Until Sept. 28, 2022, La Ola Surfside Restaurant’s only location was in the heart of Fort Myers Beach. That’s when Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Southwest Florida. When the sun came up the next morning the restaurant was gone. “It’s still very emotional,” said Tom Houghton, owner of... Read more

  When the doors of Chips Sports Pub opened in February, it was another first for down­town Fort Myers. The new hot spot is the first Topgolf Swing Suite and sports bar in the River District, and it has become quite a success. Chips is also the new­est edition... Read more

Oxbow Bar & Grill is one of the newer additions to the downtown Fort Myers dining scene, and it has something almost no other place in the River District has. Waterfront. And it’s not just a view. In fact, when dining on the outdoor patio, it feels as if... Read more

Catching a sunset at the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is a Cape Coral tradition for visitors and residents alike. It’s the only spot in the Cape offering an unobstructed waterfront view of Southwest Florida’s brilliant sunsets. “The jewel of Cape Coral” is how the casual, al fresco restaurant... Read more

Southerners are serious about their chicken salad. It’s so beloved, in fact, that now there is a restaurant dedicated to the dish. Simply called Chicken Salad Chick, the fast-casual restaurant has more than just the traditional chicken salad with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery and savory seasoning. There... Read more

The Firestone Grill Room, Mar­tini Bar and Skybar in down­town Fort Myers is marking a milestone. Now celebrating its 10th year in business, the three-story landmark remains the area’s premier one-stop dining, drinking and danc­ing spot. When the restaurant opened its doors, it was the completion of a historic... Read more

The Twisted Crab Seafood & Bar might be one of the best-kept dining secrets in central Fort Myers. Anchoring the entrance to the food court at Edison Mall, this family-friendly, Cajun seafood joint is a breath of fresh air. Opening its doors in April 2021, The Twisted Crab has... Read more

Countless restaurants in and around Bell Tower Shops have come and gone over the years. However, Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café in the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers has remained steadfast, serving all-American fare and fun for 27 years. Once known as Edison Electric, a popular restaurant that turned into a... Read more

It’s nearly impossible to think of a restaurant in Fort Myers that is more iconic than The Veranda. Residing in two turn-of-the-century homes in downtown Fort Myers, the restaurant – famous for its sophistica­tion and service – celebrates its 44th anniversary this year. Paul Peden bought the Victorian homes... Read more

Almost everyone loves barbecue, but not just anyone is skilled enough, or patient enough, to master this all-American fare. The folks at Rib City have not only conquered the comfort cuisine but have been doing so for more than 30 years. Rib City began as a small family-owned barbecue... Read more