ORLANDO Señor Frog’s opened its first Florida location Saturday night on International Drive, just north of the Orange County Convention Center. The chain, which bills itself as a place “where anything can happen,” operates multiple locations in Mexico and the Caribbean, each one known for its bright decor, live entertainment, and extensive cocktail menu. The new 14,000-square-foot restaurant and bar has two semiprivate areas ideal for convention groups looking for a casual, party atmosphere for a night out.   Dried palm fronds on the roof and colorful decor inside and out establish the tropical ambiance. The venue is one large room with seating for 385 at low- and high-top wooden tables painted white and mint green. In the rear, a house band performs on a raised stage each night. There is also a DJ booth in the center and a roving M.C. to lead guests in line dances, sing-alongs, and contests.

The dining area along the right side of the venue is raised and can be roped off for private groups of up to 150. A smaller platform on the left side has seating for 30. The entire venue is also available for buyout and can accommodate 800 people for a reception. Management is developing group menus and promotions.  

The restaurant is intended to be family-friendly during the day (with a balloon artist to entertain kids) but is restricted to 21 and over after 11 p.m. (when the entertainment also changes, with strolling waitresses serving Jello-O shots). The menu offers Mexican fare, along with burgers, pasta, seafood, and barbecue.