The Perfect Event Space Near the Orange County Convention Center
If you are attending a convention, trade show, or conference at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and need a venue for your after-party, networking event, exhibitor dinner, or team celebration, Pour Choice Taphouse is exactly the kind of place you have been looking for. Located at 1225 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, in the heart of Orlando's vibrant Mills 50 District, Pour Choice is approximately 20 minutes from the convention center via Interstate 4. That short trip takes your group out of the tourist corridor and into one of the most authentic and exciting neighborhoods in the city.
Pour Choice Taphouse is not your typical Orlando bar. We are the city's largest self-pour craft beer destination, featuring 50 rotating taps of craft beer, hard seltzer, cider, and cocktails on tap. Every guest receives an RFID wristband and pours their own drinks by the ounce from a wall of taps. We also have a full liquor bar with experienced bartenders ready to make cocktails, serve wine, or pour spirits. Whether your group consists of craft beer enthusiasts, cocktail drinkers, or a mix of both, everyone will find something they enjoy.
For convention organizers, exhibitors, and corporate groups, the appeal goes beyond great drinks. Our flexible event space, our open food policy, our entertainment options, and our location in a genuinely interesting Orlando neighborhood combine to create an experience that feels nothing like the generic chain restaurants and overcrowded bars that line International Drive. When you bring your convention group to Pour Choice, you are giving them a night they will actually remember.
Why Convention Groups Choose Pour Choice Over International Drive
If you have ever attended a convention at the Orange County Convention Center, you know the drill. The day wraps up, and someone suggests heading to one of the restaurants or bars on International Drive. The group ends up at a crowded tourist spot with overpriced drinks, long waits, and an atmosphere that feels indistinguishable from any chain restaurant in any city in the country. There is nothing memorable about it, and the people who traveled hundreds or thousands of miles for the conference leave without ever experiencing what makes Orlando interesting beyond the theme parks.
Pour Choice Taphouse offers the opposite of that experience. When your convention group makes the 20-minute trip from OCCC to the Mills 50 District, they step into one of Orlando's most culturally rich and locally celebrated neighborhoods. The Mills 50 area is known for its diverse restaurants, independent shops, street art, and welcoming community. It is the kind of neighborhood where locals actually spend their time, and it gives out-of-town guests a genuine taste of what Orlando is really like beyond the tourist zones.
The venue itself is a conversation starter. Guests walk in, receive RFID wristbands, and suddenly they are exploring a wall of 50 self-pour taps, trying craft beers they have never heard of, comparing pours with colleagues, and connecting in a way that simply does not happen when a group is crammed into a booth at a chain restaurant. For networking events, team celebrations, and conference socials, this interactive element breaks down barriers and gets people talking naturally. It transforms a routine post-conference outing into something people will bring up at the next conference.
And because Pour Choice is located away from the inflated pricing of the tourist corridor, your group gets a better experience without the markup that comes with International Drive venues. Combine that with our BYO food policy and you have an event that is both more memorable and more budget-friendly than the alternatives near the convention center.
Why Convention Groups Love Pour Choice
- 20 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center via I-4
- Authentic Orlando neighborhood instead of the tourist corridor
- 50 self-pour taps create natural conversation and networking
- Full liquor bar with cocktails, wine, and spirits
- BYO food policy saves money compared to venue catering packages
- A large shared parking lot, free street parking, and easy rideshare access
- 5.0 Google rating from 127 reviews
Venue Features and Amenities
Everything your convention group needs for an unforgettable offsite event.
50 Self-Pour Taps
Our rotating selection of 50 self-pour taps features craft beer, hard seltzer, cider, and cocktails on tap. Guests wear RFID wristbands and pour their own drinks by the ounce. It is the ultimate icebreaker for groups meeting for the first time at a convention or trade show.
Full Liquor Bar
Beyond the self-pour wall, we have a full liquor bar staffed by experienced bartenders. Your guests can order cocktails, wine, spirits, or anything else they prefer. No matter the taste, everyone at your convention event has options.
Bring Your Own Food
Our BYO food policy gives you complete control over the menu and the budget. Bring catered trays, arrange a food truck, order from any restaurant, or set up a full spread. There are no required catering packages and no restrictions on what you bring in.
DJ and Live Music Space
Set the mood for your convention after-party with a DJ or live music. We have space set up for entertainment, and the Pour Choice team can help you secure talent if you need recommendations. Background playlists to full DJ sets are all welcome.
