Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, shares three favorite Naples dining destinations, from the Golden Gate Moose Lodge to Sea Salt and BrickTop’s. She and her husband, Pat Keesler, have made the restaurants longtime favorites.
As part of the dynamic hospitality industry, dining plays a central role in Southwest Florida’s economy. With restaurants constantly opening, closing and reinventing themselves, the dining scene reflects broader patterns of growth, risk and consumer demand. In each issue, we ask a local business or civic leader to name three restaurants they return to regularly, offering a snapshot of the places shaping Southwest Florida’s culinary culture and sense of community.
Eileen Connolly-Keesler has served 13 years as president and CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, which has awarded more than $400 million in grants since 1985. She shares three favorite dining spots that keep her and her husband, Pat Keesler, going back for more.
A cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and cheese is served with fries at Golden Gate Moose Lodge 1654 in the Golden Gate area of Collier County. Eileen Connolly-Keesler calls the members-only lodge an unpretentious hidden gem and praises its simple, satisfying cheeseburger.
Golden Gate Moose Lodge 1654
Golden Gate Moose Lodge 1654 is a favorite hidden gem. It’s completely unpretentious and offers a chance to simply relax and enjoy a great meal without being “on.” Like a small Wisconsin country bar, it’s familiar and welcoming. You have to be a member or the guest of a member to go there, which makes it feel like a true local secret. The cheeseburger is exactly what you’d hope for: simple, satisfying and delicious.
1900 40th Terrace S.W., Naples
A seafood dish topped with finely sliced vegetables is presented at Sea Salt on Third Street South in downtown Naples. Eileen Connolly-Keesler says the restaurant’s crab cakes keep her returning, and she admires co-owner Ingrid Aielli’s commitment to local philanthropy.
Sea Salt
Sea Salt has long been a favorite, and the crab cakes are simply outstanding. They’re consistently one of the best things on the menu and a dish I return for time and again. Beyond the exceptional food, I admire co-owner Ingrid Aielli and her longstanding commitment to our community. Ingrid has generously supported the Collier Community Foundation and the Women’s Foundation of Collier County through the years; she truly believes in giving back.
1186 Third St. S., Naples
A rack of ribs is served with french fries and coleslaw at BrickTop’s in Waterside Shops in North Naples. Eileen Connolly-Keesler says she and her husband, Pat Keesler, have frequented the restaurant for nearly 20 years, with the ribs remaining a favorite.
BrickTop’s
BrickTop’s at Waterside Shops has been one of our go-to restaurants for nearly 20 years — even before we became full-time Naples residents. When we traveled here to meet with donors from Oshkosh, it was our favorite place to gather large groups, and it has remained a tradition ever since. While everything on the menu is consistently excellent, it’s the ribs that keep us coming back.
5555 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
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