A lot of people are nostalgic for their college party days. I mean, who wouldn’t? Man, those were the days. Of course, having been in the real world for a while you may have forgotten what those parties were like, so let’s refresh: imagine a shirtless frat boy doing double-devil horns with his fists, his arms flexed in front of him, screaming “Woooooo!” at your face while you sip overpriced cheap liquor. If this brings back pleasant memories then head on down to Mako’s at 27 W. Church Street in downtown Orlando. All others – you’ve been warned.
Décor: The very first thing you’re likely to notice about Mako’s (other than your wallet being $10 lighter thanks to the cover) is that there are scantily clad women everywhere. The Mako’s girls are the main décor, sprinkled liberally across the large but oft-crowded space. Right by the door there’s the infamous swing, usually with a couple of the girls riding it at once, and a large set of posts built around the bar, for the girls to dance on. Most everything is built to be climbed on, so don’t be afraid to work your way around the crowd like a monkey to get your next drink. The bars are scattered around the first, second, and mezzanine levels, with a VIP section taking up the back space on the top level. There’s a vague theme that has to do with mako sharks, but for the most part every view is to get a look at the girls dancing on the bar, mirrored counter, dance floor, and wherever else they can manage to shake it.
The Bar: Chances are if you’ve walked down Church Street you’ve been enticed by girls in short shorts to come into Mako’s, promises of drink specials abound. Most of the specials run until about 9 p.m. every day, so be sure you get there early to enjoy them. Mondays start you off with free shots and free cover until 10 p.m., Tuesdays have $2 domestic beers (Bud, Bud Light), and $2 Bacardi, Wednesdays are Fight Club nights with competitors fighting (with oversized gloves) cages, earning free champagne for their efforts and free drinks until 11 p.m. for everyone else, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays all team up for free shots and no cover until 9 p.m., and Sundays end the weekend with $2 domestic beers and free shots. Every now and again through the course of the night free shots are offered to anyone willing to step up to the bar with their mouth open like a hungry baby bird and let it be poured into their mouth, so keep your ears open for that. It’s advisable, if your goal is to drink, to get there early and get a head start with the cheap stuff since the regular prices are a little steep (especially considering the $10 cover). Landshark Lager goes for $5, which is a little high, but selling Bud and Bud Light for $4 is plain mean. There are roving squads of pretty ladies shilling test tube shots for $4 a piece, but they taste like Puckers and, sadly, don’t pack a $4 punch.
Service: If you’re a lonely single guy you’ll probably attract the attentions of a shot girl, and, much like a stripper, as long as you keep the money flowing they’ll be your friend for the night. The regular bar services is quicker than you’d expect with the crowd how it is.
Sounds: The DJs know how to work the Church Street crowd well, with a rapid succession of Top 40, dance, and other favorites keeping the tempo quick and moving.
Crowd: The people that go to party at Mako’s are pretty much what you’d expect: college kids, people who wish they were still in college, and bachelorette parties, with little room for anyone who wants to just wants to chill. There are other bars for that.
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