5 Stars for beautifully crafted cocktails and a small, but fantastic food menu in an atmosphere that feels like your cool friends' living room. My favorite thing to enjoy at DBA is their Wednesday girl dinner special. It features a choice of drink (I get a gin martini, but there's a margherita, wine, and beer option), fries, and a caesar salad for $25. You can add fried chicken to the salad for an additional fee, and it's worth it for the lightly battered, tender chicken that they add. This Wednesday special is brilliant and absolutely delicious. The fries are perfect (get the honey mustard!), and the salad would be something I would order time and time again, even off the special. My friend got the double smashburger and the smell of the caramelized onions compelled me to ask for a bite. I'm willing to stray from my fries and salad to enjoy this burger again next time. I'm still thinking about it days later... For dessert, I enjoyed the chocolate olive oil cake (a nod to the beloved olive oil cake at their sister restaurant next door). Take a look at my photos to see this dish in all of its glory. Though it's small, we all shared in the rich dessert and left fully satisfied. Again- big fan of DBA and plan to hit them up much more often now that I've rediscovered their Wednesday special! Previous review: 5 Stars for boozy but balanced cocktails, a chill atmosphere, bites that stay on my mind for days, and staff that makes you feel like family. dba recently opened as a sister concept to The Strand nextdoor. It's owned by the same family and carries over a similarly casual-chic, unpretentious atmosphere with quality offerings that will make it a staple in your rotation. No, really, I've been there 3 times in 2 weeks... Where The Strand is an outstanding neighborhood restaurant which happens to also feature an interesting beverage program, dba is an outstanding little cocktail bar which happens to also feature an interesting bites menu. Both do everything they do really well. In terms of drinks, my go-to is the cigarette for breakfast- essentially their take on an old fashioned, but every drink I've ordered has been equally potent and balanced. The drinks have got nuance. I've also ordered a wet gin martini with blue cheese olives and that classic was done to perfection. But, if you aren't a drinker, don't fret- I went with a friend who is pregnant and they were able to concoct a fun mocktail for her as well. in terms of bites, you can't go wrong with the duck flatbread (I have been dreaming about it since!), the pan con tomate, or the cacio e pepe deviled eggs (same as on the menu next door). Next time I'm definitely trying the octopus salad! Finally, ambiance. This spot feels like you're sitting in a good friend's cozy living room. Assuming your good friend has impeccable taste and plenty of time for a curated thrift store haul. They've got records playing great tunes (you'll get some quick quiet moments as they change the vinyls throughout the night) and the lighting is dim. Again, it's unpretentious and is the kind of place you want to really settle into on a weekday night. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

Dba - Chocolate Olive oil cake - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This place is a special kind of hidden. I've passed it many times over the years but never knew it existed. Upon entering, you notice it's quite cozy. There are about ten tables and the largest table only holds 10. The bar also holds about 12 total. This is an amazing place to wait for The Strand appointment but also a great place for a date night. The menu is not huge but that means everything on it is done well. We tried the burger, fries, and oysters. Every bite was eaten. Not even a crumb was left. Also, the Boilermaker is a good drink to have if you've never had one. read more

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As soon as I heard the Strand had a sister bar next door, I added it to my list immediately. Huge fan of the strand. My fiance and I stopped in the night before Vday, had drinks and tried different bites from the menu. Every single item was delicious, service was great and we were seated within 5 mins of walking in. This will definitely be my go-to spot for drinks and bites. read more

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From the outside, Dba is a quiet, unassuming storefront in Mills/50, but never judge a book by it's covering. Step inside to find a bar full of warmth, retro vibes, and vinly-spun tunes. Killer cocktails and knockout bites keep the energy going. As a sister concept to one of the best restaurants in Orlando (The Strand), you already the heart and the kitchen are there. For drinks, I always grab a dirty vodka martini or two. Their brine is a stunner with heavy vegetal notes and big flavor. Original cocktails like the Little Bear (with tequila, lime, and blackberry) or the Cold Brew (with coffee-infused cynar and rum) always pack a punch. Love chatting with bartenders about their latest creations. As a bonus, it's happy hour all day on Tuesdays AND they have a late night happy hour (9-11pm) on Saturdays. The menu is more apps and desserts focused, but they've recently added a dank burger and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich to add some weight to the offerings. Plus it's always girl dinner on Wednesdays - ceaser salad, fries, and a cocktail for $25. read more

