5 Star update to include their incredible new food program! (Get the carrots and red cabbage salad and the pan con tomate STAT.) Quicksand is a natural wine bar that will change the way Orlandoans expect to feel at a bar. Pro-tip: ask the staff for suggestions and settle in! It's no secret that I've become a big fan of natural wine in the past few years, and that is 100% due to Golden Hour - a wine shop in Baldwin Park that I randomly discovered on their first day open. Heather, who brought us Golden Hour, opened Quicksand in late 2024 for those of us wondering why Orlando doesn't have a great wine bar like the ones we've seen in cities around the world for decades. ***Finding the bar: Quicksand is located directly next to Educe Salon (across from Black Bean Deli). It does not have a big sign, but it's the first door you'll see as you walk from the parking lot. ***Parking: Did I mention the large parking lot? There's plenty of parking available there, or on street behind the bar. ***Service style: As you walk in, head to the part of the bar closest to the entrance where you can get recs from their staff and don't have to try to bully your way through folks sitting at the bar to get their attention. ## Did I mention that everything here is intentional? From that simple detail that makes ordering another glass MUCH easier than flagging someone down in the middle of the bar, to the position of the speakers... *** The Food: Chef Leah Cordova has crafted a seasonal menu at Quicksand, currently consisting of sandwiches, small plates, and some heartier dishes. All of them have a focus on quality ingredients with many sourcing their components from local farms or special producers. My faves include: - Pan con tomate: The tomato here is actually a combination of fresh slices of small tomatoes as well as another preparation that adds a wonderful tang. It's truly a special version of this small dish. - Whichever salad they are featuring, but special mention to the carrot and red cabbage salad that has just the perfect amount of fennel! - The white bean dish. I didn't catch the name, but it's a winner! - Cacio e pepe: This is exactly the rich, creamy dish you are dreaming of. - Whichever ice cream they are featuring (Chef Leah also operated Sweet Thyme, her ice-cream project with inventive flavors. Faves include the black pepper and date as well as the carrot cake) ***Ambiance: As you walk in you'll feel enveloped in a warm glow of subtle sconces and feel immediately comfortable. It feels like Quicksand has always been here. It's unstuffy, unfussy, and so inviting it has me researching squatter's rights... The music will sound loud at first, but then you'll realize you don't have to raise your voice at all to talk to people. This is because the speakers have been built into the furniture low and towards the floor. INTENTIONALITY. Besides the volume, the playlist has been painstakingly curated by the team so that you'll enjoy the music, but not quite be able to place the artist. ***The WHY And now, my favorite part. The wall of farmers/winemakers. Someone on staff filled me in to the fact that these are portraits of the various human beings who farm, harvest, and create the wines you can get at the bar. These are actual people, not giant corporations. And that same staff member reminded me that these individual producers are farmers for 11 months and 2 weeks of the year, and wine makers for only 2 weeks. None of these people are household names. None of them are in it for the money. They are in it to produce beautiful wine the way it has been produced since the beginning of wine-making: with minimal intervention, meaning no insane additives that give me headaches; and no mass production. The thing I've come to love about "natural" wine is that it is intensely principled. Quicksand is what happens when *every single link* in the supply chain (Farmer/Producer; Importer; Distributor; and Wine Bar) prioritizes principles over profits. And you can feel it the moment you walk in. This is not a corporate chain, nor will you find multiple locations and franchises. Not only is the wine list filled with some of the most incredible bottles I've had the pleasure of trying (many of which you can't get anywhere else in Florida), but the staff truly believes in the power of creating this special "third space" for a community to gather around good, ethically-sourced wine. I can't wait until they start serving bites alongside the wine! (Someone told me the small menu will consist of cheeses, charcuterie, focaccia, chips, etc.) SALUD! read more

