Naples area beach bar named one of the best in the South by Southern Living

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
·2 min read

The editors at Southern Living are at it again, this time naming their 18 favorite beach bars based on their own reports, research, and visits to resorts across seven southern states.

Southern Living's team visited Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas ‒ and ta da, Florida, nabbing eight spots on the list including two in our neck of the woods.

In Collier County, sole honors went to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort’s Kane Tiki Bar & Grill.

Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at JW Marriott Marco Island.
Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at JW Marriott Marco Island.

Southern Living described Kane’s, which takes its name from the Polynesian god of creation and growth, as drawing “inspiration from Hawaii for a creative menu of fusion street food and an idyllic thatched-roof outdoor tiki bar.”

The magazine’s team seemed quite fond of the coconut shrimp, rum collection and cigar bar menu.

The beer list starring local brews is also quite impressive.

Fun fact: Kane was where this reporter spent her first Florida Christmas Eve in 2014, while renovating our home before moving to Naples full-time.

A view of Marco's beach at Kane's.
A view of Marco's beach at Kane's.

What to know before you go

Kane sits on one of the loveliest and widest beaches in the area. Idyllic sunsets and gorgeous Gulf views make it a must-stop for locals and visitors alike.

In nine years of living nearby, here are a few tips if you’ve never been:

With hubs at Kane's in 2014.
With hubs at Kane's in 2014.

  • Parking is $15 and a schlep across the street from the steep walkway unless you valet it for $25.

  • Pro tip: If you’re heading to Marco’s South Beach, try parking your chairs near one of the public entrances and walking to Kane's. It takes about 10 minutes.

  • Though the dress code is casual, consider wearing a cover-up over a swimsuit, as Marco Island is rather conservative.

  • Also, the beach is quite shell-y and floors can get sticky, so wear something to protect your feet.

  • Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis at what might be the fanciest tiki-chickee hut dining option around.

Kane's details: 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island; 239-394-2511; kanetikibarandgrill.com

Who else made Southern Living's list in Southwest Florida?

The Mucky Duck is know for its laid-back vibe and spectacular beachfront sunset views.
The Mucky Duck is know for its laid-back vibe and spectacular beachfront sunset views.

That would be Captiva’s The Mucky Duck, which this reporter last visited in 2016 on a murky rainy day.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida beach bar one of best in South on Southern Living list