tap & grind

Love the look and vibe of the bar, always a good selection, but, dang, they are a little on the pricey side.
I’ve visited Tap & Grind a few times, with the latest being this past Thursday evening around 8 pm. After I checked out the board, I ordered from the bartender — there were a few things I wanted to try but the randalled Double Bastard really spoke to me. One of the reasons we chose Tap & Grind was because they allow bottle shares and I had some cans I wanted to share with my friends. The bartender offered to store them in the fridge until we wanted to try them (bonus points!).
The mellow vibe inside is aces; there are skateboards on the wall and a nature doc is almost always on the big screen. The bathrooms are pretty neat, too — black lights and quotes! The patio outside, which I did not sit in on this visit but have on previous visits, is great on cool summer nights. The bartenders come out frequently if there are patrons out there, so no need to worry about being forgotten.
One of the reasons I don’t visit as often as I should is that there isn’t a draft list posted anywhere online. Their website has barely anything on it, and FB and Instagram accounts post photos of new beers occasionally but never the full line-​up. I typically only go out to grab a drink if there’s something available that I can’t buy (or easily acquire) at retail, so I like to know what’s at a bar before wandering over — especially if I have to deal with the hustle and bustle of downtown. I would visit more often if there was a draft list posted somewhere online, I swear!
And, yeah, they’re pricey on some stuff, too. There was one brew from my recent visit that was $ 6 more per glass than another place a few miles down the street. I realize the downtown location probably necessitates some higher prices but yikes, that’s quite a difference. At the end of the day, if it’s something a little on the rare side, I can at least appreciate that they have it for purchase.

Amazing place for a craft beer bar in the middle of downtown with great parking garage next door. Being a hole in the wall has its advantages. Great products plus top notch professional service is at its best. This is a place to return to any time. You will only get the best of the best.
Plus, what can beat surfing videos, soundtracks, and nature videos after a long day at work.

I have a love affair with tap & grind.
The location is great. The staff is great. The beer selection is amazing.
My husband and I spent NYE there back in 2013. Jason was super cool. We requested to play a song by our favorite band and he ended up buying the whole album on iTunes and playing it. Never before has that happened, it was so so so cool. That made us customers for life.
I’ve since moved to Pittsburgh, but every time we come to town I made a special stop here.
Cheers!

Tap & Grind is a cozy little bar with lots of beer selection. We were visiting from South Florida and walked here from our hotel. There were only 3 other people in there but that didn’t bother us. The waitress was very nice and offered suggestions on beers that fit our likes. Overall the prices weren’t too bad, but they had some that went up to $ 40 per glass!

Hands down one of the best craft beer bars in the state!!! The owner Jason definitely knows his beer! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable as well. Hidden gem in the over saturated downtown Orlando area. Mahalo!

We went here and were very surprised to find this place almost completely empty at 11PM. The reviews were so high that I expected this place to be cool. The décor of this place is very cool and it’s the only reason I am giving it a second star instead of one star because here comes the bad…
They very pretty bartender was awful! When we walked in and sat down, we cracked up at how heavy the bar stools were and we were smiling and said hello to her … with a straight face, almost looking annoyed… she asked us what we wanted.
Now this is a craft beer place so I expect a certain knowledge from the bartenders as well as someone to help with recommendations. We ordered a beer that she had just tapped out. So we picked another and she said «it’s a strong ale»… so we said «ok?»… she gave it to us and walked away.
It was by far the worst beer I have ever had. I realized after we took a drink of it that might have been her attempt at warning us, but in the past, bartenders who felt that we needed warning have given us a sample to make sure we were confident in our choice…
Now, I would be passive on this experience if I didn’t see her treat the next person who walked in so terrible too. The guy asked if she had bud light and she simply said no and stared at him. He stood there feeling awkward and waited for he companion to come in. He asked if she had anything similar and again she just said no and stared at him, so the guy and his companion did the smart thing walked out. This leads back to how I feel bartenders should give recommendations to try to keep people in the bar!
If you want to see a cool place and have a variety of craft beers, this is your place, but don’t expect a warm welcome or friendly service.

Craft beer heaven. Great spot to relax and have a few beers. Great selection. Great staff. I will be back!

