Naples’ Liki Tiki BBQ Closes as Boutique Hotel Development Moves Forward
NAPLES, Fla. — A piece of Naples’ culinary landscape is disappearing as Liki Tiki BBQ has officially closed its doors, making way for a three-story boutique hotel and mixed-use development. The beloved barbecue joint, located at 590 9th St N, shut down this month after years of serving smoked meats and tropical-inspired dishes to locals and visitors alike.
While Liki Tiki BBQ has closed, its neighbor in the same building—Pastrami Dan’s—continues to operate, though its future remains uncertain as demolition plans advance. The site is set to be transformed into Aquarius, a boutique hotel featuring 18 guest rooms, a pool, a restaurant, an outdoor bar, and 6,486 square feet of commercial space.
The Finish of an Era for Liki Tiki BBQ
Liki Tiki BBQ, known for its Hawaiian-style barbecue and laid-back atmosphere, had been a fixture in downtown Naples since the building’s construction in 1963. The restaurant’s closure marks the end of a chapter for a property that has housed various eateries over the decades, including the short-lived Pastrami Dan’s, which opened in 2023 and remains the sole tenant in the structure.
Neither Liki Tiki BBQ’s ownership nor the developers of the Aquarius project have publicly commented on whether the modern restaurant planned for the hotel will carry on any of the barbecue joint’s legacy. However, the Naples Daily News reports that the new development aims to blend modern luxury with the area’s coastal charm, suggesting a departure from the casual, retro vibe of the original building.
What’s Next for the Site?
The demolition of the existing structure is expected to begin in the coming weeks, pending final permits. The Aquarius project, which received unanimous approval from the Naples Design Review Board in August 2025, is designed to cater to upscale travelers seeking a boutique experience in downtown Naples. Key features of the development include:
- An 18-room boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and lounge
- A full-service restaurant and outdoor bar
- 6,486 square feet of commercial space, likely to house retail or additional dining options
- Architectural elements inspired by Florida’s coastal aesthetic, including pastel hues and open-air terraces
The project has drawn mixed reactions from the community. While some residents and business owners welcome the economic boost and modern amenities, others lament the loss of a long-standing local institution. “It’s bittersweet,” said a Naples resident who frequented Liki Tiki BBQ for years. “I’ll miss the place, but I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Pastrami Dan’s Holds On—for Now
Unlike Liki Tiki BBQ, Pastrami Dan’s—a New York-style deli that opened in the same building in 2023—remains open as of this writing. However, its future is unclear. The deli’s management has not publicly announced whether it will relocate or close permanently once demolition begins.
“We’re taking it day by day,” said a staff member at Pastrami Dan’s when asked about the deli’s plans. “We love being part of this community, and we’re hopeful we’ll find a way to stay in Naples.”
The uncertainty surrounding Pastrami Dan’s has left some customers concerned. The deli, which specializes in pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and other Jewish delicatessen classics, has cultivated a loyal following since its opening. Its potential closure would mark another shift in the neighborhood’s dining scene.
Why This Development Matters for Naples
The transformation of the 590 9th St N site reflects broader trends in Naples’ downtown revitalization. Over the past decade, the city has seen a surge in boutique hotels and mixed-use developments aimed at attracting affluent tourists and seasonal residents. Projects like Aquarius are designed to cater to visitors seeking a more intimate, locally inspired experience than what’s offered by larger chain hotels.
However, the rapid pace of development has also sparked debates about gentrification and the preservation of Naples’ cultural identity. Longtime residents worry that the influx of high-end properties could price out local businesses and alter the character of the city’s historic districts.
“Naples is at a crossroads,” said a local historian who has studied the city’s architectural evolution. “There’s a fine line between progress and erasing the places that make this community unique. Liki Tiki BBQ was one of those places—it had history, character, and a loyal following. It’s hard to replace that.”
Key Takeaways
- Liki Tiki BBQ has closed after decades of operation at 590 9th St N in Naples, Florida.
- The site will be demolished to make way for Aquarius, a three-story boutique hotel with 18 rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor bar, and commercial space.
- Pastrami Dan’s remains open in the same building, though its future is uncertain pending demolition.
- The Naples Design Review Board approved the Aquarius project in August 2025, with demolition expected to begin soon.
- The development reflects broader trends in Naples’ downtown revitalization, balancing economic growth with concerns about cultural preservation.
FAQ
What was Liki Tiki BBQ known for?
Liki Tiki BBQ was a popular barbecue restaurant in Naples, Florida, known for its Hawaiian-inspired smoked meats, tropical cocktails, and casual, retro atmosphere. The restaurant had been a fixture in the community since the building’s construction in 1963.
Why is the building being demolished?
The building at 590 9th St N is being demolished to make way for Aquarius, a boutique hotel and mixed-use development. The project was approved by the Naples Design Review Board in August 2025 and aims to bring modern luxury accommodations to downtown Naples.
Will Pastrami Dan’s close too?
As of April 2026, Pastrami Dan’s remains open, though its future is uncertain. The deli’s management has not announced whether it will relocate or close permanently once demolition begins.
When will the new hotel open?
The timeline for the Aquarius project has not been publicly confirmed. Demolition of the existing structure is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with construction likely to follow. No official opening date has been announced.
How will this development impact Naples?
The Aquarius project is part of a broader trend of boutique hotel developments in downtown Naples, aimed at attracting upscale tourists. While such projects can boost the local economy, they also raise concerns about gentrification and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage.
Looking Ahead
As Naples continues to evolve, the closure of Liki Tiki BBQ and the rise of the Aquarius project serve as a microcosm of the city’s balancing act between growth and tradition. For now, locals and visitors alike can reflect on the memories made at the old barbecue joint—even as they anticipate what’s next for this corner of downtown.
One thing is certain: the site at 590 9th St N will soon look very different. Whether the new development will capture the same spirit of community that Liki Tiki BBQ embodied remains to be seen.