Mathers Social Gathering — Restaurant in Orlando

Racism is not just present at this establishment; it seems to be part of the core of how they operate. If you are a person of color—especially with dark skin—you can expect to be treated as less than. I experienced it firsthand when I visited this bar in Orlando on Friday, February 7. I went there to meet up with friends and was immediately stopped by the attendant. He told me I couldn’t come in because I was wearing a tee shirt. I didn’t argue since I don’t enjoy confrontation, and the rules are the rules and if that’s the policy, that’s perfectly fine with me. But what happened next was shocking and impossible to ignore.

Not even five minutes later, I saw a group of white men walk out of the bar. They were wearing tee shirts, sneakers, and shorts—the same kind of attire I had on. Yet they had no trouble gaining entry. I looked back at the attendant to see if he would explain or at least acknowledge the double standard, but he deliberately avoided eye contact, as if he knew he had been caught. That moment made one thing crystal clear: my money wasn’t welcome there because of the color of my skin.

Incidents like this are not isolated events. They are part of a larger problem in society where people of color face barriers to basic inclusion and dignity. These establishments reinforce harmful and racist stereotypes by signaling that people of color don’t belong in certain spaces. This not only creates humiliating and dehumanizing experiences for those affected but also perpetuates a culture where discrimination is normalized.

These kinds of practices have real consequences. They create environments where people of color feel unsafe or unwelcome in social settings, limiting access to spaces that should be open to everyone. Over time, this reinforces economic exclusion by driving away potential patrons, many of whom contribute to the growth and diversity of local businesses. It also emboldens other establishments to follow suit, believing they can enforce discriminatory policies without consequence.

By allowing this behavior to continue unchecked, we send a message that some people are inherently “less worthy” of respect and fair treatment. This leads to divisions within communities, mistrust, and resentment. It also deprives society of the benefits that come from diverse and inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

I urge anyone who values fairness, equality, and dignity to avoid this establishment. Racism has no place in our communities, and neither should businesses that promote or tolerate it. There are plenty of other places where people of color are treated with respect—choose those instead. Let’s stop rewarding businesses that build their success on exclusion and discrimination.

I will ensure sure every business contact I have in Florida, every media contact in my professional network in the area and other groups are aware of how people of color are treated here. Again, people of color should avoid this place.

I was hoping this was just a fluke.

But, it made me sick to read this place apparently has a history of this type of behavior, according to other 1-star reviews.

Weird business practice.

It’s 2025, not...

My friends and I have regularly gone to Mathers for special nights out over the last two years. We went last night and brought some first-timers with us, and found our experience disappointing relative to the usual we expect from Mathers.

The first poor point was the service. Our server, while kind, seemed very inexperienced. He was confused by our desire to have separate tabs in our party, and came around to our table very rarely- drink orders often took over 30 minutes to arrive, and some did not arrive at all (those were eventually comped). At some point during our four hour stay, another employee started taking our orders and delivering them in a much more timely fashion. There was also confusion regarding our cards, and multiple times there was concern that the first server had lost them.

The second poor point was the drinks. When we go to Mathers, quality, strong drinks are the expectation we're used to. Our first round of drinks did not taste like we're used to them tasting, and seemed to be significantly under-poured. Throughout the night, some drinks tasted like we're used to, and some were definitely weaker than others- we often had multiple party members order the same thing and, when tasted side by side, the cocktails would be radically different in both flavor and strength. There's clearly some difference in instruction between the bartenders who were working when we went.

The third poor point, while it may seem trivial, is that we were informed by another server that they are phasing out the small plastic ducks that one receives when ordering the Bathtub Gin cocktail. The ducks are a delightful touch of detail that adds to the theming and atmosphere of the environment, and we proudly collect our ducks and tell newcomers about them. This detail may seem small, but to me it is indicative of a larger, unfortunate decline in quality of this establishment.

Finally, the show lighting during the burlesque show incorporated new spinning and moving lights that were distracting and sometimes blinding during the performances. I think the new lighting scheme detracts from the performances significantly.

Overall, I'm trying to give some grace to Mathers- it was their first night with a new food menu (which featured more options at decent price points, though I do miss the cookies and milk), and I imagine they're still trying to find their footing under new ownership. There were still highlights to our night- some of the drinks were very good, the decoration is spectacular, and the burlesque is some of the best in town. That being said, if I'm going to spend $50-100 on a night out, I expect consistency and quality, which Mathers used to deliver but failed to...

Mathers Social Gathering is a truly enchanting cocktail lounge that offers a unique blend of ambiance, exquisite drinks, and delectable small bites. Nestled in the heart of Orlando, this antique-filled, parlor-style venue transports you to a bygone era, making it a perfect escape for anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated night out.

As you enter Mathers, you’re immediately captivated by the stunning decor. The space is filled with vintage furnishings, rich fabrics, and charming antiques that create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. It feels like stepping into an elegant private home, complete with a warm and intimate vibe that encourages conversation and relaxation.

Mathers specializes in boutique spirits and craft cocktails, and the drink menu reflects their commitment to quality and creativity. The mixologists are true artists, skillfully crafting each cocktail with precision and flair. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic favorite or something more adventurous, you’ll find a diverse selection that showcases unique flavors and presentation. The attention to detail in each drink is impressive, making every sip a delightful experience.

In addition to the fantastic cocktails, Mathers also offers a menu of small bites that perfectly complement the drinks. The food is thoughtfully curated, featuring a range of tasty options that are ideal for sharing. Each dish is made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience.

The service at Mathers Social Gathering is top-notch. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about providing guests with an unforgettable experience. They are more than happy to recommend cocktails based on your preferences or suggest pairings with your food selections.

In summary, Mathers Social Gathering is a must-visit destination in Orlando for anyone who appreciates a refined cocktail experience in a charming setting. With its antique-filled decor, expertly crafted drinks, and delicious small bites, it’s an ideal spot for a special night out, a celebration, or simply a relaxing evening with friends. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this...