HandleBar

Caleb & Jesse at HandleBar in Mount Dora is hands-down the best bartender around! Not only do they make incredible drinks, but their energy, charm, and attention to detail make the whole bar experience unforgettable. If you’re lucky enough to have them mixing your drink, you’re in for a perfect night!

The decor, music, and overall vibe of this place are so fun—definitely a great spot for a night out. Even on a busy Friday evening, I was able to snag a cozy round table in the back for my friend and me, which was a pleasant surprise. Bonus points for the upstairs bathrooms not requiring a code (unlike the ones downstairs)—a small but appreciated detail! I ordered an espresso martini that was dairy-free (which I love), but it ended up being a bit too sweet and slightly watery for my taste. I only took a few sips before deciding not to finish it—not bad, just not quite for me. Since I was the DD, I didn’t bother swapping it out, but it was still the right call. My friend’s gin cocktail, on the other hand, was light, mild, and super refreshing—she loved it! Also, shoutout to the bartender for bringing the drinks over to our table—such a nice touch. I’d absolutely come back and give another cocktail a try. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a return visit!

During our trip to Mount Dora, we stumbled upon a charming little bar that perfectly suited our needs. It is located at the second floor of the market place. It had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the drinks were simply amazing. The bartenders were incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, making our experience even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be returning when we’re back in town.

After a long day of bar hopping we made our way to mount dora. We asked a hostesses for some good places to get drinks; she mentioned handlebar and another place we went first… while we were there I overheard the bartender and other patrons taking about handlebar so I jumped in… they all gave an exuberant Referal. So we went there next; it was super cute but very packed so we almost left but squished in n; and thank god we did because we loved it! The drinks were delicious and the bartenders were uber fun and cool. My fav was Check he’s a ginger . If the owner who killed that very small alligator gator is reading this.. please give yin’s raise. I will come back and bring all of my friends just for his service! Love ur bar 😘

If you’re looking for the best craft cocktails in Central Florida, Handlebar in Mount Dora is it. The vibe is unmatched! It’s laid-back yet elevated, with the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay all night. Every drink I’ve tried has been thoughtfully crafted, balanced, and full of unique flavors that you just don’t find at your average bar. The staff takes it to another level. Chek, Caleb, Jesse, and Dakota are some of the most talented bartenders I’ve ever met! They’re not only skilled mixologists but also welcoming and genuinely passionate about what they do. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or want to try something adventurous and new, they’ll take great care of you :)

Walked into this place on a whim as we had time to kill before a dinner reservation. So pleased we did! As soon as I walked in to see the fun wallpaper I knew the vibe was perfect. Lots of craft cocktails here so have fun and be adventurous! Hippos and eclectic cocktail glasses are fun. Bartender was a great conversationalist! I will be back for sure 👍🏾

Very cool place. Great vibe. Bartenders treat everybody like they have known them for years. First time in. Will be back.

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. This place is a hidden gem for craft cocktail lovers. I tried the Piranha—a mix of cachaça, lychee, lime, cherry blossoms, and dragon fruit powder—and I’m still thinking about it. It's perfectly balanced, refreshing yet bold, floral but not overpowering. Honestly, one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. You can tell the bartenders here are true artists. The vibe is chill, the presentation is stunning, and every sip feels like an experience. Can’t wait to come back and try the rest of the menu. This spot sets the bar very high.

Great vibe and esthetic! Delicious drinks! I had the banana slice drink. The only negative IMO is that it was really loud inside and can't have a conversation with your party. It was my first visit. I love downtown Mount Dora and will definitely be back to handlebar. The wallpaper reminded me of the pink hotel in Palm Beach, very classy and cool.

The decor, music, and overall vibe of this place is so fun--definitely a great spot for a night out. Even on a busy Friday evening, I was able to snag a cozy round table in the back for my friend and me, which was a pleasant surprise. Bonus points for the upstairs bathrooms not requiring a code (unlike the ones downstairs)--a small but appreciated detail! I ordered an espresso martini that was dairy-free (which I love), but it ended up being a bit too sweet and slightly watery for my taste. I only took a few sips before deciding not to finish it--not bad, just not quite for me. Since I was the DD, I didn't bother swapping it out, but it was still the right call. My friend's gin cocktail, on the other hand, was light, mild, and super refreshing--she loved it! Also, shoutout to the bartender for bringing the drinks over to our table--such a nice touch. I'd absolutely come back and give another cocktail a try. The atmosphere & service alone makes it worth a return visit!

