About Heist Restaurant & Lounge
Heist Restaurant & Lounge is a combined dining and nightlife venue in Orlando, Florida, located inside the Parc Corniche resort on International Drive. It offers a unique atmosphere blending a full-service sit-down restaurant with a high-energy club. During dinner hours Heist serves a diverse menu with designer cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists, and after dark it “transforms into a club with state-of-the-art lights and sound,” catering to both food lovers and nightlife enthusiasts (eateryspot.com) (www.mapquest.com). The space is part of the Parc Corniche hotel property (a 210-room, three-story resort) (www.hotelplanner.com), so parking and other amenities are on-site. Heist is known locally as one of Orlando’s top nightlife spots, thanks to its upscale decor, welcoming vibe and multimedia nightclub equipment (eateryspot.com) (www.mapquest.com). Signature features include its chef-driven dinner menu (steaks, seafood and shareable appetizers) and its inventive, house-specialty cocktails prepared by expert mixologists (eateryspot.com). The venue has become a notable late-night destination in the area, often contributing to the resort’s draw for tourists and convention-goers seeking dinner and entertainment in one place.
Events and Programming
Heist hosts a lively calendar of entertainment, especially on weekend evenings. The programming usually centers on dance and club events – particularly electronic music nights and guest DJ sets. Recent ticketed shows (promoted as “Club Show” or “Concert Club Show”) have featured well-known drum & bass and electronic DJs. For example, in 2023 Heist hosted international drum-and-bass artists such as Makoto and the duo Ed Rush & Optical, both billed as 18+ dance events (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). Other nights cater to broader audiences (for instance one Drum & Bass set by UK artist DEGS was advertised as all-ages (www.ticketfairy.com)). Local promoters pack the dance floor with themes like bass music, Liquid Funk, jungle etc. In addition to big-name DJs, Heist occasionally features themed parties, live bands or Latin/salsa nights to mix up the schedule. Programming tends to be busiest Thursday through Saturday, with frequent specialty nights or weekend parties. Recurring promotions may include ladies’ nights, happy hours or all-you-can-dance offers (though check carefully for any special-menu requirements). Cover charges vary by event; smaller club nights may have a modest entry fee (often under $20), while headline DJ events can run higher. Tickets are typically tiered – early presale (cheaper if available weeks in advance) and higher-priced door tickets. Patrons usually buy in advance via official online outlets or by calling the venue. Popular event tickets can sell out, so it pays to grab them early when they go on sale.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Heist’s shows are sold through the venue’s official box office and trusted ticket outlets (including promoters’ websites and local clubs). Customers can often purchase in advance online, with a box office releasing remaining tickets on event day if any remain. For very popular acts it’s wise to buy tickets early – online presales often open a few weeks before a show. Ticket prices depend on the performer and type of event, but in general range from around $10–$30. There is no central publicly-available phone number listed, but event organizers usually provide booking information when shows are announced. If the venue’s own website or social media pages list an event, they’ll often link to the authorized ticket seller. Occasionally events may offer VIP or bottle service upgrades at higher price tiers. In summary, the best strategy is to look for Heist event announcements and snap up tickets as soon as possible. If you miss the presale you can try at the door, but note that popular nights may sell out.
Seating and Layout
The lounge has a mixed seating layout with both table seating and open floor space. Near the front (or center) is a dance area in front of the DJ booth or stage. Surrounding this are high-top tables, bar seating and lounge-style booths. The bar is prominently placed so guests can order drinks without wandering too far from the tables. VIP tables are available along the perimeter; these often come with bottle service on bigger club nights. Acoustically, the sound system is high-powered and clear – the dance floor is where the audio is strongest, while quieter alcoves along the edges let you talk and eat more comfortably. The sightlines are generally good: if you sit near the DJ booth you get an up-close view of performers, while tables off to the side offer a club-like vantage. In general, best spots depend on your preference. For dancing, head to the open area by the stage. For a drink-and-dinner experience, tables around the perimeter are ideal. As with most clubs, avoid seating too far to the back corner if you want to catch the stage action. Because it’s a combined dinner-and-club space, expect the main dining action (and food ordering) to wind down late evening as the DJ nights ramp up.
Getting There and Parking
Heist Lounge is located at 6300 Parc Corniche Dr, on the south side of International Drive (just south of the SeaWorld interchange) (parccorniche.com). It’s about 1 mile south of SeaWorld Orlando (parccorniche.com), on the west side of I-Drive. By car, use the Beachline (FL-528) exit to International Drive. From the airport or points east, take FL-528 West to Exit 1, turn left onto International Drive, then drive about 2 miles south. You’ll see roller coasters at SeaWorld; Parc Corniche will be on your right just past SeaWorld (parccorniche.com). For guests, the resort offers free curbside parking. When you check in at Parc Corniche, they will issue you a parking permit/ticket to display on your dash – this allows self-parking on site (parccorniche.com). (Be sure to display it properly; unattended cars without a permit may be towed.) The parking lot is large, so even when events are busy you should find a space. Limited stalls are also marked for RVs or buses (with advance arrangement).
