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Friends and Neighbors,

We are excited to share our definitive list of the Top Ten Best Happy Hours in Naples Florida in this issue. I reviewed over 200 menus in preparation for this article, and visited many once the list was narrowed down. I think the top contenders are all noteworthy, but if you think I missed something, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Also in this issue is a guide to the 5 Best Chinese Takeout places in Naples, Florida, along with an article about an exciting new hotel/restaurant/club concept from a familiar Naples name.

Dig in and Enjoy!

Best,

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• Unwind with the Top 10 Happy Hours in Naples

• Top Chinese Takeout Gems in Naples, Florida 🍜

• A New Era of Luxury in North Naples 🏨

• Gear Up for the Perfect Beach Day in Naples, Florida 🏖️

Unwind with the Top 10 Happy Hours in Naples

There’s nothing that brings people together like a good Happy Hour – small sharing plates, a quiet high top table or boisterous bar, and the feeling like you’re getting away with something when you get a great deal while it’s still light out. 

Many of the Naples Happy Hour lists out there are incorrect or outdated. For this article the Naples Review personally verified the information for each one of the following Happy Hours (a few of which are frustratingly not forthcoming with their menus online), and we feel like we’ve brought you the best of a very crowded field (we looked at over 200 menus to narrow it down). 

What makes a Happy Hour good? Discount from regular price comes to mind, but ambiance and selection also played a significant role. There are also many summer dining deals at the mentioned restaurants, but I mention those separately. 

So go forth and enjoy some of the best food Naples has to offer without spending a mortgage payment! 

10.  Swan River

Times: 4PM to 6PM

Location: 3741 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, FL 34103

Link: https://www.swanriverseafood.com/happy-hour

Highlights: $1.25 Cold Water Oysters, Steamed Littlenecks ($10) and Cucumber Margarita ($7).  

It has to be hard to be a seafood restaurant located directly next to the excellent (fine-dining-but-sure-doesn’t-look-that-way-from-the-strip-mall-vibe) USS Nemo. Yet, that’s exactly what Swan River is: an overall excellent - but overlooked – seafood market and restaurant next to the famous creator of the best miso grouper in town. 

You know what Swan River has that USS Nemo doesn’t? A great Happy Hour. These are the best, cheapest, cold water oysters (read this to mean New England, Canada, West Coast) on the list. While the $1.25 oysters alone were enough to get me to Swan River, there’s plenty of options for someone without an oyster affliction. Select cocktails are just $7, while beers are $4. Don’t miss the fried oysters ($9), crab cake bites ($13) and Thai Calamari ($8) – they are all excellent. 

Other Summer Specials: Sundays and Wednesdays Swan River has a lobster special that is served all day. Each lobster special includes a 1.5 lb lobster, corn on the cob and a side. 

9. Bice

Times: 

June 1^st to October 31^st 

3PM to 6PM (*Note: Last seating is at 5:30PM and you must order before 6PM)

November 1^st to May 31^st 

3PM to 5PM (*Note: Last seating is at 4:30PM and you must order before 5PM)

Location: 300 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102

Link: https://www.bice-naples.com/early-dining

Highlights: 50% off food and classic cocktails – but obey the rules!

I’ll admit I was peer-pressured into reviewing the Bice Happy Hour by several friends who knew this article was in the works. “Well what about Bice? That Happy Hour is great!” All my early protestations about having a 5th-Avenue-concentrated list were pushed aside (and ultimately worthless, because there’s no other restaurant on this list with a 5^th Avenue address). 

Here's the scoop: Bice’s Happy Hour is a great deal when you consider many normal menu items are 50% off along with the classic cocktails. This makes your calamari $11 instead of $22 and your eggplant parm a cool $9. I thought the food was good, and the drink specials took away some of the pain of ordering a cocktail on 5^th. 

Bice’s Happy Hour is a people-watching paradise in season, with many, many loyal adherents. It’s something worth seeing. Pop in this summer and you might become a Bice Happy-Hour convert. I’ll be back. 

8. Unidos

Times: 3:30PM to 5PM

Location: 1 9th St S, Naples, FL 34102

Link: Announcement of New Happy Hour

Highlights: $12 for 2 Tacos, $10 House Margarita & Hibiscus Mezcal Margarita

Nothing better than a new restaurant with a great Happy Hour! When Unidos began renovating the old Starbucks Space I was skeptical to say the least. What a strange building. At any rate, Unidos has been thriving and the reviews speak for themselves. Their stand-alone ceviche menu is comprehensive and the wood-grilled and chef-specials are worth a visit during regular hours. 

