Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at JoJo’s ShakeBar!

There are a whole lot of exciting restaurants and genuine dining experiences in Orlando that we think you should know about, and there’s a new one in town that has really caught our attention.

JoJo’s ShakeBAR is newly-arrived from its Chicago home, and it delivers a real electric jolt to the International Drive scene. Located in the Pointe Orlando entertainment complex just north of the huge Convention Center, this is definitely going to turn heads and please palates!

Just to start with, it is hugely eye-catching at the front of the Pointe, with its candy-stripe colouring and extensive outdoor patio.

But it’s only when you go through the doors that the full effect of JoJo’s – “the next-generation restaurant and bar” – takes over.

What is a ShakeBAR?

This unique designation is the creation of Chicago owner Robbie Schloss, who insists, “I wanted to open something that people will talk about for 100 years.”

This is the sixth version of his creative culinary vision for something a bit different and, while two of them are dessert-only venues, his latest is an all-out assault on the senses.

In short, JoJo’s is a bar, a restaurant, a dessert option, the home of great milkshakes, somewhere to try imaginative cocktails and an entertainment venue, all rolled into one.

In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it as a disco at night, such is the irresistible nature of the engaging atmosphere.

Its high-energy style appeals to families and couples alike, as well as the kind of place for a night on the town. They also set great store by their alcoholic drinks, including signature cocktails that include boozy milkshakes for those with a sweet tooth. Yes, they accentuate the BAR in their name for good reason.

What Does JoJo’s ShakeBar Look Like?

JoJo’s is definitely a feast for the eyes, with its bright colours, vivid signage, iconic murals and classic diner style. We’d call it ‘Sweet-shop chic’ if we were into labels, but suffice it to say this is a FUN venue in every sense.

It simply grabs you by the eyeballs and doesn’t let go. The walls are covered in creative imagery of all kinds, while the central bar area has stools for those who just want to hang out in this neon temple to luscious libations, and there are arcade game tables to amuse kids and adults alike.

Even the restrooms have been decorated in the kind of celebrity style that instantly lets you know this is not your average diner, even though its roots are firmly in period diner territory.

It also sounds great, with a non-stop soundtrack from the best of the 1980s and 90s that will have you dancing in your seat. In fact, it looks like there is a party at every table, such is the infectious JoJo’s vibe!

So, How’s the Food at JoJo’s ShakeBar?

This is where JoJo’s really ups the ante. In many ways, it is just classic diner fare given a fancy twist with the elements like the milkshakes and burgers, but those fancy ‘extras’ really add to the quality of enjoyment of the dishes.

There are standard appetisers, salads and floats, as well as “Supper” dishes like Pot Pie, Lasagna and Fish ’n’ Chips, but everything comes up super-fresh and inviting from a kitchen that really knows its stuff.

The clever twists on regular items include a signature hot-dog dish – the Triple Dog Dare You – that features three mini Chicago-style dogs smothered in onions, tomato, relish, pickles and mustard and the house Windy City Smash Burger, that genuinely smashes together two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, pickle and their own sauce on a brioche bun for an absolute lip-smacking delight.

The Honey Fried Chicken sandwich puts the likes of KFC to shame with its thick, tasty wedge of chicken and spicy honey, while the Nada Burger is a surprisingly yummy vegetarian choice.

Portions are all suitably super-sized, and no-one is likely to leave here hungry. In fact, the restaurant even warns you right up front, “This is no place for a diet.”

Now Tell us About the JoJo’s ShakeBar Drinks!

If JoJo’s impresses with its food offerings, just wait until you try the drinks, both alcoholic and alcohol-free.

Robbie sets a lot of store by the bar side of his ShakeBar, and it is clear they have gone to a lot of trouble to impress in an area that is already notable for its grown-up aspects.

The cocktails are backed up by an array of beer and wines that add to the party spirit, but it is the former that is again the most eye-catching and delicious choice.

There are 13 house cocktails, including a Smokin’ Hot Blonde (with mezcal, passionfruit and smoked cinnamon), a Pretty In Pink (mixing Botanist gin, St Germain liqueur and pink rosé) and a Cotton Candy Martini that is suitably sweet with its candy floss topping.

In addition, there is another selection of ‘Throwbacks’ that are as much dessert as a drink, like the Birthday Cake and PB&Jameson, plus their signature Margarita Tree that features a tower of four specially-presented Patron-infused over-sized margaritas that are made for sharing, for the princely sum of $75.

And Then There Are..

The Milkshakes! We can easily see these being the thing that many people will come in for on their own, as they are an absolute eye-popping – and tastebud tantalising – extravaganza of all things sweet.

In fact, ‘milkshake’ barely begins to describe them - as they are colossal dessert creations in their own right, a flood of soft-serve ice cream topped with a welter of sweet treats, from whole chocolate chip cookies and chocolate-coated marshmallow to candy bars and sugar cones.

You can also get them ‘spiked’ with various alcoholic extras such as spiced rum, whisky, Bacardi and Kahlua for an extra boost of that JoJo’s taste and style.

There is even a vegan Nada-Shake, plus an array of hot chocolate delights than have all been suitably enhanced with things like brownies, marshmallows and pretzels.

It is an absolutely dazzling spread of sweet deliciousness that has to be seen to be believed, and it all goes to makes sure that any visit to JoJo’s is truly an epic experience. Miss it at your peril!

Look up more at jojosshakebar.com/orlando.

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