As a local eagerly following Epic Universe’s construction, I’ve circled Bar Helios on my calendar since it was first announced. I mean, come on – a rooftop bar in Orlando that overlooks the entire brand-new theme park? Not just a sliver of it. From up here, the entire Epic Universe is stretched out before you like a glowing fantasyland while you’re perched high above the crowds, sipping craft cocktails and snacking on Greek-inspired small plates.
It’s every bit as magical as I hoped.
Bar Helios delivers something fresh and unforgettable for a romantic date night or to cap off a day at the parks. Better still, no theme park ticket is required to visit Bar Helios!
Bar Helios Review
A Rooftop Bar With a View of the Entire Epic Universe
Bar Helios is located on the top floor of the stunning new Helios Grand Hotel at Universal’s Epic Universe, operated by Loews Hotels. The space is sleek and sophisticated, yet welcoming—this isn’t just a hotel bar, it’s a destination.
The standout feature, of course, is the outdoor terrace with unbeatable panoramic views of the entire Epic Universe theme park. And yes, that includes views of the short, but lovely fountain shows, which start at 5 p.m. and continue hourly (6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.), with more frequent bursts during the final 20 minutes before park close. There’s no music piped into the bar, but you’ll still hear the soundtrack from the terrace loud and clear.
We also discovered a second outdoor terrace on the opposite side of the bar. It’s smaller and doesn’t have park views, but it’s a lot less windy and gets direct sun, making it a warmer and more relaxing spot—perfect for golden hour if you’re just there for the vibe. It also overlooks the Lotus Lagoon Pool and the skyline of International Drive and Universal Orlando are seen in the distance.
How to Get to Bar Helios
- Self-park at Helios Grand Hotel.
- Enter the hotel lobby and go right to find the elevators.
- Press the button marked Bar Helios / Helios Grand Hall to ride up to the rooftop.
- Check in at the host stand and choose your spot:
- Indoor lounge seating
- Dining tables around the glowing 360-degree bar
- Central bar seating
- Outdoor terrace with views
Seating flows around the main bar, making the space feel open and energetic. We originally wanted to sit inside, but when we noticed the view we were missing out on, we asked to seat outside instead. What a difference!
Warning: it is super windy out there, and I wore a dress. And in doing so I needed to hold it down repeatedly.
What to Eat and Drink
This is a spot designed for grazing. The Farmer’s Cheese won the round of savory eats: a whipped blend topped with citrus, honeycomb, and pistachio, served with grilled focaccia. We ordered a second round of focaccia, which is practically necessary, and it cost $3.
The Confit Pork Belly was savory and flavorful, but a little dry and tough (I could've easily licked the plate clean of the Corn Puree) and the Spring Pea & Chorizo Croquette was solid, though not our top pick.
For drinks, my husband ordered the This is Sparta, which combines rum, rye, and Aperol with a citrusy-spiced kick—he loved it, and so did I after a sip. I went for The Iliad & The Odyssey, and asked for it without rum. It’s one of the few cocktails that can easily be made non-alcoholic, and it worked so well that I ordered a second one. Think cucumber, mint, lime—refreshing, but not your typical mojito or mocktail.
Note that there’s no dedicated non-alcoholic drink menu, but staff are happy to modify a few of the cocktails on request. The Iliad & The Odyssey seems to be the go-to choice for a zero-proof option.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist Under Smoke—a chocolate mousse with “soil” and smoked caramel that arrives under a glass dome. It’s dramatic and delicious, perfect for sharing after a few rounds.
Bar Helios Quick Guide
- Where: Rooftop of Helios Grand Hotel at Universal's Epic Universe
- What to Expect: Craft cocktails, Greek-inspired small plates, panoramic theme park views
- When to Go: Evenings around sunset and fountain showtimes (5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8 p.m.)
- Parking: Self-parking validated with $50 minimum spend, ask at checkout
- Best For: Date nights, special occasions, or your new favorite rooftop view
Bar Helios is more than just a rooftop bar, it’s a front-row seat to a new universe. Whether you’re a theme park fan, cocktail lover, or just someone who appreciates a great view and even better ambiance, this spot is worth the trip. And if you’re local? You’ll want to bookmark this for your next Orlando date night.
Bar Helios at Helios Grand Hotel
8505 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida, 32819|
Hours of Operation:
Food Service: 4pm-11pm
Bar Service: 4pm-12am
Bar Service Friday/Saturday: 4pm-1am
We strongly encourage reservations for dining at Bar Helios.
