The past year brought a shift to downtown Fort Myers as upscale cocktail spots replaced old dive bars and clubs. These new venues now fill historic structures built in 1914.
“[In a city like Asheville], even the bar at the Holiday Inn does amazing cocktails,” said Nils Richter, co-owner of Sip & Sizzle, to Gulf Shore Life. “Fort Myers needs more of that — and that’s what we’re aiming to do.”
Inside a striking beaux arts building, Sip & Sizzle made its debut in January. The spot combines a cozy 14-seat bar with an inventive steakhouse where guests cook their cuts on hot stones. While adding sleek metal ceiling panels, the team kept the building’s original brick walls and floor tiles intact…