percussion instrument, hula-hoop or dance
along.
After a “tough” day fishing, hanging out at
the beach, playing golf or shopping, who can’t
use a little evening entertainment? Fittingly,
much of the area’s nightlife takes advantage
of the warm temperatures, offering outdoor
venues for enjoying food, your favorite
beverage and a variety of music.
In the Englewood Beach area, The Lock
‘N Key Restaurant (2045 N. Beach Road) is
a long-time favorite spot for dinner, drinks,
music and dancing. The Waverly (2095
N. Beach Road) offers one of the area’s
most scenic views and dishes with fresh
seasonal ingredients. Down stairs is Waves
Beachside Cafe with a casual menu and live
entertainment. Walk around the area and
you’ll find other places for music, dancing
and hanging out with friends, including the
Beach Road Wine Bar and Bistro (1350
Beach Road), with plenty of indoor and
outdoor seating that overlooks the bay. The
boutique next door is one of the few places
you can pick up a souvenir or gift late into the
evening.
The White Elephant Pub (1855 Gulf
Blvd.) features a varied menu, plenty of
outdoor seating, entertainment and dock
access.
PHOTO BY SUSAN SMITH
Mango Bistro (301 W. Dearborn Street)
offers an eclectic variety of local and
international music including jazz, salsa and
even Flamenco, outside on the cozy porch.
For a glass of wine, food and conversation,
head to Vino Loco (420 W. Dearborn
Street) or Englewood’s on Dearborn (362 W.
Dearborn Street). Blues nights have become
very popular.
The Placida Grill (8501 Placida Road in
Cape Haze Plaza) brings you local flavors
with some interesting twists. They now
have a liquor license to go along with their
premium wines and craft beers.
The Englewood Event Center at 3069 S.
McCall Road, brings rock concerts, tribute
shows, country music and comedy to town.
No matter where you decide to go it’s
always a good idea to call or visit a location’s
Facebook page first, especially on the rare
occasion that the weather is less than perfect.
Englewood is just an hour or so drive to
Sarasota or Fort Myers. You can head north
or south along U.S. 41 for movies, malls,
entertainment, nightclubs, comedy, Broadway
touring companies and water parks.
Drive inland to Arcadia for a nationally
renowned rodeo and antique shopping. Take
a day trip to Boca Grande or Punta Gorda.
On the Gulf Coast, there is year-round fun.
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