The yin of vivacious, after-dark partying balances Naples’ light-side yang of beaches and sunshine. The area’s fluxing demographic of young professionals has sparked a burgeoning of after-work options and vitality, yet the beauty of Naples nightlife is its rich mix of ages, residents, snowbirds, and tourists. Here’s where to find the action.
Craft Breweries
Bone Hook Brewing Co. Naples newest microbrewery opened in North Naples this year. Its taproom affords a gleaming view of distilling tanks and hosts live music on occasion. Besides its popular Kolsch, Nitwit Orange, Summer Steam Cream Ale, and other signature beers, Bone Hook makes the concession of also pouring wines.
Brass Tap Although not a brewery, Brass Tap in North Naples is committed to serving a selection of more than 120 craft beers from around the world, a stretch walls’ worth of them on tap. And because it’s not a brewery, it isn’t regulated by local laws precluding food service. A menu that pairs well with beer and Friday night live music up its nightlife quotient.
Momentum Brew House With its long tables and warehouse-chic coffeehouse feel, this tasting room in Bonita Springs feels communal. Order a Pierce’s Pale and before you know it, you’re in a card game with fellow beersters you just met. On Saturdays in season, there’s kobe beef dogs; Sunday brings Southern ‘que.
Naples Beach Brewery Naples’ microbrewery scene began here in 2012. With names like Keewaydin Crusher Cream Ale, Paddleboard Pale Ale, and Latitude Adjustment IPA, its homebrews infuse a sense of place. Thursday through Sunday, the unfussy taproom partners with local food vendors for a complete night out.
Riptide Brewing Company The closest home-batched brewery to downtown Naples, its tasting room pours such creations as Undertow IPA, Big Cypress Stout, and “Totch” Brown Ale (named for a late Gladesman and author). Riptide also hosts special events such as Trivia Tuesday, live music, and food trucks.
Wine Bars
C Level Bistro & Wine Bar Cool blue lighting softens brushed steel accents. So much more than a wine bar, soothing yet energizing C Level in Bonita Springs curates a list of 170 bottles and manages an impressive Continental-influenced dinner menu that complements.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery Come in for a free three-pour (one ounce each) house-brand tasting of your choice, or a curated eight-pour tasting for $7 each. Stay for dinner or cozy up to the swanky full bar.
Paradise Wine Part of a massive liquor store/dining operation, the corner wine bar at Paradise pours tastes of its 3,000-bottle selection. Choose a bottle to enjoy on the patio sans corkage fee. Or reserve the private tasting room for your customized degustation. Check out the website for live music and flight tasting events.
Wine Loft of Naples The elegant, two-level parlor setting feels uplifting yet somehow homey. Fine, select wines from around the world are the tipple of choice, but it also carries a full stock of beers and liquor. The small plates on the food menu are designed to be wine-friendly and shareable.
Specialty Liquor Bars
Kane Tiki Bar & Grill Kane at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort carries the most extensive line of fine rums around. More than 30 premium brands from around the Caribbean and Central and South America – some aged up to 18 years — are available in one- or two-ounce samplers. Or opt for one of three tiers of three-rum flights. Specialty rum cocktails, live musicians, Polynesian food, and a beachfront view add even more punch to this rum experience.
Masa Mercato’s house of fine Mexican describes its 60-some tequilas – anejos, reposados, blancos, and mezcals — with the sort of exquisite detail you’d see on a fine wine menu. In its modernist Mexican setting, the bar shakes up 11 different flavors of craft margaritas, from “Americana” to jalapeno mango ginger.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina Now with its second location at Pavilion Shopping Center, this uber-casual East Naples-born hangout masters the tequila field with nearly 20 popular brands and 18 VIP tequilas, including Don Julio Real at $65 a shot. From the list of tequila specialty drinks, try the Blood Orange Margarita or Salty Chihuahua.
Whiskey Park We’ll show you “the way to the next whiskey bar.” Jimi would be proud! Not only does Whiskey Park have Jameson and Jack Daniels on tap, it stocks about 70 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. Its off-the-beaten-path, speakeasy reveal makes it feel like a delicious local secret, while its kitchen makes a delicious New Orleans statement.
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