Permanent Vacation — Restaurant in Maitland

this was quite possibly the worst experience we’ve had at a bar in a long time. my partner and i have been here once before and had an amazing experience all around. great drinks and food and our bartender was attentive, entertaining and knowledgeable. because of this, we decided to take our friends here for halloween weekend. as it is reservation only, our party of 4 made the last reservation left available online for saturday at 12:00. when we arrived, the host advised that last call was in 30 minutes and that bites were still available but not the entire food menu, which was totally fine. when we were seated, we were ignored by the bartender, davin, for 10 minutes. by the time he acknowledged us, we put in drinks and asked if we could put in an appetizer. he said no because the kitchen was closing, which was not what the host told us, but we said it was fine. after a few minutes, we overheard davin telling the people next to us that it was last call and asking for their orders. he ignored us and did not ask if we wanted to put in another drink and continued having conversations with the other parties. he took multiple shots with the other parties and continued to ignore us, even though we were patiently waiting to get his attention so we could order. finally, we were 7 minutes past last call and were able to get his attention and asked if we could put in one last drink. he rolled his eyes and said “oh no i don’t think so”. understandably frustrated, my friend advised that we had been waiting for 15 minutes to get his attention. he seemed extremely annoyed, scoffed and asked what we wanted. we told him we would take the check. if bartenders here aren’t willing to be attentive and serve guests past 12, why allow reservations at that time? if you are having a bad night, get someone else behind the bar to help service the people in your section instead of ignoring them. it is safe to say that while we previously had a great experience with another bartender, the one we had on saturday night put a horrible taste in our mouths and we will not be returning for awhile. if you go here and davin is your bartender, make sure you ask for...

If you’ve been searching for a wonderfully themed tiki experience, with creative spins on traditional cocktails, fantastic drinks, and immersive, entertaining effects, Permanent Vacation is your new getaway spot! 🍹

My fiancé is a huge tiki enthusiast. It’s not everyday we find a place with a knowledgeable staff of bartenders, who fully understand the craft, and give genuine care to every drink they create. The service is phenomenal and friendly. During our visits, we have had cocktails that can satisfy any taste—we’ve enjoyed theatric shareable bowls, citrusy delights that front pineapple and coconut flavors, and less common libations, such as a cocktails that are spicy, yet incorporate refreshing ingredients.

Upon first entry, you go through Copper Rocket, to a speakeasy door, which leads to cool, cave-like decor. The staff explains their detailed menu in full, if you haven’t been before, then welcomes you inside. Reservations are super easy to book in advance. Book through their website, and you will also receive a prompt text confirmation.

Menus are presented as traveler maps, with dotted lines spanning from calmatives, to sedatives, to tranquilizers, with alcohol content in mind. For those seeking calmatives, the “Squeelin’ Pig Swizzle” is a must try. For sedatives, the “Fallen Coconut” is a vacay in itself. For tranquilizers, we’d highly recommend the “Powder Keg”, that has unique, grapefruit flavor. Of course, for groups, there’s also a selection of “Share the Booty” drinks. We’d recommend the tropical “Face/Off”, served in a signature skull mug!

The decor and effects are also sure a reason to check this place out. There’s fog, sounds, and a vibe like no other, with comfortable seating, artistry, and great ambiance.

My fiancé and I definitely look forward to going back, and I would highly recommend this place for friends and family, searching for fun in Florida, and an overall...

Stepping into Permanent Vacation Speakeasy, located stealthily inside The Copper Rocket, immediately gives an ambiance of secrecy and allure. The size limitation is immediately evident — it's cozy, intimate, and reservations are non-negotiable. While this can contribute to an exclusive feel, the limited seating does raise concerns about the venue's adaptability to handle multiple guests.

Our previous experience at The Copper Rocket made us wary about ordering food, given they share the same kitchen. While the server at the speakeasy was personable and adept at describing their drink offerings, it was the taste that ultimately fell flat. Of the three drinks we tried, only one lived up to its visual appeal and presentation theatrics. The synchronization of sounds with certain drinks being served is a unique touch, and the overall theming, with lights and effects, certainly adds to the experience.

A friend's response about "horrible drinks" seemed spot-on after our tasting. While it's a novel concept and has the potential to be a memorable spot, the taste needs to match the spectacle for repeat patronage. All said and done, Permanent Vacation is worth a visit for the experience, but it's a one-time affair for us. The place thrives on its aesthetic but needs to refine its core offerings to ensure customers come back for more than just...