ladies, I will warn you, there is a fun mirror heading into the bathroom, but it’s a great place to take a #selfie (take notice of the sign).
What would a themed bar be without some creative drinks?! The Beard, The Lady (together, it makes the Bearded Lady), The Strongman and Sword Swallowing Strawberry Tea are just some of the fun names you’ll see on Sideshow’s menu.
My personal favorite is the Strongman, which is made from apple flavored vodka and ginger beer. It’s similar to a modified mule, light but strong, and makes for a great Sunday Funday drink.
A signature shot, which is surely going to be a crowd favorite, is the Red Velvet Cake. Made with cake vodka, raspberry liqueur and fruit juices, this shot goes down nice and smooth.
If you like sweet drinks, then the Sword Swallowing Strawberry Tea will suit you fine. Served in a tall glass, this drink consists of Marilyn Monroe Vodka, Peach Schnapps, and sweep tea.
Their headline drink is a great concept – it’s one, two, or three drinks if you like. The Bearded Lady is part Beard, part Lady, but each can be ordered separately. The Beard, served in a shot glass, is rich tasting with secret and mysterious ingredients (although I taste a hint of spice); The Lady, served in a tall glass, is quite the opposite and is very light and made of mango vodka, sour and water. The Bearded Lady forms when you drop the shot into the tall glass. Don’t let the notion frighten you, the Bearded Lady ends up a light tasting drink that shouldn’t scare off anyone.
If you’re feeling really daring, take a gamble with the $5 shot wheel. The wheel, resembling a roulette table, hangs above the entrance and each number represents a shot. For $5, the bartender will pull the bar and whatever fate decides, that’s the shot you drink. I tried this and the shot I got was the Chocolate Covered Pretzel (yum!).
Feel like a big kid again and try the ‘adult’ snow cones. Sideshow will have their snow cone machine out on most weekends and special events.
Now for the specials – Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday from 4-7 p.m. and includes select $2 drafts and $4 Three Olives cocktails. There will also be live music on most nights with a possibility for some magic as well.
Here’s a secret – behind the massive paintings lies large TV screens for your football enjoyment. Hint-Hint: great place to check out for Sunday Funday football.
WFTV
