Dockside Dining: Southwest Florida's Best Boat Lunch Spots

Southwest Florida's Intracoastal Waterway offers a wealth of dining options accessible by boat, from dockside restaurants to eateries with public dockage. If you're looking for a place to dock your boat for lunch in this area, you're spoilt for choice. From fine dining to casual meals, waterfront views to Old Florida charm, there's something for everyone. Dock-and-dine restaurants are a convenient option, and many waterfront eateries offer locally caught seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and more.

The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina, Pine Island

If you're looking for a place to dock your boat for lunch in Southwest Florida, The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina on Pine Island is an excellent choice. Located on the southern tip of Pine Island, just off the Intracoastal Waterway at Marker 12 (coordinates: N 26' 29.492, W 086' 04.899), it offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features something for everyone, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. For those feeling adventurous, the restaurant also offers unique alligator dishes like gator bites and the alligator basket.

The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina is the perfect spot to quench your thirst, with a selection of draft and bottled beer, wine, and frozen drinks. They even serve fresh-squeezed orange juice, adding a touch of local citrus to your dining experience. The restaurant is committed to using locally sourced food, ensuring that your meal is not only delicious but also supports the local community. It is currently operating from a food truck with great water view seating available while they rebuild their main restaurant, which was unfortunately destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

You can easily access The Waterfront Restaurant & Marina by boat or car, with dock space available for those arriving by water. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, except on Wednesdays when it is closed. It is located at 2131 Oleander St, St James City, FL 33956, and you can learn more about them on their website or by emailing NFKrestaurants@yahoo.com.

In addition to the Waterfront Restaurant & Marina, there are several other boat-friendly restaurants in Southwest Florida worth mentioning. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Fort Myers offers waterfront dining with live music and an expansive menu. Woody's Waterside Island Rum & Grille, also on Pine Island, serves up classic dishes like sweet potato fries and local seafood, as well as unique creations like smoked deviled eggs. If you're looking for a change of pace, Mango's Dockside Bistro on North Captiva Island offers delicious breakfast options, including handmade crepes and savory French toast, and even has a special menu for your four-legged companions!

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, Ft Myers

If you're looking for a place to dock your boat for lunch in Southwest Florida, look no further than Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Ft Myers. With waterfront dining and impressive views, this restaurant offers a unique and memorable experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Location and Hours

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is conveniently located in Matanzas Harbor, just a 40-minute boat ride from Port Sanibel Marina. The address is 708 Fisherman's Wharf, Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931. They are open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Atmosphere and Entertainment

The restaurant offers a vibrant and award-winning dining experience, having been recognised as TripAdvisor's #1 "Everyday Eats" restaurant in the country for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023). Live music adds to the lively atmosphere, creating a perfect setting for a fun and entertaining meal. The restaurant's name is inspired by a character from a series of books by Randy Wayne White, adding a touch of literary charm to your dining experience.

Menu Options

Doc Ford's menu features a variety of chef's favourite dishes, crafted with bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Their signature dish, the Yucatan Shrimp Tacos, is a popular choice among customers. The menu also includes a range of grilled white fish, shredded cabbage, papaya, steamed shrimp, and fresh grouper prepared grilled, blackened, or fried. For a unique twist, try the Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper, served with roasted garlic and Parmesan smashed potatoes, caramelised mushrooms, and asparagus.

Customer Service

The staff at Doc Ford's are known for their dedication and passion, ensuring that each guest has an unforgettable experience. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its friendly and knowledgeable servers, who are always ready to make recommendations and ensure your comfort. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time patron, the team at Doc Ford's will make you feel right at home.

So, if you're looking for a place to dock your boat and enjoy a delicious meal in Ft Myers, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is the perfect destination. With its waterfront location, exceptional cuisine, and entertaining atmosphere, you're sure to create lasting memories and return again and again.

Woody's Waterside Island Rum & Grille, Pine Island

Woody's Waterside Island Rum & Grille is located in St. James City, in the heart of Old Pine Island, Florida. It is a 50-minute boat ride from Port Sanibel Marina, making it a great central location for lunch.

The restaurant is open daily from 1 am to 9 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and stays open an hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. It offers a large menu with tons of burgers to choose from, classic sweet potato fries, local seafood, and revamped favourites like smoked deviled eggs and Big D's meatloaf.

The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere, with outdoor waterfront dining, live entertainment, great daily specials, and happy hour. It also offers quick boat access, plenty of seating, and parking.

The menu features Woody's Original Big Woody, a 6oz ribeye marinated with Woody's secret house blend, chargrilled to medium and served on a garlic toasted kaiser roll. Other options include the California Chicken Wrap, the Coconut Shrimp Basket, and the Fresh Catch Fish Sandwich. They also serve a variety of drinks, including unique island rums.

Woody's Waterside Island Rum & Grille is a great spot for families while boating or exploring Pine Island.

Mango's Dockside Bistro, North Captiva Island

Mango's Dockside Bistro is the perfect tropical beach getaway on North Captiva Island. It is located in the heart of Marco Island in the Esplanade on Smokehouse Bay, offering panoramic views of the bay and marina. The restaurant has a large outdoor dining patio, a spacious bar, and a 750-gallon saltwater fish tank.

The menu at Mango's is a seafood lover's dream, with a variety of tropical cocktails and sushi. They also offer a range of options for large groups with diverse ages and dietary needs. Their breakfast menu includes handmade crepes and savory French toast, and they even have a special menu for your four-legged friend, with canine selections served with "a bowl of water, a scratch behind the ear, and a pat on the head!".

Mango's is known for its inviting pool, the only one of its kind on the island. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your favourite drinks during the hot days. The bar manager, Dustin, is a local fisherman turned bar manager who loves arriving at work by boat. Gigi, the Margarita Maestro, is known for making the best margaritas on the island, and she even lets the kids join in by making their own daiquiris. Dan, the Cocktail Connoisseur, is a master mixologist from Boston, creating incredible cocktails and forming strong bonds with homeowners.

Mango's is easily accessible by land or sea, located just an hour's boat ride from Port Sanibel Marina and steps away from the Island Club ferry landing. It is the ultimate island gem, offering breathtaking views, delicious food, and fun in the sun.

Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant, Fort Myers

The Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant in Fort Myers is a great spot to dock your boat for lunch. Located on the premises of Port Sanibel Marina, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a stunning view of the marina. The restaurant has recently been renovated and boasts a relaxed atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

If you choose to dine al fresco, you'll be treated to a dockside vista where exotic wildlife coexist peacefully with luxurious yachts. The expansive 160-foot outdoor porch is particularly popular for witnessing spectacular sunsets while enjoying your meal. For your comfort, the outdoor dining area is covered, screened, and heated on those rare chilly evenings.

The Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant offers a diverse menu to cater to all tastes. Delectable choices include fried calamari rings, fresh fish, prime rib, lobster risotto, seafood bowls, and more. They also have a full liquor bar and a comfortable lounge area. The restaurant provides a choice of fine or casual dining, making it perfect for any occasion.

Live entertainment is another highlight of the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant. You can enjoy live music every afternoon and evening, adding to the overall ambiance of your dining experience. The restaurant also offers a variety of musicians and bands, ensuring that there's something for everyone's musical taste.

The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with a happy hour running from 11 am to 6 pm. So, whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner, the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant in Fort Myers is an excellent choice for boaters seeking a delightful dining experience in Southwest Florida.

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