#1 — The Upstairs Bar at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Toothsome is a massively popular, multi-level dining experience often described as a Willy Wonka dream fused with a spectacular 19th-century Steampunk aesthetic — complete with 97-foot billowing smokestacks, moving gears, and metallic accents.
While it's famous for its over-the-top desserts, the establishment features a fantastic, fully dedicated bar upstairs alongside its restaurant and confectionery.
🍸 The Bar Experience
Located on the second floor, the main bar features a striking, large marble bar top and illuminated glass shelves — a slightly more sophisticated, lounge-like escape from the bustling restaurant floor below, while still maintaining the rich Steampunk vibe.
🍹 Signature Libations & Flights
The cocktail menu leans into "culinary alchemy" with sweet, savory, and smoky flavour profiles:
- Chocolate Old Fashioned: Chocolate whiskey, cherry liqueur, sugar, chocolate and orange bitters.
- Cacao Nut Margarita: Coconut tequila, white chocolate liqueur, lime, and orange juice.
- PB Cup Fashioned: Chocolate whiskey, peanut butter whiskey, and chocolate/orange bitters.
- Spresso 'Tini & Cocoa Clouds: Velvety martinis layered with dark and white chocolate liqueurs, espresso, Kahlúa, or Baileys.
- Whiskey & Bourbon Flights: Curated flights from sweet profiles (Skrewball, WhiskeySmith Chocolate) to bold classics (Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek).
- Too Chocolate Stout: A custom dark ebony draft beer brewed specifically for Toothsome.
🍽️ More Than Just Drinks
- The Story & Characters: Themed around the fictional Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome and her robot companion, Jacques — often seen walking the floor in full character.
- The Savory Kitchen: Steak, flatbreads, Chocolate Almond Bread with salted caramel butter, and Coffee and Chocolate Stout Wings.
- The Dessert Foundry: Monstrous Instagram-worthy Artisanal Milkshakes in souvenir jars, topped with entire slices of cake, brownies, or whole cookies.
- The Confectionery: A retail candy shop on the ground floor with gourmet truffles, specialty chocolate bars, and Steampunk merchandise.
#2 — Pat O'Brien's Speakeasy – 600 Block
600 Block is an exclusive, 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy hidden on the second level of Pat O'Brien's at Universal CityWalk Orlando. Named after the original street block where Pat O'Brien's first opened in New Orleans, this adults-only (21+) lounge offers a moody, immersive nightlife experience.
🕵️ How to Get In
- Find the Clues: Pick up special "membership cards" scattered around select locations in CityWalk (including Pat O'Brien's).
- Decode the Password: The card contains hidden clues that reveal a changing secret password.
- The Hidden Door: Follow subtle green signs to a disguised, unassuming door. Knock, give the password to the doorman, and you're in.
🎷 The Atmosphere
Located in the venue's upper Briar Suite, the space has been meticulously transformed into a luxury 1920s warehouse. Think dim lighting, lavish velvet furniture, chandeliers, and vintage decor featuring period-accurate Easter eggs — like bottles labelled "Giggle Water." Live jazz musicians perform Thursday through Saturday nights. The outdoor balcony lets you enjoy your speakeasy drinks while hearing the dueling pianos echoing from the main courtyard below.
🍸 The Menu
- Sirloin Sazerac: A heavy hitter made with sirloin-infused rye whiskey (reviewers note these are legitimate, strong craft cocktails).
- Gilded Old Fashioned: A smooth, balanced classic with an upscale twist.
- Rosé 75 & Water Lily: Lighter, botanical, and refreshing options.
- Yuzu Smash Mocktail: Non-alcoholic option, plus an exclusive cocktail for Universal Annual Passholders.
Small plates include deviled eggs, Millionaire Bacon, Caprese skewers, pinwheel sandwiches, dirty rice, and classic New Orleans Beignets.
#3 — The Outdoor Balcony at Red Coconut Club
The Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk blends vintage Cuban flair with tiki chic. Universal has completely reinvented the space — it now operates primarily as a seasonal pop-up lounge, transforming multiple times a year with highly detailed overlays that match whatever event is happening at the resort.
🌴 The Standard Vibe & Layout
- First Floor: Lively dance floor, massive main bar, lots of energy.
- Second Floor: Intimate, upscale lounge area with plush seating for conversation.
- The Balcony: One of the best hidden gems — stunning elevated views of the CityWalk waterways and neon lights below.
🎭 The Seasonal Transformations
- The Dead Coconut Club (Sep–Nov): Halloween Horror Nights — spooky monster-themed tiki lounge featuring the Universal Classic Monsters with creative creepy cocktails.
- The Green & Red Coconut Club (Nov–Jan): Holidays at Universal — tacky-chic Christmas decor with festive holiday-themed drinks and Ugly Sweater nights.
- The Cursed Coconut Club (Feb–Apr): Mardi Gras — eerie New Orleans bayou aesthetic downstairs, neon Louisiana dive bar upstairs.
- Retro Nights & Love Is Universal (Summer): '80s and '90s retro overlay with throwback tracks, neon decor, and classic arcade games. June features Pride Month celebrations with DJs, themed cocktails, and stilt-walkers in Progress Pride Flag colours.
🗓️ Know Before You Go
- Admission: Generally free to enter.
- Age Limit: 21+ with valid ID required in the evenings for seasonal overlays.
- Schedule: Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday, starting around 5:00–6:00 PM, closing midnight–1:00 AM.
This article is reprinted with permission from Universal Drinkers.