“A bar, a party, an Orlando tradition.” Wally’s on Mills Avenue, the city’s beloved local dive bar, will reopen June 17, but with a new touch, and not so "divey."
Wally's new owner, Minesh Patel, purchased the bar just three months after its closure in August.
Patrons of the beloved bar can pull up a seat and enjoy a few drinks surrounded by newly-painted walls and a smoke-free atmosphere.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Watch inside look at Wally's below:
“I love the sense of community and how it was a meeting place for all of Orlando. You could stop in for a drink, catch up with the friendly bartenders and meet people from all walks of life,” Wally’s patron Aven Davis said.
In August, the iconic bar shut its doors after 64 years in business. Former owner Martin Snellgrove told Channel 9 that the decision was made because of his health problems.
While the same dimly-lit areas remain, there were a few changes made to the inside.
When an Instagram user asked, “Drinks still strong?”
Wallysmills50 replied,” If you’d like the classic heavy pour, you can order a Wallys Double.”
(Scroll down to read Instagram post)
So, what do the locals think?
“I have been worried they'd change too much of the atmosphere, but I think the bathrooms could use some updating,” Davis said.
Wally’s fits right in with the eclectic Mills 50 district, known for its cultural diversity and artistic flair.
Come June 17, at 6 p.m., the new Wally's on 1001 N. Mills Avenue will be open for business, maybe with a bit of a new vibe, but still flashing that iconic and welcoming sign: “Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors.”
%
%%
%
Cox Media Group
