Travel

Tavern on the Bay in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Tavern on the Bay in Naples, Florida! Imagine yourself on a sunny afternoon, perched at the edge of a patio, under a swaying palm tree, sipping on a refreshing beverage with a panoramic view of Naples Bay. Ahhh. These are the moments when Time stands still. Notice the Mediterranean-style architecture, the brick-laden pathways, the gurgling fountains, and the waterfront activity. It practically feels like an oasis in the middle of paradise. Feeling hungry? The Tavern on the Bay menu has you covered. The freshest ingredients are used in an ahi poke bowl, chopped salad, prime rib slider, snapper sammie, or shrimp taco. It sure makes choosing something a tough decision. No worries. There really isn’t a wrong choice. Sit back and enjoy.

The Pub in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: The Pub in Naples, Florida! Direct from London is an unique gastropub on the edge of Mercato, a hotspot destination in North Naples. Craving an English beer with a hearty meal? You chose the right place. View the constant flurry of activity on the outdoor patio while nibbling on the award-winning Fish & Chips platter. The Pub’s beer-battered haddock is so crispy you can hear the crunch in every bite. Dredge a chunk of fish through the homemade tartar sauce. It’s so creamy you may find yourself smacking your lips afterward. That’s where a good beer selection comes in handy. The UK-inspired menu offers quite a variety of pub grub, which doesn’t mean the portions are small. In fact, if you walk away hungry, it’s your own fault. Keep Calm and Brunch On.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Naples, Florida! When the mascot for Kona coffee is a legendary donkey that carried the precious coffee beans down the mountains of Hawaii, it’s only natural to name the cargo after him. That’s their story and they’re sticking with it at Bad Ass Coffee. Seriously, though. Coffee is grown and harvested with Aloha Spirit, making it an authentic brand of Hawaiian-grown coffee. Taste and See. What makes it different, you wonder. Because of the rich earth on the island of Kauai, the coffee has a bright acidity without tasting bitter; you know that feeling when your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth? Instead you’ll detect a slightly nutty, floral sweet flavor that makes each sip a smooth, rich, full-bodied distinction unique to the region. Now that your curiosity has been piqued, grab a cup of coffee and soak up the island spirit.

British Open Pub in Bonita Springs, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: British Open Pub in Bonita Springs, Florida! As you stroll past the life-size armored knight statue at the entrance to this British-themed restaurant, expect some hearty dishes paired with a cold pint or two. Inside the cozy little pub, choose a barstool, patio table, or comfy booth for semi-private conversations. The menu offers a nice selection of British favorites for a bit of the unusual including Fish & Chips, Pot Roast Pastie, Liver and Onions, or Banger & Mashed. Decisions, decisions. There’s quite a nice group of English Sandwedges for something a little different, especially if you add an order of Chips & Gravy. On second thought, better plan a return visit. Portions are generous, so chances are your eyes may be bigger than your stomach. Take a nontraditional trip “across the pond” without the expense of a plane ticket.

Old Naples Pub in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Old Naples Pub in Naples, Florida! Located in the heart of historic Third Street South, atop a winding staircase in an vine-covered brick building, is a cozy gathering place for tasty food, cold drinks, and complimentary dill pickles. That’s right, whole dill pickles. For Free. Whether you slide onto a stool along the bar, a seat near the window where dappled sunlight pours in, or a cafe table on the lush patio overlooking the sidewalk foot traffic… every spot has a jar of pickles within reach. Enjoy the relaxed feeling of an aged pub as you glance around at the historical memorabilia, including a wooden upright piano in the corner. This is definitely Old Naples. The menu has enough to satisfy every mood, especially if you’re hungry. It’s easy to see why stopping by is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Island Gypsy Cafe & Marina Bar in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Island Gypsy Cafe & Marina Bar in Naples, Florida! Take a side turn off the main drag and you’ll find yourself on a winding road to the magical Isles of Capri, a charming waterfront community as sought after as a coveted treasure map. The Island Gypsy Cafe is recognizable by its weathered bar, salvaged from the stern of an original sea vessel destroyed by a hurricane years ago. Once upon a time the Island Gypsy was a 65-foot fishing boat. Absorb the history of yesteryear among the ambiance of present day. The outdoor Café serves a delightful array of fresh seafood, including coconut shrimp, citrus crusted tuna sashimi, and macadamia nut mahi-mahi. Anyone who has a taste for onion rings will want to add a basket of hand cut batter-fried onion rings to share. The cocktails are as tropical as the desserts are famous. Find your path for hidden riches. And don’t forget to pack your appetite.

Lansdowne Street in Bonita Springs, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Lansdowne Street in Bonita Springs, Florida! Whoever says Time Travel isn’t possible never set foot inside this New England-style pub featuring show stopping sports, gastronomic grub, and bottomless brews. Sure you can still pop in for a cozy table near the fireplace or an open table on the outdoor patio, even if you aren’t a Red Sox fan. It’s all about gathering together for a great meal of Tidbits, Soup, Wicked Huge Salads, Signature Sammies, or whatever the master chef chooses to feature that day. Look around. The memorabilia is as interesting as the patrons. Everyone is talking, laughing, or cheering from one end to the other. Next time you’re up for a lively experience, think Lansdowne Street where everyone seems to be a winner.

Steamers in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: Steamers in Naples, Florida! For New England-style seafood in an unpretentious setting, it always helps to get a tip about where the locals go for incredible clam chowder with a side of fried clam strips and hush puppies. The menu offers way more than steamed scallops, sautéed shrimp, fried clams, blackened fish, and lobster tails. Unfortunately, I can’t get past the taste of my favorite combination enough to find out how delicious everything else is. What I can confirm, is that people stand in line or meander around the busy strip mall to wait for a table inside or out. It feels like family the way the staff interacts with customers. When you get the craving, remember Steamers for outstanding seafood at a pretty decent price.

The Dock at Crayton Cove in Naples, Florida

Dining Outside the Home: The Dock at Crayton Cove in Naples, Florida! Open waterfront dining has been drawing people like a moth to flame since 1976. Could it be the tropical paradise setting? Or the splash of a wave against the floating dock stretching out into Naples Bay? What about the low hum of the motor on a distant yacht? It’s not hard to imagine when you are seated at the open-air restaurant sipping on a refreshing cocktail basking in the afternoon breeze. Order a Crayton Cove Cobb Salad. Enjoy it as served or add lump lobster meat for a taste extravaganza. Afterwards take a nice long walk around this “Back Bay” area. It’s seeped in history for the early pioneers as well as the fishing community.