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When a restaurant has the word “cocktails” in its official name, it’s a solid bet that you’re in for a festive night. With Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails in Cape Coral, the drinks happen to be served alongside a fine menu of classic American-inspired food. Which is to say, you’re in for a festive night, indeed.
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On a recent evening, my friends and I began by selecting from a list of Point 57’s handcrafted libations. I chose the Florida 57 ($10), a pleasantly sweet blend of strawberry-infused gin, fresh lemon, elderflower cordial, honey and sparkling wine that arrived in a coup glass with a floating trio of dried rose buds. A pretty cocktail, it was also very easy to drink. Another companion ordered the Spring Solstice ($10), which combined cucumber-infused rum, aloe liqueur, fresh lime and honey. Served in a tall glass and garnished with a skewered ribbon of cucumber, the drink was equal parts fresh and delicious. Finally, the third one in our party ordered The Brothers War ($12), a mix of three types of whiskey with a little fresh ginger, lemon and honey thrown in.
“I’m legitimately afraid of what this drink is going to do to me,” he said.
“We know what it’s going to do to you,” the other friend replied. “Kick your butt.”
He nodded and took a sip. “Something this strong should not taste this good.”
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With all the drinking, there was—I’d like to point out—eating as well. Very fine eating. We ordered a trio of appetizers: the chorizo-stuffed mushrooms ($8), the pulled pork spring rolls ($8, at right), and the smoked and grilled chicken wings ($11). The stuffed mushrooms, topped with a crab fondue, were a rich and savory version of this classic hors d’oeuvre. And the pulled pork spring rolls, which were served with yellow mustard coleslaw and a cup of Carolina dipping sauce, had just the right amount of spicy kick. But the wings were the true stars. Smoked instead of fried, they were more flavorful than any chicken wings I can remember tasting. They were served with homemade ranch and blue cheese sauces, and Point 57 had somehow turned this classic bar food into upscale fare.
Our main courses were equally noteworthy. We had a burger ($13) made with four types of fresh ground beef, a sweet tea-brined and smoked chicken ($19) and a grilled salmon salad ($16) served with green beans, roasted peppers, pickled red onions and goat cheese. Each was somehow both refined and unassuming, a combination of well-thought-out flavors and a
buttoned-down approach to the dish.
Point 57 has done an exceptional job both with its kitchen and cocktails. Dining here—and drinking here—is pleasurable on every level. Just be sure to Uber it home.
Read more of Gulfshore Life's restaurant reviews here.
Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails
3522 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, 239-471-7785, point-57.com. Open Monday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wheelchair-accessible. Reservations recommended.