For Happy Hour – which they have called their “Taco Social” – you can score two of their tacos for just $12 (steak, shrimp and chicken), along with a $10 margarita. Cheapest/best tacos on this list? It’s very close (Two Filets has excellent ones for $5 during Happy Hour). One of the best things about Happy Hour, however, is exploring new places. This is one you should visit. 

7. Two Filets

Times: Varied

2PM to 6:30 PM for Drinks

11AM to 6PM for Small Plates Menu

11AM to 4PM for Light Lunch Menu

Location: 10395 Tamiami Trail North, Naples FL 34108

Link: https://www.twofillets.com/

Highlights: Tacos (steak, fish and chicken for $5 each), Shrimp Po’ Boy ($14) and Specialty Martinis ($8). 

Two Filets is one of the most underappreciated restaurants in town. The seafood is excellent, the steaks come from the impeccable Jimmy P’s, and there’s plenty of seating…and….menus. 

Maybe the menus are where people get tripped up? Two Filets currently has an All-Day Menu, a Small Plates Menu, a Happy Hour Menu and a Light Lunch Menu. I like to think of this as the do-it-yourself Happy Hour. I like this restaurant enough to break it down for you, so here goes nothing. 

The Happy Hour Menu – as featured online – only contains a discounted drink menu for the hours of 2PM to 6:30 PM. House Margaritas and Specialty Martinis are $6 and $8, respectively, and all of the other featured drinks are under $10. If you are stopping by before 4PM, you have access to the Small Plates menu and Light Lunch Menu. Out of the two, I’d err towards the Light Lunch Menu, which has excellent tacos for $5 each and the 8oz Wagyu Aged Dry Sirloin for $22. After 4PM, the Small Plates menu also has some excellent options – their Mussels (or Clams!) Sorrento are just $8 while the coconut shrimp are $6. The Two Filets location used to be considered North Naples, but it’s become pretty central with the expansion of the city, and definitely worth a short drive to check out. 

6. Latitude 26

Times: Monday to Friday, 4PM to 7PM

Location: Inside the Hyatt House at 1345 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102

Link to Happy Hour Menu

Highlights: Pork and Yuca ($7) , Craft Beer ($5), House Wine ($6). 

I hesitated before including Latitude 26 on the list because I’ve never had trouble finding a table during Happy Hour, Chef Jose Gonzales is a true gem, and I don’t want them to hike the prices on one of the best deals in town. 

Ok, I get that it’s in a hotel lobby, but the décor does a good job of enhancing the feel (tasteful mirrors, fish sculptures), and the huge bar and high tops are comfortable. One bonus is that there’s a few tables outside overlooking the pool and water. There are seven $7 plates – I’ve tried them all and they are good – along with $4 domestic beers, $5 craft beers, $5 well liquor and $6 house wine. I generally lean towards the Pork and Yuca, Artichoke Dippers and Smoked Seafood Dip. Overall, a great deal on good food. 

5. The Claw Bar

Times: Daily 3PM to 5PM (Drinks only on Sunday and Monday)

Location: 221 9^th Street South, Naples, FL 34102 

Link: https://www.theclawbar.com/menu

Highlights: Oysters and Bubbles (3 oysters and a glass of prosecco for $15), Southern Collection ($15).

The ambiance of the Claw Bar can’t be beat for a relaxing Happy Hour. Tucked inside the Bellasera Hotel downtown, the Claw Bar has it all when it comes to seating. Looking to sit outside in the shade and gaze at their scenic pool? Want to sit inside at a sexy oyster bar and watch someone capably shuck shellfish? Prefer a dark banquette in a corner? A traditional bar stool? The Claw Bar has it all. 

One of my great food passions is oysters, and this isn’t the cheapest pick when it comes to Happy Hour prices (check out Swan River, also on this list), but the ambiance makes up for it. One excellent go-to is the Southern Collection, which includes pimento cheese, smoked dip and pickles. Simple, right? Somehow they nail it every time. On the Happy Hour menu, you can try the Southern Collection (for $15 versus the usual $19 on the regular menu) and the Coconut Curry Mussels (also for $15, versus the usual $34). It doesn’t have the steepest discounts on this list or the best prices, but Happy Hour at the Claw Bar is a great experience in a cool space that everyone will enjoy. 

