Happy Hour Test Drive: Ocean Prime Orlando

Restaurant Row is one of Orlando’s crown jewels when it comes to dining, especially during happy hour when nearly every restaurant in the area offers killer deals on drinks and eats. From casual watering holes to upscale eateries, there truly is a happy hour to suit any budget and occasion.

When the occasion is date night, head straight to Ocean Prime Orlando. The restaurant’s swanky and spacious Blue Lounge is host to the daily happy hour from 5-7pm. It’s your chance to indulge in the upscale experience without totally blowing your budget.

Happy hour deals include discounts on signature cocktails, select wine and beer specials, and $5 off all appetizers. A recent hosted visit totally exceeded my expectations and left me plotting a return visit ASAP.

Ocean Prime Orlando happy hour spread
Appetizers are $5 off during happy hour daily from 5-7pm

DRINKS

Select signature cocktails are a steal at $7 each, and some are poured tableside for an extra “wow” factor.

Start happy hour with a bang (and lots of bubbles) by ordering the Berries & Bubble cocktail. The smooth blend of Belvedere citrus vodka, Cassis, Domaine Chandon Brut, marinated berries and lemon is poured tableside into a frozen glass, causing the drink to bubble as dry ice envelopes the glass in smoke. Now this is my kind of science experiment.

Ocean Prime Orlando happy hour cocktail
The Berries & Bubbles cocktail is poured tableside in a frozen glass

The Berries & Bubbles cocktail

I also enjoyed the Black Orchid, a sweet and light martini made with vodka, St. Germain, lemon and white cranberry finished with a photo-worthy orchid ice cube.

FOOD

All appetizers are $5 off during happy hour, bringing the cost down to $11 – $18 per dish. As an added bonus, you get free popcorn to munch on while you wait for your food to arrive.

FYI: the menu items have changed significantly since our visit in 2019. Refer to the current menu (linked at the bottom of this post) for an up to date listing of offerings.

Ocean Prime Orlando happy hour food
The Prime Sliders are topped with bleu cheese, a savory sun-dried tomato spread and lettuce. We gobbled up every bite.

The Sea Bass Ceviche is light and fresh with a hint of sweetness from the mango vinaigrette. It perfectly compliments the salty seasoned chips.

The Fish Tacos include a generous portion of seasoned fish with crisp cabbage slaw and a creamy avocado sauce.

The Lamb Lollipops were a favorite dish and so tender we could cut into them with a butter knife.

You'll feel fancy sharing the hearty Carpaccio topped with peppery arugula, cheese, crispy fingerlings, red onion and truffle aioli.

An assortment of raw bar selections is also available.

Ordering 2-3 small plates plus a sushi roll to share is plenty to fill you up. Paired with two drinks each you can do date night for under $75, plus tax and tip.

The Lobster Roll is full of interesting flavors with a subtle spice from the pickled Serrano peppers and a sweet tang from the delicious spicy mayo sauce.

THE GRADE

Drinks: From tableside theatrics to layers of flavor, the cocktails we sampled were expertly balanced and dangerously drinkable. Don’t skip the Berries & Bubbles.

Food: Design your own surf & turf style feast with a mix of small plates plus a sushi roll to share. Top picks include the lamp lollipops, sea bass ceviche, prime sliders, and the lobster roll. Each dish is plated beautifully.

Setting: The stylish Blue Lounge strikes a balance between swanky and inviting with plenty of space to cozy up at the bar, dining booths, and tables. On weekends, live music makes the atmosphere even more date night worthy.

Ocean Prime Orlando scores an A+. This may just be my new favorite happy hour in Orlando. A+ service (shout out to our great server, Aliya), fun drinks, and upscale eats at affordable prices make this a top pick amongst Restaurant Row’s abundance of happy hours.

DETAILS

Happy hour is served in the Blue Lounge daily from 5-7pm. 

Check out the full menu here. (Subject to change.)

Ocean Prime Orlando
Rialto at Sand Lake
7339 West Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 781-4880
https://www.ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/orlando/menus

Want more happy hour info? Check out our guide to Orlando Happy Hours.

Disclosure: This meal was provided by Ocean Prime Orlando at no cost to the writer.

Florida food and travel photographer and writer Stephanie Patterson

About the Author/Photographer:
Stephanie Patterson is a talented professional food and travel photographer and writer with a passion for creativity, the beach and great eats. When she’s not taking photos or writing, you can find her exploring the state for her Florida travel blog, Travel Taste Click. Find her online at www.spattersonphotography.com and www.traveltasteclick.com.

All photos by Stephanie Patterson