Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour And Brewery

In 2005 Brent Hernandez was thirsty for craft beer. While a few bars and restaurants carried a small selection of craft products, none met the diversity Brent desired. The next logical step was to open a bar of his own, one that would not only offer an eclectic selection, but excel in introducing these heretofore obscure but delectable beverages to a community that did not yet realize it was on the cusp of the biggest beer revival since before prohibition.

With partners Dan Owens and Josie Fluri, Brent opened his bar on the second floor of one of the oldest buildings in Winter Park in a room that was often said to resemble the bottom deck of a pirate ship. They called it Redlight Redlight as a nod to the building's sordid past as a hotel of ill-repute, and a new legend was born.

While craft beer was still seen as a novelty product by many consumers, Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour was able to grow in popularity through alluring shows with touring and local bands such as The Cook Trio, art events, and of course its singular atmosphere. Nevertheless, it was Orlando's small, but enthusiastic craft beer community that proved to be Redlight Redlight's most loyal and long standing regulars. From the very beginning Redlight Redlight made a commitment to never carrying a macro beer, and to this very day we are proud to say we never have.

In the years that followed, Redlight Redlight, its personnel, and customers had a lot of fun and saw many changes. While Brent was sorry to see Dan and Josie leave Orlando for Austin where they hoped to pursue their own musical career, their absence opened the door for your humble author/bartender/beer guzzler who has been honored to be with Redlight Redlight throughout the vast majority of its existence. Meanwhile, Brent, though he had made many memories in the cozy Winter Park location, was facing a frightening but potentially exciting realization. Redlight Redlight's popularity was simply becoming too much for the small space; a change and expansion would soon be necessary.