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I loved this spot! It was so cute and quaint and truly felt relatively underground which I really like. I ordered three drinks. One was on the happy hour menu and called hotel nacional. This drink is a mixture of white rum, pineapple, apricot, and lime. The taste was really good and I felt like they were very generous with their pour. The next drink I ordered (and my fav) was the pool boy which was a mixture of gin, lime, sugar, cucumber, and absinthe. I loved how fresh this drink was and the cucumber always makes me fall in love. My final drink was the pretty please which contained gin, lemon, raspberry, and thyme. I enjoyed the taste it was very sweet. For food I tried the chicken tenders and they were really delicious. I probably haven't had such good chicken tenders in....ages!?! The fries were also super good...and I was impressed because a perfect fried is hard to come by. The food came with honey mustard which was a good addition to the salty flavoring. I will be back because I loved it!! Such a good first time. read more

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This is my new favorite happy hour spot. Saturday night from 9-11pm: $10 cocktails and great food. I'm not much of a margarita fan, but after a sip of my wife's drink, I had to order my own - probably the best marg I've ever had. We also ordered the Pan con Tomate ($11), and Mini Caesar ($10). Loved that the bread was cut up into 4 bites for easy eating. The pickled egg on the Caesar was a game changer. Dimly lit interior, table service, and sometimes they'll have a DJ spinning chill jams. This is the perfect starting point for a night out on Mills. read more

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I came here to enjoy a solo happy hour and celebrate with oysters as I did see on their social media that it was a grapefruit and jalapeño mignonette sauce added to the oysters. I came in the nick of time. They were almost out of oysters and they only had six left. I was able to grab them. The bartenders and staff were so welcoming however, I did have to stand at the host stand for a while as they do not do reservations and we have to wait for open seating. Once I was sad, I had a great time enjoying my birthday and trying new cocktails. I would love to come back to D.B.A I truly enjoy the intimate atmosphere. read more

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Visited for the first time and I loved it! The service was excellent. We made it for their happy hour and tried one of their cocktails and then I tried their espresso martini. All of the drinks were well balanced and enjoyable. Our bartender was friendly and quick with getting our orders. Chicken tenders are a comfort food for me and theirs was so delicious and crispy. I'm still thinking about it! The place is small but uses its space well. We sat at the bar rather than sitting in the sofas but those looked comfortable too. I definitely will be going back and hope to try their Thursday oyster special. read more

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Stopped into DBA last night on a whim while looking for a cozy place to have a cocktail with some friends. We met in the Mills neighborhood with no direction. After spending some time down the street, we decided to walk up Mills and found this cute, cozy cocktail bar on our way. We walked into the dimly lit establishment that had a very chic vibe. The decor on the walls was centered around greenery, and there was a record player actually being used. I sat down and ordered a Moscow mule and my friend ordered different drinks. They came out rather quickly, and the Moscow Mule was absolutely delicious. So good, in fact, that I ordered a second one. We decided to place an order for the pretzel and it came out rather quickly. The pretzel was warm in the pimento cheese was absolutely delicious. Our server was kind, quick, and attentive to us. We will definitely be back ! read more

The Strand's sister spot, - a fun midweek find! We went for their "Girl Dinner" Wednesday special and it did not disappoint. The deal includes a Caesar salad, fries, and a drink - we went with dirty martinis but they also offer wine and other drink options. The food was simple but done really well, a crisp, fresh salad and great fries. Exactly what you want for a laid-back night out. Don't skip dessert! The butterscotch pudding might honestly be the best I've ever had - not overly sweet but rich and silky with toffee crumbles. read more

Dba - Girl dinner - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Wow, just recently went to this place and was super impressed! The vibe is super cool. Very laid back, but with an upscale modern look. The service was exceptional and the drinks were divine. I tried their dirty martini with blue cheese stuff olives. It was so smooth and their house made olive brine tasted delicious. We also ordered some of their appetizers and the highlight was the fresh focaccia with tomatoes. Don't sleep on this place, especially if you like dirty martinis!! read more

Loved my first time here! I came on a Wednesday for Girl Dinner and it did not disappoint!!! I love how each night they have a different special. The service was excellent and the vibes were so cute. Overall an amazing spot to hang with the girls! read more