Visited on 2/21/2025 with a friend from out of town. We sat at the bar and were ignored by the 4 bartenders. Finally someone says "are you ready to order". We said "not yet". We weren't given a menu, then we realized there was a QR code. No one came by, and this is a small bar area. Finally, we ordered and were served the drinks. No offer to pay or open a bar tab. We were finished with the drink and no one came back. Finally, when we got someone's attention they asked for the tab name. We said, we didn't give one. Definitely felt very unwelcome and invisible. Needs customer service training.

This place was a gem of a find. Very eclectic. Nick our bartender and his partner were amazing. Drinks were all on point and the creativity on how they made them along with the performance was just right. Would definitely be returning. I loved the ambiance of it all.

I'd come back here any time of the week! Slightly hidden upstairs with a narrow staircase, you find this open cocktail bar with a view of the cute streets of Mount Dora. Seating is limited and this place seems to get packed fast once the sun goes down. Their craft cocktails are strong and taste delicious. Glad to know they were able to make my favorite Army Navy here. The bartenders are so friendly and they cater to your table once you start a tab. Can't wait to come back!

One of the only late night establishments in Mt. Dora. Great atmosphere and friendly, and talented bar staff. Amazing selection of whiskey and other spirits and wonderful cocktails!

What a find! Almost like a speakeasy in downtown Mt. Dora. Great ambience. Great drink list. Great vibe. Check the hours and head on over. It's a great day weekend day drinking place. They can also turn most drinks into mocktails.

Very cute atmosphere with a cool theme! Awesome drink menu with tops of options. Probably the cutest bar we went to in Mount Dora!

We really like the ambiance, light and airy. When we were there, one bartender for about 20-30 customers. Way long to wait for a delicious drink. Will be back.

Really popular place, but amazing drinks! Make sure to stop by after an amazing dinner Love the music and scenery as well!

Bartenders are attentive and fast. Came on a Friday night they had ample bar tenders and the drinks were cute! They have a ton of options for liquor and alot of specialty cocktails. The vibes were cozy and moody.

Super bookstore/coffee shop vibe I guess I need 85 characters to post this, so everyone was nice and chill, bartenders and drinks were great!

Fantastic drinks. Excellent service cool atmosphere. Not much more I can say. I highly recommend this bar.

I've been a patron of Handlebar for over three years and I'm very disappointed to say I will never be returning. The owner, Dakota, is ignorant and unapologetically homophobic. My partner and I went to Handlebar last night to celebrate my birthday and the owner was there as a patron, drinking and watching football. He came up and started talking to us sitting at the bar and when I referred to my partner as "they," Dakota started going off about how it was "confusing for his generation" (at his big age of 32). He then misgendered my partner multiple times and told them that if they want their pronouns respected, they should look less feminine. My partner was very upset and went to the bathroom, and I tried to explain why saying that is hurtful and rude, and honestly got nowhere other than more ridiculous and ignorant responses, including that sometimes people think he's a different ethnicity and that's the same as being purposely misgendered(???). I reluctantly still paid my tab before I left and the bartender profusely apologized for the behavior of the manager and gave us 20% off. The drinks are good, but there are a million places in Mount Dora with good drinks plus respectful owners that don't get drunk and make their customers uncomfortable at their own establishment.

Very good drinks - look great and taste good. The only thing is that you have to ordered them at the bar and pay for them at the bar, otherwise the place has a cozy nice vibe. Will be back.

This place was super cool! I loved the location, upstairs above the market. Inside wasn't too big, they have some couches and tables. It was very busy when we arrived on a Saturday night about 9 PM. No seats available, but people did get up at the bar which had about 10-12 seats. Ordered the Saturn and the bees knees. Their menu is full of tons of classic cocktails. They bartenders know what they are doing! The drinks were delicious and the wait was not long. Prices were fine and not overly expensive. I would come back when I visit Mt Dora again!

We've been here before and although it was very busy on Saturday night, the drinks were as good as I remembered. Glad to see the owners are doing well

Wow! I LOVED the HandleBar lounge! The atmosphere was perfect, seating comfortable, staff friendly and helpful, and the drinks were perfection! I told the bartender the types of drinks I enjoyed and he came back with a perfectly made cocktail I'd never had before. It was so good I am planning on making it my signature drink at our wedding! Definitely give this place a try!

