New: Trio's quartet of restaurants and bars is complete with The Alley at Central Square

Diana Biederman, Naples Daily News
·2 min read

The Alley, the fourth component of Central Square’s new food and beverage complex, opened Jan. 25.

The gents behind the spot are CMC Hospitality's Marty Kenney, Christopher Lee and Christopher Shucart, who also partner on The Kitchen & Mini Bar, District and Staff Only.

Where is Central Square? It’s the recently renamed Victoria Square; Shucart’s JCS Realty Group owns the property abutting Goodlette-Frank Road and changed the name to reflect its location.

Each of the four sister restaurant/cocktail lounges within the square offers a distinct vibe and décor: The Alley recalls Manhattan’s gritty Lower East Side circa 1980 a la CBGB or a graffiti-covered subway car from the era.

Inside The Alley, a new restaurant and bar, in Naples.
Inside The Alley, a new restaurant and bar, in Naples.

Local artists Nicholas Rapp and Marcus Zotter (who also worked on PJK Neighborhood Chinese, Irish Times and South Street at Founders Square) helped to perfect the look.

District and Staff Only are sophisticated, bougie in a good way and very pretty. The Kitchen & Mini Bar is relaxed, beachy and entirely al fresco.

What to know

The executive chef for all is Brad Moss, formerly of Truluck’s.

Appetizers run $5 for tater tots to $12 for a tuna boat. Slider prices are based on the quantity desired: $10 for two smash burgers topping out at $28 for three lobster salad sliders.

Of note, it’s one of the few venues in town serving food until 1 a.m.

Business partners Christopher Shucart, Christopher Lee and Marty Kenney of District, Staff Only, The Kitchen and The Alley.
Business partners Christopher Shucart, Christopher Lee and Marty Kenney of District, Staff Only, The Kitchen and The Alley.

Instead of an amuse bouche, there’s “amuse booze,” better known as the “Bartender’s Handshake,” for $9. Pabst Blue Ribbon and Colt 45 are two nostalgic sippers on a cocktail menu that tops out at $13, whereas most nearby restaurants often surpass $20.

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The Alley’s potent potables feature playful names inspired by 1990s pop culture, including a pineapple “Gin and Juice” and “The Big Lebowski,” a White Russian variation with vodka, Kahlua and cream.

Hours: Daily from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

(1200 Central Ave., Naples; 239-428-3101; thealleynaples.com)

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Throwback vibes at The Alley, a new Naples restaurant & bar downtown