When I first saw the carnival-like lights glowing over the uninspiring structure on 41 that we would have easily whizzed by without noticing, I had to stop. What was going on? A huge lighthouse jutting beyond the neon palm trees exploding fireworks, the masts of a mock pirate ship glimmering with lights.
We wandered through Punta Gorda's "Pirates of the Caribbean" created by Danny Biehl, who has managed to turn what could have been a dull back lot to a shacky bar into a funky Florida happening. A shipwreck bar with lovely wenches serving brews, side bars bedecked with various Pirate-theme paraphernalia, turned upside-down boats and more. And, of course, Captain Morgan looms omniously over the place. More recently Danny has expanded the bizarre bar with even more seating and cool bar space and an airboat that cools the place.
On weekends and several nights a week, Biehl's has some of the best in Punta Gorda entertainment... funky blues, jazz, southern rock, trop rock.. from local and imported bands that blast their sounds into the night skies. Pass Biehl's anytime night or day and there will be cars, and trucks and bikes (the motor variety that is). And the patrons are as eclectic as the atmosphere, PGI retirees, bikers, locals all mingle comfortably taking in the world that Danny built.
On any given evening after dinner, Biehl's Slip-Not on 41 and Henry St. is the place to hang out and listen to great sounds, dance the night away or just take in the surroundings of this Punta Gorda landmark (circa 1952).
If you go:
Biehl's Slip Not
| 1601 Tamiami Trl Punta Gorda, FL 33948-1040 (941) 639-7677 (Entertainment most nights starting at 8 p.m. call for specifics) |
Slip Not is now closed. Feel free to inquire to purchase it. It has been a favorite of many here in town and we would love to see it reopen.
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