Other Summer Specials: The Claw Bar is currently offering a Summer Celebration Menu where diners get a 3-course meal for $49. The Summer Celebration menu includes Claw Bar classics like scallops on the half shell and the Sea BLT (chilled lobster, shrimp, & crab salad, fried green tomatoes, bacon, corn, arugula, smoked tomato vinaigrette).

4. Hogfish Harry’s 

Times: 3PM to 5PM Daily

Location: 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, FL 34103 

Link: https://hogfishharrys.com/

Highlights: Crispy Chicken Wings ($8), Coconut Shrimp ($9) and The Crazy Cuban ($7)

Hogfish Harry’s is a true Naples treasure with a great Happy Hour - and a personal favorite. It is situated in a charmingly peaceful and bizarre location in the central open space of the Park Shore Resort. Park out back where there isn’t a “Resident Only” sign, and make your way across an Asian-inspired red bridge to a world that feels Key West in all the right ways (décor, waitstaff vibe, impressive dead fish hanging on a wall). This place does not need a Happy Hour to attract local devotees, but it certainly helps when the snowbirds flock north. 

Full disclosure – Hogfish Harry’s does not do a good job advertising your Happy Hour opportunity. It took me years to overhear that there were Happy Hour specials you could enjoy at the bar during certain hours. No Happy Hour menu on their main website, no mention of it in recent social media (even though this is just the time to be advertising specials to locals) – are things that really aggravated me when researching several other names on this list. But – as you can tell – my soft spot for Hogfish Harry’s makes me forgive many things. 

Happy Hour – from 3PM to 5PM – has a great selection of excellent small plates, with Crispy Chicken Wings ($8), Coconut Shrimp ($9) and Fried Fish Sliders ($9). Everything on the current Happy Hour Menu is under $10. Drinks – which include tropical concoctions like the Crazy Cuban and the Hog-a-Rita are all just $7. Hogfish Harry’s has a wonderful local vibe and a wonderful Happy Hour Menu – truly worth a visit. 

Other Summer Specials: 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Free Coconut Shrimp or Guacamole Dip with the purchase of two dinner entrees. Served after 4PM. 

Taco Tuesday

Hogfish Tacos and $10 Enjoy our Taco Tuesday Fiesta with our Spiced Hogfish Tacos and $10 Margaritas or Sangria all day long! Our Spiced Hogfish Tacos are made with Mango Pico, Roasted Poblano Crema, Pickled Red Onion, Cotija Cheese, Radish, Cilantro, Warm Tortillas and Citrus Yucca ($24)

3.  Bar Tulia – Mercato Location

Times: Daily from 3PM to 5PM

Location: 9118 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108

Link: https://www.bartulia.com/mercato-naples/

Highlights: Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Sausage ($6) and Fat Tire ($3.50)

Bar Tulia’s dinner menu is already pretty perfect for Happy Hour if you strip out the entrees, but from 3PM to 5PM daily you can enjoy some favorites for less. Their Happy Hour – dubbed the “Pasta Power Hour” (misnamed I think) – is not just pasta and it is not just an hour. So, for two hours, you can enjoy not only four of their signature pastas for $13 each (the Torchio with their homemade sausage is excellent), but also a great selection of small plates from their regular appetizer menu like the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Sausage and the Fried Calamari and Spicy Peppers for $6 and $10 respectively. During the “Not Just Pasta, Not Just an Hour,” you can enjoy signature cocktails and wines for $5 off and beers for 50% off. 

Other Summer Specials: 

Bar Tulia has a summer Pranzo Menu (3 courses for $28) offered daily from 11:30 AM to 3PM and an Early Dining menu (3 courses for $35) offered daily from 3PM to 6PM. The two menus are very similar but there are a couple notable differences: their delicious mussels are only on the Pranzo Menu while their excellent Torchio (house made fennel sausage, roasted pepper, English pea & mascarpone) is only available on the Early Dining Menu. 

