One of Orlando’s oldest and most recognizable downtown buildings has a new identity: Mojo Cajun Bar and Grill has taken over the 1920s building at the corner of Church and Garland streets. The location is best known as the site of Rosie O’Grady’s in the 1970s and 1980s. In recent years it was the home of the Orlando Improv, which moved out in 2007, leaving the building vacant until Mojo opened on October 15.
Mojo, a New Orleans style restaurant and bar, is one block east of the new Amway Center, making it convenient for entertaining before or after a sporting event or concert. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant is available for buyout and can seat 250 or hold 400 for receptions. The entire venue is filled with purple, gold, and green accents, and strings of Mardi Gras beads to create an authentic atmosphere.
Along the front of the building, a small patio offers dining at five round tables with umbrellas to provide shade. Sliding doors connect the patio to the lounge and bar, which can be used for a predinner reception. Behind the lounge, the main dining room has five semicircular booths covered in gold leather and purple fabric lining two sides of the room, while the middle is filled with four-top tables. The front of the dining room is anchored by a large bar with seating for 15.
For smaller private events, the balcony can be reserved. It has seating for 100 at high-top tables that overlook the main floor, a bar, and seating around a grill dedicated to charbroiling oysters. Every seat in the house offers a view of at least one of the 16 flat-screen TVs.
Orlando businessmen John Sanfelippo and George Maltezos, who also own Tabu Nightclub, spent $1.4 million to renovate the building. The structure’s original exposed brick walls, wrought-iron accents, woodwork, and pressed metal ceiling all remain and complement the Bourbon Street theme. Mojo’s menu includes traditional Cajun fare such as po’boy sandwiches, crawfish étouffée, and jambalaya, and cocktails including hurricanes and a “Mojo Potion Bucket”—a 32-ounce concoction of liquor served in a bucket with straws for sharing. A jazz band performs on Friday and Saturday nights.
