🔥 Hidden Gems, Big Opinions & Local Fun! | 5 Unexpected Foodie Finds + 8 Naples Events 🎉

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Friends and Neighbors,

Last week’s Overrated or Worth the Hype poll sparked some fantastic conversations! I love reading your comments each week, and this poll, in particular, generated a wide range of opinions. To give even more people a chance to weigh in on Naples' elite culinary hotspots like Sails and Nosh, we’re extending the poll through the end of this week. If you haven’t voted yet, click here to access the poll in the last issue.

The responses from last week’s poll got me thinking about some of the lesser-known and out-of-the-way places where I’ve had a great bite in and around town. The five places that we cover in this issue run the gamut and will probably surprise you. You never know where great food is hidden in plain sight!

There are lots of events coming up this week, so we’ve tried to give you a great cross-section of what’s around. From cover bands to watercolor, there’s plenty to do.

Let me know what you think and what you’d like to hear about by emailing [email protected].

Thank you for reading,

P.S. Check out The Naples Florida Review’s entire archive by CLICKING HERE.

Table of Contents

• Hidden in Plain Sight: 5 Unexpected Spots for Seri …

• 📆 Top 8 Events This Week

• Poll Update: Extending the “Overrated or Worth the …

Hidden in Plain Sight: 5 Unexpected Spots for Seriously Good Food

When you think of great food, your mind probably goes to trendy sort of downtown spots that we’re asking you to rank in our ongoing “Overrated or Worth The Hype” poll (if you haven’t voted, click here for last week’s issue, and make your voice heard. Results will be announced next week).

Some of the best bites in Southwest Florida, however, are hiding in places you’d never expect. From mall food courts to gas stations and flea markets, here are five unexpected spots serving up seriously good food.

1. Mobil Gas Station – Marco Island

📍 861 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 🌮 Must-Try: Tacos

Yes, a gas station. But this isn’t just any gas station—it’s home to some of the best tacos around. This small but mighty taco counter inside the Mobil station serves up fresh, authentic Mexican flavors at unbeatable prices. If you’re craving flavorful, no-frills street tacos, this is the place to go.

2. Latinos 239 – Coastland Center Mall, Naples

📍 Coastland Center Mall, Naples 🍗 Must-Try: Roasted Chicken
📲 Instagram | Order Online

Tucked inside Naples’ most nostalgic mall, Latinos 239 is a hidden gem serving up delicious, home-style Latin food. The food court may look sparse, but don’t be fooled—this spot’s roasted chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. We previously covered it in detail here, but it’s worth mentioning again!

3. Tsaocaa Tea Naples – Coastland Center Mall, Naples

📍 Coastland Center Mall, Naples 🍗 Must-Try: Korean Fried Chicken
🥤 Also Try: Bubble Tea
📲 Instagram | Menu

Another food court surprise, Tsaocaa Tea Naples is known for its made-to-order fried chicken—yes, in a mall food court! The Korean fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and comes in different spice levels. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their funky, cheese-coated corn dogs. And don’t leave without grabbing a bubble tea—our favorites were the passion fruit and classic milk tea.

4. 7 Food Mart – Naples

📍 2332 Santa Barbara Blvd, Naples, FL 🌮 Must-Try: Tacos

This small, unassuming gas station market serves some of the best authentic Mexican food in Naples. Their tacos are fresh, full of flavor, and always hit the spot. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but the long lines during lunch hours prove it’s well worth the trip.

5. Lakota Creole – Flamingo Island Flea Market, Bonita Springs

📍 Flamingo Island Flea Market, Bonita Springs 🍽 Must-Try: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Shrimp & Grits
📲 Facebook | Market Website

A flea market may not be your first thought for great food, but Lakota Creole delivers some of the most flavorful Southern comfort food around. The enormous pork tenderloin sandwich is a fan favorite, and their shrimp & grits are as rich and satisfying as you’d find in a Louisiana kitchen. This hidden gem is a must-visit for food lovers looking for something different from the usual Naples fare.

Good food doesn’t always come from Fifth Avenue. Sometimes, the best meals are hiding in unexpected places, waiting for you to stumble upon them when you’re filling up your car. Whether it’s a gas station taco stand, the food court at the mall, or a flea market favorite, these five spots prove that your next meal might be hidden in plain sight. 

📆 Top 8 Events This Week

1. Family Movie Night at Mercato – Shrek 2

📅 Date: February 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Mercato, Naples
🎬 Description: Looking for a fun family outing tonight? Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Shrek 2 on the lawn at Mercato! This monthly event is perfect for all ages, offering a relaxed, community-driven movie night under the stars. Grab a quick bite outside at Bar Tulia or Tap 42 (both are family-friendly) to complete the evening. 

2. Florida Everblades vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters

📅 Date: February 19, 2025 | 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Hertz Arena, Estero
🏒 Description: Watch your Florida Everblades take on the Tahoe Knight Monsters for less than $20 a ticket! Can't make it? The teams will face off again on Friday and Saturday. 🎟 Get tickets here

3. Ancient Forest Tour at Corkscrew Swamp

📅 Date: February 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
🌿 Description: Take a guided tour through the world's largest old-growth bald cypress forest. Learn about the history, ecology, and incredible biodiversity of this protected sanctuary. Limited spots available.

4. ABRAXAS – A Tribute to Santana

📅 Date: February 22, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Location: Bone Hook Brewing Company, Naples
🎸 Description: Guitar virtuoso Ed Antonelli and his band bring Carlos Santana’s legendary music to life in this immersive tribute concert. Reservations recommended.

5. Bonita Brew Fest

📅 Date: February 22, 2025
📍 Location: Riverside Park, Bonita Springs
🍺 Description: Enjoy a huge selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries, plus live music, food vendors, and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere.

6. International Fest at Mercato

📅 Date: February 22, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Mercato, Naples
🌍 Description: Embark on a cultural journey with food, performances, and vendors representing over 30 countries. Highlights include mariachi bands, Polynesian dancers, a cultural parade, and a live drum circle.

7. Kelsea Ballerini – Live on Tour

📅 Date: February 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, FL
🎤 Description: If you love country music, don’t miss Kelsea Ballerini’s incredible live performance just a short drive from Naples. 🎟 Tickets available here

8. Isaac Mizrahi – An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi

📅 Date: February 23, 2025 | 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples
🎭 Description: The legendary designer and entertainer blends storytelling, humor, and music in a one-of-a-kind cabaret show.

Poll Update: Extending the “Overrated or Worth the Hype” Poll Through This Week

I’m overwhelmed by the response to our recent restaurant poll. The comments keep on coming in, and I have enjoyed reading each and every one of them. 

In order to give more readers a chance to respond, the poll has been extended through this week. If you haven’t had a chance to vote or comment, head on over to last week’s issue by clicking here and let me know what you think! 

Let me know what you think and what you’d like to hear about by emailing [email protected].

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Why It Matters

Each hidden gem you uncover is a testament to the vibrant, unpredictable spirit of our community. When you venture off the beaten path and support these local treasures, you’re not just enjoying a unique meal or event—you’re fueling a movement that celebrates innovation, diversity, and the unexpected. In every bite and every experience, there’s a story waiting to be told and a community waiting to be strengthened.

Stay curious, keep exploring, and thank you for making our neighborhood a little more extraordinary every day!

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

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