When I travel, I never, ever eat at places I can eat at when I’m home. (In the interest of being totally honest, I will confess that I once had fries from McDonalds in Rome, but only because I wanted to do a taste comparison. As I suspected, they were much better in Italy…but then again, everything is better in Italy.) Anyway, when I am in different states or countries, my mission is always to eat local specialties at places where the locals dine.

There are a handful of restaurants in Naples that I always go to when I’m there…mostly seafood types, but not all. If you ever get to Naples (which you should), I hope you get to try some of these places and that you enjoy them as much as I do!
Randy’s Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar




Cracklin’ Jacks




The atmosphere is very casual and you get a lot of great tasting food for not a whole lot of money. In the evenings, they have a separate area where they play live music.
On our last visit, we were there for a late lunch…around 3:00. So, as mentioned, it was pretty quiet. But the food was still great! I had a basket of shrimp and clam strips, that was accompanied by one hush puppy, fries and cole slaw:

My mom had a basket of gator bites and catfish, with the same sides:

Yes, the menu consists of a lot of fried things, but the breading is actually quite light and none of it tastes greasy. You can also order salads, sandwiches, steaks or barbecue, if seafood is not your thing.

Cracklin’ Jacks is located off a pretty busy street and far from the water or any type of scenic view. But if down-home, southern-style food in a laid back atmosphere is what you’re looking for, then this is a great place to go! (If you click on the link below, I hope you get a laugh from the music that’s playing…I sure did.)
Cracklin’ Jacks
2560 39th Street SW (right off of Collier Blvd. and not far from I-75)
Naples, FL
239-774-6000
Rumba Cuban Cafe



The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach




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