We checked our HandleBar on Sunday and had a great time. As soon as you walk in the door, you're greeted with a cozy interior of big couches, comfy chairs, and some high top tables all overlooking downtown Mount Dora. They had the windows all open to the outside which allowed the breeze to blow through and created an amazing atmosphere. The bartenders were super friendly and had great recommendations based on our preferences. If you're a whiskey and bourbon fan, you have to check this place out. Make sure to look above the bar to see their allocated selection, with tons of options you don't find many other places. We will be returning soon to try out more of the menu and to enjoy all that downtown Mount Dora has to offer!

This is my second time coming here and my favorite bartender was at the bar! I love the monkey wallpaper and the overall seventies feel; very cozy. They've added Halloween decorations so they're spiders and spooky things! I had the Bees knees cocktail made by Jesse and my boyfriend Zachary had the Mai Tai. Definitely a very good vibe!!

Caleb, the bar manager, is the best! He really knows how to make a cocktail, THE most knowledgeable bartender I've ever been served by.

You can get almost any kind of cocktail you want, crafted to Your tastebuds, by the nicest servers! This is a don't miss in Mount Dora!

Not only are the drinks beautifully crafted but they are delicious too. Great place to have conversation during the day. Also a super lively place to have a drink at night. I love the happy colored ambience. The bartenders are all super nice too.

This is a great place to hang out and have a drink while watching the world go by below you. We stopped in just for a quick cocktail on a Sunday afternoon but I can imagine how great Handlebar must be at nighttime. The bartenders were both responsive and answered all of our questions. Of course one of them had an amazing handlebar mustache, I mean, how could he not working at a place with a name like that? You must pause for a photo in front of the monkey wallpaper, it's hilarious. I got the Pornstar Martini on the rocks and everyone else in our party got an Old Fashioned. I love passionfruit so my drink was lovely! Everyone else said their OFs were good too. I loved the atmosphere of Handlebar, it was chic but also laid back. Stop by for a drink sometime!

Cute little place above WolfBranch brewing. Bartenders seemed kind and polite and able to give suggestions on drinks you might like based on flavor profiles. My only complaint was the bar didn't open when it said it would. Posted signage said opened at 12 and it was locked up tight until after 1.

Great upstairs bar, good service, great drinks, windows looking down to street. Highly recommend to all.

Obsessed with this place . The ambience and decor is 10/10 the bartenders were incredibly great at their Jobs and very friendly . Extremely cool cocktails

This 4 rum mixed drink is definitely meant for 2, and 1 if you're in for good time (responsibly). It's called the Blue Hippo on the menu, also listed is "one per customer". It is a dapper cocktail lounge with the chillest vibes. As you walk up the dim staircase and turn the corner into the bar area, you will be surprised by the most adorable decor.

What a fun place to take an afternoon break from shopping in wonderful downtown Mt. Dora! Wee actually had a bartender with a handlebar moustache - do you really think it's a prerequisite for the job?? ;-D He was kind and patient with us as we were older than his regular crowd, which we experienced as the short stop turned into a few hours of a martini called the Porn Stasr! (draw your own conclusions...!) and my friends had various drinks of a Tom Collins (totally retro!), and some other concoctions that we all tasted and loved! Mine had a cherry in the bottom (again, it went with the name! haha!) and they were all lovingly shaken by our main man! The room was all glass windows and open to the street, and not particularly cozy like the drinks make you think of a dark Speakeasy - but it was fun! We will definitely come back and probably try all the drinks on the menu next time because now we know what to expect and not have to leave for dinner reservations!

We ventured upstairs above the Marketplace to the HandleBar. The decor is eclectic but charming. And the golden hour sun hits perfectly through the windows for a great view of downtown Mount Dora. We ordered an Aperol Spritz and Martini. It was two perfectly crafted cocktails with a nice atmosphere to enjoy it in. We look forward to having more drinks here in the future.

I really wasn't expecting this cute bar to be upstairs. I went recently with some friends and we really enjoyed the visit. The bartender gave great recommendations. I ended up getting a pornstar martini and friend ordered a junglebird cocktail. Both were top tier!

