Longtime downtown nightspot, Independent Bar, has gone through a name change and has reverted back to an earlier name of “Barbarella.”
Independent Bar, most often referred to as “I-Bar,” recently posted a photo of a new sign signifying the sudden name change without much of an explanation.
Under the name “Barbarella” the venue, which is located at 70 N. Orange Avenue [GMap] became known for its ties to Orlando’s early electronic music scene and is seen as one of the longest-running alt-dance clubs in the region. The owner changed the bar’s name to Independent Bar in 2002.
We’ve reached out to Barbarella management for more information behind the name change but have yet to hear back.
Back in the early 80s it was a fern bar named the Orange Quarter where the Channel 9 crew would congregate for happy hour snacks and cocktails. We called it the Spa.
Their Instagram dropped the “a” off the end which is strange
I’m digging all the stains on the wall they didn’t bother to clean. Very on brand.