Fort Myers : Food & Drink
Gulf Coast Grapevine
By Andy Schrader
Aug 1, 2007

Spirits of Bacchus

Corner of Hendry and Bay Streets, Ft. Myers, Florida; Open 4 p.m. to midnight Mon.-Thu., 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fri., 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sat.

Business and pleasure rarely mix as readily as for Stephanie Davis, who goes by “Downtown Diva” in her local column for the Ft. Myers News-Press. From up-and-coming bands to gala balls, fundraisers to speed dating conventions, it’s Davis’ job to know and tell all.

Her favourite place to hear about it all? Spirits of Bacchus, where long, Oktoberfest-style tables encourage overlaps in conversation. “It’s a very neighbourhood-kind of family place,” says Davis. “Tourists come in all the time, and the staff is very knowledgeable about everything downtown.”

Davis makes a habit of heading to Bacchus on Fridays after work, when the place is busiest and the gossip flows as freely as the complimentary appetizers. And sampling the eclectic menu is a must. If she’s feeling healthy, Davis goes for the warm spinach salad; otherwise, the ham and cheese sandwich made with Boursin and sun-dried tomatoes. “It’s comfort food: warm, tasty, gooey and filling.” 

DÉCOR The building began as a blacksmith’s shop back in 1880, and its original brick walls still stand. “There’s a very historical feel, with wooden beams in an exposed ceiling. There’s also a warm and cozy wine cellar tucked away in a corner nook.”

DRINK “When it’s a special occasion, I’ll have a big old fat chocolate martini… Natalie [the bartender] makes a kickin’ version. Some of the most popular drinks here are beer and various kinds of vodka cocktails.”

DOOR “There’s never a cover charge. And outside the door there’s a really cool outdoor seating area, with misters in the summer and heat lamps in the winter.”

DRESS “It’s very casual, but I would say to take pride in your appearance. After these black-tie events downtown, you’ll have people in tuxedos sitting next to someone in jeans and flip-flops.”