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I was only here for a glass of wine, but they had a cacio y pepe on the menu we had to try. It came out hot and fresh cooked and was super delicious. It was not too pepper forward (which I prefer). I was excited to try this out of the way wine bar, but was a little disappointed that their extensive list is more bottles and not by the glass. Just putting this out there for awareness since I will plan to come in for some food and be able to pair with a bottle of wine to explore the full experience. The staff was very knowledgeable about all of the different wines and helped to select the best glass for what I was in the mood for that evening. The bar was very clean and there is a lot more space then what you see when you first walk in. It was all very clean and modern looking inside. Looking forward to my next trip in. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Cacio y pepe - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I guess this is what they mean when they say "hidden gem" No big sign our front just a quaint little bar tucked on the backside of the building. Decorated nicely with amazing staff. They have a great patio outside too for those nice Florida nights. The wine list was extensive but the by the glass options were limited to about a dozen or so. I understand they have have 100 open bottles hanging around waiting for someone to order a glass. I assume (and hope) that the by the glass options change frequently. While speaking to staff I was informed of the full food menu that is available after 5 pm. I just had to see how they did with Cacio e pepe and wow I was surprised. This is a basic dish but it was executed perfectly. I certainly will be back again soon to order that again. I would take someone else who would enjoy but while they like Pasta they don't do wine. I did see they have some "mocktail" type drinks but maybe 1 or 2 soda or seltzer options might be nice to allow more people to enjoy. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Stopped in after a date night out, loved the quiet and intimate environment. We asked the bar tender for a recommendation and she suggested the riesling. Usually I wouldn't get a Riesling because they're sweet but this one was not. We really enjoyed the wine and the vibes! We'll be back! read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Patio - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Quicksand had a pretty amazing happy hour! I enjoy taking a friend here to catch up. The vibes are so cool and chill. You truly feel comfy and cozy. We asked for a recommendation and enjoyed a refreshing bottle of wine. They offer light snacks but nothing crazy. Sometimes you can catch a local food truck here. Overall great experience, can't wait to return again soon! read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The chef made a homemade pasta dish for us. It was delicious. The customer service was fantastic. They went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and enjoyed our time there. The ambience is quiet. Nice it's a small place but well worth the trip. A nice small quiet place, but you'll have a fantastic time. read more

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Such a cute and trendy place in Orlando to grab a glass of wine! My husband and I went on a Saturday afternoon after lunch and enjoyed a glass of wine in the outside area. The vibes are so great and relaxing. They had some music playing inside that we could hear outside that made a really nice atmosphere. They do have some small bites on their menu, but we didn't get anything since we had just had lunch. Next time we will have to try something! Happy hour was going on when we were there so that was a really nice touch. Cheers! read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Enjoying the weather with a glass of wine! - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

It's about time I finally wrote a Quicksand review!! Since it opened, this place has become my go-to spot for truly any and everything. Debriefing with a friend? Of course. Solo lunch to read a book and sip wine? 100%. And now that they have their dinner menu - pasta and yap? Absolutely. First and foremost, every bartender I have ever met here has been incredibly lovely and kind. They are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. If you're not sure what to order yet, they're happy to pour you samples and talk you through your options. They're also just excellent at their jobs: my water glass is never, ever empty. To get into their actual food, I should start by saying I have never had a bad drink, snack, or meal here. Ever. The wine is so carefully curated, the N/A options are equally intentional, and the FOOD! If you just want a little snack, the baguette and butter never lets me down. If you're hungrier, their new cacio e pepe is SO phenomenal, and the portion is generous without being overwhelming. My number one tip is to go for their lunch deal - a glass of wine, gorgeous chips, and a spectacular jambon beurre?? It's not to be missed!! Finally, the energy in this bar is just so welcoming. I'm often intimidated by wine bars. I feel like I don't know enough about wine and the environment is overwhelming. Here, it feels like I stepped into my classiest friend's living room, but we're talking in sweats on the couch. The music is always the perfect volume, the lighting is low and warm, and the vibe is just *chef's kiss.* I may have gone on too long. TL;DR: Quicksand is unlike anywhere else you've ever been. After your visit, you won't want to be anywhere else. read more

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A friend and I came here for happy hour on a Friday night. It was so cute and the vibes were impeccable from the lighting to the music- very warm and inviting while still being chic. The happy hour included $20 off bottles of wine and $2 off wine glasses. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable on their wide selection of different wines. They also have a small dinner menu, the options were all amazing. My friend got a sandwich while I got the crudo. We played cards at the bar and spent a few hours here chatting and drinking. The carrot cake ice cream was a lovely end to the night. We will definitely be back! read more

