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Gulf & Main Magazine

Twisted Vine Bistro - An American Bistro with a Delicious Twist in the Fort Myers River District

Sep 27, 2021 05:00PM ● By Jessica Wagner

Photo Courtesy of Twisted Vine Bistro's Website

Twisted Vine Bistro, located at 2214 Bay Street in Fort Myers River District, is an award-winning American Bistro with some “twisted preparations”, according to owners Steve and Denise Hollister.

“Just little unexpected touches on the plates” that keep guests coming back. “We put our own twisted spin on trends. The Twisted Cuban Sandwich, for example, instead of sliced ham and pulled pork, which is on most Cuban sandwiches, we use pulled ham and sliced pork loin.”

Offering a multitude of delicious menu options, including steaks and seafood, Twisted Vine Bistro prides itself on being a “scratch kitchen”.

Steve explains, “We make our own salad dressings, we make our soups, all of our sauces, and our stocks. We cut our steaks and our fish. We do old-school baking of bread and we make our own desserts. When you order a chicken, we saute that breast a la minute and stuff it. Everything is fresher and more vibrant.”

A favorite of longtime guests is the Crusted Seabass, where the chef adds a panko crust, sears it in a pan, and creates a fresh herb sauce to go along with it. 

Twisted Vine Bistro not only offers delicious meals, but they provide a variety of services at their location.

“At Twisted Vine, we have finer dining and an award-winning wine list. Then, in the Barrel Room we have bourbon and blues and jazz. Then we have the outdoor courtyard that sits 60 people, where we have wedding ceremonies, and then the function over in the Barrel Room with a separate kitchen.”

The Barrel Room is also available for other private parties and functions. Steve and Denise like to use the room as a music venue and for Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas.

The new Barrel Room menu will be rolling out in the middle of October, just in time for beer season. Plus, musicians are beginning to book through that time, bringing live music back to Twisted Vine.

Steve teases, “Chef and I are working on the Fall menu now. We’ll be rolling out some surprises on it. Top secret surprises until the actual menu happens.”

If you’re looking for a great dining experience, be sure to check out Twisted Vine Bistro. Visit their website today to see their current menus and all they have to offer!