Doc Ford’s Reopens On Fort Myers Beach
Slowly but surely it is happening. More Southwest Florida restaurants and businesses wrecked by Hurricane Ian are back up and running. This is a big one. Doc Ford’s reopens on Fort Myers Beach today (July 31) and in time to serve lunch. Ribbon cutting is at 11am and then it’s game on. Doc Ford’s location on Sanibel Island is open but the restaurant on Captiva is closed indefinitely. Doc Ford’s can also be found in St. Pete but that location did not suffer any storm damage.
All three local restaurants sustained severe damage from Ian, ten months ago. The Fort Myers Beach spot now has a new roof, floor, deck and more. The deck is infamous for boaters and land lubbers alike, looking for live music, libations and a good time. The original Doc Ford’s opened on Rabbit Road on Sanibel in 2004 then expanded to the beach.
Rum is a big deal at Doc Ford’s. Try it in cocktails, solo or in flights
The restaurant vibe is like an upscale sports bar with a focus on fishing and all things related. Food is island inspired from the Caribbean as well as local. If there is one dish you have to have, it is the award-winning Yucatan Shrimp. It is the first picture posted here. The sauce is butter, garlic, lime juice, and Indonesian sambal. You’ll want extra bread for dipping.
Doc Ford’s is named after famous Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White. His books are sold in the gift shop. He is also a partner in the affair. On Fort Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s is under the big bridge, on San Carlos Island, 708 Fishermans Wharf. It’s on the so-called back bay. Congratulations. It’s been a long road. However, Doc Ford’s reopens on Fort Myers Beach today following destruction left by Hurricane Ian last September.
Fort Myers Beach Restaurants Open For Memorial Day Weekend
It’s been eight months since Hurricane Ian battered Fort Myers Beach with a wall of water and punishing wind and rain. The island is still wrecked but recovery is underway and more businesses are turning on the lights again. Many people have a tradition of visiting the beach for the long holiday weekend that is upon us. If you are going, we want to help. We’ve put together a list of Fort Myers Beach restaurants open for Memorial Day Weekend.
Bonita Bill’s remained closed for months following Hurricane Ian. However, regulars would bring their coolers and gather in the parking lot nightly to share stories and find comfort. The bar is open once again.
These restaurants might be back in business, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, some of your favorites that have reopened have done so in different locations. Of the spots open, some menus may still be limited. In addition, a few beach bars and restaurants have moved inland for now. Those are not listed here. The spots listed are to help you find places to get a bite and a drink while you are actually at or on the beach this weekend.
Finally, not all of these are on the beach side of Estero Island. Some are on east shores the bay, just before you cross the Matanzas Pass Bridge to get onto the beach proper. Dixie Fish is one of them. You can read more about that reopening here.
Remember, the island is still not up to speed in some areas, even when it comes to power. Be patient. Also be mindful of where you park and even where you walk. There is still a lot of debris all over the island. Most of all, thanks for supporting the local businesses that have returned. Here is a list of the Fort Myers Beach restaurants open for Memorial Day Weekend.
Bonita' Bill's Waterfront Cafe
Bonita Bill’s is just under the big bridge leading over to the beach. The docks are still wrecked and a yacht is still perched by the entrance, displaced by Hurricane Ian. However, the kitchen is open again for breakfast lunch and dinner. It’s an iconic local spot. 702 Fisherman’s Wharf, San Carlos Island, FL 33931, 239-463-6119
Dixie Fish Co.
Dixie is right next to Bonita Bills on the bay side of Fort Myers Beach. Dixie also has lots of live music. Its neighbor, Doc Fords is still closed. 714 Fishermans Wharf, Ft. Myers Beach, 33931, 239-233-8837
Fresh Catch Bistro
Fresh Catch is open but it’s in a new location. No longer directly on the beach, it is now across Estero Parkway by Pulbix, in the space formerly home to Bayfront Bistro. 4761 Estero Boulevard, Ft. Myers Beach, 33931, 239-488-2400
Junkanoo Below Deck
This famous beach bar has also changed locations. No more toes in the sand here but you still have a great waterfront view of the bay. It is located in the space under Fresh Catch, by Publix, which also just re-opened. The menu is casual and the cocktails cold and fruity here. 4761 Estero Boulevard, Ft. Myers Beach, 33931, 239-488-2400
Matanzas on the Bay
This feels like a tucked away hidden gem on the back bay of Fort Myers just under the bridge. Dining here is both in doors and outdoors. 416 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239-463-3838
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
Parrot Key is located next to the docks where you board the Key West Express. This island bar and grill is known for it’s tropical drinks, live music and view of the shrimp boats. That view has changed quite a bit but the restaurant is open again. 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239-463-3257
Tuckaway Cafe
This cute cafe had to relocate after Hurricane Irma. Now they are rebuilding again. They are said to be serving again at their spot on 2301 Estero Blvd.
Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill
Yucatan’s Grand reopening is Friday, just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend festivities. You can’t miss this al fresco bar and grill on the north side of the bridge. 250 Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-333-4FUN (4386)
