New Jersey-Inspired Beer and Wine Bar Opens in Fort Myers’ University Village

A new location opened on Oct. 11, 2025, in Fort Myers. Carlstadt Beer and Wine Bar is located in Suite B-220 at University Village Shops, right between Insomnia Cookies and Fat Katz.

Owner Garrett Fay Hamilton picked the name from his roots in Bergen County, New Jersey. "Garrett wants to bring the small town feel of Carlstadt here," Michelle Hamilton, Garrett's wife, said per The News-Press. "It's known for its friendliness. The people are very social."

Adults can kick back in two living spaces with plush leather seats and coffee tables. Car buffs might prefer the third area, which shows off auto photos, which is a nod to the owner's work on cars.

The taps change often, pouring eight different brews. Local stars like Fort Myers Brewing share space with Coppertail, Ankrolab, and Palm City. The fridges stock cans from Green Bench, Orange Blossom, and LaBelle. Wine fans can pick from several types, including chardonnay and Riesling.

Both Hamiltons keep their main jobs while running the bar. Garrett fixes Porsches, and Michelle works in health care. She shared his dream: "He wanted to do it because he wanted to work for himself some day. He didn't want to wait until he retires."

Sports fans can catch Florida Everblades hockey games here. The bar runs special deals too, like wine discounts on Wednesdays.

Carlstadt is open from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. weekdays, with longer hours on weekends starting at 1 p.m. and plans to extend hours seasonally.