When Bandbox opened in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village in 2022, the zero-proof speakeasy was a bold venture. Sure, cocktail lounges might have one or two no-alcohol drinks on the menu, but would an entire speakeasy dedicated to no-alcohol drinks be well received. Though owner Kevin Zepf believed in his concept, even he was pleasantly surprised at the positive reception Bandbox received.
Sadly, circumstances beyond the bar’s control — including massive construction and parking issues — made it difficult to operate, and Bandbox closed in 2024. Zepf tells What Now Orlando, there was a rainbow in the clouds after all. “We had already been working on plans for an expansion to Bandbox that gives it life as a coffee shop by day, speakeasy by night.
Now, those plans are coming to fruition with Bandbox Cafe and Taproom, opening in New Smyrna Beach this spring at 216 Flagler Avenue.
At close to 3,000 square foot and just a few blocks from the beach, Zepf is trading the speakeasy aesthetic for a beachy vibe at Bandbox Cafe and Taproom. This coffee bar and self-pour taproom will offer beer, wine, non-alcoholic draft cocktails, and more in a lovely coastal midcentury setting with French doors that open into the fresh air. Guests can enjoy live music, along with a robust schedule of activities including open mic nights, trivia, paint and sip events, cocktail-making classes, and more.
Patrons will be able to take advantage of next door neighbor, DaKine Hawaiian Kitchen’s traditional Hawaiian cuisine plates, poke bowls, sliders, nachos, and more with direct-to-table service. In addition, Bandbox will offer charcuteris boxes and snacks in partnership with Winter Park’s Simply Cheese.
Zepf said that the decision to offer low-ABV beverages like beer, wine, and agave-based spirit cocktails is to cater to a wide range of people. “We’re adapting with the demands. There are a lot of people who are sober curious, but it’s nice to have options. We wanted this new concept to have a bit of something for everybody.”
Zepf added that since New Smyrna Beach is a tourist town, he wanted to be able to welcome everyone. And with a variety of options from coffee to low ABV cocktails to ready-to-drinks, there’s something for everyone.
If you’ve been missing the original Bandbox’s speakeasy swagger, don’t fret. Zepf plans on opening a Bandbox speakeasy lounge back in Orlando and then another in Tampa in the coming months.
