Dive Into 2025, Cheap Drinks, Local Tricks, Top Events & Best Reader Comments

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Friends and Neighbors,

Happy New Year and welcome to the first 2025 edition of The Naples Florida Review! 

This week, we take a step away from the chic hot spots downtown and check out a few places with cheap drinks and reliable service. Naples has dive bars?!? Stop clutching your pearls, and check out our recommendations below. 

Also in this issue, we explore the Top Events this Week and look back at some of our favorite reader comments and inquiries from 2024. Thank you – as always – for the feedback. 

Want to check out our Best of 2024 and archive as you plan for 2025? (1) Click here for easy access to the archive and (2) make sure you’ve subscribed and confirmed so that you get this newsletter each week. 

Enjoy!

Table of Contents

• Best of Naples: Dive Bars

• Top 7 Events This Week

• Foodie Feedback: Give the People What they Want! B …

Best of Naples: Dive Bars

North Naples Country Club

10095 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34108

When to go? Sundays for Football and $5 Brats

What to get: Cheesesteak or the Chicago Beef Sandwich (Thursdays only)

Looking for the most local, most un-stuffy bar in Naples? Head on over one of our local legends, the North Naples Country Club to escape the pretentiousness and prices of downtown. Famous for their tag line – “Where Membership has no Privileges” – the North Naples County Club is the kind of dive where you’ll park between a Porsche and a beat up Celica and hope for the best. The drinks arrive fast, cheap and cold and the food is solid. If you pick one place from this list to visit, the North Naples Country Club is certainly the most iconic and uniquely local spot in town. 

Jack's Seafood Bar and Grill

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd STE 101, Naples, FL 34110

When to go? Happy Hour is 11AM to 7PM Daily, Live Music Most Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

What to get: Crab Cake with honey-wasabi sauce ($13), Peel - N - Eat Shrimp (Half a pound $14.00 | One pound $25.00, 25% off during Happy Hour

Jack’s is one of the few remaining dive bars in Naples that still has a family-friendly Happy Hour and solid food options. While Jack’s certainly has a locals-only vibe, the staff is very friendly and there’s plenty of seating options. 

Happy Hour is held each day from 11AM to 7PM, and I highly suggest you try their peel n’ eat shrimp for 25% off. The shrimp are served steamed with Old Bay spices. Try it with  traditional cocktail sauce (or butter for an extra $1.00) and have them served hot or cold.

While you won’t find Jack’s crab cake in their Happy Hour Specials, I highly suggest you spring for it anyway and give this crabmeat-crammed cake with honey wasabi dipping sauce a try. Since my first visit to Jack’s, the crab cake, very local vibe and live music have led me back again and again. If you have a chance to visit, let me know what you think. 

Harold's Place Chickee Bar and Grill

2555 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34103

When to go? Any day that ends in “y”

What to get: Hamburger

My husband and I returned to Naples the day after Hurricane Irma to see if our wedding venue was still in tact. After the initial panic wore off (yes, it was there) and the heat set in (we went without an air conditioner for two weeks), I began to look for signs of life in town…anywhere. 

We lived near Harold’s Place at the time and they were out in front grilling burgers and making sure that nothing in their walk-in went to waste. Dazed -  and more than a little burnt out from clean-up – we took the chance to visit, and have been local fans since. Cheap drinks, solid burgers, and dependable service. 

Buzz’s Lighthouse

9180 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108

When to go? After a stroll on the beach across the street. 

What to get: Coconut Shrimp

Drink specials, peel n’ eat shrimp and a view of the water? Sign me up! A short (slightly dangerous with seasonal traffic) jaunt across Bonita Beach Road from the Turtle Club’s $25 Bloody Mary, Buzz’s Lighthouse has the Sunday morning cure at half that price, and you still get to look at the water! The peel and eat shrimp are great, the service is friendly and the view is wonderful.

The Oasis

1046 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, Florida 34108

When to go? Tuesdays ($5 Blue Point Oyster Special)

What to get: Oysters on Tuesdays and Cheese Curds

Call me a sucker for a place that serves cheese curds in Southwest Florida. 

The Oasis quietly slid into the original Pelican Larry’s slot in the first half of 2023, and they’ve capitalized on the dive bar aesthetic ever since. During the holidays they have a wild “Christmas Club” theme, and the food is better than you might expect at a true hole-in-the-wall kind of bar like Oasis. 

I recommend swinging by on a Tuesday to enjoy their $2 blue points with an ice cold beverage. While you may mourn the original Larry’s, it’s worth checking out the funky new replacement. 

The Alley**

1200 Central Ave. Suite 103, Naples, Florida 34102

When to go? Keep up to date on their Instagram Page

What to get: Let me know at [email protected]

I do not recommend or review places I haven’t been, so I add The Alley to the list with two asterisks and some words of caution:  I have no idea if this is a true dive bar or if some boujee approximation of it. 

At the same time, The Alley has spent considerable time (and – let’s face it – money) branding themselves as a 90s-styled urban dive bar. Does that mean they should be on the “Best of” dive bar list? I’m not sure. As a Reagan baby, however, I’m willing to find out. 

Have you checked out The Alley yet? Drop your experience in the comments and I’ll be sure to update everyone when I get a chance to swing by. 

Did I leave out your favorite dive bar in Naples (or close by)? Shoot me an email at [email protected], and I’ll add reader recommendations to the next issue. 

Top 7 Events This Week

Thursday, January 9^th, 7PM: The Harlem Globetrotters at Hertz Arena

Where? Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928

Tickets Here

The 2025 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour is bringing its iconic blend of basketball skills, comedy, and entertainment to Hertz Arena in Estero this Thursday. Known for their extraordinary athleticism and on-court tricks, the Globetrotters deliver a high-energy show that the whole family should enjoy.

