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Updated 1/6/17
Here in Southwest Florida, everyone is basically from somewhere else. And they tend to bring a little bit of where they’re from with them.
If you get a little homesick (which can be hard in sunny Florida, we know), there’s bound to be something here that can make you feel at home. So, look into a few of these places for good home cooking or a sense of camaraderie, especially during college football season.
Boston: Swing by the neighborhood sister bars—Landsdowne Street in Bonita Springs and the recently opened Shea’s in Naples, where they have lobster rolls and good crowds for the Red Sox games. Oh, and in case you don’t know, the Sox spring training stadium is just up I-75.
New York City: Get the thin-crust New York-style pizza at New York Pizza & Pasta in north Naples. And, if you just can’t find a good bagel here, try Straight From New York Bagels—crunch on the outside, soft on the inside.
The Midwest: Bootleggers in Fort Myers Beach hosts state days in season. If you’re from the Midwest, chances are this barbecue joint has a special day for you. Enjoy live music, meet friends from your home state, and even check out some regional cuisine (cheese curds anyone?).
Ohio: The Ohio State Alumni Association in Naples is one of the largest in the country, and the Buckeyes come out in full force for game days at places like Harold’s Place. Bokampers also typically has a room reserved for Buckeye fans. For those craving Cincinnati-style chili, Skyline Chili has locations in Fort Myers and Naples.
Philadelphia: Philly Junction in Fort Myers has cheesesteaks done the right way. So does Old 41 Restaurant in Bonita Springs.
Chicago: Craving deep-dish pizza? Try one of the Rosati’s locations or Aurelio’s.
Indiana: Hoosiers in Paradise is all things Indiana. Try the pork tenderloin sandwich.
Georgia: The UGA Alumni Association hosts their watch parties at Stevie Tomato's in Fort Myers. Warning: You may have to also put up with Florida fans, too.
Michigan: University of Michigan fans have made Brass Tap their home on Saturdays. Michigan State fans meet at Stevie Tomato's. Probably best to keep them as far apart as possible.
Iowa: Ron Dao's in Fort Myers hosts the Paradise Iowa Club on game days. (The Notre Dame Club is also known to camp out there on Saturdays.)
Special thanks to food editor Dorothea Hunter Sonne for contributing.
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