Multiple HDTVs
Display sponsor logos, run a product demo, show a slideshow, or stream a presentation across our multiple HDTVs. This makes Pour Choice an excellent choice for corporate events, sponsor appreciation nights, and conference socials that incorporate visual content.
Free Parking
No expensive convention center parking lots or garage fees. Pour Choice has a large shared parking lot, and free street parking is available around the venue on Mills Ave and surrounding streets. For groups coming from OCCC, rideshare services provide a convenient and affordable alternative.
"We hosted our company event at Pour Choice and it was amazing. The self-pour taps were a huge hit with everyone, and the location could not have been more convenient. A large shared parking lot and free street parking, great drinks, and the staff made everything so easy. We will definitely be back."
Convention and Conference Event Types We Host
Pour Choice Taphouse is built for the kinds of events that happen around conventions, trade shows, and conferences at the Orange County Convention Center. Our flexible space, interactive drink experience, and open food policy make us a natural fit for groups looking to gather outside the convention hall. Here are some of the most popular event types we host for convention and conference groups:
Convention After-Parties: When the conference sessions wrap for the day, your group deserves more than a forgettable dinner at a chain restaurant. A convention after-party at Pour Choice gives attendees a chance to unwind, network in a relaxed setting, and experience something genuinely unique. The self-pour taps keep the energy high, the BYO food policy lets you tailor the menu to your group, and the vibe is unlike anything on International Drive.
Exhibitor Dinners and Appreciation Events: If you are an exhibitor or sponsor at a trade show and want to host a dinner or appreciation event for clients, prospects, or partners, Pour Choice provides an intimate and memorable setting. The venue can be configured for a semi-private gathering or a full buyout, and the HDTVs allow you to display product information, branding, or presentation materials throughout the night.
Networking Mixers: The self-pour tap wall is the best networking tool you have never tried. Instead of standing in a circle making awkward small talk, your attendees are walking along a wall of 50 taps, sampling different beers and cocktails, and striking up organic conversations about what they are pouring. It creates movement, interaction, and natural connection points that structured networking events struggle to achieve.
Sponsor Appreciation Events: Show your sponsors that you value their support by hosting a private event at a venue that stands out. Pour Choice gives sponsors a VIP experience with self-pour taps, a full bar, personalized food options, and a setting that feels special. Use the HDTVs to highlight sponsor logos and messaging throughout the evening.
Team Celebrations: After a successful trade show, product launch, or conference presentation, celebrate with your team at a venue that matches the energy of the accomplishment. The interactive self-pour experience, the outdoor space, and the laid-back atmosphere at Pour Choice make it an ideal spot for recognizing hard work and building team morale.
Conference Breakout Socials: Not every gathering needs to be a formal affair. If you are organizing a smaller breakout social for a special interest group, a speaker meet-and-greet, or a casual gathering of conference attendees who share a common interest, Pour Choice offers the right mix of space, drinks, and atmosphere. The semi-private options let you carve out your own area while still enjoying the energy of the taphouse.
The Self-Pour Experience: The Ultimate Convention Icebreaker
Convention events bring together people from different companies, different cities, and different industries. Getting those people to actually connect and have meaningful conversations is the real challenge. That is where the self-pour experience at Pour Choice Taphouse becomes your secret weapon.
When your guests arrive, they receive an RFID wristband that gives them access to all 50 taps on our self-pour wall. They can pour as much or as little as they want, paying only for what they pour by the ounce. This system eliminates the long bar lines that kill the momentum of most after-party events. Instead of standing in a queue waiting for a drink, your guests are moving along the tap wall, reading descriptions, trying small pours, and talking to the person next to them about what they just tasted.
For networking events, this interactive dynamic is invaluable. It gives people something to do with their hands, a built-in topic of conversation, and a reason to move around the room. Compared to a typical hotel bar where guests cluster into the same groups they already know, the self-pour wall encourages exploration and new interactions. People who might never start a conversation in a formal setting find themselves bonding over a surprising IPA or debating the merits of a new hard seltzer.
The rotating selection on our 50 taps means there is something for everyone. Craft beer lovers will find styles ranging from IPAs and stouts to lagers and Belgian ales. Those who prefer lighter options can choose from hard seltzers and ciders. Cocktail fans can pour from our cocktails-on-tap options or head to the full liquor bar for a traditional mixed drink. No matter what your convention group's preferences look like, the variety at Pour Choice ensures everyone is covered.
From an event planning perspective, the self-pour system also smooths out the logistics. There is no need to negotiate drink packages, estimate how many bottles of each type to order, or worry about running out of a specific option. The taps flow continuously, the selection is always varied, and your guests control their own experience from start to finish.
