In a whirlwind of what has felt like non-stop restaurant openings lately, Otto's High Dive has been creating a lot of buzz and anticipation as soon as the soft opening posts started showing up in social feeds. Based on my first experience, I will tell you that I believe Otto's is a bar first and foremost, and I'll let you know why that is a good thing.

If you are over 30, chances are when you want a leisurely night out for drinks; you avoid venturing out to downtown's heart. I don't know many people that enjoy going downtown, and I even held a poll on Instagram to see who felt the same, and even this tiny subsection of a little over 1000 votes told the same story. Downtown has a limited monopoly on places to imbibe in a craft cocktail. We want our cocktails in our neighborhoods.

We've seen more evidence of this as we watched The Courtesy move from their Orange Avenue location to a Winter Park neighborhood. Not to mention bars like Guestroom, Sunroom, Wally's, Wildflower, The Matador, Jazz Tastings, The Imperial, Lil Indies, and The Neighbors - to list a few! Now with the opening of Otto's, self-described in bright neon lights on the exterior as a Rum Bar, we see another addition to a growing neighborhood, the Milk District, giving locals another spot for a night out.

The Vibe

Otto’s feels lush, tropical, and warm. Shades of green, distressed backsplash tiles, warm earth tones, and wicker seating all add to the overall feel. Modern touches are certainly there, but they feel like they fit; they aren’t just there for Instagram’s sake, like the neon sign at the end of the bar. My favorite part of the layout is the counter seating that faces out to Robinson with large windows that make the space feel more open. I hope they keep the window open most days; letting a fresh breeze roll in adds to the ambiance.

You have a few options for seating. In the bar area, there are some two-tops, then counter seating overlooking Robinson, and then the bar itself. The dining room consists mainly of two and four-tops and one booth in the back. Music played in the background, but nothing overpowering, letting conversation flow easily.

the drinks

Like I said at the outset, this is a bar-centric experience. Yes, there is food, and yes, there are servers. Still, the experience here is centered around the elevated cocktail program, so my personal opinion (and preference for the future) will be cocktails and snacks. 

The most significant positive comes from the experience of locals who have an affinity for giving us the goods in a glass like Justin Levaughn, who is handling the drinks program. While I admit I only had one cocktail, it was so good I was tempted to linger and drink more, and the menu certainly has my attention to go back and explore the rest of the drink menu.

I got the Guava Pastelito - Isle of Fuji Rum, Guava, mascarpone, vanilla, and marzipan. As someone who grew up eating and overindulging in pastelitos, this drink was such a nostalgic trigger of opening up a box of fresh pastelitos from the bakeries in Miami we visited when seeing my Abuela y Abuelo and sneaking way more than I was permitted to have. This drink ($14) was such a bright spot, and I wanted to sit there and sip on one all night.

The drink menu is extensive, separated by shaken, stirred, blended, and frozen cocktails. It also includes daiquiris, beer and wine, and some booze-free options.

The Food

I had been getting very mixed reviews on the food from friends that had already visited Otto’s, so I stayed away from items they had negative feedback on and played it safe with a media noche ($16) and the mojo chicken ($22). Truthfully the food was ok. It didn’t take me back to Abuela’s cooking or spark any intense foodie pleasure; however, it was fine. The mojo chicken was juicy, the beans had good flavor, and the media noche was pretty spot on...it’s the prices I struggle with.

And that’s where I go back to this being a bar experience. If I wanted media noche, rice and beans, or any Cuban favorites, I wouldn’t come here mainly due to the cost. These items are half the price, if not more than that, at other places around greater Orlando, with more significant portions. But I get it. This is not a modest hole-in-the-wall, so you will not be paying hole-in-the-wall prices.

The one definite miss was the Cinnamon Bread Pudding ($15), which I got over the tres leches based on my server's recommendation. It was dry and dull, with the fermented guava paste being its only saving grace.

Prices are what they are, and I understand restaurants life and razor thin margins, so I don’t begrudge the cost, but with these prices, it is subject to more scrutiny. Especially when you can satisfy a craving for some of these dishes at places like Cafe Pinar, Cubans on the Run, Buchito, and others.

This is why I will say again - THIS IS A BAR EXPERIENCE. Go have a drink or two and enjoy the crafted cocktails. If you aren’t worried about prices, explore the food menu. I personally had a good time and will definitely go again for drinks and maybe a snack or two. I’m literally still thinking about the Guava Pastelito.

What to know before you go:

• Make a reservation - there is a reserve button on their Instagram page that takes you to Resy.

• They are open late and serve food until 11:30pm.

• There is a parking lot behind it, but it’s limited, so give yourself a little buffer if you have to find street parking and walk.

• They have a Happy Hour from Monday - Friday 5PM - 7PM.

• I went during the week, right when they opened at 4PM and it was not full by any means, so if you want to beat the crowds go early if you can.

• I read a review that said they didn’t have high chairs - so if you are bringing a kid know that ahead of time.

All food and drink was paid for personally.