I wish they had a 10 star option! Love this place. Amazing list of craft beer that is constantly rotating. They have about 20 taps. The owner is one of the coolest guys you’ll meet, really knows his beer.
They also serve local quantum leap wine which I’m a fan of. So if your sweetie doesn’t like beer, there’s another option.
Casual surfer/​reggae vibe. Plenty of seats if you bring friends.

After trying a few bars on Orange, my friend and stumbled upon tap & grind, and somehow settled into this place for the rest of the night. OK, it wasn’t a hard sell… good beers, a decent clientele, and an amazing bartender in Alyssa. We sampled a few beers and then put Alyssa in the driver’s seat, picking our next beer and our next beer. Would 100% come back to this bar next time I’m in town, and it’s a shame they’re closed on Sundays or I’d be there again right now.

A small, relaxed bar where I can sit in peace and watch the Discovery Channel… is this real life?
Tap & Grind is a small bar tucked away off Central. Tucked away just enough so-​as to be fairly removed from the insanity that is Church Street and Wall Street. Even on a Saturday night.
I first found myself at this awesome spot on my birthday at the recommendation of a friend. I was looking for somewhere very low-​key where I could enjoy a drink with just a few friends, without getting mixed up in the usual Downtown bar scene.
Upon walking into the bar, the first thing I noticed was the décor. It has a very relaxed surfer vibe — surfboards on the ceiling, low blue-​tinted light reminiscent of the ocean. Good music too. The staff was very friendly, answering all of our questions about the beers they had on tap and giving some great recommendations.
And then I saw what they had playing on the TV behind the bar. A documentary about sharks, which just happen to be my favorite animals. That did it. Tap & Grind officially made it to my list of favorite hangouts.
If you ask me, this awesome bar is very overlooked and extremely underrated on the Orlando bar scene. But that works to it’s advantage in a way. I think if it were to become too popular and start to attract a crowd it would lose a lot of the chill vibe that makes it so special.

First off — Jackie is great. Super sweet and able to quickly give suggestions if you just tell her the types of beer you like. I wanted a farmhouse or saison and wanted something I hadn’t had before… the items on tap I’ve had (because apparently I have too many beers), she promptly suggested a bottle for me — which was on my Untappd wishlist — score. Perfection.
Other bar patrons have always been friendly and willing to strike up a conversation as well. The interior of the bar is cool — first timers –go to the bathroom and turn on the black light.
They frequently update their bottle and beer on tap list and yes — you can get a soda there now too. (This was not the case the first time we went there with a non-​beer drinker.) There is seating inside and outside as well and they are pet friendly outside.

I DARE YOU TO TRY AND STEAL A BAR STOOL
Interior is nice. Makes you want to scuba dive. Bartender gave some great recommendations. there was alot of thought that was put into making the inside of this bar. Its pretty unique IMO. The space available isnt that big but hey work with what ya got. Id come again when i want to enjoy a low key night while watching everyone else in the Shit Show pass us by.

Haven’t talked to my brother Jason in a minute, but I’m proud to see this place is thriving!
Jason is a phenomenally cool owner with a vision of providing Orlando with an American-​only beer joint while infusing some of his Hawaiian roots in the feel and décor.
If you’re thirsty for delicious craft brews, want to hear some good tunes on repeat, or want to hang with a relaxed crowd you must check out tap & grind. Actually, you don’t need a reason, just go pay the place a visit!

I’ve been meaning to check this place out for a while, so I thought I had a great plan to head to Tap & Grind for beers and get some dinner at Super Rico Colombian before the City game. They’re next to each other, I’d been dying to try them both, and it’s only two blocks from the shuttle to the Citrus Bowl. BUT, apparently they won’t let you eat at their outdoor tables even if you’re drinking their beer. This is a recent change (judging from the other reviews that celebrate the fact Super Rico delivered to them on the patio at Tap & Grind) because, as the bartender said, «We’re trying to keep the businesses separate.» Ok… Luckily Super Rico was cool enough to let people sit at their tables with their beer from T&G but you have to sweat the anxiety of risking an open container violation.
Good beer selection (although overpriced) and great outdoor seating, but with all the other locations around town for great beer, I probably won’t be back. Let me know if they wise up and I may return.

