Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Ft. Myers Beach
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Ft. Myers Beach
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Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Ft. Myers Beach
Review
About
Family-friendly waterfront dining with affordable pricing. Featuring fresh seafood daily and full bar with our famous Island Mojitos. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Sports Bar and Live Entertainment. Arrive by car or boat. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille may have originated on Sanibel Island, but be sure to check out this newest location on Fort Myers Beach!
Features
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Caribbean, Seafood
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Television
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Does this restaurant specialize in Balti food?
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Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.7
10,503 reviews
Excellent
8,287
Very good
1,614
Average
401
Poor
130
Terrible
71
Sandie D
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • family
Austin was our server and he was excellent! He was very attentive and anticipated what we might need/want before we needed to ask for it. So refreshing to have GREAT customer service! I will ask for Austin to be our server when we return. The view on the water was beautiful. The food was tasty (Sanibel Cheesesteak) and priced under $15. We don’t eat seafood but there was a big selection for those that do. Loved Doc Ford’s and cool to see his books on display.
Written November 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pollard Family
Nashville211 contributions
Mar 2025 • friends
Doc Ford’s is a nice experience of seafood and the American menu of Steak, Ribs, Sandwiches, etc. The drink menu is extensive variety of adults delights. The entire experience was delightful from the great food to intoxicating drinks…lol. Would recommend to anyone, but reservation are highly suggested, but walk in waiting list was about 30-60 minutes on a Thursday Night. Will come back again next year when in winter/spring break.
Written March 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe Sanchez
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
Each family outing should be an experience that’s made more unforgettable than the last and when a meal is part of that experience, it is greatly impacted by the atmosphere, food, drinks and service. Docking at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille’s greeted and assisted by its experienced and friendly Dock Master and walking up the ramp to its outdoor waterfront dining as you pass two amazing bars where you’re welcomed by its expert mixologist bartender, Colby, delivers an atmosphere like no other. Bring in Austin, one of the most extraordinary Servers you will have the fortune of encountering who has the privilege to bring you Colby’s extraordinary drinks and Chef Greg’s finger looking meals and you will be the recipient of the atmosphere, food, drinks and service that is 2nd to none.
Written January 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben G
Peoria154 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
We had a group of 10 on a beautiful evening. Unfortunately, we were upstairs inside with little view of outside. While the waitstaff was great, the food ranged from good (shrimp bisque and clam chowder) to ok (bread appetizer, ribs, wings), to awful (very salty blackened grouper, salty banana leaf grouper and veggies, tough chicken tenders). Margaritas (both regular and premium) were salty and the rum drinks were too strong and sweet. Plus drinks were expensive. For $400 for our party I expected much more. Very disappointed.
Written December 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick T
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
Such consistently delicious food! I got something different on two nights this week and both times I was blown away at the reasonable prices, cool atmosphere and excellent food - the raw and naked oysters, the Yucatan shrimp, and the steak salad.
And… our server was exceptional! She was talented, funny and very attentive to our table. I will ask for Daniela again with the hope she is working next time we visit.
Written November 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammysue
Mason446 contributions
Sep 2024 • friends
Doc Ford’s is one of my very favorite restaurants and I have been going there since it was “The Bridge.” I had the black squid linguini pasta with scallops and crab meat tonight and it is an incredible dish that the chef does on occasion as a special. I always enjoy my meals and the service tonight was impeccable with a server named Lisa. She was smart, intuitive and perfect for our party of three. My friends had grouper and also shrimp and there were no doggie bags at our table! I can’t wait to go there and I read the Randy Wayne Wright “Doc Ford’s” books when I’m not there. There is a reason I did not give it a “5” tonight…. I am presently using a walker and unable to use the downstairs bathroom as there are steps so I have to use the upstairs bathroom. This restaurant was closed for months after hurricane Ian and they fortified it with huge cement pillars and refurbished it. This restaurant is worth a fortune and it always packed with hungry visitors and locals. Why oh why did they not update, refurbish, fix, enlarge or generally make the upstairs two stall bathroom up to date and worthy of their women and handicapped guests? It has no AC, is tiny, humid and horrible. This is a large restaurant with many guests waiting to use it. Tonight, the handicapped bathroom stall had an “out of order” sign on it. If you were in a wheelchair, you couldn’t use the downstairs bathroom, there are steps and no elevator and you would not been able to use the handicapped stall. The existing stall upstairs is very small with a very low to the ground toilet with no safety bars to help you. So, you wouldn’t be able to “go” tonight. One of the most beloved restaurants in FMB and a really handicapped person would have had a nightmare evening. Love the place, food, service, accompanying books but hate the bathroom!