"This is such a great concept. When you arrive, you check in at the bar, open a tab, and receive a RFID wristband. From that point on the wall of taps is at your disposal. The self pour, pay by the ounce system gives you the ability to try beers or ciders you may not normally order. Great place! We will definitely be back."
Capacity, Layout, and Space Options for Convention Groups
Pour Choice Taphouse has an indoor capacity of 91 people, along with a large outdoor space that can accommodate additional guests. This makes the venue suitable for a wide range of convention-related event sizes. A small exhibitor dinner of 20 to 30 people works just as well as a full-venue buyout for a large convention after-party.
We offer both private and semi-private event configurations. A full venue buyout gives your group exclusive access to the entire space, including all 50 self-pour taps, the full liquor bar, the outdoor area, and all of the HDTVs. This is ideal for convention after-parties and sponsor events where you want a controlled, branded environment. Semi-private options let you reserve a dedicated section while the rest of the venue operates normally. This works well for smaller networking mixers, breakout socials, and casual team gatherings.
The open layout of the venue encourages mingling. The self-pour tap wall serves as a natural gathering point where guests explore different options and interact with each other. The bar area provides a more traditional setting for those who prefer to order from a bartender. The outdoor space offers a change of scenery and fresh air, which is especially welcome after a long day in the convention hall. For convention groups in particular, this layout keeps people moving and connecting instead of sitting isolated at assigned tables.
If your event requires a specific setup, whether that is a standing cocktail reception, a seated arrangement for a dinner, or a DJ booth near the outdoor area, the Pour Choice team will work with you to configure the space. The flexibility of the layout means we can accommodate a variety of event formats, from casual drop-in socials to more structured corporate gatherings.
Bring Your Own Food. Bring Any Caterer.
Convention event budgets are tight, and venue catering markups can eat through your allocation fast. At Pour Choice, you bring whatever food you want from wherever you want. Order catered trays from a local restaurant, hire a food truck, bring in a professional caterer, or keep it simple. No required packages, no per-plate minimums, no restrictions.
Getting to Pour Choice from the Orange County Convention Center
Pour Choice Taphouse is located at 1225 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, in the Mills 50 District. The trip from the Orange County Convention Center takes approximately 20 minutes via Interstate 4, depending on traffic conditions. Here is how to get here from OCCC and the surrounding area:
From the Orange County Convention Center: Head north on International Drive, then merge onto I-4 East toward Daytona Beach. Take the Princeton Street or Colonial Drive (SR 50) exit and head east toward Mills Avenue. Turn north on Mills Ave, and Pour Choice Taphouse will be on your right. The entire trip is straightforward, with most of the drive on the interstate.
By Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Rideshare is one of the most popular options for convention groups traveling to Pour Choice. Uber and Lyft are readily available at the Orange County Convention Center, and the ride to the Mills 50 District typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on time of day. For groups, this is often the most convenient option since it eliminates parking concerns and allows everyone to enjoy the evening without worrying about driving.
From International Drive Hotels: Many convention attendees stay at hotels along International Drive, which puts them within the same 20-minute drive to Pour Choice. The route follows I-4 East and is the same straightforward path described above. Some hotel shuttles also service the Mills 50 area, so it is worth checking with your hotel concierge.
From Downtown Orlando Hotels: For guests staying in downtown Orlando, Pour Choice is even closer. The venue is just a few minutes north of downtown on Mills Avenue, making it an easy rideshare or short drive.
Parking: A large shared parking lot and free street parking are available around the venue on Mills Avenue and the surrounding streets. There are no paid parking lots or garages to deal with, which is a welcome change from the convention center area. For groups arriving by car, the parking options alone set Pour Choice apart from many venues closer to OCCC.
Getting Here from OCCC and Nearby Areas
- Approximately 20 minutes from OCCC via I-4 East
- Easy rideshare pickup at the convention center
- 15 to 25 minutes from International Drive hotels
- 5 to 10 minutes from downtown Orlando
- A large shared parking lot and free street parking at the venue
- Near Universal Orlando and the SeaWorld area via I-4
Nearby Landmarks and the Mills 50 Neighborhood
Pour Choice Taphouse sits in the Mills 50 District, one of Orlando's most culturally vibrant neighborhoods. For convention attendees who are visiting Orlando for the first time, this is one of the best areas to experience what the city has to offer beyond the theme parks and tourist attractions. The neighborhood is known for its outstanding Asian and Vietnamese restaurants, independent coffee shops, street art, and a thriving local arts scene. It is the kind of place where locals spend their evenings, and your convention group will immediately feel the difference compared to the manufactured atmosphere of the tourist corridor.