Public transit and shuttles also serve the area. An Orlando I-RIDE tourist trolley stop (#32) is right at Parc Corniche (parccorniche.com). Local Lynx buses run down I-Drive with several stops within a short walk (for example, the buses that connect downtown and SeaWorld/Convention Center go nearby). For travelers to nearby hotels or theme parks, off-site shuttle services (including the Florida Bus shuttle) and ride-share options (Uber/Lyft or taxis) are widely available. Many visitors simply hop on the I-Drive trolley (orange line) or a Lynx bus at popular hubs like Pointe Orlando or the Convention Center to reach the Amway Center/SeaWorld area. If coming straight from MCO airport, the most direct route is by car or taxi via FL-528; the SunRail train does not reach this part of town. Lastly, rideshare drop-offs can pull up directly to the Parc Corniche entrance on Parc Corniche Drive. In short, while Orlando is a car-centric city, Heist is reachable by shuttle/ride-share and public buses as an alternative to driving.
Inside the Venue
Once inside Heist, guests enter a modern lounge decorated in a stylish, upscale theme. The entry often has security/ID checkers, especially on busy club nights. Expect to show ID if you look under 30 (and remember that drinking age is 21 in Florida, even if some events allow 18+ entry). After security, you’ll find the main floor divided into dining tables and a bar, with the dance floor/stage toward the back. The ambiance shifts as the night goes on: early evening has more of a restaurant vibe (low lights, tables with meals), while later it turns into a nightclub scene with colorful lights and music volume turned up. (eateryspot.com)
The venue has a full kitchen, so a dinner menu is available until around late evening (typically appetizers, entrees such as steaks, seafood, salads, and desserts). The same skilled culinary team that manages dinner also provides bar food late-night menu items. The cocktail program is a highlight – talented mixologists whip up classic cocktails and signature drinks, using premium spirits and creative infusions (eateryspot.com). You’ll find a large selection of beers, wines and spirits at the bar. Prices tend to run a little above average (reflecting the upscale setting) – entrees and steaks can be premium-priced, and cocktails are craft-level. (Some visitors have noted that food can seem expensive, so expect upscale pricing.)
Heist enforces typical nightclub rules: no outside food or drink is permitted, and cameras (particularly professional cameras) are generally not allowed without permission. Most nights there is an admission charge or ticket required, so don’t expect a free open bar. Coats or large bags can often be checked at the entrance (especially on event nights), which is helpful for busy nights. Restrooms are located in the main lounge area; there is also usually a coat-check counter near the entrance. Note that the venue is indoors – weather will not cancel a show, and air conditioning keeps the temperature cool (in fact, one customer review quipped that the air was quite chilly inside, so it might feel cool compared to outside). Guests often dress in club-appropriate attire (see Tips below). Wi-Fi may be spotty, so don’t rely on it during events (better to purchase drinks or set your phone on airplane mode if dancing).
Nearby Amenities
Heist’s location puts it in a tourist-heavy area with plenty of nearby amenities. Just across the street (and within a mile) are the SeaWorld Orlando attractions, including several restaurants like Sharks Underwater Grill and SeaWorld’s park eateries. A short drive north on I-Drive brings you to SeaWorld’s Aquatica waterpark and its dining (Flippers at Aquatica, etc.). Further north (about 2–3 miles) is Pointe Orlando, which offers a wide range of restaurants and bars (e.g. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Tin Roof, Outback, Yard House, Vines Grille, Cuba Libre, etc.) as well as a cinema and a few nightclubs. Directly on International Drive you can find chain restaurants like Bahama Breeze, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden and Davenport’s. A little south on I-Drive leads to the Orange County Convention Center area, which has hotels and eateries.
Right at Parc Corniche (“on property”) is Calypso Bar & Grill, the resort’s casual poolside bar (open during the day). Other hotels in the immediate vicinity include the Holiday Inn Club Vacations (Parc Corniche itself) and nearby Seaworld-area hotels like the Hampton Inn, Four Points by Sheraton, and DoubleTree by Hilton. If you need overnight lodging, Parc Corniche is one option (it offers condo-style suites), as are those neighboring hotels. Additionally, numerous I-Drive hotels and vacation resorts are within a short ride.