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doc Ford
Thank you so much for giving us your feedback. We truly appreciate your perspective. We love that you truly love our restaurant! We apologize for the inconvenience and that the downstairs bathroom on this evening was out of order. We do have a ramp that leads to the upstairs bathrooms, but we do recognize that this could also be inconvenient for a person using a walker. Your feedback has been sent to our management staff for review. Once again, we do apologize for the inconvenience.
Written October 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sightseer542716
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
Doc Ford's Rum Bar in Fort Myers Beach features a great, seafood-oriented, menu. Lots of selections. Our party of three had seviche, and calamari as appetizers. Both were plentiful, fresh and tasty. For lunch entrees, we had the figs/prosciutto flatbread; scrumptious grouper sandwich; and lobster shrimp penne pasta with a citrus cream sauce. All three entrees were excellent, and more than enough to satisfy our appetites. 2 of the 3 of us also had the Doc Ford's special Bloody Mary (which is a meal, in and of itself, sporting large shrimp, and a picked string bean as condiments to the alcohol!). We were lucky enough to get a waterfront table, and thoroughly enjoyed watching fishing boats We were even luckier to get PEDRO, a charming, efficient, and communicative server, to take our orders and deliver our meals. Wonderful service; excellent food; great view. What more could you want?
Written January 22, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MauraWasHere
Hanover12 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Our visit to Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Fort Myers Beach was fantastic! We sat dockside in a laid-back atmosphere that made us feel right at home.
The food was outstanding—every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The Yucatan shrimp was a definite highlight, bursting with zesty, buttery goodness that we couldn’t get enough of. The menu had a great variety, from fresh seafood to tropical-inspired dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
Of course, we couldn’t resist exploring their incredible rum selection! The cocktails were expertly crafted, with the signature mojito and the Rum Punch standing out as our favorites. Sipping on those while enjoying the waterfront views was pure paradise.
The service was top-notch—our server was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations that made our experience even better.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal with friends or a place to enjoy great drinks with stunning views, Doc Ford’s is a must-visit. It perfectly captures the essence of Fort Myers Beach, and we can’t wait to return on our next trip!
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road18592244348
4 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
Ate dinner at Doc Ford's twice in the past week, on Thursday and then again on Sunday. Both nights we arrived before 5pm and were seated quickly in the covered patio section where the view is better, bugs were fewer and it's less noisy. Our servers both nights were great; Tony on Thursday and Lisa S. on Sunday. Both were attentive, professional and friendly.
We had a variety of seafood both nights; oysters, calamari, mussels, grouper tacos, taquitos, a grouper sandwich and the special on Sunday night which was fish and crab cake over garlic mashed potatoes and all were great and well worth the trip. We've never been disappointed at DF's over the years and the trend continues. Our only issue is that the sauce used in the mussel appetizer has changed and, while good, was better in the past.
DF's has always been, and will continue to be, our go-to in the area.
Written December 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouAnn Covi
Phoenix13 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
We had dinner at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Fort Walton Beach last Tuesday evening. Seated upstairs, with open sides, we were able to enjoy the water view and hear the entertainer playing beneath us on the patio.
