Sport bars aren’t particularly known for their food outside of the usual wings and nachos offerings. But if you’re going to be camped out somewhere watching football this weekend, you need some good chow. After consulting Food and Wine Editor Dorothea Hunter Sönne, we’ve come up with some of the must-try dishes at Southwest Florida’s sports bars.
Miller’s Ale House: This place, which has locations in Gulf Coast Town Center and Naples, gets pretty packed on game day, but it’s got a few signature dishes that are worth your while. The chicken nachos are a huge helping of salsa-marinated chicken and chips with three types of cheese on top.
Bokamper’s: At the must-go sports bar in Southwest Florida with locations in Naples and Estero, the signature wings are grilled and tossed in a mixture of medium, barbecue and garlic sauces.
The Crust: The newer Naples location off Trail Boulevard is spacious and has plenty of big-screen TVs. Our recommendation is the Chicken Pesto Pizza, featuring a delicious combination of pesto, provolone, tomatoes, grilled chicken, artichokes, Kalamata olives and red onions on its signature thin crust.
Big Blue Brewing: This Cape Coral microbrewery has award-winning beers and a full menu. We recommend the Spicy Beer Cheese & Pub Pretzels.
The Lodge: This is a great place to watch a game in Fort Myers. Its menu is full of good barbecue. Also check out the duck wings that come in a chili barbecue sauce.
Pelican Larry’s Raw Bar & Grill: These two laid-back Naples sports bars are known for their wings. However, the conch fritters are a hidden gem on the menu.
Tavern on the Bay: Settle into this nice spot with views of Naples Bay—in case the game gets boring. The Loaded Tater Tot-chos are a highlight of the menu—tater tots loaded with gouda and pulled pork.
The Pub at Mercato: The British-inspired pub makes some of the best fried pickles in Southwest Florida.
Lansdowne Street: This Boston-backer bar in Bonita is a hot spot even if you’re not from New England. But if you’re hankering for a lobster roll, this is the place.