Dba - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Absolutely love everything about D. B. A. The interior transports you to a small bar in the middle of a neighborhood. I love that it reminds me of Cuba and the island music playing in the background. The cocktails are amazing, try them all. We came during happy hour and really enjoyed all the dishes. I've been going to Strand for a long time so I really enjoy this bar. Jonathan, our bartender, was wonderful in recommending what to drink and I really appreciate the assistance. Overall a great place, you must stop in. read more

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First time at the d.b.a. A quaint lovely spot with a great vibe. With barely a wait, we were sat at the bar (always our first choice), and greeted promptly by the bartender. We stopped in for just one cocktail but enjoyed it so much that we stayed for another round. Drink responsibly....cheers! read more

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Finally came for the first time tonight to try Girl Dinner. It's a small spot but we walked in and managed to get a table right away. The service was wonderful and the decor is tasteful. The girl dinner special is only available on Wednesdays for $25 and includes a small Caesar salad, side of fries, and either a margarita, martini, or glass of wine. The salad included an egg and some nuts while they asked what sauces we wanted for the fries. The honey mustard and spicy siracha were great though it wasn't super spicy. They had run out of all but one dessert so we ended up getting it (butterscotch pudding) and agreed it was good enough to come back just for that. They also had a nontraditional White Russian that did not include any coffee flavor (Kahlua) and little milk and it was probably one of the best ones I've ever had. They also had a few Halloween decorations up but nothing too crazy. My only real complaint is that the acoustics were rough and the music was so loud it is hard to hear each other talking. It definitely gives off more of a bar vibe than restaurant but we will definitely be back. read more

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So good! I honestly didn't know what to expect but I was blown away. The food, the service, the vibe... all perfect. I can't wait to bring the friends and go back. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

d.b.a. is a very cute and cozy bar right next to The Strand. We popped into this bar for a quick night cap and were so impressed. They had a nice selection of craft cocktails and great snacks, too. We showed up right before the kitchen was set to close, but they were kind enough to let us know and quickly get us our orders for pan con tomate and chorizo croquettes. Overall, felt very homey and laid back in here. The service was great, and they were always checking in to make sure everything tasted great. read more

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Dba was a great surprise. We were told at The Strand that all the cocktails were made next door at Dba, so we checked them out. The interior had a really cool vibe, with a slight 60s Polynesian appearance. There was a bar counter and table seating, as well as a lounge at the storefront where there was a vintage TV playing old movies from the 60s and 70s. The bar works well as a hang-out to kick back either at the bar or one of the seating areas to enjoy the cocktails. The mixologists at Dba skillfully craft cocktails that are tasty, refreshing, and punchy. Their expertise is evident in every sip, where you can taste each of the ingredients used throughout. The Apertivo Nickels and Dimes were carefully crafted with Amaro, Aperitol, mezcal, lime, simple syrup, and soda. The ingredients made for a delicious experience. You just have to make sure you don't down them too quickly. The Dba-created cocktails were quite imaginative and not for the faint-hearted alcohol-wise, depending on what you order. For example, the Carnival Cruise will knock you off your ass. The tropical presentation and the sweet, carnival-like flavors from the pineapple and house orgeat only hid to a degree the full throttle of alcohol made for this cocktail between the Rhum Agricole, absinthe, curacao, and Peyschaud bitters. If you're not careful, this cruise will send you into a deep snooze. Their rendition of the Cold Brew is not as hard-hitting as the Carnival Cruise, but very delicious between the coffee-infused Cynar, rum, pot-stilled rum, demerara, and candied orange. This cocktail bar is magical, very magical. Located in the Mills 50 neighborhood of Orlando, you don't want to miss checking out this gem of a place next to The Strand. read more

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5 stars for The Strand's brand new sister bar located right next door and the perfect addition to the Mills 50 neighborhood! Upon walking in, it truly feels like a seamless transition from the restaurant, capturing all the same cozy vibes. I love that the concept is kind of ambiguous, d.b.a meaning "doing business as," and it feels like a IYKYK local gem. After a short soft opening, they officially opened for business this week serving up delicious spirit-forward cocktails, bar snacks & small plates, and vinyl music. It's a small space with both bar & table seating available and they are currently taking walk-ins only. We grabbed dinner first at The Strand and then headed next door for a nightcap which was the way to go. Between the 4 of us in our party, we got a pretty good sampling of the cocktail menu and snacked on their yummy old bay chips with french onion dip. They also serve a selection of beer and natural wine. The pool boy, cold brew, and nickels and dimes were a few of the drinks our group ordered and everyone enjoyed. They were definitely boozy! Being that I can't currently drink alcohol (preggo), they were more than happy to make me a mocktail version of the little bear, and it was delish! Also served with a cute little bear garnish (see pic). I'm so happy for this local family-owned establishment as they continue to thrive and I can't wait to return soon and try more of the food. The snacks all sound so good, but we were pretty full from dinner already. The octopus slider is calling my name -- next time! read more

