Orlando's Late-Night Beer: Where To Buy After 2Am

Orlando, Florida has a vibrant nightlife, but if you're looking to buy beer after 2 a.m., you may need to do some planning. Florida has strict alcohol laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., with some counties, like Miami-Dade, overriding this restriction to allow 24/7 sales. In Orlando, the sale of alcohol after midnight comes with additional requirements for bars, including the need for a special permit and enhanced security measures such as off-duty police officers and ID scanners. These rules may be a burden for some businesses, but they aim to improve safety in the area. Convenience stores and gas stations may be your best bet for a late-night beer run, as they tend to be open 24 hours, but be aware that the specific regulations can vary by county and city.

Orlando's 24-hour convenience stores

Orlando has a wide range of 24-hour convenience stores, perfect for those late-night cravings or last-minute essentials. Here is a list of some of the top spots to check out:

• 7-Eleven: With an impressive 122 stores across the city, 7-Eleven is a go-to for many Orlando residents. You can count on them to be open at any hour of the day or night, making them super convenient. They offer fuel, snacks, drinks, and attached stores with a wide range of products.
• Wawa: Wawa is an Orlando staple, with a strong presence across the state of Florida. In addition to the usual convenience store items, Wawa offers freshly made food, including sandwiches, subs, and wraps, as well as coffee available 24/7.
• Walgreens Supercenter: With 44 locations in Orlando, Walgreens is more than just a place to get your medications. They offer a wide range of snacks, toiletries, and even have a photo printing service. Some locations also have a mini-mart and a Take Care Health Clinic, which doesn't require appointments.
• Publix: With 35 branches across Orlando, Publix is a popular 24-hour supermarket. They offer fresh produce, bakery goods, a flower shop, and a ramen and rice bowl counter.
• RaceTrac: This 24-hour convenience store and gas station combo has 16 locations in Orlando. They offer snacks, drinks, basic groceries, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and even empanadas.
• Circle K: Florida is home to the most Circle K locations in the country, and Orlando has its fair share. These stores are a one-stop shop for fuel, snacks, drinks, and household essentials.

In addition to these well-known chains, Orlando also has several independent 24-hour convenience stores and gas stations, such as Love's Travel Stop, Turkey Lake Service Plaza, and Speedway.

It's important to note that while these stores are open 24 hours, the sale of alcohol in Florida is restricted between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and between 2:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. So, if you're looking to buy beer after 2:00 a.m., you may have to wait or opt for non-alcoholic beverages.

Liquor stores

In Orlando, Florida, the sale of alcohol is prohibited between 1 am and 7 am. However, this varies depending on the county and the day of the week. For example, in Miami-Dade County, liquor stores are open 24/7. On Sundays, alcohol sales are typically prohibited between 12 am and 7 am, although this may start at 9 am in some places.

In Orlando, you can buy beer, wine, and liquor at convenience stores, supermarkets, and retail stores. Spirits or liquors are sold in retail package stores.

Some popular liquor stores in Orlando include ABC, Publix Liquors in Baldwin Park, and Total Wine on East Colonial Drive. If you're looking for wine, Publix and ABC have a decent selection, and Total Wine has a massive selection. There's also Whole Foods, which has a great wine and beer selection but is not cheap.

If you're looking for a liquor store near the MCO airport, there's a Publix on Hoeffner Blvd, about 2 miles from the airport, and a Walgreens on Semoran Blvd about a mile north, which may only have beer and wine.

Please note that the laws regarding alcohol sales can change, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Grocery stores

In Orlando, Florida, beer can be purchased at grocery stores between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Sundays. However, grocery stores typically close before 2:00 a.m., so you may not be able to find a store that is open at that hour.

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, as the days and hours of alcohol sales are determined by the counties and cities. For example, in Orange County, alcohol sales are allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily, while in Seminole County, alcohol sales are permitted from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. each day.

It is important to note that some grocery stores may have their own policies regarding alcohol sales and may stop selling alcohol earlier than the designated hours. Additionally, the laws regarding alcohol sales can change, so it is always a good idea to check with the specific grocery store or the local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Some popular grocery stores in Orlando, Florida, include Publix, Walmart, and Whole Foods. These stores typically offer a wide selection of beer, but it is worth checking their websites or contacting them directly to confirm their specific hours for alcohol sales.

Bars and restaurants

Orlando, Florida, has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from if you're looking to buy beer after 2am. Here is a list of places you can try:

The Hearth

The Hearth is a church that meets at Ten10 on Sundays. While it may not be your typical bar or restaurant, it is worth mentioning as it allows its congregation to be "limited only by how many pints they can put down." This unique setting offers a different kind of night-time experience in Orlando.

Downtown Orlando Bars

If you're looking for a more traditional bar experience, head to downtown Orlando. However, it is important to note that as of May 2023, bars in this area are not allowed to sell alcohol after midnight unless they have obtained a special permit and implemented additional security measures. These measures include hiring off-duty police officers, using metal detector wands for occupancy over 50, employing an ID scanner, and maintaining a customer log after 10 pm. As of the implementation of these new rules, only about half of the bars in downtown Orlando had obtained the necessary permits. So, your options for purchasing beer after 2am in this area may be limited.

24-Hour Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are a good option for buying beer after 2am. In Florida, packaged alcoholic beverages can be sold between 7 am and 2 am from Monday to Saturday and between 9 am and 2 am on Sundays. Most major convenience stores are open 24 hours, so you can take advantage of this loophole to purchase beer even after the bars have stopped serving. Keep in mind that the specific hours of alcohol sales can vary by county and city, so it's always a good idea to check the local laws in your area.

Total Wine on East Colonial Drive

If you're looking for a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor, Total Wine on East Colonial Drive is worth a visit. It is located off the beaten path, but it offers a massive selection that may be worth the trip.

Publix Liquors in Baldwin Park

If you're an early riser, you might want to check out Publix Liquors in Baldwin Park, which opens at 9 am on Sundays. While most grocery stores close before 2 am, this location opens early enough for you to stock up for the day if you're looking to start drinking early.

Please note that the legal age for consuming and purchasing alcohol in Florida is 21 years or older, and it is essential to follow the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption and sales.

County-specific laws

Florida's alcohol laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to Sunday sales. While the state sets default hours for alcohol sales, it is important to note that individual counties and municipalities in Florida can override these restrictions and set their own rules.

In Orlando, Florida, the sale of alcoholic beverages is generally permitted between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Sundays and between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. from Monday to Saturday. However, it is worth noting that these hours may vary depending on the specific county you are in. For example, in Orange County, alcohol sales are allowed starting at 7:00 a.m. every day, while in Seminole County, alcohol sales are permitted on Sunday mornings.

Additionally, some counties in Florida have what are known as "blue laws," which restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays or until noon. These laws originate from religious backgrounds and are meant to encourage people to attend church instead of drinking. However, they are no longer enforced by the state, and some counties have done away with them entirely.

Furthermore, as of May 2023, bars in downtown Orlando are required to obtain a special permit and implement additional security measures to sell alcohol past midnight. This regulation was put in place due to safety concerns in the area.

To ensure you are complying with the law, it is always a good idea to check with the specific county or municipality's regulations, as well as the local Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) board.

Frequently asked questions