By Jill Nicholas
Naples has a drink scene that reflects the city itself — polished where it needs to be, laid-back everywhere else. Whether you are looking for a craft cocktail on a rooftop, a glass of wine on Fifth Avenue South, a cold beer at a waterfront tiki bar, or a lively late-night spot at Mercato, this city delivers across the range. Here are the spots worth knowing, organized by what kind of evening you are after.
Key Takeaways
- Bar Tulia on Fifth Avenue South is one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in Naples, known for its house-infused spirits and Italian wine list
- Limón Rooftop Bar atop the AC Hotel offers sweeping downtown views and beautiful sunset light in a chic open-air setting
- Blue Martini at Mercato is the go-to for late-night energy, with live bands, DJs, and a signature martini menu
- The Naples waterfront — Naples Bay, Tin City, and Bayshore Drive — offers a range of casual, outdoor drinking options with real local character
Craft Cocktails and Upscale Bars
Bar Tulia on Fifth Avenue South is one of the most talked-about bars in Naples, FL. The Italian pub atmosphere — exposed brick, warm wood, house-infused spirits — draws both locals and visitors who want a real cocktail in a space with genuine character. The Tuscan Mule is the signature, but the wine list focused on Italian varietals and the craft beer selection featuring Florida breweries round out the program. There is also a Mercato location for North Naples access to the same menu and vibe.
Seventh South Craft Food and Drink has earned consistent recognition for its craft cocktail program and contemporary setting — bougainvillea-framed outdoor seating, a modern interior, and a rotating cocktail menu built around fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It sits just off downtown and works well for a long evening that starts with cocktails and moves through dinner.
Seventh South Craft Food and Drink has earned consistent recognition for its craft cocktail program and contemporary setting — bougainvillea-framed outdoor seating, a modern interior, and a rotating cocktail menu built around fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It sits just off downtown and works well for a long evening that starts with cocktails and moves through dinner.
Downtown and Upscale Cocktail Options
- Bar Tulia — Fifth Avenue South Italian pub with house-infused spirits, Tuscan Mules, and a strong Italian wine list; second location at Mercato
- Seventh South Craft Food and Drink — rotating craft cocktail menu, bougainvillea courtyard, contemporary setting just off downtown
- The Continental — Third Street South bar known for seasonal and local ingredients, a sophisticated atmosphere, and creative cocktails
- Sidebar — downtown bar with a rotating cocktail list focused on fresh ingredients and a relaxed but polished feel
Rooftop and View Bars
For a drink with a view, Naples has a few strong options. Limón Rooftop Bar sits atop the AC Hotel downtown and delivers sweeping views of the Naples skyline and surrounding area — the light at sunset from that vantage is worth the trip on its own. The cocktail menu is creative, the setting is modern with lush greenery and ambient lighting, and small plates round out the experience.
The Easy Tiger Rooftop Bar at The Perry Hotel in North Naples is a seventh-floor open-air lounge with panoramic views of the Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. The cocktail program was developed by Lynnette Marrero, a James Beard Foundation-recognized mixologist. It is one of the more distinctive bar experiences in Southwest Florida, with a modern Asian cocktail menu that stands apart from anything else in the city.
The Easy Tiger Rooftop Bar at The Perry Hotel in North Naples is a seventh-floor open-air lounge with panoramic views of the Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. The cocktail program was developed by Lynnette Marrero, a James Beard Foundation-recognized mixologist. It is one of the more distinctive bar experiences in Southwest Florida, with a modern Asian cocktail menu that stands apart from anything else in the city.
Rooftop and View Bars in Naples
- Limón Rooftop Bar at the AC Hotel — downtown Naples views, beautiful at sunset, creative cocktails and small plates in a chic open-air setting
- Easy Tiger Rooftop Bar at The Perry Hotel — seventh-floor Gulf and river views, live music, and a destination cocktail program by Lynnette Marrero in North Naples
- Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar Upper Deck — Venetian Bay views, live music Tuesday through Sunday, open-air covered patio
Casual Waterfront and Neighborhood Bars
Not every drink in Naples needs to be a craft cocktail. The Dock at Crayton Cove on Naples Bay is a waterfront institution for tropical cocktails and cold beer with marina views — walk-in only, no reservations, and all the better for it. Tin City along the Gordon River is another casual cluster for waterfront drinks in a relaxed Old Florida setting. The Chickee Bar at the Cove Inn gives you pool and marina views in the most casual possible format.
For something with neighborhood bar energy, The Mini Bar in Naples' Design District has become a local favorite — outdoor seating, string lights, live music, and a cocktail menu in a come-as-you-are setting. Celebration Park near Bayshore Drive is another option for an outdoor evening with food trucks and a relaxed community vibe.
For something with neighborhood bar energy, The Mini Bar in Naples' Design District has become a local favorite — outdoor seating, string lights, live music, and a cocktail menu in a come-as-you-are setting. Celebration Park near Bayshore Drive is another option for an outdoor evening with food trucks and a relaxed community vibe.
Casual and Neighborhood Drink Spots
- The Dock at Crayton Cove — waterfront tropical cocktails on Naples Bay, walk-in only, open-air and casual
- Tin City — casual waterfront cluster along the Gordon River with bar options and a relaxed Old Florida feel
- The Mini Bar — Design District neighborhood bar with outdoor seating, string lights, live music, and craft cocktails
- Blue Martini at Mercato — for late nights, signature martini menu, live bands and DJs, high-energy crowd until 2 AM
FAQs
What is the best bar in Naples for a craft cocktail?
Bar Tulia on Fifth Avenue South is the most consistently recommended craft cocktail bar in Naples. The house-infused spirits, Italian wine focus, and warm atmosphere make it a reliable first stop for anyone who cares about what is in their glass.
Where can I find rooftop drinks with a view in Naples?
Limón Rooftop Bar at the AC Hotel downtown is the most established option, with beautiful sunset light over the Naples skyline and a creative cocktail menu. The Easy Tiger Rooftop at The Perry Hotel in North Naples is a strong alternative with Gulf and river views from the seventh floor and a cocktail program by acclaimed mixologist Lynnette Marrero.
What area of Naples has the most nightlife options?
Mercato in North Naples is the primary late-night destination, with Blue Martini, The Oasis, and other venues staying open well past midnight. Downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South is livelier earlier in the evening — it is the better choice for cocktails and dinner before 11 PM, while Mercato takes over from there.
Contact Jill Nicholas Today
The best places to grab a drink in Naples are part of what makes this community so enjoyable to live in year-round — and they give you a real feel for the city's personality. If you are thinking about making Naples home, I would love to help you find a property that fits the way you want to live here. Reach out to me, Jill Nicholas, and let's start that conversation.