2. LoLa 41

Times: Daily from 4PM to 6PM

Location: 560 9th St S, Naples, FL 34102

Link: https://www.lola41.com/location/lola-41-naples/

Highlights: Peking Duck Bao Bun ($10) and Con-Cu-Bine Cocktail ($10)

We covered LoLa 41 extensively in our article “Fifty Seven Dollar Rice, Elite Enclaves and Billy Joel: The Launch of LoLa 41” in our last issue, but their Happy Hour certainly deserves a spot on this list. In addition to $5 beers and $10 cocktails, wines and sake, there is a discounted Bistro Happy Hour Menu and a Sushi Happy Hour Menu. Make sure to check out the Peking Duck Bao Bun, Crispy Artichokes and Dynamite Roll. The Con-Cu-Bine and Date-Or-Dad are popular picks (and downtown Naples is a great place to ask: “is that her date or her dad?”). Service at the bar was quick and the ambiance was nice. All in all, LoLa 41’s Happy Hour is a great time to explore a new popular downtown spot for half price. 

Other Summer Specials:

LoLa 41 is also offering a 3-course early dining menu from 4PM to 6PM (Daily), Half off Signature Cocktails on Thursdays from 4PM to 9PM, BOGO Sushi Sundays (4PM to 9PM), Latitude Wine Wednesdays – handpicked wines up to 50% off. 

1. Nosh on Naples Bay

Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 2PM to 6PM

Location:1490 5^th Avenue South, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34102

Link: https://noshonnaplesbay.com/

Highlights: Crispy Duck Wings ($12), Beef Tenderloin Steak Au Poivre Tips ($16), Pomello Paradise ($12). 

Was this article - in small part - an excuse for me to finally go to the famed Happy Hour at Nosh? Perhaps. My last visit to Nosh was with another couple – all of us were parents turned loose for the night – so I was aware of how quickly you can rack up a small fortune during dinner service. The food was really special, though (I mean, we did the whole thing – caviar, fois gras, etc). Could Happy Hour be my Nosh Happy Ending? A way to enjoy the incredible food and ambiance for a fraction of the price? Do they have real working-human Happy Hours..i.e. not ending sharply at 5:00PM? The answer is yes to everything, which is why Nosh is at the top of the list. 

They do not post a current Happy Hour menu online - much to my chagrin when I was prepping this article – but I suspect the reason is because there are specials and additions that change daily. There does appear to be a somewhat core Happy Hour menu, however, and on the rainy Friday after the 4^th of July my husband and I ventured over around 3:30PM. 

Everything we tried from Nosh’s Happy Hour Menu was excellent, but the Crispy Duck Wings ($12) and Beef Tenderloin Steak Au Poivre Tips ($16) stole the show. The bartender noted that the Pomello Paradise ($12) is one of the most popular cocktails, and the cocktail menu also included a Pain Killer ($12) which was not featured on the regular menu. Picture a super-crispy fried duck leg dredged through a high-end version of General Tao’s sauce – it was divine. Don’t like duck? The tenderloin tips were drizzled with au poivre puts the ‘80s version you grew up with to shame. 

Seating for Happy Hour is available in the bar area at the bar and high tops. We were lucky enough to grab a high top, so it was a full white-linen experience. As I looked out at the boats in the rain, and my husband signed our $80 bill, I felt like I had gotten away with something. Excellent service, fantastic food, Happy Hour Specials (did I mention that they rotate new items like mussels and a 5oz bacon-wrapped steak into the mix?) and a reasonable price for one of the higher-end restaurants in town. Check out Nosh’s Happy Hour, you won’t be disappointed. 

Other notable mentions: 

PJK Neighborhood Chinese

(Sharing Happiness Menu, Wine and Wok Wednesdays, Dim Sum Summer and Happy Hour Menu – great ways to enjoy haltingly-expensive Chinese for less.)

Bistro 821

(Bistro Cocktails $11, premium spirits $7, martinis $9 and a wide range of small plates ranging from $11 to $22.)

Café Milano

(50% off food and $5 off drinks 3-4:45. 50% off their food menu is great deal for a restaurant on 5^th Avenue and the appetizers are very good.) 

Several restaurants that are basically beloved local dives also have great Happy Hours (Harold’s, North Naples Country Club, Jack’s and Buzz’s to name a few). I think that might have to be its own review, however! 

Top Chinese Takeout Gems in Naples, Florida 🍜 read the full 633-word article here

Article published: July 5, 2024

If you're in Naples, Florida, and have a craving for Chinese takeout, this article from Naples Florida Rentals is a must-read.