Chill lounge atmosphere, good and fun cocktails, strong AC! Hidden gem in Mt Dora with craft cocktails and excellent service. Younger crowd than the rest of this area

This is just the cutest bar!! I found this place by just browsing the map and seeing what's around us and I absolutely don't regret it. I told my husband not to get a drink at lunch cause I had a surprise for him lol. Typically, drinks are stronger and better at actual bars, so we walked over here to grab drinks (bring that I'm pregnant, I needed a mocktail). The bartenders were so sweet and they killed these drinks!!! Definitely a must for drinks!

Great service. Quit even though it was busy. Requested a drink that was not on the menu. Bartender made it no problem and it was delicious. ESPRESSO MARTINI YUMMMM. Only stayed for one drink because we wanted to have more of a conversation but the ambience is nice to hang out with friends or family and enjoy a great cocktail. We had a corner table so we had a view of outside, I'd come back again loved the vibe.

Cute little bar in Down town Mount Dora ! Drinks are delicious ! Ambiance is very chill, and I love the vibe! Perfect spot to end your night. I got a side car and my boyfriend got a seasonal signature drink "gone fishing". I would recommend both!

Caleb, Jesse & Nick are the dream team. These guys know their shit. Best service in town. I don't care what anyone says.

Love this but love the people behind the bar even more. Amazing drinks, great selection of Bourbons, Tequilas and pretty much everything else. You can taste the freshness in each cocktail. Each bartender has their own style and they complement each other, which makes this place so unique. The vibe is one of the best in town, so just go and enjoy!

This is by far one of my favorite bars in Central Florida. It is a long drive from where we live but love the town of Mt Dora! The drinks are consistent and they truly are worth the price. We paid $33 for 3 drinks ... a Mai Tai, something Bangkok lol and a whiskey sour that had the egg whites and all. The venue is on the second floor and you'll totally miss it if your not looking for it. The. Inside is super cute and a really nice place to sit at and have some cocktails. They also have a tv! The only thing I have to complain is that they aren't consistent with the times they stay open. However if it is open when you pass by you can also grab a drink to go if your waiting to eat at any of the restaurants!

This place is SUCH A VIBE!! We stumbled upon it while waiting for our dinner reservation...we moved our reservation back and stayed. They're so creative with their drinks, the bartenders are friendly and willing to create a masterpiece! It's a must go to while in town. As out of town guests...we tell everyone that they have to pass through this town and have a drink at the coolest bar we've been to! A++++

Staff was fun and professional and accommodating. Nice theme, several workers had handlebar mustaches. Nice location with a view of the street, just like New Orlean's bourbon street. Nice cold drinks and setting was quaint and likeable. Check out the monkey wallpaper if you get the chance.

What a super cute place!! A hidden gem on the second floor. We saw a sign that they offered drink specials (Wine down Wednesday) so we decided to give it a try. It's a great place to relax and have a glass or two of wine. They have a nice selection of wines as well as some great specialty cocktails. The bar staff was friendly and made great suggestions. This place is one of a kind and not to be missed if your in Mount Dora.

HandleBar is no doubt named after its owner's handlebar moustache. Just like its friendly owner it's a unique bar with a good cozy atmosphere and a sort of mid-century modern eye appealing décor. The selection of craft cocktails is one of its drawing points, but also the upstairs (yes, it's on the second floor up a long staircase) secluded setting. The drinks seemed a little pricey but probably not for its downtown Mount Dora location.

My mother in law and I came here and really enjoyed it. Nick was a great bartender and gave us so many recommendations in detail. We loved the decor. We tried the whiskey sour, Paloma and jungle bird; each beautiful and delicious. Will absolutely return!

Service was a little slow for not very many people there but the drinks were amazing. Especially the expresso martini

We are huge fans of the Handlebar! The atmosphere is super cool and the drinks are fantastic. It's a great spot for drinks in the evening and a wonderful day hang too. The staff is professional and friendly. You gotta give them a visit!!

This is a cute place. They have nice drink specials daily and make nice craft cocktails but it's pricey and the music wasn't really a vibe and the bartenders weren't very friendly.

Excelente bar to hang out.... Gin and vodka Tonic!!! Nice ambience and view!!!! Love the unique details..... the drinking monkeys wallpaper, the hungry hungry hippos on the bar holding fruit, the moustache purse holders.... and so much more.

Drinks were delicious, beautifully crafted and reasonably priced. Nick was amazing. He was friendly and fun. We will definitely be back.

Nice mixology bar, with a chill vibe to relax and have a beverage before dinner. The service could go up one knotch but overall a good spot.