Our waitress, Jordan, took fantastic care of us. She was able to answer questions on menu items and make recommendations that we thoroughly enjoyed. She kept our beverages filled and extra napkins when we needed them. She couldn't have been more attentive!
The Scallop with black ink squid linguine special, Broasted chicken with chimichurri sauce, Shrimp penne and Cuban sandwich were all equally tasty. We would recommend any of those menu selections!
We'll definitely visit again!
Written December 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Storyteller279100
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
My husband and I absolutely love coming to Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grille at Fort Myers Beach. Every time we visit, it’s a highlight of our trip! The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with live music that really enhances the laid-back vibe. The staff here is incredibly friendly and attentive, and we especially appreciate our bartender, Kevin V. Not only does he make a fabulous mojito, but he was kind enough to teach me how to make them so I can bring a bit of Doc Ford’s magic back to Pennsylvania with me!
We’ve enjoyed every meal we’ve had here, and we always tell friends to check out Doc Ford’s when they’re in town. It’s become our favorite spot to unwind and enjoy good food, great drinks, and amazing service. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Fort Myers Beach!
Written November 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rainer Friedric... G
Fort Myers154 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
One of the best places on the waterfront…Legendary local Restaurant with some locations in the area…We love the Ft. Myers Beach location!
Overlooking the Bay/Inlet facing the Shrimp-fleet, enjoying scenic views from the new remodeled decks…great menu with wonderful selection of creative food options…
Today we were happy with outstanding service by Brooke…This young lady was funny, friendly always spot on…was focused on our wellbeing…an employee you must have to generate happy guests/customers…
Thanks Brooke for taking that good care of us and making again a Doc Fords visit a real pleasure!
See u soon!
Susanne and Rainer
Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Lenehan
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
Today we enjoyed a delicious lunch with friends fom Oakville, Canada, our first visit back to Doc Ford's this snowbird season and as usual the ambiance was easy going and the Yucatan shrimp, chicken fingers and fish sandwich were delicious. Also great was our server, Donny, who knew his trade well. He was attentive, sociable, funny and quite knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. Doc Ford's is our go to restaurant, especially with friends we want to ensure, have a good experience.
Written November 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tripsteroid
Toronto298 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
We were just delighted with our first visit to Doc Ford’s on San Carlos Island by the Fort Myers Beach Bridge.
The place was busy (upstairs, as the open seating downstairs was empty Director cold evening temperatures) and we had 15 minutes to enjoy a cold Michelob Ultra draft at the bar. Cold means cold, as there were fragments of shredded ice at the top of the glass.
We were seated nearby and served by the uber-friendly, super-attentive waiter named Edgar, who arranged to have the manager drop by and give us a certificate for a complimentary appetizer at our next visit (which there will be, for sure).
We opened by sharing the large conch chowder, which arrived as a generous serving of dark, almost chili-like soup with a mound of chewy conch puces milling around.
We had the special of the day (Panko crusted hogfish serve a garlic, mashed potatoes, asparagus, lemon, caper, butter sauce, arugula, and tomatoes ) and the Yucatan shrimp tacos.
Both were spectacular. The flavour and texture of the hogfish were remarkable, and the sheer number of fat, stubby shrimps overwhelmed the two soft taco wrappers and covered the dish, along with the excellent fries that accompanied the tacos. They had a brilliant, tangy taste.
We had some more Ultras to accompany the mains, and had no room for any of the attractive desserts on the menu.
We will return, without any doubt.
Written January 11, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa L
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
What an awesome place for dinner!
Our server was Maggie. She was so attentive to our dinner. Her friendly personality and her knowledge of the food and drinks made our evening the best!
We actually had dinner at Doc Fords twice in 3 days - had to go back for another plate of Yucatan Shrimp that comes with warm crusty bread. I’ll be back on our next Fort Myers vacation ❤️
Written December 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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