Wine, whiskey bar opens in Fort Myers

A new upscale bar has opened in Fort Myers. Vybe is now welcoming guests to its Bell Tower location.

Chef and restaurateur Harold Balink developed the concept — which includes elevated cocktails, a curated wine and whiskey list, chef-driven small plates and shareables — in partnership with Matthew Baum, founder of Bonita Springs-based restaurant group Wolverine Management.

Vybe marks the sixth restaurant for Balink, who also owns Harold’s in Fort Myers.  

“Our guests wanted a place to enjoy a great cocktail before dinner — or live music and a nightcap after — and they couldn’t find that kind of experience anywhere in Fort Myers," Balink says in a statement. "Vybe will fill that space: upscale, comfortable and always about genuine hospitality.”

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The cocktail menu ranges from classic to adventurous. Among them are standouts like the Old Fashion, crafted with Bulleit 95 Rye and Demerara, the 21st Amendment, with lemon, honey and ginger; Aromatic Apologies, featuring Japanese whiskey, lime, egg white and sage; and Island Oasis with vodka, guava, apricot and mint.

Small plates range from gouda arancini with herb aioli and fennel arugula to furikake-crusted tuna with mango and ginger-lime yogurt. There are also heartier offerings, like seared seabass with saffron sage and tender teres major served with pomme purée and demi-glace. A customizable decanter board features a rotating selection of premium meats and cheeses, paired with seasonal accompaniments.

Vybe has both indoor and outdoor seating on a covered patio. It features marble accents and chrome finishes.

Vybe is at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 245, in Bell Tower. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday through Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.