The Mills 50 District is adjacent to Ivanhoe Village, another popular Orlando neighborhood with lakeside parks, antique shops, and upscale dining. Together, these two neighborhoods form one of the most walkable and interesting areas in the city. If any of your guests arrive early or want to explore after the event, they will find plenty to see and do within a short walk of the venue.
For context on the broader geography, Pour Choice is positioned between several of Orlando's major landmarks. The Orange County Convention Center is approximately 20 minutes south via I-4. International Drive and its attractions are a similar distance away. Universal Orlando Resort is about 15 minutes west. The SeaWorld area is roughly 20 minutes to the southwest. Downtown Orlando is just 5 to 10 minutes south. This central location makes Pour Choice accessible from virtually any part of the Orlando metro area, which is a significant advantage when your convention group includes people staying at different hotels across the city.
For convention organizers, the location offers a strategic benefit as well. Instead of fighting for a reservation at one of the overbooked restaurants near the convention center, you can offer your group a private or semi-private event at a venue with character, great drinks, and a setting that feels like a local discovery rather than a default option. That distinction matters when you are trying to create an event that people genuinely enjoy and talk about after the conference ends.
Food, Catering, and Entertainment for Your Convention Event
One of the biggest advantages of hosting your convention event at Pour Choice Taphouse is our completely open food policy. Unlike hotel ballrooms and convention center restaurants that require you to select from their catering menu at their prices, Pour Choice lets you bring your own food or hire any caterer you want. There are no required packages, no per-person food minimums, and no restrictions on what you bring in.
This flexibility is a game-changer for convention event planners. You can order catered trays from one of the excellent restaurants in the Mills 50 District, many of which specialize in Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and other cuisines that your out-of-town guests may not have easy access to at home. You can arrange for a food truck to set up outside the venue. You can hire a professional catering company to provide a full spread. Or you can keep it simple with pizza delivery for a casual after-party. The choice is yours, and the savings compared to hotel or convention center catering are often substantial.
On the entertainment side, Pour Choice has space for a DJ or live music setup. If you want to elevate the energy of your convention after-party, bring your own DJ or band. If you need help finding the right entertainment for your event, the Pour Choice team can help you secure talent. From a high-energy DJ set to a laid-back acoustic performance, the venue can accommodate whatever vibe you are going for.
Our multiple HDTVs positioned throughout the venue add another layer of versatility for convention events. Display sponsor logos during a sponsor appreciation event. Run a product demo during an exhibitor dinner. Show a slideshow of conference highlights during an after-party. Stream a presentation during a networking mixer. The screens give you the ability to incorporate visual content into your event without renting additional AV equipment.
Food and Entertainment Flexibility
- Bring your own food from any source
- Hire any caterer or food truck you want
- No required catering packages or per-person minimums
- Space for a DJ or live music setup
- Help securing entertainment talent if needed
- Multiple HDTVs for presentations, branding, or slideshows
Hours at Pour Choice Taphouse
Pour Choice Taphouse is open five days a week, with extended hours on weekends. For convention groups, the schedule offers strong flexibility for events tied to trade show and conference schedules.
- Wednesday: 5 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday: 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday: 5 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM
- Monday & Tuesday: Available for private events by request
Wednesday through Friday evenings are ideal for convention after-parties since most trade shows and conferences run during standard business hours. Saturday is perfect for end-of-conference celebrations that start in the afternoon and run late. Sunday works well for closing-day gatherings before attendees fly home.
Many conventions and trade shows at the Orange County Convention Center run on weekday schedules that include Monday and Tuesday. Pour Choice will open on days we are normally closed for private events. If your convention runs early in the week and you want to host an event on a Monday or Tuesday, simply let us know in your inquiry and we will make it work.
"What a cool place! I love the idea of paying per oz and trying a little bit of everything or getting my favorites to sip on. The variety was amazing, I loved how they broke it down into sections. Our bartender was fantastic. I can not wait to go again."
Frequently Asked Questions About Hosting Convention Events
Everything you need to know about hosting your convention after-party or offsite event at Pour Choice Taphouse.
📅 Need a Day We Are Normally Closed?
Pour Choice Taphouse is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, but we will open on Monday or Tuesday for private events if your group needs it. Many conventions at the Orange County Convention Center run early in the week, and we are happy to accommodate. Just let us know your preferred date in the inquiry form below.
Related Event Pages
Learn more about the types of events we host at Pour Choice Taphouse.