Harpoon Harry's Rolling out Newly Remodeled Nightlife Space

Smugglers has announced that Harpoon's  is rolling out the red carpet for a grand opening weekend October 12-13th for the company's latest venture - a newly renovated and re-imagined Harpoon Harry’s.

Upon entering the newly renovated restaurant, guests will descend into the open-air space designed to offer a unique waterfront atmosphere. Directly adjacent; a custom built DJ booth featuring a new, top-of-the-line digital sound system. With a massive one-hundred inch projection video wall, state-of-the-art lighting systems, and professional acoustics throughout the venue, Harpoons sets the stage for performance artists to engage and entertain the crowd. The main dance floor sits directly across from the newly built stage, and is surrounded by plush sectional furniture, designed to be moved and reconfigured so customers can customize their own lounge setting.

In addition to the dance music by their new house DJ, Big E, whose mixes have been enjoyed all around SW Florida, as well as on the air; the new modernized Harpoon Harry’s will be the first venue to offer real-time video gaming for sports fans. The establishment will be hosting a game night where participants can lounge in front of the massive one hundred inch projection screen and challenge their friends to a video game feud.

The newly remodeled space will also feature high capacity airflow, and ten additional HD flat-screen TVs situated around its three large bars. 

DJ Big E will be on hand to host the grand opening on October 12, 2013.

Punta Gorda Iconic Biehl's Slip Not Lounge Being Sold to New Owner

As you drive along Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda, especially at night, you can't miss the tops of an exploding fireworks structure and neon palm trees. Punta Gorda's iconic Slip-Not Lounge with its outdoor shipwreck bar and Key West like atmosphere strewn with nautical and other peculiar statuary and such has long been a part of our city and it's unusual if not downright un-PuntaGordan to say you've never visited the place.

The Slip Not and what used to be a trailer park b.c. (before Charley), have been in the Biehl family since the 50s.   But according to the Charlotte Sun, next month Danny and Barbara Biehl plan to part with the Slip Not and all its kitch that Danny created. The sale expected to be finalized Sept. 4, will make Punta Gorda Isles resident Scott Cook the new owner. Cook is reported to have been a  restaurant owner in Houston, as well as owner of a 1,500-seat night club that booked nationally known entertainers. In Punta Gorda, he has a local karaoke business totally devoted to supporting charities. His plans don't include messing with the Biehl's successful formula, but do include "installing a large covered stage, accepting credit cards and putting more emphasis on food, including breakfast and lunch right away and dinner in the future."

For those of us who have experienced the Slip Not as a neighborhood bar, a fun novelty to take visiting friends and relatives and a part of what makes Punta Gorda unique and special, we wish the best to the Biehl's and thanks for bringing Punta Gorda this gem and lots of success to its new owner.

The Microbrew Scene in Punta Gorda -- A Taste of Florida Cracker

Guest Post By Eric Schlake 

As the restaurant and pub scene in Punta Gorda grows, the selection available to us here of craft and microbrew beers is growing with it.   These exciting new beer choices, many from local Florida breweries,  pair well with our local menus or stand alone when out for an evening.

Craft beers are growing in popularity, with some brewers focusing on bringing back traditional recipes and others attempting to push the envelope with new styles and intense flavors. The range available ensures there is something for everyone, from the person looking for a larger variety of traditional beers to the person looking for something more adventurous.  As a bonus, craft beers are a great way to put money back into the local economy, with many local offerings being brewed right here in Florida.

Today we stopped by the Ice House Pub, with 4-5 revolving taps dedicated to different craft beers.   As a tap runs out, it is replaced by another craft beer signified on the “”On Deck” portion of their chalkboard beer menu, allowing for tastes of a large assortment of these beers.    

On this visit  we tried Cigar City's  Florida Cracker, a Belgium style Whit, or Wheat Beer. Belgium Whits are known for their hazy color, which comes from the yeast, and traditionally spiced with hints of orange and coriander.  Cigar City Brewing, a microbrewery based out of Tampa, provides our area with a solid assortment of quality craft beers.

