Southwest Florida Speaks: What’s Something Tourists And Snowbirds Do That You Hate?

We are in the midst of snowbird season here in Southwest Florida. The roads are absolutely jammed with people going - well, I really don't know where. But they're going somewhere. For those of you who are new to the Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral area, things ae about to get much worse on the roads. Baseball spring training starts in a month, and Spring Break kicks in at just about the same time. I've already seen Corkscrew Road in Estero backed up from I75 all the way to 41. But it's not just the snowbirds on the roads that irk the Southwest Florida locals. There's a lot more to it. So what else are we upset about?

Southwest Florida residents are very opinionated on this topic. Some jumped at the chance to air grievances on more than one thing.

Alex Mason: "When they hang out in the left lane running 68 on I 75… when they are merging onto I 75 they are running 32 miles an hour attempting to merge on!! When they never ever ever use their blinkers. When they push their carts around in the grocery store with no common courtesy to others. "

April Carey: "Go shopping / appointments during rush hour when they could go anytime, clogging the roads and causing double the commute time for people going to work/school."

Jeff Youngblood: "Telling me how much bigger, better and cheaper everything is "up north". Go back and stay there."

Aaron Jay: "Blissfully unaware of the speed limit and loitering in the left lane on 75. Left lane is for Floridians middle lane is for visitors and right lane is for snowbirds."

Christy Michele: "Oh and let's come to Florida to get our prescriptions filled, so the locals have to wait in long azz lines to get their meds."

Kim Kessinger: "Everything. Their existence pisses me off!"

Gammy Breitschel: "See drs here - why not at home where they come from."

"Be out and about at 7, 7:30 in the morning while us Floridians are trying to get to work! Stay home until 9 please!"

Kimberly Eckinrode: "Drive, cause traffic congestion for those of us who have to work!"

Gigi Jarrett: "Stiff my hard working servers on tips."

Rihiannon Payne: "Come to Florida. And then drive 20 in the left lane."

Kristi Newmann: " I'm from_____. We did it different back home. Well then, go home."

BJ Lynn: "Why they on the road at 6-9 am!! Sleep in FFS. Why they at the supermarket on Weekends?? Shop on Tuesday at 11am.. Why they go to dinner Friday Nights FFS. Go on Wednesday!!"

Joe Winner: "Clog up Costco."

Beth Butler: "On my way to Florida right now. Following this for tips" 

Local Cuisine refers to the cooking and serving of dishes typical of the culture of the area. Many of the dishes contain food that has been produced within that area. So for Southwest Florida that of course means seafood. But that's not all. There's a lot of other fresh foods produced right here in the Sunshine State. Like oranges, tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries and more. Those locally grown crops are found on the plates in Florida restaurants that want the freshest foods possible. There's also cattle ranches. Places like Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island serve steaks from a ranch just north of North Port. Local. Southwest Florida restaurants that serve food from Florida. That's what we mean by 'local cuisine' restaurants.

As a local, I know about these places. I can personally vouch for several of the rankings on the list. But rather than talk about my favorites, we'll defer to the reviews on Tripadvisor. By using keywords and the site's algorithms, I was able to pinpoint what they would consider the top 10 local cuisine restaurants in Southwest Florida. As a way to show my work, here's a direct link to what I've done. Sure, there may be some places that you think should be on the list, but I don't think you could say any of these places shouldn't be mentioned.

It's actually embarrassing how many people go to the chain restaurants when they come to Southwest Florida to visit. You can go to those places anytime. Also, this list stretches from Sarasota to the south end of Naples. So, some of these places won't be very close, depending on where you are. Now let's take a look at the best local cuisine restaurants in Southwest Florida. I'll drop a couple a couple of links at the end for even more options.

I can't believe we almost lost this place. The Dixie Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach was almost wrecked by Hurricane Ian. There was a boat on their front steps. Seriously.

Thankfully, they were able to put everything back together, and according to Tripadvisor it's the number one spot for fresh local seafood in Southwest Florida. It's an open air bar/restaurant and has everything you could possibly want from a waterfront restaurant on an island. It's an absolute must for anyone visiting the Fort Myers area. Us locals love it, too. This is true original Southwest Florida.

It should come as no surprise that number 2 on the list is owned by the same people that own the Dixie Fish Company. Doc Ford's on Fort Myers Beach is right next to the Dixie Fish Company. Doc Ford's also has a Sanibel location. You cannot fail ordering a grouper taco with beans and rice. That's my go-to. The shrimp and grits are pretty amazing, too. You're also gonna love the decor. And the view.

At number 3 on the list is an entry from Englewood. Englewood is full of Snowbirds this time of year, and this is one of their favorites. A reviewer stated "Had the mango pecan wahoo on Jamaican rice and it was as good as it sounds." Oh my.

Baleen is just incredible. But keep in mind it's location in Naples does make it a little pricier than some of the others. But you will not find a better view of the Gulf while you dine. Get some mango bread pudding, trust. People come here to propose, it's just beautiful. One note, go when the weather is good for the full experience. Maybe one day these clouds will clear out...

This one's in Sarasota, and elegant European indoor and outdoor garden setting. Their specialty is events. I don't know much about this place, but I wanted to stay true to the list. It's been referred to a a 'hidden treasure' in Sarasota. It's also very Instagrammable. 

Harold's in Fort Myers comes in at number 6 and is the first on the list that doesn't benefit from a waterfront location. It's on 41 near 6 Mile Cypress. So it must be the food. Some reviewers mention Harold's as the best restaurant in Fort Myers. Getting to watch the chefs cook your food through the big window is a treat. Not sure what to get? Do the scallops. Or this:

Back to Sarasota for this one, it's a local favorite on Siesta Key. Lots of fresh seafood on the menu, or they'll cook up what you catch. If you have someone with you who's not a seafood lover, they also have a few pizza options. 

And to Fort Myers Beach for Fresh Catch Bistro. Upscale dining with a fabulous Estero Bay view. The mahi is a favorite. Really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I still remember before the hurricane bringing my parents there. The first time I ever saw Soapy Tuna was at Junkanoo. This place has history. This video really tells the story.

Fresh fish and paired wine at this place in Sarasota. The name really says who they are, and that's what they do.

Next up is Shore by Lido Key in Sarasota. Not just a seafood restaurant, Shore is a mix of on shore and off-shore menu items. Incredibly touristy area, but they manage to stand out with a local feel.

For as much damage as we took from that last hurricane, Fort Myers Beach restaurants have really managed to rebuild and maintain a local feel. Next up is Flippers On The Bay. Their view of the bay is absolutely amazing. Seafood is on the menu.

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