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Stopped in to grab a bit and a drink. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and offer either bar or table seating. We opted to sit at the bar. It is a clean design and well done for the space they were using. Ordered the pan con tomate and French onion dip. Both were very tasty and really enjoyed both of them. I liked that the pan con tomate was cut into 4 easily manageable pieces. The french onion dip was very flavorful, but the chips had old bay seasoning on them. It was a good mix of flavor, but did get a little spicy towards the end and made me very thirsty. The pretty please was a nice refreshing gin forward drink. I enjoyed it and would order it again. read more

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This was a great place to start the evening since they have a food menu. I tried the pan con tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread) and the simple dish was well balanced and fresh tasting. They apparently used premium olive oil with the fresh bread and tomato which was excellent. The French onion dip was great but I wish there was a better balance/ratio of dip to bread as we ran out of dip and sadly there were abandoned chips left on the plate. The drinks were creative and well crafted. The mixologist here are not just dumping 1 oz of a few ingredients but rather crafting a cocktail. I felt the drink was on the stronger side but nothing unreasonable. The vibe was nice and I can see this as a good first date location or even an after work business meeting. read more

Dba - Nickels and Dimes - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Came in on a Saturday night around 630, was surprised it wasn't packed. My two friends and I sat at a table and were given menus shortly after to order. We ordered a bunch of small bites to share- all delish but my favorite was probably the kettle chips and dip. Super freshly fried and crispy! Drinks were strong and good. Ambience is fun for a girls night (or any chill night tbh). Service was great - he was able to split the check sharing all the apps and designating appropriate drinks which you won't find everywhere. Will be back to check out happy hour! read more

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what an amazing low-key spot! it's hard to make a Caesar salad memorable, but it was just that! The small details on every plate is what makes this restaurant just so amazing!! read more

Dba - caesar salad, dirty martini, oysters - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Even though this is right around the corner from where I live, I found out about it from a post online and was instantly intrigued by what I saw. I wasted no time and walked over to check it out right after work on Friday! There's an option to sit at the bar, which was already pretty busy at 5:15pm on a Friday, or to sit at a table with full service. My wife and I opted for a table. The decor in here is very cool and feels trendy in a nostalgic way that I'm sure will age well. The music matches the vibe perfectly. There is a full bar, and the signature cocktails on the menu were unique and diverse. As long as you're feeling a little adventurous, you will surely find something to your taste here. I tried the Cold Brew first, because I can't resist a coffee drink. It was more bitter than I expected (which made sense once I googled some of the less-familiar ingredients), but it quickly grew on me. My second drink was the Pretty Please, a perfectly refreshing lemon and raspberry gin drink garnished with thyme. We both loved our cocktails, but the bar food stole the show! I could bathe in the French onion dip served with the chips. The thick slice of bread of the pan con tomate was unexpectedly soft, but I don't think I can ever be satisfied with any other pan con tomate again. We finished off with the simply named "cookie", which is not to be missed. I think it was the best peanut butter cookie I have ever had, and I am a big fan of peanut butter. I've already started recommending dba to my friends and can't wait to return! read more

Bar hopping along Mills is always a fun adventure, and this new spot is a fantastic addition. Located next to the Strand and across the street from Tori Tori, it's perfectly situated among other great options you can explore within walking distance. DBA has a relaxed, cozy atmosphere with many records playing in the background. They offer diverse drinks and light bites, making it a must-visit area. They also feature Happy Hour M-F from 5-7 pm! read more

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The service was good and the drinks were great! I could've chugged the drink they made it was so delicious.