Wednesday January 8^th, 7PM: Trivia Night at Ankorlab Brewing

Where? Ankorlab Brewing, 3555 Bayshore Drive Naples, FL 34112

Tickets not required

Every Wednesday this January you can try your hand at a lively game of trivia while you sip a local brew at Ankorlab in the Bayshore District. Ankorlab has a chill vibe that sets the brewery apart from the usual Naples fare, so stop on by! 

Saturday & Sunday, January 11^th & 12^th , 10:00AM to 5:30PM: Venezia Renaissance Faire

Where? The former Bonita greyhound track, 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135-6874

Tickets Here

The Renaissance faire features a variety of entertainment, including fire-eaters, acrobats, magicians, jesters, jugglers, living statues, and medieval music performed by wandering minstrels. Attendees can explore a medieval marketplace offering handcrafted jewelry, tapestries, and apothecary items, along with food options such as turkey legs and confections. Activities include a treasure hunt, archery lessons, interactive storytelling sessions, and processions reflecting Renaissance traditions. The event provides a comprehensive experience of historical performances, crafts, and interactive activities.

Saturday, January 11^th, 5PM: Jeff Dunham Performs

Where? Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928

Tickets Here

Renowned ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham is bringing his "Artificial Intelligence" tour to Hertz Arena in Estero this Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Dunham is known  for his sharp, cutting, wit and funny cast of puppet characters.

Saturday, January 11^th, 6PM: Nash to Naples

Where? Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102

Tickets Here

On January 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Cambier Park in Naples will host "Nash to Naples," an evening featuring top Nashville songwriters performing their hit songs and sharing the stories behind them. The lineup includes Lori McKenna, Barry Dean, Kelly Archer, Steve Moakler, Mia Mantia, and Jonathan Hutcherson, who have contributed to iconic country tracks like "Humble and Kind" (Tim McGraw), "Girl Crush" (Little Big Town), and "I Bet You Think About Me" (Taylor Swift). Attendees get a behing-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process of songwriting while supporting two great causes: Hacienda of Hope, which aids children in Ecuador, and Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, dedicated to improving housing affordability.

The event also includes a family-friendly pre-show music and art activation at 5:00 PM led by Big Ole Day Studios. While the concert is open to the public, suggested donations are encouraged: $50 for Premium Lawn seating (still available) and $495 for VIP (sold out). 

Saturday & Sunday, January 11th & 12th, 2PM to 4PM: Naples Monster Trucks

Where? Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd.Naples, FL 34114

Tickets Here

The All Star Monster Truck Tour is scheduled to return to Naples, Florida, for two days of excitement on January 11 and 12, 2025, at the Florida Sports Park. Attendees can anticipate monster truck performances, opportunities to ride in a real monster truck, and a newly introduced pre-show party experience. Early ticket purchases are recommended, as prices increase as the event approaches. General admission seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with designated VIP areas for VIP ticket holders. 

Saturday, January 11th, 6PM to 8PM: Roman Fortune Live

Where? Under the Banyan Tree, Mercato Naples, 9110 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108

No tickets required. 

On Saturdays throughout high season, Naples’ Mercato welcomes local artists to play live under the banyan tree. This Saturday, you can catch Roman Fortune from 6PM to 8PM. Check out their Instagram here for more details. 

Foodie Feedback: Give the People What they Want! Best Reader Questions Revealed. 

In last week’s issue, we asked readers to tell us what kind of articles they want to read in 2025, and I was glad to hear that Top Events and Polls ranked highest (honestly, interacting with you guys is the best part of this gig).

As you can imagine, I get many comments and emails that are thought provoking, insightful and…well…let’s just say there’s plenty of comments. 

Here are some of my favorites from 2024 along with some of my thoughts in italics. 

“Who is coming into Nordstrom’s old spot… do we really need another furniture store???? Or Steinmart? Oh, my yes, can never, get enough of ACE hardware… truly the BESTEST!! Also appreciate your very honest restaurant reviews! Thank you for it all!” B.A. 

Yep, Restoration Hardware (RH) will be moving into Nordstrom’s old spot! My grandfather owned a furniture store in Lewiston, Maine when I was a kid, and I still think that most furniture stores have cheap stuff that’s wildly overpriced. Do we need another furniture store with that Rooms to Go monstrosity on 41? No. Do I like the look of RH? Yes. 

Also, I will keep spreading the word about Sunshine Ace Hardware. Truly a gem. 

Re: Naples Top “Breastaurant”

You should really use spellcheck before sending this out.  Can you spot the TYPO? M.T.

We are talking about two restaurants where a top job requirement is that you are well-endowed. “Breastaurant” was on purpose. 

“Andre’s and Kelly’s Fish House both smell like my grandmother’s basement. Still better than many of the restaurants downtown.” A.D.

We don’t have basements here in Naples – just scary attic spaces for storage. 

Agree about the background smell at Andre’s and Kelly’s, but I think the original “grandma’s- basement-smell” restaurant around here was the old Pewter Mug. It was fabulous and I’m sorry if you missed that musty staple. 

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Why It Matters

Naples isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. Finding those under-the-radar spots transforms your time here from ordinary to unforgettable.

Supporting local dives and quirky events keeps the heartbeat of Naples alive, fostering community and celebrating the unique vibe that sets our city apart. So, whether it’s a $2 oyster or a monster truck show, these moments are what make Naples home.

Now, go chase those memories—you’re one step closer to living like a local.

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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