Lucky Lure bar opened in Orlando's Ivanhoe Village in July at 1427 N. Orange Ave., going from boat storage to open-air bar in a just a few months. The owners capitalized on the space's long narrow shape by opening up the long front side facing Orange Avenue. Large plastic flaps hang from the ceiling when open, creating a fantastic pass-through from the bar's interior to the sidewalk, street and lake just across the street.
All of the surfaces in the space feel thought out and purposeful. The bathroom's exterior wall is made from wood salvaged from a residential exterior garage. The long bar facing the street has a faux cement top that makes it feel like it's been there for 20 years.
The owner has a charming fascination with VW vans. One was parked outside the bar on the night we visited. The VW slide show playing on a large monitor above the bar could be better expressed with framed classic photos on the walls. The pool and foosball tables don't add anything. That space could be better utilized with seating. The feel teeters on dive bar, which can be remedied with a few minor adjustments.
The lake is a lovely view, as is the older building the Greek restaurant is housed in across the street. The bar's true value lies in its relationship to the outside. You're in a bar, but you can chat with folks walking by, stare at the lake, and take in the district's charm.
All of the surfaces in the space feel thought out and purposeful. The bathroom's exterior wall is made from wood salvaged from a residential exterior garage. The long bar facing the street has a faux cement top that makes it feel like it's been there for 20 years.
The owner has a charming fascination with VW vans. One was parked outside the bar on the night we visited. The VW slide show playing on a large monitor above the bar could be better expressed with framed classic photos on the walls. The pool and foosball tables don't add anything. That space could be better utilized with seating. The feel teeters on dive bar, which can be remedied with a few minor adjustments.
The lake is a lovely view, as is the older building the Greek restaurant is housed in across the street. The bar's true value lies in its relationship to the outside. You're in a bar, but you can chat with folks walking by, stare at the lake, and take in the district's charm.