Florida Cracker poured a hazy straw color, with a nice floral, almost lavender aroma. With crisp flavor, the beer has a refreshing citrus characteristic balanced by some spice notes.  It’s easy to drink, easy to recognize the flavors, and mainstream enough to appease most palates. When we  ordered it,  several people around us  asked the bartender for a sample. Most agreed it was similar to Blue Moon.

We paired this beer with a cup of Potato and Leek soup, which worked nicely when  salt and pepper were added to the soup. The crisp characteristic of the beer was a great compliment to the creaminess of the soup.

Florida Cracker is only available in draft, and with the revolving tap system at Ice House, it may not be available during your visit.  If you do see this beer on the chalkboard, it would be a great pairing with any of the salad, chicken or fish items on the Ice House menu.

If this selection isn't available on your next visit to IceHouse, take a look at the chalkboard menu to see what is currently on tap, and ask the bartender or waitress for a sample.   The staff at Icehouse is friendly and eager to share their knowledge.

Punta Gorda 's Cool, Vibrant Bar Scene

Part of what makes Punta Gorda  such a cool, vibrant place to be is its drinking scene – the downtown and nearby are now brimming over with neat bars, cool cafés, restaurants with stylish lounge areas . By day, there’s great places to sip coffee or have lunch, then come sunset, everyone’s sipping cocktails at the town's  many taverns and bars.  Whether it's up on the roof,  by the water, outside somewhere, in a tropical garden or inside with either a modern-chic or low-down interior, Punta Gorda has a wide variety of choices as to where to enjoy your martini, glass of wine or mug of beer.

 Here are just a few of our favorites:



The Perfect Caper (Bar/Lounge)


This award winning restaurant is also perhaps one of the town's most sophisticated bar spots.  With its sleek marble bar, dimmed lighting, and striking art, the Caper's lounge is a pleasant place with an upscale feel to sip cocktails and nibble on an appetizer or two . Jazz piano a few nights a week adds to this ambience.  But don't be turned away thinking you'll be priced out by all this, the Caper's all-day happy-hour-type specials let you imbibe at fairly reasonable prices.  And too there is the opportunity to sample some of the Chef''s outstanding menu offerings... they have a special bar menu and you can also order appetizers or full meals from the regular menu.  The food is delightful and quite good for soaking up the alcohol.   


Rooftop Bar at the Wyvern

While rooftop bars have their appeal no matter where you are, when you live in a state as flat as Florida, they're even more sublime.   And the Wyvern's is no exception -- it's subliminal.  Designed with a canopied center bar surrounded by a reasonably large lounge area, the space delivers as the sun descends over Punta Gorda and in to the night with lighted views of the magnificent harbor on one side and the illuminated downtown vibe on the other.    Drinks are not cheap, but pours are usually good.   A bar menu with a delectable flat bread pizza and very good hamburger is offered.  On weekends, there are frequently some great local bands playing, and it's a delight to listen to cool sounds  pumped into the night air, bath in the tropical breezes and down a good, if not great, martini.

Should the weather not be conducive to the rooftop, Lulu's Bar/Lounge on the ground floor is an alternative.  Can't quite figure the place out because it's never crowded for such a stunning setting -- sleek bar, comfortable furnishings, variety of seating options, good bartenders. Something is missing and that's too bad because this place could be great too.


Closer to the Vine

With its sleek minimalist décor, this comfortable café-wine bar situated in a old-style Floridan cottage on Sullivan Street, is  a cozy multi-function space where you can have coffee and breakfast in the morning or a light lunch mid-day.  In the evening it is transformed into a wine bar offering intriguing light supper selections frequently accompanied by jazz musician entertainment.  With a variety of eclectic seating arrangements -- from high tables, to a living room setting to a small bar, as well as some outdoor alternatives in a garden venue - the Vine provides a comfortable environment to enjoy wine, jazz, and a light meal.

Captain's Table


Yes I know there is Harpoon Harry's that's a given -- with its multi-bar options, outdoor seating along the river, bar that swings around near the edge of the pier maximizing views of boats coming in and out of PGI and views of the Peace River, great bands several nights a week, on and on.   However, one of our personal favorites takes you upstairs to Harry's more elegant cousin -- the Captain Table.   The horseshoe style bar surrounded by comfy lounge tables with leather seats that you slip into to down your choice of cocktail or wine.   Or perhaps even better take a seat at the piano bar and listen to Maury (currently) on the keys sing some of your favorites.