"The Five Best Places to Get Chinese Takeout in Naples, Florida" dives into the coastal city's hidden gems for delectable Chinese cuisine.

Golden Leaf is renowned for its extensive menu and the crowd-favorite Szechuan Chicken. Panda Pavilion, although a humble takeout-only spot, impresses with rich flavors in dishes like boneless spare ribs and General Tso's chicken.

Chinatown Naples offers a blend of traditional and American-Chinese dishes, with the Chow Fun being a standout. For an upscale experience, PJK Neighborhood Chinese’s duck fried rice and O'mei Chinese’s exquisite dumplings and Peking duck provide refined dining options.

Whether you're a local or visiting, these top picks promise to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌶️ Golden Leaf’s Szechuan Chicken: Perfect balance of spice and flavor in generous portions.

• 🍗 Panda Pavilion’s Hidden Gem: Boneless spare ribs and General Tso's chicken are surprisingly rich in flavor.

• 🥢 Chinatown Naples Authenticity: Classic dishes like Chow Fun made with high-quality ingredients.

• 🦆 Upscale Options: PJK’s duck fried rice and O'mei’s dumplings elevate the takeout experience.

A New Era of Luxury in North Naples 🏨 read the full 984-word article here

Article published: June 7, 2024

"Public restaurants, private club planned at new hotel in North Naples," published by Gulfshore Business, explores an upcoming luxury destination.

Imagine walking into a boutique hotel where public and private worlds blend seamlessly. That's what's happening in North Naples as the Beacon Bowl makes way for The Carnelian, a six-story, all-suite hotel with luxurious restaurants and a private club. The McCabe family, local entrepreneurs, is behind this intriguing development.

The ground floor of The Carnelian will welcome the public with two high-end restaurants. Meanwhile, Sterling’s, a private club on the top floor, promises opulent spaces inspired by London’s elite clubs. The McCabes have left no stone unturned, drawing global inspiration to ensure that this venture redefines luxury and hospitality in Naples.

Key Takeaways:

• ✨ Sterling’s Inspiration: Influenced by London's elite clubs, Sterling’s offers world-class service and exclusive member experiences.

• 🍽️ Exclusive Dining: Two yet-to-be-named restaurants will provide unique dining experiences with reservation privileges for club members.

• 🌍 Global Influence: The McCabes’ extensive research includes insights from renowned hotels and clubs worldwide.

• 🏖️ Prime Location: Seven minutes from the beach, The Carnelian boasts luxury and convenience, with shuttles to key Naples destinations.

Gear Up for the Perfect Beach Day in Naples, Florida 🏖️ read the full 552-word article here

Article published: June 25, 2024

In the article "The Ultimate Guide to Buying Beach Supplies in Naples, Florida for Summer 2024" by Naples Florida Rentals, I found great tips for the ultimate beach experience in this sunny paradise.

Naples, Florida, is a beach lover's dream, and this guide is your map to the best local spots for beach essentials.

From family-owned Ace Sunshine Hardware to the stylish Everything But Water, the article covers it all.

Ace Sunshine Hardware, a local gem, provides everything from coolers to fishing gear with exceptional service.

Next door, Wynn's Market offers gourmet treats for a perfect beach picnic.

Publix, the beloved grocery chain, stocks all your beach snacks and sunscreen.

Lastly, Everything But Water at the Waterside Shops ensures you’re beach-ready with trendy swimwear and accessories.

Each location promises to enhance your beach day, making this guide a must-read for both locals and visitors.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌞 Ace Sunshine Hardware: Family-owned, offering coolers, beach chairs, and fishing gear.

• 🍉 Wynn’s Market: Gourmet ready-to-eat meals and drinks for a perfect beach picnic.

• 🛒 Publix: Essential beach snacks, famous Pub Subs, and sunscreen.

• 👙 Everything But Water: Trendy swimwear and chic beach accessories for all styles.

Take this edition’s poll:

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Why It Matters

Transform your stay in Naples from ordinary to extraordinary by embracing the local culture and discovering the best places to unwind.

These happy hours offer great deals and a peek into the city's vibrant social scene. Connect with locals, find new favorite dishes, and discover your go-to happy hour spot.

Whether you're a resident seeking a fresh routine or a visitor eager to experience Naples, this guide is your key to memorable evenings.

Cheers to finding happiness in every hour!

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

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