I'm a huge fan of the Strand, so I'm so excited we now have dba! It has the same cozy, neighborhood vibe as the Strand, but now with cocktails! There is a host that greets you at the door. We sat at the spacious bar. We lucked out and got there during happy hour. I got the dirty martini off the happy hour menu, and it no complaints from me. I love when the olives are served in a side car over ice. My husband and I split the flatbread and deviled eggs, and to no one's surprise, they were both absolutely delicious. I'm so glad The Strand was able to expand! We love forward to coming back again and again. read more

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Great spot for a cocktail and some small plates. I'm a big fan of The Strand, so I was excited to see that they were expanding into a new concept next door. The ambiance is modern and cozy, with plenty of seating at the bar and a few tables. The bartenders are attentive and helpful, offering up recommendations as needed. The pan con tomate is the best I've had outside of Spain, so highly recommend ordering that along with your drinks! Looking forward to coming back and trying more of the cocktail menu. read more

A new concept by the owners of my favorite restaurant in Orlando - The Strand! Cocktails and tapas style plates. Located right next to The Strand. Soft opening in progress - walk on in! read more

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Love the decor, food, drinks, service. The only downside is it's LOUD. Don't plan on having any intimate conversations without having to shout. read more

Great little cocktail bar, tasty drinks and comfortable atmosphere! Not to crowded, and they play vinyl records. read more

Dba - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The drinks were well balanced. The ambiance is nice and warm, and the space is cozy. The bar snacks are good elevated options. Unfortunately, I did not get to try the food as I just had dinner, but next time I will come with an empty stomach lol. read more

Dba - Tapas Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Wednesday "Girl Dinner" special was incredible. The caesar dressing was house made and it was excellent, it had a nice anchovy taste to it, as it should! The dirty martini was so smooth and the fries were crisp and seasoned. What more could a girl ask for? Well, a Pool Boy cocktail, because I also had one of those and LET ME TELL YOU, it was one of the best cocktails around town. I can't wait to go back and try some of their other menu items. read more

Dba is definitely Orlando's newest hidden gem! Located right next to the Strand, Dba provides a unique and intimate ambiance with cocktails that are crafted to impress. My husband and I visited Dba for pre-dinner drinks, and we enjoyed every second of our visit! The cocktail menu has just enough options to offer variety, but not enough to be overwhelming. We tried several cocktails, including the "Pool Boy," "Little Bear," "Naked and (not so) Famous," and "Share a Cigarette for Breakfast." All of the drinks were great, but the "Pool Boy" was an all-around interesting cocktail. This drink contains absinthe, which I'm typically not the biggest fan of, but the "Pool Boy" managed to maintain a balanced taste that somehow wasn't overpowered by the strong spirit. We also indulged in the Pan con Tomate. I loved that they offered several snack options since the cocktails here definitely don't skimp on the alcohol. The service here was prompt and friendly. We arrived close to 5:30 p.m. and were seated immediately. Our server provided us with excellent recommendations, and all the cocktails and food were served promptly. I will definitely be making another visit to Dba in the near future, and it has certainly made the list of my favorite bars in Orlando! read more

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Stopped in for a quick drink before our reservation at The Strand and had the most delicious cocktails. Walked in at about 5:45 and had no issues finding a seat at the bar. I tend to enjoy cocktails on the sour side and don't really like sweet ones. I saw the Pink Lady on their happy hour menu and was nervous about the grenadine but hoped the lemon juice would pull through. It was EXCELLENT, so well balanced and creamy from the egg whites. Plus it was poured into a chilled glass and then put into the fridge while the bartender finished up my friend's drink. She had the Caipirinha and it was also excellent, nice and sour. We didn't have time to try the snacks but can't wait to come back for them. read more

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Went 3 times and every time the female server/bartender was so rude. No smiles, seemed so unhappy to be there. There was no service provided except taking our orders and serving them. Every other person working greeted/treated us with smiles and joy for us to be there. 3-peat bad experience because of her. read more

Love this new addition to Mills and how cute the space is and their longer happy hour times. They did raise the HH drink price a few dollars but still a lovely place. read more

Drinks at Dba and dinner at The Strand or dinner at The Strand followed by drinks at Dba. Either way, this combo is one of the best experiences in Orlando. Servers and bartenders were all excellent. Food was delicious. Vibe is super cool. I'm pretty sure I'm going to become a frequent visitor. read more

Drinks are delicious and the design inside is beautiful. Only thing that made it difficult to hang out there for long is the tribal drum music being played at a very loud volume. read more