When it comes to bars and breweries, the best options aren’t found only in big cities. In the small, Southwest Florida coastal towns of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, there are many places (well-known and unheard of) where you can wet your whistle and have a good time. Here are some of our favorite places for beer, wine and cocktails in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.
Beer Lovers Unite
Peace River Beer Company was designed to honor the local vibes from picnic tables to a river-themed bar top. They brew beers for every taste that pair well with food truck grub.
When it comes to European-inspired pubs, Punta Gorda has them. “Proudly not serving premium domestics,” the Celtic Ray Public House serves many high-quality imports in a traditional Irish pub atmosphere. The British-style Icehouse Pub offers beers from around the world, local brews, British and American cuisine and bar games. The Belgian Monk Pub is a quaint pub with a welcoming atmosphere that serves unique craft and import beers and European fare from their “Munchies Menu.”
There’s Always Time For Wine
For a hands-on experience, make and bottle your own wine at the Gilded Grape Winery or enjoy live music, trivia or karaoke in their wine bar with a glass of house-made wine. D’Vines Wine & Gift Emporium in Port Charlotte features a wine and coffee bar, wine-themed gift shop and wine tastings. Head over to Vino Loco Gourmet wine bar/gourmet tapas restaurant/bottle shop for a comfortable, casual atmosphere (Englewood).
Keep Calm, Have a Cocktail
Alligator Bay Distillers is the only craft rum distillery in Charlotte County and uses 100% Florida molasses in their rum, coining the term “Cane to Bottle.” Buy a bottle from their onsite gift shop and bring home a taste of Florida.
Whiskey-lovers belly up at Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar for down-home cooking, handcrafted whiskey cocktails and cold local brews.
The local spirits scene has many hidden gems that you may not know about! Check out our Restaurant page for even more bars and restaurants.
