Mornings With Gina Birch

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 Bills doors locked after Hurricane Ian, before reopening.

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.

  • 239 Cafe

    The menu is casual and fairly extensive here. If you are looking for smoothies and sandwiches, they have you covered. 1028 5th Street, Fort Myers Beach,33931, 239-297-7122

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  • 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
    Boat inside of Bonita Bills

  • Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill

    This is the popular Beach Bar at Diamond Head Resort on the beach. The resort is open as well but amenities are not up to full speed. Not only is the bar open but live entertainment has returned as well. 2000 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239-765-0595

  • 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
    Dixie Fish Reopens

  • 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
    The outside patio of Fresh Catch Bistro, formerly Bayside Bistro on Fort Myers Beach

  • Jack's at the Pink Shell Beach Resort

    The Pink Shell Beach Resort is open but not all services are available. Bongo’s, the restaurant and bar by the pool is still closed. However, Jack’s is open for lunch. It’s indoors and offers a nice view of the beach, with AC. 275 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 888-222-7465

  • 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
    The new location of Junkanoo on Fort Myers Beach is on the bay

  • La Ola Surfside Restaurant

    The restaurant is no longer standing but La Ola is serving food. In fact, they were among the first to return to the beach, now with a food truck. Find the truck in the area known as Times Square, to the right when you cross the big bridge on to the beach.

  • 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
    Matanzas on the Bay restaurant on Fort Myers Beach

  • 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
    The bar at Parrot Key on Fort Myers Beach

  • Pincher's

    Pincher’s has numerous locations in Southwest Florida and used to be open at the south end of Fort Myers Beach. However, right now their location before heading over the big bridge is the only one open in this area right now. 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239-415-8973

  • Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant

    Music is back at Snug Harbor and the kitchen is open as well. It’s on the right as you cross the big bridge getting onto the beach. Snug Harbor is on the bayside of the beach. 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239-463-4343

  • The Beach Bar

    The owners of the Beach Bar are onsite and serving packaged drinks as of now. 1668 I Street, Fort Myers Beach, 33931

     

  • The Rude Shrimp Company

    This eatery is found in old shipping containers painted bright red. They specialize in seafood, like shrimp. 365 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, 239.396.0246

     

  • Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Island Resort

    The resort is undergoing repairs but there are rooms available. The elevator is not working and neither are the phones so if you want to book something, you’ll have to go online. The popular bar is open serving drinks and a menu that continues to evolve along with the repairs. 1051 Fifth Avenue, Fort Myers Beach, 33931, [email protected]

  • 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.
    The patio of Tuckaway Cafe before Hurricane Ian

  • Wahoo Willie's

    This was one of the fist beach restaurants and bars to reopen after the hurricane. Found on the north side of Estero Island they serve island-style food and fun drinks. 645 Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-2833-8081

  • 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)
    Plate of raw oysters on Fort Myers Beach

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