Hendrick's

Talking about a magical transformation.  Here is a spot that is a cafeteria type deli breakfast/lunch place during the day that on certain nights (Wednesday through Saturday) as the sunsets is transformed into a really cool bar.  Screens with old movies playing hide counters that are used to serve soups, sandwiches and bakery items during the day.  Higher lights are dimmed.  Music changes.    The beautiful  bar on the right side of the restaurant hardly noticed during the day becomes a focal point.  Serving wine and beer, and absolutely incredible burgers, Hendricks surprises and is a pleasant place to spend some time sipping wine with a bite to eat.


Phil's 41 Lounge


Tucked away to the right as your enter Phil's on 41 is a cute little bar that we have favored for years.   With high tables scattered about and a small bar anchored by TV sets, it is a comfortable neighborhood setting for a glass of wine with a lite bite or full meal.  Boat clubs like to congregate here so some nights it's difficult to get in.  There is an outside area as well, but unfortunately for us, it's a smoker's hangout so we don't usually venture here.

Biehl's Slip Not


Let's not forget that for a  truly, unique, down home Punta Gorda experience with great music, dancing and way-out setting in a tropical neon atmosphere, Biehl's can't be beat.  Cars pack the parking lot every night, people gather around the Star Wars like bar and enjoy beer and great burgers at tables scattered about or one of the other novel wooden bars. Then on a laid-back weekend afternoon, sitting at Biehl's at one of those island-like bars under the palm trees (at least one of the bars has a tree growing right through it), you feel as though you have just landed on Jost Van Dyke for a drink at Foxy's in the VI.

Dean's South of the Border


Just about every night this long established Punta Gorda hangout rocks with great local bands.  Dean's is a cool place for outdoor drinks and Tex-Mex style bites.  Only issue I have is smokers tend to congregate here so not the best for non-smoking folks.

Opus


This downtown restaurant's tiny front of house bar is a delightful spot to nibble one of the kitchen's fabulous appetizers with a martini or glass of wine.   Only hangup I have with this upscale lounge area  is that it is tiny so unless you arrive fairly early to take up one of the coveted spots, you won't get a seat at this  sleek, intimate bar.

Ice House Pub


Not only does this historic building have something to rave about in its inherent decor with cavernously high ceilings and magnificent English pub-style bar, but the place provides a lot of fun and good entertainment along with a huge selection of beers and some great pub grub.   Along with great local musicians like Jim Morris, the Ice House frequently brings in touring singers and band during season.  Moreover, no matter when you go, there are the darts -- a whole wall of dart boards and a friendly owner ready to show you how to play.

Celtic Ray


What can we say about the Ray... one of the first bars we visited when we moved to Punta Gorda.
And one you can always turn to for great Irish entertainment.  In the process of expanding, the Ray is only sure to get better.  Go for a pint and some really good fish and chips.  Also, serves some decent Indian food .  Whenever we haven't been for awhile the refrain of the Van Morrison song whose lyrics edge their way around the ceiling of the Ray echo back to me,  "I've been away from the Ray too long," calling me over to a favorite haunt.


Laishley Crab House


For a spectacular view of the Peace River with your cocktail and perhaps some sushi, Laishley's outdoor bar is unbeatable and unbelievable.  One of Punta Gorda's delights is the numerous spots we do have on the water, and Crab House's outdoor bar is particularly special for watching the sunset through a glass of wine slowly.

Closer to the Vine -- A New Punta Gorda Spot to Sip and Buy Wine, Enjoy Morning Coffee or Light Bites

Just a few weeks ago a cozy new spot opened quietly on Sullivan Street. Closer to the Vine is in the bright, you-can't-miss, orange building that used to house the Perfect Caper. The new wine bar was created and is run by Gina Thomas (a veteran wine industry professional) with support from husband Jeff. They're a charming couple, who have created an inviting space to sip and buy wine, enjoy a morning coffee, or have a laid-back, light meal at lunch or dinner.

Since its doors swung open in Punta Gorda’s Historic Downtown District, we've made two visits.  Each time Gina was welcoming.  “We are thrilled to be opening Closer to the Vine in Punta Gorda”, she said. “Punta Gorda is a fantastic community, and we look forward to providing a friendly and comfortable setting for locals and visitors to enjoy wine and light bites with friends and family”.

