Tis Me Michelle

Happy New Year everyone! Starting off this year’s reviews with one of my favorite new spots I tried in 2024. Death in the Afternoon is a dim-light, sexy, and inviting absinthe bar. Yet another Mills 50 staple for the books.

The Drinks: Let’s start off with the main event, the drinks. DITA has a pretty solid cocktail list, with of course some absinthe-infused drinks. The first time around I ended up getting one of the absinthe-based drinks, I believe the namesake drink. If I recall it was a refreshing drink with a mild absinthe flavor. It was a good entry, not an overpowering option if you aren’t familiar with absinthe. I would also recommend the Frappe if you want something with absinthe but more like a mojito.

There are plenty of non-absinthe cocktails available. I really haven’t had a bad drink here. I have gotten the Mexican Firing Squad which is a standard tequila drink. You know I had to try a tequila drink. It was good, nothing overly special, but a great solid drink. The last time around I ordered off the holiday menu and tried a Cowboy Candy which was basically an old-fashioned fashioned it included: Los Arcos agave distillate, Suze, coffee liqueur, vanilla, and chocolate bitters. Definitely spirit-forward, well-balanced, and smooth. I love a quality cocktail, and this spot does not disappoint.

Overall the prices for the cocktails are pretty decent in comparison to a lot of newer bars in town. For the most part, most drinks are $15 or less and they do have a Happy Hour menu. It’s a limited drink menu, offering a few standard drinks, but a great option at $8. I did try the Spicy Tommys Margarita. Honestly, I don’t like spicy margs in general, but I love a regular marg, so I gave it a go. I really just don’t like spicy things, herbs, or florals in my drinks. If you do like a spicy marg, it’s a fantastic option.

The Food: DITA also offers a solid food menu. I haven’t had any entrees, but have had some friends who’ve said it’s pretty good. I did try a few appetizers with that spicy marg and it was okay, not bad for the price point. The night I went they offered chicken sliders instead of the usual pork belly sliders. I was a bit bummed because I love pork belly. The chicken was tender and cooked well. The flavor profile was teriyaki with an Asian slaw, I liked the idea, but it was too salty. There was a breakfast flatbread with an egg and hot honey, which was nice too. A bit salty on that side too. My friends ordered the shrimp ceviche and it was pretty decent. The empanada was probably my favorite from the apps, it was filling and had a great dip that came with it. On a different visit, the first time I went, my friends and I ordered the pistachio tres leches. I usually don’t like tres leches, but I absolutely loved this one. Between the pistachio, chantilly, and lovely crunchy streusel, it was delightful. Cannot wait to get that again one day, and I would love to try the actual entrees.

The Vibe: I really love the decor of this bar. It has an upscale, flapper, prohibition-era vibe. The ceiling is so gorgeous. I have never had issues with grabbing a spot walking in, but it is a rather small space. Intimate, with a view of the bar no matter where you sit. I’ve sat in the booths, tables, and at the bar, and you really can’t go wrong. I love a vibey place that isn’t pretentious. I’ve always gone with friends, dressed up and dressed down, and have always been welcomed. Would love to be taken on a date here, it has such a date night atmosphere. Equally a great spot for friends, just not a bigger party size.

The Parking: Gonna keep this category going. There isn’t any dedicated parking for DITA, just street parking on Mills. There are some spots right outside the bar, which can be slim pickings. However, for the most part, you can usually snag street parking within a couple blocks or on the opposite side of the road. It can be a hassle, but I usually can find something after a couple circles. This is just the expected parking situation on Mills 50.

Overall: This has become one of my favorite bars in Orlando. Always ready to stop by if I’m already in Mills in the evening. Stop by for a chill or hot night.

Rating: 9.5

Address: 930 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803