Downtown Cape Coral is blessed with awesome locally-owned bars and restaurants. We live downtown and these are some of our favorites. We can literally walk to most of these from our house. 

Back Streets, 47th Terrace: Hugely popular sports bar with live music, great sandwiches and big screens. Famous for half price drinks from 4 to 6 pm, Monday - Friday. Our favorites: Half price pizza on Mondays. Burger Sliders on Friday $5.99. Pulled Pork Sliders on Saturday $5.99. All available after Happy Hour. Please note: must be 21+ backstreetssportsbar.com 

Cork Soakers: This restaurant is famous for it's "Dancing In The Streets" event every Wednesday with the awesome band, "Deb & The Dynamics" in-season.  They have a rather eclectic menu and their most famous appetizer is their daily deviled egg special. Family friendly. corksoakers.net 

Dixie Roadhouse: If dancing is your thing, this is a must see. Country music themed that offers a wider selection as the night goes on. Typically charges a cover. Next door is Dixie Live. Also a great dance place but live music instead of DJ. Please note: must be 21+ thedixie.com 

Fins Dive Bar: Don't let the name fool you, this is actually a very nice dining spot for families with indoor seating to accommodate large groups.  finsdivebar.com/ 

Fish Tale Grill, 47th Terrace: Recently expanded outdoor seating. We love just about everything. Live music on occasions. Higher priced than most but great seafood. Family oriented. bestseafoodcapecoral.com/ 

Hooked Island Grill, 47th Terrace: They moved to downtown Cape following the destruction of their original location in Matlacha. No longer on the water, it's still great for live music, people watching from the walkaround deck and good food.  (no website but on facebook)

Iguana Mia, accessible from 47th Terrace: Facing Cape Coral Parkway, they offer "Americanized Mexican" food. We love their $35 fajita for two dinner available Fridays-Sunday. It includes a pitcher of Margs, Sangria or a swirl. Family oriented. www.iguanamia.com/index.php/menus/cape-coral-dining 

J&P Asian Fusion, SW Cape: Not downtown but a wonderful sushi place that also offers a handful of hand prepared, top quality chinese food. We love it for it's upscale vibe but reasonable prices.  https://www.jpasianfusionfl.com/

Jungle Bird Tiki, one block south of Cape Pkwy: Exotic Drinks and atmosphere. Usually have live entertainment (acoustic) on weekends. It's our place to go when we want to feel tropical. It's beautiful. Family friendly  www.junglebirdtiki.com/ 

Monkey Bar, one block south of Cape Pkwy: Really draws a lively older crowd who love to drink and dance. Surprisingly good food, especially the grouper panini. Okay for families if you eat indoors. Typically has a DJ.  www.monkeybarcape.com/ 

Ralph's Place, 47th Terrace: Are you missing good bar food from up north? This place is great for live music and happy clientele. The menu lacks a florida vibe but has all of your favorite bar food offerings. (no website but on facebook) 

Rusty's, one block north of 47th Terrace (behind Backstreets): Thursday night fish & chips for $10.99. Delish! We prefer the outside when not too crowded but the inside is nice too. They have live bands on weekends, some super popular and standing room only. Family friendly mainly outside.  rustysraw.com/ 

Tiki at Dolphin Key Resort: Billed as "The Worlds Largest Tiki Bar", they have live music Wednesday-Sunday. The food is nothing to rave about but some of their bands are awesome. Plus, you're sitting outside. Kids are allowed but we only bring the grandchildren on Sunday afternoons. www.tikihutbarandgrillatdolphinkeyresort.com/  

These are just some of the dining options available in beautiful downtown Cape. See one that looks interesting, please give them a try and let me know by email what you think.  We have Cuban, Italian, Peruvian, Greek, Polish and other ethnic delights. Cape Coral is a very inclusive community with a gay bar, Cruisers, located on 47th as well.  

Waterfront options are a short drive away. 

• Rumrunners rumrunnersrestaurant.com/ 

• Pinchers (kids eat free) www.pinchersusa.com/tarpon-point-cape-coral-menu/ 

• Micheli's in Matlacha www.micelis-italian.com/