Inside: Nu Bamboo Lounge

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Finding your favorite bar is like falling in love. There’s some kind of chemistry soaked into the carpet that works its way up through your legs and into your heart (or it just gives you a rash). Love doesn’t always make sense, but if it works for you, go for it. The old Big Bamboo Lounge in Kissimmee was “The One” for many Disney employees and local drinkers, but it was tragically struck down by Hurricane Charley and later a fire, leaving many sad bar widows behind. Fortunately for them, The Nu Bamboo Lounge moved in at 4900 W. Irlo Bronson Highway and it’s looking like love is in the air again.

Décor: Finding Nu Bamboo can be a little tricky since it’s inside the Carefree Inn and Suites, and, well, you just don’t see that many happening dives in motels. But there you have it – loads of people crammed into the tiny backroom, taking up all the tight table space. The bamboo-covered walls and island decorations strike the tone, and the Disney paraphernalia donated by patrons (including name tags hanging from the bar) finishes it off. There’s some patio space outside for smokers, but not many places to sit aside from the motel’s pool deck (although you’ll be shooed away if you bring glass bottles into it). If you ask for a glass your brew is served in a mason jar and the coasters are scraps of toilet paper (pulled fresh off a roll). If you’re thinking to yourself “Well that sounds awful cheap” – you’re right, it is, but it’s also authentic and true to the original style of old Bamboo (I told you love was weird).

The Bar: Walking up to the bar you’ll see a few tasty-looking taps, but they’re there to fool you, as there is no draft beer (well, not yet). Your eyes will then gaze up to the many import and craft brew bottles behind the bar. Ha ha! Fooled again! Those are also for display only. You can, however, get some bottles of Bud, Miller, and Sam Adams starting from $2. Nu Bamboo is a cash only bar, so leave your credit cards at home (along with your heavy clothes – you never know if the air conditioner will be working or not). If you’re looking for a simple place to have an easy beer with no pretense, Nu Bamboo will not disappoint.  

Service: If you’re expecting something fancier from Nu Bamboo you’ll probably think the bartender is joking when he nonchalantly hands you a mason jar of beer on a TP coaster. The bartenders’ and patrons’ unapologetic love of what Nu Bamboo stands for is actually kind of charming, meaning you’ll gladly sign the guest book when you are inevitably asked to do so.

Sounds: Island music, that sounds like it’s straight out of Disney, floats lightly over the background chatter, and every now and again you’ll catch the unmistakable sound of Jimmy Buffet throwing the kitchen sink on Nu Bamboo’s theme.

Crowd: Lots of service industry people show up at the Nu Bamboo, and it kind of makes sense. If you’re working in an atmosphere of fancy-pants tourist pandering all day, would you want to head to an ultra lounge? The ages range young and old, and the feel is definitely lax, making Nu Bamboo a unique little dive that lets it patrons unwind just how they like it.

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