Friends and neighbors,
I generally avoid picking favorites, but today I’m breaking that rule because in my book, Old Vines is Naples’ undisputed happy hour destination. I also wanted to compare two of your favorite pizza spots against each other: LowBrow Pizza & Beer and Twisted Sheep Pizza & Brew in a friendly, head-to-head showdown.
Naples is lucky to have both – so think of it less like a rivalry and more of an appreciation that we have such great spots to choose from.
I hope you are savoring the days when Naples is still quiet. Have you been on any food quests lately? Let me know, I appreciate hearing from all of you.
Cheers,

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Table of Contents
An Ode to My Favorite Happy Hour: Old Vines at Mercato
I tend to avoid using words like “the best” when it comes to food and drink in Naples because too many places offer something wonderful in their own way. But when it comes to happy hour, I’m willing to make an exception. When I make my way to North Naples, Old Vines Wine Bar is my go-to. It’s low-key but still feels fancy, and one of the few places where I think locals and visitors can settle in for a truly good drink without the scene.
I’m partial to Old Vines because they nail every aspect of a great happy hour: great cocktails, delicious small plates, cool ambiance, and reasonable prices. I love having a go-to spot that won’t let me down, and for me, that’s Old Vines.

The Happy Hour
Old Vines runs happy hour every day from 3–6 PM, and again from 10 PM to midnight. Not many places in Naples are doing a late happy hour, so I love this perk. On Sundays, they start the late-night happy hour at 8 PM, so you can pop in later and still catch the deals.
The Drinks
During happy hour, you can choose from house cocktails for just $12 (I’m partial to the Maid in Mercato) or classic cocktails for $10. When I went, almost every couple had one Martini and one Cosmopolitan and raved about both. Yes, it’s not the $3 beer happy hour, but it satisfies the itch to have a swanky cocktail in the afternoon without the $18 price tag. Wines by the glass and craft beers are also discounted, and during the late-night happy hour, you’ll get 25% off all wine and beer by the glass.
The Food
Old Vines lands at the top of my list because the food is incredible, and it’s not just your typical bar bites. Here are some of my favorites: The Chicken Meatballs with housemade ricotta and pomodoro are fantastic, as well as my personal love, the Beef Tartare Potato Pave Bites with garlic aioli. This is possibly the best way to eat potatoes that I’ve ever come across—imagine a slice of potato gratin that has been fried. If you want to make a dinner out of it, I suggest getting the Tagliatelle Bolognese or the Steak Frites. You’ll be shocked at how mouth-watering the food is here.

Old Vines has it all: great cocktails and food for reasonable prices, with a lovely, chill ambiance. Plus, you won’t be fighting over reservations or seats, which is a win in my book because I never want to wait to be seated—it’s not necessary when you have so many good options around!
Right now, through the end of August, Old Vines is offering a Summer of Gratitude deal: 30% off your check Monday through Thursday from 4–10 PM. It’s not part of happy hour, but it’s also a fantastic option if you want to stay for dinner or go later, and includes beer, wine, cocktails, and their full food menu.
Do you also have a love for Old Vines? Let me know if you decide to pop in!
Naples Pizza Showdown: LowBrow vs. Twisted Sheep
Two names come up again and again in Naples’ pizza favorites: LowBrow Pizza & Beer and Twisted Sheep Pizza & Brew. Our readers love both, and they each bring something creative to the table, and both are well worth the drive. Here’s how they stack up:
1. The Lowdown
LowBrow
LowBrow is a lively, friendly neighborhood spot. They serve interesting flavors, huge appetizers, and an atmosphere that’s casual and perfect for the whole family. It’s a great spot where you can quickly grab dinner after a long day or pick up a pizza to go (and still be satisfied when you eat it 20 minutes later).
Twisted Sheep
Twisted Sheep serves curated slices and a bit of culinary flair, with creative pies in a very casual setting decked out in funky art. The owner frames it as artisan, craft pizza “with attitude,” and they have truly unique topping combinations and interesting craft beer options.
2. The Pizza
LowBrow
The dough is blistered with a wood-fired chew that has a truly artisanal feel. They lean into hearty toppings, memorable specialty pies like the “Facemelter” with hot coppa and honey drizzle, but the pizza itself has an ultra-light dough and chewy texture that allows the toppings to shine.

Twisted Sheep
Twisted Sheep has a more substantial pizza base than LowBrow. The pizza here has a thicker, chewy crust to support more toppings, closer to NY-style than LowBrow’s. Their bread and butter is over-the-top creative pie concepts, like a Chick-fil-A inspired pizza, a French Fry pizza, or their ever-popular Buffalo Chicken pizza with house-made ranch.

3. Besides the Pizza?
LowBrow
Plenty of reasons to stay past the pie. Their appetizers double as perfect sharing bites with large portions big enough to split with a group. Their wings are crispy without too much heat, and appetizers like the pizza bones (fried dough with garlic butter, parm, marinara) are a huge crowd pleaser.
Twisted Sheep
Craft beer on tap keeps Naples’ foodies coming back for more, and they also serve a fun burger pizza that is topped with a fantastic smash burger. Kids love the “pizza fondue” appetizer, where you can dunk baked pizza dough into molten cheese.
The Verdict?
You should head to LowBrow Pizza if you want generous portions and crowd-pleasing classics with a twist, in a buzzy neighborhood spot that has quick service even on the busiest of Friday nights.
You should head to Twisted Sheep when you're in the mood for a creative adventure, craft beers, and are open-minded to pizzas that push the limits. You’ll also get speedy service in an artsy, relaxed setting.
Both spots are Naples hits beloved for different reasons, but are sure to please even the most opinionated pizza aficionados. Did I mention your favorite pizza? Let me know!
Poll Results: Salad Preferences?
Last week’s poll asked: What’s your go-to salad move in the heat of July?
Here’s where you landed:

So much variance in the poll this week – I love hearing that all of you have your own tastes when it comes to summer lunch. Here are some tips from our readers too:
“The best salad I have had this summer was the Local Tomato Salad at Old Vines in Mercato. This take on a Greek salad with the addition of grilled chicken was PERFECTION! Just the right size for a light lunch.” – C.
“The Nut & Berry Salad at Bistro 821 - add blackened Salmon! ”- L.J.
This Week’s Poll:
Select one: What’s important to you in a happy hour?
Look forward to hearing what matters to you most! Thanks for being here and sharing your voice too.
Why It Matters
Great food is more than just a meal—it’s a moment, a memory, a ritual. Places like Old Vines, LowBrow, and Twisted Sheep remind us that comfort and creativity can (and should) go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for your new go-to happy hour or just craving the perfect slice, these local gems are worth celebrating.
Because life’s too short for bad cocktails—or boring pizza. 🍷🍕

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review
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