There are no signs, banners, or marquees announcing that Escondido Lounge is coming soon to downtown Fort Myers.
And that’s perfect considering it’s a speakeasy.
“We’re bringing something this town has never had,” co-owner Brad Cozza said. “I think downtown Fort Myers is ready for it.”
Escondido, which means hidden in Spanish, is set to open Nov. 20 on Hendry Street in the historic Richards Building (now painted white and branded the Pythian Building). And the same concept is coming to Cape Coral in early 2025 to the space previously occupied by Ollie’s Pub on Cape Coral Parkway.
“It’s in true speakeasy fashion,” Cozza, who is partners in this venture with Chef Bradley Kilgore, Max Curtis and Ozzie Morrobel, said. “There’s no signage out front. Just a light that turns red and green. When it’s red, we’re open. The light from it will wash up the front of the building.”
How to find it
Escondido is located behind the Cozza, Curtis and Morrobel-owned Taco Works . Head straight through the fast-casual taco joint and open the nondescript cooler door.