From cocktails to cigars and steaks, here are five can't-miss nightlife spots for golfers in Orlando

By Erik Peterson, Contributor

During your Orlando golf vacation, hitting the links is one thing but what to do at night can be just as important - and often overlooked.

Rumor has it Tiger Woods used to frequent the VIP room at Blue Martini, the hippest, coolest, swankiest mall bar in Florida.

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If you're traveling to Orlando with family, then Disney and Universal have enough to keep you busy every night, but if you're on a golf trip, then Chef Mickey's Buffet just isn't gonna cut it. Here are five can't miss nightlife spots for golfers in Orlando ...

Blue Martini

Are you one of the 3 million golfers who has visited Orlando and wondered where Tiger Woods hangs out? Up until Thanksgiving 2009 when he went into hiding, that answer was Blue Martini, the hippest, coolest, swankiest mall bar in Florida.

Rumor has it golf's biggest star frequented the VIP room at this high-end martini bar at Millennia Mall. While a Tiger sighting isn't likely, Blue Martini is still an entertaining bar. It's Orlando's best showcase of people who dress and act like they're at least 10 years younger than they actually are. 4200 Conroy Rd., Tel.: (407) 447-2583, www.bluemartinilounge.com.

Icebar Orlando

In Orlando, manufactured experiences aren't just at Disney and Universal, they're at bars too. Golfers looking for relief from the heat can cool off at Icebar Orlando, a 27-degrees-Fahrenheit watering hole where the glasses, bar and even the couches are 100-percent ice. The signature shot is Penguin Pizz and is taken out of an ice luge. Coat and glove rental is included in the $20 cover charge ($15 if you pre-pay online). 8967 International Dr., Tel.: (407) 426-7555, www.icebarorlando.com.

Corona Cigar Company

While the clientele is mostly male, if your foursome is full of cigar aficionados, then Corona Cigar Companyis the best bet in Orlando. Once you get past the fact that it's in a strip mall –sadly, more than a few Orlando bars are – you'll be impressed with Corona's wide selection of cigars, including extremely rare vintage, pre-embargo, pre-Castro Cubans. Order a glass of wine and relax the bogeys away. 7792 West Sand Lake Rd., Tel.: (888) 702-4427, www.coronacigar.com.

Season's 52

Because you've probably had more success crushing hot dogs than tee shots, perhaps your golf vacation is in need of a health intervention. Okay, well if that sounds boring keep in mind that Season's 52 is not only the healthiest restaurant in Orlando, but also one of the tastiest and liveliest.

The seasonally inspired menu is chock full of salads and fresh fish, and every item on the menu contains fewer than 500 calories. The dining area may be a bit formal for your golf foursome, but the large full-service bar is apropos for the social butterflies. 7700 Sand Lake Rd., Tel.: (407) 354-5212, www.seasons52.com.

Ocean Prime

If you're in the mood to see or be seen, then throw on a Tommy Bahama shirt and make a beeline for Ocean Prime. Here you'll find a hearty mix of nearby Bay Hill residents and out-of-towners, both of which have money to spend and cocktails to enjoy. The menu is surf and turf. The signature cocktail is the Cucumber Gimlet. It's the closest thing Orlando has to New York. 7339 West Sand Lake Rd., Tel.: (407) 781-4880, www.ocean-prime.com.

January 25, 2010