The four-concept dining and nightlife destination in Naples’ Design District offering everything from upscale sushi and hidden cocktails to open-air entertainment and late-night street food has closed.
The District was home to edgy, lounge-style sushi and cocktail spot District Sushi Bar, outdoor venue Mini Bar, late-night sports bar The Alley, and speakeasy Staff Only.
Part restaurant row, part nightlife hub, The District was one of the city’s trendiest places to dine, drink, and socialize. It is now closed after its owners decided not to renew their lease on Central Avenue.
Sushi bar was the anchor
“We are incredibly grateful for the support, memories, friendships, and experiences that have been shared with us over the years,” owners Christopher Lee, Marty Kenney, and Christopher Shucart shared in a joint statement on social media.
“What started as a unique vision became something truly special because of our amazing guests, team members, and community.”
District Sushi Bar was the anchor of the complex, combining an upscale moody vibe with craft cocktails and creative sushi rolls. Locals loved the Miami-inspired atmosphere and innovative menu.
Breezy outdoor cocktail garden The Mini Bar acted as the property’s open-air social hub. The relaxed and lively vibe made it perfect for gathering with friends before or after dinner. Tropical drinks and a laid-back party atmosphere kept locals coming back.
Shifting vibes, The Alley leaned into a late-night urban concept inspired by New York City backstreets. Raw brick walls, graffiti art, and industrial design elements set the tone, while the menu focused on street food, cocktails, beer, and mocktails. The Alley was the most casual venue in the collection and was the most popular after dinner hours.
Hidden speakeasy Staff Only was designed to mimic a Prohibition-era cocktail bar, focusing on a more intimate experience revolving around craft cocktails. The exclusivity and mystery of Staff Only was part of its appeal to locals.
The District was certainly one of the more innovative and modern dining destinations in town, and locals are sure to miss it.
Kendall Little is the food & dining reporter for Naples Daily News. Questions, comments, or tips? Email Kendall.Little@NaplesNews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: 4 spots closed: Naples nightlife & dining hub shuts its doors
Reporting by Kendall Little, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kendall Little, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
