Best Bars & Bites in Downtown Fort Myers

If you're looking for the best places to eat and drink, you'll find many exciting options in downtown Fort Myers’ charming River District. This historic, walkable scene along the Caloosahatchee River is thriving with everything from chic rooftop bars and speakeasies to cozy corner taverns, buzzing sidewalk cafes and a plethora of new restaurants.
 

New Kids on the Brick-Lined Block

Fancy’s, 2214 Bay Street

• A longtime local favorite with a new elegant location downtown
• Serves traditional Southern specialties like shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles
• Bourbon bar features live jazz on select nights
   

OISE, 2262 First Street

• A unique offering of Japanese and Italian fusion with a really fun sushi menu
• Brought to life by Executive Chef Brad Kilgore, who has been nominated for multiple James Beard Foundation awards
• The restaurant name is a Japanese expression for when something tastes very good

Azaleas on the Corner, 1544 Broadway

• Charming, botanically-inspired art gallery and wine bar
• Offers painting experiences, from creating on canvas to decorating your own journal
• The owners, Marie Dyer and Corinne Wimberly, are a mother-daughter duo who share a passion for art, teaching and creating memorable experiences
   

Swamp Cat Brewing Company, 1943 Fowler Street

• Offers fine craft beer that captures the pulse and character of Southwest Florida
• Their mission is summed up in three words: Community. Integrity. Fun.
• Taste sensations range from the refreshing Light Weight Lager and Tropical Mango Cider to the hearty Buenas Dias Stout, brewed with cinnamon, cacao nibs and roasted coffee

Escondido Lounge, 1617 Hendry Street

• A speakeasy-inspired lounge complete with a hidden entrance at the back of Taco Works in the historic Richard’s building
• Drink names and bar nameplates honor local icons who frequented the soda fountain that was there back in the day, including Connie Mack, Ty Cobb and Thomas Edison
• Libations are crafted with 20+ tequilas and mezcals, balancing smoke and spice with tropical flavors; and paninis and pizzas are served for late-night munchies
   

Silver King Coastal Kitchen, 2200 Edwards Drive

• Located inside The Luminary Hotel, Inc. and features tapas-style small plates in the spirit of gathering and sharing
• Fresh ingredients star in every dish, with favorites including Spanish Octopus, Gambas al Ajillo and Red Snapper
• Serious foodies will want to try Chef Zach Geerson's Counter Tasting Menu, a five-course culinary adventure
   

Hogwash, 1415 Dean Street

• Another speakeasy-inspired bar with a stunning Art Deco interior for a dress-up night on the town
• The owner, Kevin Offerman, created and named the establishment in honor of his grandfather, who was a fighter pilot in the Korean War (they couldn’t curse on the cockpit radio, hence… Hogwash)
• Features an exceptional mix of classic and craft cocktails

Sip & Sizzle, 2236 First Street

• Craft cocktails and a curated wine cellar selection provide the “Sip,” while the “Sizzle” comes from volcanic stone slabs delivered to your table for cooking such delights as wagyu beef and ahi tuna to your liking
• Offers a fine dining experience without the stuffiness
• Every bite is cooked to order and served with delicious sauces
   

Bruno’s of Brooklyn, 2149 First Street

• A downtown staple now housed in a new, larger location with an upstairs dessert bar
• Chef Calcedonio Bruno shares century-old recipes passed down from three generations of Brunos, bringing the authentic tastes of Sicily to your table
• Specialties include Sicilian puff pastries and fritters, house-made raviolis stuffed with black truffle, mushrooms and ricotta; and Seafood Fra Diavolo with fresh papardelle

Ren’s Bistro, 2150 West First Street

• Features a delicious variety of handcrafted sandwiches, salads, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, homemade desserts and freshly baked pastries
• Cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibes on the west side of downtown
• Treat your taste buds to the special sauce on your sammy and upgrade to the addictive sourdough croissant for a buck
   

Other Downtown Stops for Culinary Explorers

Rooftop Bars:
The Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar, 2224 Bay Street
Sidney's Rooftop, 2301 First Street
Beacon Social Drinkery, 2200 Edwards Drive
10 Twenty Five, 33 Patio De Leon

Oldies but Goodies:
The Veranda, 2122 Second Street
Downtown House of Pizza, 1520 Hendry Street

Brunch:
Ellie May’s, 2200 Edwards Drive
Bullig, 1815 Fowler Street
Farmer’s Market Restaurant, 2736 Edison Avenue
The Standard Restaurant Downtown, 1520 Broadway

Sports Bars:
City Tavern, 2206 Bay Street
The Lucky Screw, 1527 Hendry Street
The Hideaway, 1418 Dean Street
Chips Sports Pub, 2200 Edwards Drive

Cocktail Lounges:
The 86 Room, 22 Patio De Leon
Space39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge, 39 Patio De Leon
Celsius Night Club, 2213 Main Street
Indigo Room, 2219 Main Street
 
Outdoor Fun:
Downtown Social House, 1406 Hendry Street
Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay Street

 
On the Water:
Oxbow Bar & Grill, 1300 Hendry Street

Craft Breweries:
Coastal Dayz Brewery, 2161 McGregor Blvd E
Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Avenue

Afternoon Tea:
Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe, 2512 Second Street

 
Country Western:
The Lodge, 2278 First Street
Cowboy Up Saloon, 1609 Hendry Street
 
Cigar Bar:
The World Famous Cigar Bar, 1502 Hendry Street

Shop even more local restaurants and bars, find your perfect place to stay and plan your trip with the official resource for vacation information and inspiration, VistFortMyers.com.