Been here a couple of times and both times with a great taste in my mouth and an overall great experience. The bar staff is super friendly and super knowledgeable on their beer selection and brands. First time I came we sat at the bar, had great conversation with the bartenders, was offered tasters of several beers before making my final selection of what I wanted to order. They have great music playing, a tv, and great art and boards to add to the décor. Its a small interior bar, nice and cozy, but that doesnt take away from the experience. Want more room, then sit on the patio where the bar tenders will still come out and refresh you and take your drink orders. Great place to chill with friends for great conversation over great beer varieties.

Yum! Delicious beers, friendly and knowledgable bartender, good prices, and specials in the cooler. Sitting on the patio was great and it was fun to people watch. The décor is fun and the bathroom was awesome — I want my bathroom to look like that. Met the owner and he was very accommodating. We will definitely be back.

More folks should check out the great stuff going down at T&G! I’ve parked at the garages on Central before, and walked right past them! In my attempt to repent for the error of my ways, I enjoyed a couple glasses of quality brews prior to last night’s Magic home game. With a cozy bar and an open air patio, I am stoked about the coming of summer. Plus, wine drinkers, you’re not going to be left out because they have Quantum Leap Winery wines on tap, too! (Yay! Local Businesses loving Local Businesses!)
I was lucky to get a space at the bar during their happy hour, where I could simply enjoy my beer without interruption. The bartender, Dare, was knowledgeable, personable and exceedingly patient with some very needy party goers. I commend him on his professionalism, ability to match and recommend beers to patron’s tastes, and keep an orderly bar! T&G is one of those great places that not only touts the great nature of local beer culture, but over half of the beers on tap are from within the State of Florida! Talk about pouring liquid sunshine all day long!
For those unfamiliar with the different flavors of the beers, don’t be afraid to try something new. Ask to sample something before committing to a glass. It broke my heart to see overambitious patrons returning full glasses of quality beer because they didn’t do their homework first. T&G is a great place to truly embrace your inner Floridian and truly drink like a local. Don’t be in a hurry to pound your beer and leave. Part of the fantastic T&G experience are the people who work there because they make everyone feel like they are part of the family and every visit is a homecoming. They are my downtown waterhole of choice!

I have been to this place a number of times. Very consistent… They staff are knowlegable and friendly. They allow you to taste a number of beers until you find one you like. FYI no food here folks just beer… similar to world of beer but on a much smaller scale.
*bathroom* this is a hit or miss. For the most part the bathrooms are clean. Keep in mind I believe they are unisex… I like the décor… which is quotes written with black light paint… Great when you walk in but I dont recommend keeping the lights off while you do your business… this can result in that MISS… i spoke about earlier. :)

It must be said that Tap & Grind is very much an overlooked spot in downtown Orlando (it must be because it is in a parking garage). This is definitely one of the GREAT beer selections in Orlando and certainly the best in all of downtown. It’s sort of like a hipster Cheers that isn’t really that hipster-​ish and everyone doesn’t know your name — but has that welcoming vibe. Always an interesting/​diverse collection of people (grandpa’s, co-​eds, beer nerds, professionals, etc.) though, who are different… but the same. Never overly crowded — it always seems to have juuuust the right amount of peoples.
Inside it’s dark, and glowy with a simple, but great bar. Although I can’t say I am a fan of the surf-​themed craft beer bar, I guess we are in Florida — and after all, it’s all about the beer. They have a pretty good-​sized patio that is great for people watching everyone who parks under I-​4 and is headed down Central to the clubs. The only thing is I wish that the patio was completely covered, for the random central Florida showers. The staff is very personable — friendly, chatty, wise in beers, etc. and the place really stays on top of it’s beer game (they almost always seem to have whatever Stone Brewing Co’s latest «Enjoy by _​_​_​_​» offering is). I even love the bar stools.

My wife and I met some friends here after an Orlando Solar Bears game, and now i’m hooked. I had no idea this place existed!
Excellent craft beers on tap and in the bottle, and a super chill atmosphere. Just the right amount of people in this place to not feel crowded, and the bartenders Ben and Jason were super friendly and let me try samples of the beers they had on tap.
I will definitely be back!