The Courtesy Bar (Instagram) has just celebrated its 10th anniversary but in a new home in Winter Park.

We told you HERE that the longtime favorite craft cocktail bar would be relocating to the former home of Bear and Peacock at 1288 N. Orange Avenue [GMap] and now they have announced they will be opening to the public on Friday, October 14. We were invited to a media preview on Wednesday, so be sure to watch the Instagram video at the bottom of this story.

The new space is larger than its previous home downtown but features some design elements of the original location.

“When we were first approached to consider a small space in downtown Orlando, all assumptions were on us opening a wine bar. That was our collective background and what people recognized us for. We credit timing, travel, and connecting with the right people that gave us the motivation to go bigger. We saw a void in the Orlando market and knew that creating a dedicated cocktail bar is what we need to do with this cozy little space. Instantly pumped, Gene scrolled though his list of ‘If i ever owned a bar or started a band it would be called’ list on his phone and that’s how The Courtesy was born.”

– DIANA ZIMMERMAN, OWNER

The Courtesy’s former location at 114 N Orange Ave in Downtown Orlando was a pioneer in Orlando’s cocktail scene and over 10 years, the Courtesy grew into one of Orlando’s signature bars before it closed in May.

“Since I moved to Orlando in the mid-90s I have been “Downtown” to the bone. For a long time it was a touchstone place of inspiration and community. When we were creating The Courtesy there was no other location we would even consider. Woefully, Downtown is a very different place now and we needed to find a space that fits our well-oiled concept and clientele. Fortunately, that’s exactly what we did.”

– GENE ZIMMERMAN, OWNER

In addition to the new bar, the Zimmermans have partnered with prominent chefs and recent Michelin Bib Gourmand recipients, Alexia and Rhys Gawlak of Swine & Sons, to open a sister concept called BarSwine. The menu which is specific to The Courtesy features small plates designed to complement the bar’s cocktails. On the other side of the same building, you’ll find the new Swine and Sons, which took over the food sales of Foxtail Farm House.

The Courtesy will be open six days a week, open 4-midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m.- 1 a.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 3-10 p.m. on Sundays, with brunch service to be added in the near future.

Brendan O'Connor

Editor in Chief of Bungalower.com

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