Opening in 1989, Tanqueray’s Bar & Grille, a bastion of downtown Orlando’s downtown scene, will close on New Year’s Eve due to city regulations and a lease non-renewal.
“The city has not been kind to the local bars in the downtown entertainment district since 2023,” the nightclub posted over the weekend on its Facebook page. This, as well as the building owner’s decision not to renew the lease, contributed to the decision.
Club owner Dan Charles noted that he will be 70 on New Year’s Eve.
“And after 49 years in the hospitality industry, I feel the stars are aligning for retirement … I am humbled at the patronage our ‘regulars’ have participated in over the years, along with all the magnificent local musicians that have performed at our venue. Your continued support has made Tanq’s an exceptional live music destination for many years.”
This marks the latest in a stream of closures in the downtown entertainment district, many of which came, they said, due to regulations.
Charles extended an open invitation for guests to join them to count down both the year’s end and the club’s long, successful run with a final New Year’s Eve event.
Amid the specialty drink explosion, does anyone just drink coffee anymore?
“I will miss all of you and wish everyone a future of happiness, success and good times,” Charles wrote in his message on Facebook. “To my employees, there are no words to express my appreciation for the work you have done, the support you have provided and the continual service to our patrons. You are the best staff any owner could have ever asked for. I wish you all much success in your future endeavors.”
amthompson@orlandosentinel.com