The Slip-Not Lounge -- Punta Gorda's Funky Nightclub Under the Stars

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)

The Perfect Caper in Punta Gorda -- With the Perfect Hamburger and More

It's a shame we often waste our night at the Perfect Caper on a hamburger.. but the problem is the restaurant's hamburger is well just about perfect...one of the best in town and maybe just about anywhere.  Succulent.. seasoned to-- here I go again --perfection and ... usually accompanied by amazing frites, true french fries.  I say usually because this time oops my partner, who ordered the burger,  insisted on mashed, but quite honestly they are as equally good.

If you live in or near the Caper... you just gotta go... especially now.  In addition to a pleasing, stylish atmosphere.. with a magnetic bar that spans an entire side of the restaurant with a generous granite surface allowing for spreading both food and drinks.. there are deals during the summer, very intriguing  deals:   A happy hour that extends well into the night, two for ones (which include the hamburgers) a fixed price menu with appetizer and entree (see Perfect Caper's website for details).*

We like that the Perfect Caper offers specials in the summer... we think all restaurants in town should...but we are especially drawn here for a number of reasons in addition to the hamburgers and deals.   One -- it takes us somewhere else for a few hours.. away from the tropical cliches, away from the heat of the summer to a place more sophisticated with genuinely big-city food.   Two -- perhaps because of  reason one,  we meet interesting people here almost always.  Last night for instance we chatted with a globe-trotting couple who shared many of their funny and unique living-abroad experiences with us.

Duck Salad at the Perfect Caper

Three -- again it's about the food.  Last night I got beyond the burger, and had a salad, a salad dressed impeccably (I avoided saying perfectly) with succulent pieces of duck, toasted pecans, dried cherries, goat cheese and completed with a cherry vinaigrette.  I could have been in New York, it was so good.   We also ordered and shared some calamari after seeing it float by and hearing the raves about it.  I won't say it, but it was.  Crunchy, enabled with a savory chili sauce, toasted nuts, & green onion,  it screamed in my mouth -- yummm.  Four -- I love owner-chefs and I love that owners orbit their restaurants making sure their guests are smiling.. James is omnipresent at the Caper.  Five -- the art, the choices blend with the colors and tone of the restaurant adding to the overall ambiance.

Calamari at Perfect Caper

We're so privileged to live in a place that now has so many restaurant choices... and where when the summer comes we can actually get in easily and find that place at the bar. Don't miss the opportunity to  visit them especially with the welcoming offers they are providing ... our local eateries deserve it. And the Perfect Caper should be top on your summer dining list... often. Next time I go I am going for ... pan crusted sea scallops in brown butter pan sauce, whipped golden potatoes, and sautéed spinach or maybe the grilled Angus New York Strip, with wild mushrooms, white truffle oil, and house- made pomme frites.  I just have to keep getting beyond the burger that incredible and perfect burger.



*Note that deals can't be combined..

The Old Celtic Ray Back at Last in Punta Gorda

Wandering around town on St. Patrick's Day, we stopped by the Celtic Ray..hearing that it was now under the ownership of former owner, Kevin Doyle.  And sure enough, there was himself right in the pub.  And the place much cleaned up from the prior ownership seemed like its old self.

We sat in our favorite spot under the little arch way between the bar and the pub's restaurant area and looked about.  It was one of the first places we came to when we moved to Punta Gorda, and much like the old Dean's it gave Punta Gorda it's comfortable sofa feeling.

Exactly what happened to have Kevin leave the Ray.... is behind us now.  And the grungy appearance the poor old Ray had the last time we stepped over it's doorway seems to be behind us now also, now that Mr. Doyle has returned.  And looks like we can also be expecting some of the great musicians that the Ray booked in the past.  Bridget's Cross, a traditional Irish band with a contemporary twist, and one of my personal favorites, is said to be booked at the Ray for the next six weekends.  According to their website http://brigidscross.com, they will definitely be there next weekend.

The Ray still serves up  an authentic Irish menu including bangers and mash, fish and chips, corn beef  and the like, all ordered at the bar the traditional way.  As the plates rushed by on St. Patrick's Day, the food looked familarly good.  Seating is an array of odd chairs and tables just like you would find in a pub in a tiny Irish town.

