Just had to express what a great time and dinner we had tonight at Doc Ford’s on Sanibel. Lindsey, our server, was such a delight and very informative when we had questions. It’s so nice to go to a restaurant where the servers know what...their serving. We happened to ask what kind of grouper they were serving and she actually knew their was more than one kind and proceeded to name them. She made the evening fun. We had the Yucatán Shrimp, beach bread, steak salad, loaded baked potato soup, Key lime pie and carrot cake and more. All came out promptly and with a smile! We’ll definitely see if we can get seated in her section for our next visit.More

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?1

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

L46ABjos

3 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago

One of the best restaurants on Sanibel Island!

Doc Ford's was the first restaurant we visited on Sanibel Island. Our waiter, Josh, was the best! Our meal was fantastic. In fact, it was so good that we returned 2 more times to the restaurant during our short stay on the island. We will...definitely return and also recommend to friends.More

Date of visit: September 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

dickozski

38 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Awesome bar/restaurant

My wife and I we’re staying in Cape Coral and wanted to do some exploring of the area. We drove to Sanibel Island and happened upon this awesome establishment. Absolutely love the vibe of this place. We sat at the bar and had a couple...of drinks. We had mojitos and rum drinks that reminded us of a Caribbean island. The bar staff was incredibe. The bar back named Antonio was an unbelievably hard worker. Our bartender was very friendly and engaging. I forgot his name but I remember him saying he was originally from Indiana. The food was good. Only wish we had found this place sooner.More

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Bruce B

286 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago

Awesome place and great service.

This was my second visit to this location. It was nice to see that they are recovering from Hurricane Ian. Had a fried grouper sandwich and we also had the jerk shrimp.

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

B9654BWjeant

2 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Girls night out .. and Pete!

First time at Doc Fords in Sanibel.. we live in Fort Myers. From the moment all 6 of us walked in we felt incredibly welcome! The hostess was great! She greeted us with a smile! Our server was JANE who was fabulous! She greeted us...with a smile, made great cocktail suggestions as well as apps and entrees. Can’t wait to go back! Thanks again Jane for an awesome night!More

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

D1156MVkarenb

1 review

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Always Amazing!

We had Yucatán shrimp for appetizer, The Diver Scallops with linguine and Penne Shrimp! What an amazing dinner! Doc Ford never disappoints.. our server McKenna was an added bonus to our experience…

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

373marilynb

1 review

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

First time visit! Amazing food, amazing service from Margaux!

This was our first ever visit to Sanibel Island. Doc Ford’s had just open a week earlier, and we were fortunate enough to stumble on it for lunch. The crabcake appetizer was fabulous as was the jicama slaw. We both had salads, spinach and Caesar,...and shared a pound of old bay shrimp. The food was impeccable, exceeded only by the best server EVER, Margaux! I wasn’t surprised to see her name mentioned in several reviews. She set the bar high for great service in every way and made our dining experience perfect. We will be back for sure!More

Date of visit: February 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

BrennaBee

133 reviews

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Reopened Doc Ford's

Excellent to see this fabalous place reopened. Terrific rum drinks and fish tacos for birthday dinner. Everyone was happy to see that they are back and patrons were equally as eager tho enjoy a wonderful time again! Please support all reopened places.

Date of visit: March 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Bill G

6 reviews

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Reopening of Doc Fords Sanibel Restaurant post Ian

We avoided Sanibel to respect the residents since the hurricane but finally had a great reason to return to support the owners and employees of Doc Fords Sanibel upon their reopening, was greeted by owners Marty and Brenda and indulged in our favorite menu items...along with Rum drinks!More

Date of visit: February 2023

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Scarl00000

2 reviews

Reviewed October 13, 2022

Felt like family there

Awesome, varied menu and great service each time we went, especially from Alex O. Everything from the drinks to the apps to the meals to the desserts... we could eat there every night and never get bored of it!

Date of visit: September 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Tracedog0

1 review

Reviewed October 4, 2022 via mobile

Employee concerns

Know y’all have taken a huge hit along with all Sanibel, is there a site for donation to help take care of employees? Love Doc Fords !

Date of visit: October 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

weeWayne

14 reviews

Reviewed September 29, 2022

Yucatan shrimp thats all you need to know,

all i remember is the shrimp, we were visiting from CA went with life long friends, we sat on the patio, i bouthg a mug what esles do i need to put in ther to get it published

Date of visit: December 2021

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

H9895IMjeffm

15 reviews

Reviewed September 26, 2022

Great place and atmosphere on Sanibel Island

Our meals were great, and reasonably priced. The place does remind you of where Doc Ford would hang out (but this is a little more upscale). Service was also excellent, with our server Margaux an absolute pleasure.

Date of visit: September 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

John M

23 reviews

Reviewed September 25, 2022 via mobile

Doc Fords

One of the more highly recommended restaurants on Sanibel. Good food. Our waitress was awesome. Not just seafood. Creative menu.

Date of visit: September 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

John D

8 reviews

Reviewed September 23, 2022 via mobile

A treat to your palate and Health.

We arrived at Docs approximately 4:30pm on 9/23. Immediately we felt comfortable with the overall condition of the restaurant. The staff very professional. We were escorted quickly to our table on the second floor. We ordered a glass of the local IPA, and a glass...of White wine. Both were excellent. Ww then ordered the Black bean dip, Cedar Plank Blackened Salmon, and the Panko Grouper. All were fantastic.More

Date of visit: September 2022

Helpful?

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

View more reviews

Previous Next

1 2 3 4 5 6 …

Best nearby

See the best nearby hotels See the best nearby restaurants See the best nearby attractions

See all

Questions & Answers

Ask a question

See all 26 questions

Sandy C

I'd like to make a dinner reservation for March 23rd for a party of 4 adults, 1 10 month old for 5:00 pm. Please advise. Sandy Coyle

March 9, 2022|

Answer

I wouldn’t hesitate to go there especially at the time you’d book. I would ask for a table away from the huddle and bustle of the bar. Food and the people were excellent when we were there in December.

p m

can i pre book a table for 8

February 18, 2022|

AnswerShow all 5 answers

I think so too. But you need to give a lot of lead time.

michelleupp

Is there free parking here?

January 2, 2022|

AnswerShow all 13 answers

All the restaurants on the island have free parking.

Previous Next

1 2 3 4 5 6 …

Is This Your Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Free Listing

DOC FORD'S RUM BAR & GRILLE SANIBEL ISLAND - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island

Yes, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island offers takeout services.

Yes, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:

Food: 4.5
Service: 4.5
Value: 4
Atmosphere: 4