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I love coming back here! The staff is so patient in answering questions and always gives great recommendations. I don't consider myself very knowledgeable on natural wines so I enjoy coming here and learning something different every time. The decor and overall ambience is a mix of sophisticated & intimate. My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary during our last visit (earlier this week) and we even got some home-made gelato on the house to celebrate us, which was both delicious and so attentive! read more

Best lunch special that I've found so far in the city that comes with a vibe! It's tucked away in Colonialtown and it's easy to miss but you'll be sorry if you do! The lunch special comes with a sandwich with freshly baked bread, melted butter, exquisite deli meat and cheese with a side of kettle chips and a glass of wine. Girl dinner! The playlist was amazing from the moment we entered until we left and the customer service was phenomenal. They have curated one of the best, affordable experiences and I cannot wait to return for an event. Add this to your itinerary! read more

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My first time visiting and it's a small, intimate venue with seating indoors and in their patio. The staff was so pleasant and attentive. They answered questions, provided recommendations and let us try a few samples as well. We snacked on bread and butter and the prosciutto on kettle chips. They were a comfort snack so we enjoyed them but they are ok the pricier side. Parking is located outside the venue though it's a smaller lot. It's a nice place for a night cap after dinner or before going out to meet friends. read more

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Love coming back here, very knowledgeable staff with some great recommendations. Great vibes inside and outside, their new food menu is to die for, especially the cacio e pepe. Don't sleep on the weekend lunch deal. Also the bathrooms smell amazing. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Lunch Combo - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Okay, Heather has done it again! This cozy little wine bar is brought to you by the owner of Golden Hour Wine and it's quickly become one of my favorite local spots. If you've ever been to Golden Hour in Baldwin Park, then you already know that Heather's knowledge of natural wine and passion for highlighting small winemakers is unparalleled. I've learned so much about natural wine and fallen in love with it myself thanks to Heather's storytelling and the education of her incredible staff. I'm so happy that they now have a neighborhood wine bar to keep the good vibes flowing and the community growing. Quicksand is located off of E. Colonial in the same building as Educe Salon (side entrance) with plenty of free onsite parking. They have wine available by both the bottle and the glass, along with some light bar snacks like chips & dip, olives, focaccia, canned mussels, a selections of cheeses, and more. They have plenty of bar seating and cozy nooks inside, and they also added a patio out back with additional seating. Be sure to also check out their happy hour specials usually posted on their IG stories. I went for happy hour on my birthday and they had discounted $36 bottles. If you don't know what to order, no need to worry. Their team is so wonderful and they're happy to make suggestions based on the flavor profiles you typically like. I love a juicy, fizzy red (not sweet) or something bubbly and they always pick the perfect wine for me. read more

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I absolutely loved everything about this intimate, cozy wine bar. The music was phenomenal. I found myself Shazamming a bunch of the jazz songs. The wine was sooooo good! & the bartenders were very sweet and amicable. I wished that I had more time to spend there because I really wanted to order the bread with butter. That definitely means that I have to come back. The aesthetic appeal alone will definitely draw me back. I like that it wasn't overly crowded when I went even though it was a 6:30 pm on a Saturday. I also LOVED that unlike many places in the area, it was actually quite easy to park! read more

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I decided to check this place out after recommendations from friends and was satisfied. It has a nice, lowkey vibe where you can drink wine and catch up with friends. It is ideal for happy hour or starting a night out. The location is small and the food menu is limited so manage your expectations when you visit! read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This place encapsulates all of the things I love in a bar. The friendly staff greet you as you enter, offering up wine suggestions and letting you try a small pour before committing to a glass or bottle. Both reds I had were delicious. The seating inside is fairly limited, in a good way - the bar is small, cozy, and intimate. Dimly lit by candles, new wave playing at just the right volume, a buzz of conversation. The food options sounded great as well, but we were only there for a night cap. Looking forward to coming back and trying some small plates. We visited on a Saturday night and were pleasantly surprised that we were easily able to find a spot at the bar - seems that the secret isn't out just yet. I don't expect that to last long, as this bar checks all of the boxes. read more

Excellent neighborhood bar with friendly owners, a great vibe, and a wide variety of wine. All of the wine we had was delicious, and the red vermouth was a favorite of mine. We're looking forward to trying the weekend lunch special! read more