For pre-show dining or happy-hour drinks, plan on arriving early enough to enjoy one of the above spots (or to see if Heist’s kitchen is still open for dinner). After the show ends (often around 2–3 AM), transportation options include any waiting rideshares or taxi stands (several taxis usually circle on International Drive at night). The area is generally busy late-night, so hailing a cab or Uber is feasible even in the wee hours.
What Makes This Venue Special
Heist stands out in Orlando’s nightlife scene for being an all-in-one dining and dance destination. Unlike many nightclubs that are purely after-dark bars, Heist offers a full restaurant experience before the music starts. This dual identity (dinner venue + club) means you can have a complete night at one location. The sleek, modern décor (with stylish furniture, mood lighting and artful accents) gives it a lounge-like sophistication – it doesn’t feel like a typical dive bar or outdoor stage. Instead, the interior is somewhat reminiscent of a glitzy lounge or theater.
Another special aspect is the caliber of talent and production. Promoters like “Torque” regularly bring international DJs to Orlando, and Heist’s professional sound system and lighting rigs highlight those live-LED shows. This level of production (concert-quality sound, multi-color stage lights, fog machines, etc.) is rare in local bars. In effect, Heist can host dance music acts almost like a small concert hall once the sun goes down.
Culturally, Heist has carved out a niche off the main tourist strip: it’s one of the few nightlife destinations near the convention and theme-park corridor that operates until the early morning. For partiers or concert-goers it offers a memory beyond just rides and theme parks. Over the years it has hosted both mainstream DJs and niche artists, making it a gathering spot for Orlando’s music fans. In local social media and word-of-mouth, it's often highlighted as a place where locals and visitors alike go to “party all night” in a safe, Styx, atmosphere.
Finally, on a personal level, many patrons say they keep coming back to Heist for the friendly staff and atmosphere. Reviews frequently mention smiles from the bartenders, lively yet not chaotic crowds, and a clean, inviting setting. Its combination of good food, creative drinks and late-night music gives it a unique character that stands apart from generic chain clubs – it feels like a locally-owned hidden gem at a resort.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Heist is on the ground floor of an older resort property. Note that the Parc Corniche hotel explicitly states it has no handicap-accessible rooms (parccorniche.com), which suggests limited ADA compliance. The entrance is on ground level so wheelchairs can enter, but the layout has some narrow areas (especially when busy). If accessibility is a concern, call ahead to discuss specifics with the front desk or staff.
Age Restrictions: Florida law requires patrons be 21 or older to drink alcohol. Heist’s events often enforce age limits (many shows are 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com)). Some special events advertize “all ages” (www.ticketfairy.com), but those are exceptions. In practice, expect a mostly adult crowd. Under-21 guests may have limited options (though family dining in early evening is possible, after-hours it’s adults-only). Always have a valid photo ID with you; the staff will check it on the way in during club hours.
Dress Code: There is no formal uniform, but the vibe is upscale-casual. Men typically avoid shorts or flip-flops; women often dress for evening (dresses, heels or nice blouses). Think “dress for a nice night out.” Rocking sneakers and a T-shirt is usually fine, but gym clothes or hats at the table are frowned on. If you’re unsure, business-casual attire is safest.
What to Bring: [Apart from your ticket or reservation!] Important items: a valid photo ID, some cash (many bars accept only cards, but small bills for tips are handy), and a jacket if you’re prone to feeling cold (the AC can be strong). Bring your smartphone or camera if you like taking photos, but keep the flash off in the crowd. Generally leave bulky bags or backpacks at home – if you must bring a bag it may be subject to a quick security check.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t arrive exactly at event time unless you have tickets – door lines can form, so give yourself extra minutes. If you’re dining first, remember the kitchen closes (if at all) by late evening – double-check when ordering food that night. Don’t assume “free drinks every day for ladies” unless you know the catch (one visitor noted there was often fine print about which menu items qualified) (eateryspot.com). Also, be mindful guests have reported that menu items can be limited on some nights, so if you have dietary needs confirm available options.
Age-specific Tips: Kids under 18 shouldn’t expect to stay after dark. For families, earlier dinner service is fine (Heist opens in late afternoon). For the 21-and-over crowd, watch for special promotions like weekday drink deals (available on the posted menus or via the restaurant’s social media).
Accessibility Tip: Given the 3-floor building, Heist events are all on the first floor – so once inside you should not need to climb stairs. Still, those with wheelchairs should note the narrow aisles. If in doubt, ask the front desk for assistance (the resort staff should help navigate).
Insider Knowledge: Because Heist transitions from restaurant to club, it’s often quieter with more seating before 9:00 PM. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and dining, go early. If you’re there for dancing, arrive after the DJ starts (usually 10 PM or later on big-night). Also, locals sometimes know the best spot at the bar for the most responsive bartenders – usually the side nearest the kitchen or the VIP entrance tends to be less busy.