We're glad that the old Celtic Ray is back and may the luck of the Irish be with you Kevin.   And as the lyric that is wrapped around the pub's ceiling goes "I've been away from the Ray too long."

Some Punta Gorda St. Patrick's Day Suggestions

Looking for ways to celebrate the day...here are a few ideas:  

Fishermen's Village

St. Patrick's Day Celebration, 5-9 pm, Center Court. Event begins at 4:30 p.m. with performance by the Celtic Beat Irish Dancers followed by Lee County Pipes & Drums at 5:00 p.m. Live entertainment by Mickey's Limit Band, center court 5:00 until 9:00 pm. Food/Drink special at Village restaurants. Stores open until 8 p.m. Free admission; free parking.

Ice House Pub 

St Paddy's Day Party... with live music with Chris Morgan from 5 PM.  

Celtic Ray

Former owner now reowns Celtic Ray... Kevin Doyle... promises great music today

River City Grill 

St. Patrick's Day party with Tampa Bay Rays

Jack's 

Green Beer! And surprises galore including new Happy Hour.


Harpoon Harry's

Corn beef and cabbage dinner with a glass of green beer. Karoke contest at 4pm along with contests for best Irish jingle and best Irish attire.

Hendrick's Food Vault

Serving up traditional Irish food and music ... http://ow.ly/1mWHc

Burnt Store Grill

Corn Beef and Cabbage Dinners 

Benedettos 

Green martinis and more....

More Punta Gorda Cool Bars ... Chapter 2

Harpoon Harry's at Fishermen's Village

Located at Fishermen's Village.  Harry's has several bars within its rambling space. The main bar is a sports bar wtih scattered TVs. But our favorite is the Tiki at the left corner of Harry's dangling at the edge of the pier with spectacular views of Charlotte Harbor, a great place for sunsets or whiling away a warm afternoon or evening. Harry's also has the best in local bands and a sprawling dance floor. See more about Harry's and their entertainment schedule.  

Biehl's Slip Not 

With its carnival atmosphere, pirate ship bar, lighthouse with fireworks tree blazing in the evening sky, Biehl's Slip Not is a unique Punta Gorda watering hole. It's a cool place for music and being outdoors on Punta Gorda's warm winter evenings.  Some fascinating people watching to be had here as well.  Dance floor to dance the night away on.  Great local groups.  

More cool bars.

Punta Gorda Cool Bar List ....Chapter 1

Trying to identify some of the best places to have some drinks while being entertained or otherwise amused.  Here are the first of them:  

Benedetto’s Tiki Bar   300 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950  941-625-8807  Part of Benedetto’s Restaurant on the Harbor.  Go through the cavernous Best Western entrance and in-door restaurant and head right for the deck with full bar, high and regular tables.  Enjoy the sunset with your martini. 

Ice House Pub   408 Tamiami Trail North,
Punta Gorda, FL 33950  941-575-0866  English pub and restaurant with cool, authentic English pub atmosphere, back room dartsand other games, 10 ft. projection TV and six flat panel TVs for sports viewing, huge list of beers on draft – both domestic and imported, beer flights and more.  Frequent live entertainment.  Remodeled landmark 1890s ice house building.

Jack's on the Avenue.  Marion Ave and Taylor.  Punta Gorda. Within its inside and street-bar Jack's is a great place to imbibe and people watch.  More on Jacks.

Mooseheads    318 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda 941-505-0404  Cigar and wine bar with regular entertainment, poker and events

http://www.mooseheadspg.com/moose.html 

Sparrows Lounge at the Captain’s Table  Above Harpoon Harry’s at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL 33950  One of the best spots to view the Harbor and boats coming and going from and around the Village.   Entertainment most nights, and food from the Captain’s Table.  

http://www.thecaptainstable.com/sparrows.php

Top of the Wyvern Hotel  One of the best views in the city at this outdoor bar with heat lamps and all -- you won't need them but for a few colder weeks.  See sweeping views of the harbor and downtown Punta Gorda.  One of the best places to view the Punta Gorda sunsets. 

More Cool Bars.