We LOVE!!!!! Everyone is so knowledgeable and super helpful and friendly. I love how they have a variety of wines you probably never heard or seen. We went with another couple and just sat outside and it was a perfect night. Highly recommend with friends or even solo cause the workers will spark of convo with you so you are never alone. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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My friend and unofficial Orlando tour guide, Andi, introduced me to Golden Hour wine on one of my last trips and I was obsessed. So when she told me they opened another spot, I was so looking forward to trying it on my next visit. Enter my first day in Orlando where I arrived to be taken to this beautiful wine bar that is Quicksand. It's a cozy wine bar that feels like you walked into the home of the coolest wine owner's you know to have an amazing evening filled with wine and snacks. We started with a bottle of bubbles and ordered most of the things on the menu. The beans are truly wonderful, but so is the bread with butter, the mussels, and the cheese. They also offer discounted bottles of wine on happy hour, a large variety of wines by the bottle and also the glass. The team is so friendly and knowledgeable, so make sure to ask for their recommendations. This is definitely a place you can find yourself spending a long time at with friends, great wine, and good vibes. read more

This place was definitely a nice intimate hole-in-the-wall wine bar. The concept gives off a casual cozy atmosphere. It feels like it takes you to a different place, outside of Florida. Definitely a unique experience. There are also great selections of wine for enthusiasts across the board. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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After having dinner earlier in the evening for a birthday, a group of us went to Quicksand for some wine and relaxation! This was my first time at Quicksand and I have to say it is such a cute place! It is small, but so enjoyable! If you don't want to sit at the bar or the wall behind it, they have patio seating out back. The staff is super knowledgeable about their wines and made some great recommendations for members of our group that don't usually drink wine. By the end of the night there was something that everyone enjoyed! The place we ate at didn't have dessert so my husband ordered the something sweet here which was 3 different types of cookies (pistachio, cinnamon, chocolate). He devoured them all and ended up really loving the pistachio one the most! They tasted freshly made which went great with his sherry wine! I'd love to come back here for a happy hour after work or a relax with a glass and a book on the weekend. read more

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Unique little spot. Drove right past it so be careful lol. Quaint and a great selection of local wines. Little bites to keep you from getting too hungry. Perfect pregame spot or a chill night . read more

The best wine selection in the city! Place has a great atmosphere and vibes. Would definitely recommend. Excellent quality.

Something sweet and wine not bad at all...the place is next to Educe salon. Parking might be tricky .... ........ read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Snacks and wine not bad ......... - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This has become a favorite wine bar for me. The selection of wines is vast and everyone is so polite and knowledgeable! They also have small snack bites that pair well with your wine of choice. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Baguette & Butter - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

This is the wine bar I've always wanted to go to. You go to places like Septime in Paris and come home and go "why can't we have that?" Well now we have that. But with more seats. It's a gift to Orlando. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Very Delish. 9/10. There's so much to love about Quicksand. The vibes are amazing, moody, and warm. The staff is so knowledgeable and always gives us the best suggestions. The only thing keeping it from 10/10 is there is a limited menu and they usually run out! read more

Amazing little place!! I have been to Heather's first location, Golden Hour, several times and love it, and this one was just as lovely! The staff were very kind and the wine was excellent!! The selection of natural wines is always so great. The ambiance was great as well - retro music, dim lighting, caricatures on the walls. Very cute. Ended up chatting with the people next to us. The place has a way of creating conversation due to its small size and intimate setting. I will definitely be going back! read more

Perfect wine bar, perfect ambiance, perfect staff, perfect everything 10/10 favorite spot in Orlando

Delicious biodynamic exciting wines, laid back ambiance love it! Everyone was so kind, love the service fast and knowledgeable. Always will be back! read more

Orlando is very fortunate to have Quicksand. Not only is the wine amazing, but the staff is exceptional. If you're looking for a place to catch up with friends or a romantic date night this is exactly what you're looking for. read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Outstanding wine selection! The staff also are amazing. Is a must! The ambiance is chill and pleasant! read more

Quicksand Bar à Vin - Godello - Wine Bars Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Great wine, fun & unique atmosphere, even better owners! Thanks Heather for bringing yet another great wine spot to Orlando!