I thought I would send along some of our favorite places to eat, relax and enjoy.
Monkey Bar,
If you are looking for an interesting (fun) afternoon or evening with some local characters give it a try. It is south of Cape Coral Parkway near Del Prado. The outside is a funky tiki-hut kind of bar with usually really good music, and inside is the surprise no one knows about- the small little restaurant is run by two 5-star chefs. The food is amazing- (not bar food inside), and very reasonably priced. The fun starts at about 6-7 and goes to 10-12 depending on the day. Unless you are a local you would never make it to the restaurant as the outside is so funky and fun.
http://www.monkeybarcapecoral.com/
Tarpon Point Marina
Pinchers Crab Shack. Take Cape Coral Parkway to Pelican south – follow it to the gated entrance. It's right on the water, good any time of day, and a favorite for years, all fresh seafood. If they have them ( and you may have to ask), try the Rock Shrimp, they are like little Lobsters. They are not always available and we always have to ask.
Also Marker 92, which is in the Westin resort, and a short walk from Pinchers, has upscale inside dining as well as casual outside dining and entertainment.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rswwi-the-westin-cape-coral-resort-at-marina-village/dining/
Iguana Mia- CCPW west of Del Prado ( GREEN Building – you can’t miss it). $2 ( maybe more now) Margarita's and awesome Mexican food. I built the original owner a house when he moved to CC in the early 80’s. Now they are all over SW Florida. Expect to wait in season- but it is worth it.
Duffy's Sport Bar
Literally minutes from this house on Cape Coral Parkway just West of Pelican Blvd. It is a large place with multiple indoor and outdoor seating and lots of TV's. The food is moderatly priced and there is a wide selection. Chris and I go at least a few times a month when she doesn't feel like cooking. Drinks are always 1/2 price and they have daily specials. The "dining" area is located on the east end of the building. If you wnat a more peaceful meal that is where to start. They draw a large sports crowd, so dining before 7 will avoid the crowds and noise. Otherwise sit in the other areas and ENJOY the games.
Cape Harbor-
Your closest waterfront dining area. Take Cape Coral Parkway to Chiquita, then south to the area. Rum Runners is a bit on the high end for casual dining and drinking, but to the north of the complex on the Marina side, is Fantoms Restaurant, as well as other food, ice cream and shops. The outside bar and usually entertainment in the square. Real Cheap pizza on Tuesday I think- be sure to check the website.
https://www.fathomsrestaurant.com/
http://rumrunnersrestaurant.com/
The Boathouse. Once a favorite in Cape Coral, the Boathouse burned down in late 2024 while under reconstruction from a hurricane,and has not yet started to rebuild.
Jug Creek -it has no category and is not for everyone
This is in North Pine Island in Bookelia. It is basically a working fish house and marina where they actually bring in the daily catch. But they recently added a outside tiki area and created a small beach, which is not for swimming butjust for effect. There is alwayus daily entertainment. This is super-super casual with lots of homespun Florida Cracker types, some come by boat and others by motorcycle. It is very hard to find, usually very busy, parking is a challenge, but it's lots of fun. Weekends are pretty much "forget about it" especially in season unless you go early, but weekdays are less busy. The menu is very limited and usually features the catch of the day. Drinks are beer and wine only. If you just want to hang out and take in the local culture this might be the place. This is a local spot and this is your inside tip- don't dress up. Everything is outside and you will have sand in your shoes. :)
It will probably be easier to find them on FaceBook than their website. Here's a place to start
Pizza
Two of our cost effective favorite pizza and casual Italian restaurants are:
Paradise Pizza (and hand made Italian dishes). Inside and out side dining. Awesome pizza, made were you can watch. Daily Italian pasta dishes. A very small inside restaurant with ample outside dining. Family owned and operated- they will be there serving you.
Chicago Pizza
Casual Chicago style pizza, both thin and pan styles. Also you can get an authentic Chicago-style Viernna hot dog or Italian beef sandwich.
https://www.thechicagopizza.com/