Posts in Eat Local

Tag: Eat Local

Restaurants Open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Oct. 15, 2026

In 2026, Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24 and Christmas Day is Friday, December 25. 'Tis the season for celebrating, and for many, that means eating out with family and friends. Whether you're looking to continue cherished traditions around the holidays or create new ones, you'll find amazing dining experiences with our many independently-owned local restaurants open over Christmas! Celebrate with everything from comfort food and pub bites to seafood and sushi, to gourmet dining options, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and more. To help you choose your holiday meal/s, here's our list of restaurants that have traditionally been open either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both. As the holiday approaches and we're able to verify, we'll update this list, but as always: please contact the individual businesses to verify their hours before heading over. …

Family and friends holding hands around a Thanksgiving table.

Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Sep. 30, 2026

Share a special meal with family and friends at independently-owned local restaurants offering amazing Thanksgsiving Day buffets and/or curated menus in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Below are restaurants that are typically open for Thanksgiving. As the date approaches, we will confirm the…

Breakfast variety at Lock 'N Key on Englewood Beach

Where the Locals Go for Breakfast and Brunch

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Sep. 01, 2026

A good rule of thumb for any vacation is to eat where the locals do. Since you may not know any of our locals yet, we'd like to share a few of their favorites to get you up and at 'em with a great breakfast, or ease into the morning with the best brunch in town: Punta Gorda At John Ski's House of…

Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer's Market on a bright August Day.

Fresh Finds: Your Guide to Farmers & Artisan Markets in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Mar. 09, 2026

Southwest Florida’s warm, sunny days are a gift to people and plants alike — and nowhere is that more evident than at the farmers’ and artisan markets in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. From Gulf-fresh seafood and sun-ripened produce to handcrafted goods and live music, these markets are a celebration…

Variety of pizza's at Brooklyn Joe's in Punta Gorda

The Best Pizza in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Nov. 12, 2025

One of the first things many, if not most, people search for when they’re staying with us for a few days (or more) is, “where is the best pizza in Punta Gorda”—or in Englewood, Port Charlotte, or any of our other cozy communities. As local experts on the pizza scene, we’re here to tell (and show)…

Street tacos from Cesar's Tacos Food Truck

What's Cooking in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: A Local's Guide to Food Trucks

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Sep. 30, 2025

Food trucks are thriving in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, and they offer a great way to grab a gourmet bite when you’re out and about. These chefs continually work to perfect their recipes and their menus and the creativity is off the charts. There are several mobile cafés in the area, serving a…

The Sweet Spot: The Best Ice Cream Shops in Punta Gorda

By Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Aug. 27, 2025

In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, it’s almost always the perfect weather for an icy cold treat! To get you started when you're in the mood for ice cream and other chilly goodies, here's out list of the Top 5 Cool Treat Shops: 1. Harbor Scoops Punta Gorda's own Harbor Scoops offers hand-crafted ice…

Top 10 Local Foods to Love

By Nanci Theoret on Jul. 23, 2024

From gulf to field, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach dishes up food and drink that will tantalize your taste buds. Savor the local flavor with these must-tries: 1. Gator It’s a wee bit chewy and despite what “they” say, it doesn’t taste like chicken—and by some accounts it’s even lower in…