Otto's High Dive
Otto's High Dive is a Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Cuban restaurant and rum bar located in the Milk District of Orlando, Florida.[1] The menu features a blend of Floridian and Cuban cuisine with tropical influences.
| Otto's High Dive | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | December 6, 2022 |
| Owner(s) | Justin Levaughn, Giovanni and Elise Fernandez, Sean Pagan, and Chris Munro |
| Head chef | Handsome Jake |
| Food type | Cuban |
| Dress code | Relaxed |
| Rating | Bib Gourmand (Michelin Guide) |
| Street address | 2304 E Robinson St |
| City | Orlando |
| State | Florida |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 32803 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 28.5460°N 81.3526°W |
| Reservations | Some walk-in space available; reservations are recommended |
| Website | ottoshd |
History
The restaurant was founded in 2022 by Giovanni Fernandez, Justin Levaughn, and Jake Ettison. The bar is heavily influenced by Fernandez's grandfather, who owned a neighborhood bar in Manzanillo, Cuba during the height of Cuba's cocktail renaissance in the 1950s.[2] The bar is named after Otto Fernandez, Giovanni's grandfather. Otto was a well-respected Manzanillo figure known for his generosity and hospitality.[1]
In May 2023, the restaurant was awarded the Bib Gourmand designation, an acknowledgment given to restaurants that offer quality meals at a reasonable value.[3]
Operations
The bar's menu features traditional Cuban dishes and local Florida seafood. The cocktails are made with ingredients and are inspired by the classic cocktails of Cuba.[4]
Otto's High Dive is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It has been praised for its food, drinks, and atmosphere. The bar has also received several awards, including a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide.[5]
The name "High Dive" refers to the bar's elevated location on the second floor of a building in Orlando's Milk District and a higher-end dive bar.[2][6]
Menu
Otto's offers a selection of dishes, starting with appetizers like oysters, baked and raw. The menu includes cold and hot plates such as an Argentinian Red Shrimp Cocktail with a rich "Bloody Mary" sauce, chicken mojo, and Short Rib ropa vieja served with sides like rice and beans. In addition, guests can enjoy cinnamon bread pudding with a cream cheese whip for dessert.[2]
Drinks
Rum is the focal point of the drink menu at Otto's High Dive.[2] Patrons can choose from various rum-based beverages, including a Cuba Libre on tap with a house-made Kola and daiquiris available by the pitcher. The bar also partnered with the Filipino restaurant Kaya to serve homemade mezcal in cocktails and special tastings.[7] The bar also has a large selection of rum, including rare and hard-to-find bottles.
Atmosphere
The interior of Otto's High Dive features whitewashed brick walls and white tile floors that evoke the charm of Old Florida.[4]
See also
References
- Staff Writer (2023-05-16). "This Neighborhood Rum Bar Serves Delicious Food and Drink with a Community Vibe". Michelin Guide. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- Drew Thompson, Amy (2023-06-01). "Otto's High Dive splashes into the Milk District with crafty sips and Cuban spirit / Review". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- Haase, Reanna (2023-05-20). "Michelin Guide adds newly opened local restaurants". The Community Paper. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
- Warren, Yasmene (2023-02-07). "OTTO'S HIGH DIVE". The Orlando Real. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
- Bryce Young, Jessica (2023-05-04). "Four more Orlando restaurants get Michelin nods". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- O’Connor, Brendan (2023-06-06). "Food & Drink: Michelin Guide Comes To Town". Orlando Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
- O'Conner, Brendan (2023-06-08). "Kaya and Otto's High Dive have had a Mezcal baby". Bungalower. Retrieved 2023-06-15.