After the brutally cold winter, I was 100% ready to head south. Fortunately, my mom spends every winter in Florida, so we’re lucky we can visit and experience the sunshine, sand, seafood and sweet cocktails. Naples delivers and then some, from the best burger along the beach to succulent crabs, and we’ve gotten to know the city’s culinary scene quite well.
Let’s dig in!
The Boathouse
Overlooking Naples Bay, The Boathouse boasts casual waterfront dining at its best. Nautical decor greets diners and a huge picture window is the best seat in the house. Watch the boats sail by, fishermen return with their catches of the day and pelicans flock on the docks in hopes of a little nibble. The scenery adds to the incredible menu, chock-full of fresh seafood selections. I had my mind set on crab legs. They say my family has a “crab gene,” and I’ve surely proven them right. The sweet Canadian Snow crabs, served with a side of drawn butter, made this girl as happy as a clam. Speaking of, the clams casino hit the jackpot as my starter. Go during happy hour and enjoy the “Two-Fers,” which include martinis, select bottled beers, house wine, well drinks, margaritas and bloody Marys. 990 Broad Ave., South Naples, (239) 643-2235
Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill
Touted as “the best game in town,” Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill is the place to be to watch sports. As a diehard Eagles fan, I don’t miss a game no matter what city I’m visiting (see my “Destination: Miami” piece for more proof). Bokampers is the perfect spot to watch your favorite team and grab a cold beer. There are literally wall-to-wall HD TVs, daily beer and drink specials, plus an enormous menu featuring fans’ favorite pub grub, like build-your-own-burgers, sliders, wings and award-winning ribs. Former Miami Dolphins star and CBS sports anchor Kim “Bo” Bokamper created Bokampers, of which there are five locations in South Florida. 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples, (239) 431-7611
Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille
“I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes.” For this Jimmy Buffett fan, Coconut Jack’s takes me into the Parrothead state of mind. The waterfront spot sits on the bay in Bonita Beach; has a laid-back island feel, tropical tunes and specialty drinks; and is a cool spot to stop after a long day of beaching or boating. Boy, can CJ’s make a cheeseburger in paradise. The half-pound Angus burger is flame-grilled and juicy; smothered in cheese, shredded lettuce and tomato; and sits on a Brioche bun. My drink of choice to wash it down is the signature Key Lime Colada, perfectly sweet, tart and oh-so-refreshing. Coconut Jack’s has happy hour daily with $5 bar snacks. Be sure to snap a photo out front in the oversized Adirondack chair! 5370 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, (239) 676-7777
Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe
Every city and town has a must-go-to breakfast spot. The Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe is a legendary gem among the locals and snowbirds alike. People come from all over South Florida to order the buttery, savory stack of pancakes and I’ll say they are worth the ride. The service is fast and friendly and prices are just right, but be sure to bring cash because they don’t take plastic. As it turned out, our server was from the Jersey Shore and told us Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe has been there for decades and many of the staff members have also been there that long. I asked her how many pancakes per day are served up and she replied, “A ton! And you should see the number of eggs. By the hundreds every day!” Cove Inn is located on Naples Bay, offers picture-postcard views of the waterfront and is in walking distance of downtown Old Naples, which features exclusive art galleries, boutiques and cafes. 900 Broad Ave., South Naples, (239) 262-7161
Edgewater Beach Hotel Pool Bar
Edgewater Beach Hotel is one of Naples’ top-ranked luxury hotels, but the Pool Bar is a casually breezy spot to grab a snack and frosty cocktail. No shoes, no shirt required. Located by the Gulf-front swimming pools, the view of the crystal-clear ocean is breathtaking. The menu offers salads, burgers, sandwiches and signature drinks mixed up by a pair of friendly bartenders. The Blackberry Lemon Tea is a delightful mix of Svedka vodka, fresh blackberries, fresh black tea, fresh lemon juice and fresh mint. I also enjoyed the specialty mojito made with Bacardi rum, fresh mint, fresh lime juice and 100% organic agave nectar; at 150 calories it’s a naturally skinny concoction. 1901 Gulf Shore Blvd., North Naples, (239) 403-2000
Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub
Naples has one of the most festive St. Paddy’s parades I’ve seen. Floats glittering in green, Irish dancers, bagpipers and thousands of spectators pack the Fifth Avenue business district. My favorite place to call homebase on parade day is Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub. They really do have the best St. Pat’s party in Naples, and there’s no shortage of Irish pride at Paddy’s. The pub was built from the ground up by Irish guys who imported mahogany and bar rails from their home, which gives Paddy’s an authentic feeling. They serve the staple draught beers, including Guinness, Harp and Smithwicks, plus they have bottles of Magners Irish Cider. Paddy’s offers a full menu. The garlic knots are phenomenal. There is also full lunch and dinner selections. The popular spot is known for its live entertainment, and on St. Paddy’s Day Irish tunes filled the air throughout the day. 457 5th Ave., South Naples, (239) 649-5140
T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House
If you want to experience fine dining on the waterfront overlooking Venetian Bay, T-Michaels Steak & Lobster House is an exquisite choice. They specialize in USDA prime steaks and whole Maine lobsters and offer an extensive wine list representing vineyards from around the world. T-Michaels is perfect for a special evening out. The restaurant also offers happy hour specials in the bar area only and a scrumptious Lounge Menu. The panko-crusted baked brie was smooth and creamy, paired with buttery crostini and fresh red grapes and drizzled with a berry glaze. The prime sirloin sliders and sweet Georgia Vidalia onion rings are also a crowd-pleaser. T-Michaels is nestled in the heart of Venetian Village, an upscale, delightful collection of unique shops, galleries and restaurants, so it’s worth a stroll around after dinner. 4050 Gulf Shore Blvd., North Naples, (239) 261-0622
Yabba Island Grill
At Yabba Island Grill, you really feel like you’re on island time. The YabbaRitas are their version of a freshly shaken margarita, made with Jose Cuervo Especial, Bacardi citrus rum, fresh citrus, triple sec and a Grand Mariner floater. And because it’s vacation, you might as well order it up in a coconut shell. Then just sit back, relax and escape from it all while enjoying the Caribbean tunes, tropical decor and fresh seafood. The casual-but-fun restaurant on 5th Avenue offers a boatload of happy hour specials, bar snacks and a late-night menu every day of the week. 711 5th Ave., South Naples, (239) 262-5787
- Photo credits: Lauren Avellino Turton
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