Bar Review: Cooter Browns in Altamonte Springs, FL

How could you not want to check out a bar with such a cool name as "Cooter Browns?" I must admit that I was intrigued by the name, so curiosity got the best of me and I entered this bar, which is in Altamonte Springs, Florida. I visited this bar three times, with the same results each time.

During my first visit, I arrived there fairly early, at around 8pm on a Friday night, before the "party crowd" rush arrived. The first thing I noticed was the size of the bar. This is not the biggest of bars. The size of the place did not bother me. The thing that really bothered me was how extremely loud it was. I had arrived there at 8 PM, during which time it was fairly empty. But despite having a low number of patrons, the people in charge of the speakers still felt the urgent need to BLAST their music at full volume. So annoying! Hey, I can understand blasting the volume when the place is packed, but is that really necessary when there is only 10 people in the whole bar?

The crowd steadily picks up as the night gets older. If you aren't able to claim one of the tables or bar stools, then you might be standing all night . . . .standing in other people's way. During each time I had to go use the restroom, I had to battle through huddles of people. I recommend not bringing your beer during your bathroom trip. You will get bumped so many times by these crowded huddles of people that you will spill several drops of your precious beverage. In addition, you will find yourself inhaling a lot of smoke, as smoking is allowed in this crowded establishment.

On a positive note, their drinks are affordable and they do have a fun little dance area in the back, where you can play darts and dance to the DJ music, as well as sing karaoke. They also offer pool for you pool sharks. But other than that, I had nothing else good to say about the place. I'm not saying this is a waste of a time, I just don't think this place has enough appeal to bring me back. Three times was enough.

The good thing about this bar is that if you don't like it, then there is another bar directly next door to it, called "Mugshots." Mugshots is a much bigger establishment, with more space, more pool tables, more darts, more food, and more tables and chairs. Plus, you can actually hear yourself talk in that place! So, go ahead and give Cooter Browns a shot. You have a good backup right next door, so you have nothing to lose.

Cooter Browns is approximately 10 minutes north of Orlando, at 1022 West State Road 436, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714.