Bar 17 Bistro at Universal Aventura Hotel — Universal Orlando Resort

Bar 17 Bistro

While neighboring Loews hotels pull inspiration from old-world Italy or South Seas luxury, Universal’s Aventura Hotel is unashamedly sleek, ultra-modern, and tech-forward. Sitting right at the crown of this glassy tower is Bar 17 Bistro, a 17th-floor rooftop lounge that completely changes the definition of a "theme park hotel bar."

If you are looking for jaw-dropping views, modern global street food, and an absolute escape from standard theme park fare, this is one of the best hidden gems in Orlando.

The Vibe & Ambiance

The moment the elevator doors open on the 17th floor, you are hit with a sweeping, 360-degree panoramic view of Central Florida. The lounge layout is a breezy, open-air terrace wrapped in structural glass walls. On one side, you look directly down at the massive volcano of Volcano Bay and the sprawling footprints of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Turn around, and you have a clear shot of the distant Orlando skyline.

The styling matches the hotel below: minimalist all-white lounge couches, sleek high-top tables, and sharp architectural lines.

• The Sunset Window: Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. Watching the Florida sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange over the coasters is an elite vacation moment.

• Late Night Energy: On weekend nights, the lounge shifts into a high-energy urban vibe with live DJs playing sets under the stars.

  

The Food: Street Food Meets High Altitude

Bar 17 Bistro strays away from heavy flatbreads and greasy mozzarella sticks. Instead, the menu features an urban, heavily Korean-inspired street food flare alongside elevated bistro comfort foods.

• The Signature Bao Buns ($7.00 each): These are the undisputed stars of the menu. They are single-serve, cloud-soft steamed buns that let you mix and match flavors. The Pork Belly Bao (packed with kimchi, gochujang, and a spicy onion salad) and the Panko Shrimp Bao (with wakame salad and a creamy Sakura sauce) are exceptionally flavorful.

• Korean Beef Sliders ($19.00): Juicy, sweet, and savory minis packed with flavor.

• Hurricane Fries ($16.00): Forget plain spuds—these fries are tossed in furikake seasoning, green onions, a rich citrus aioli, and a soy-ginger gastrique. You can even upgrade them by adding crispy pork belly on top.

• Bibimbap ($22.00) & Galbi ($32.00): If you want a full dinner, they serve excellent bowls of bulgogi beef bibimbap topped with a fried egg, and premium Korean short ribs (Galbi) with pickled vegetables.

  

The Drinks: Craft Cocktails and Local Brews

The cocktail program is designed specifically to cut through the rich, spicy, and savory profile of the Asian-fusion menu. Expect plenty of fresh citrus, ginger, and custom infusions.

They serve up excellent craft cocktails alongside a deep menu of bourbons, gins, and local Florida draft beers (like selections from Tactical Brewing). Because it’s an open rooftop, they also feature a rotating menu of premium frozen blended drinks—perfect for surviving a muggy July evening in Florida.

Insider Tip: Because Bar 17 Bistro is fully open-air, the weather rules everything. In the event of lightning or severe Florida downpours, the rooftop will close for safety. If it looks stormy, grab a seat at bar Ventura in the lobby first and wait for the weather to clear.