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Living here in the Sunshine State there are so many great places to sit and have a cold one and 2 beach bars right here in Southwest Florida have made a list of the best in the south.
There is nothing more I enjoy than sitting in the sun with an ice cold drink in hand. Even more enjoyable when there's sand and the sound of the waves creating the perfect setting. The other day I went for a walk on Fort Myers Beach and then posted up at the beach bar at Margaritaville to enjoy a cocktail. There was a nice breeze in the air, some island music in the background. It was just perfect. And living in Southwest Florida we're so lucky that we can do this anytime we want.
Whether you favor a rum runner, a daiquiri, an ice cold beer or even just a soda, it makes for a wonderful way to enjoy the paradise we live in. And a few beach bars right here in Southwest Florida have made Southern Living's list of the best beach bars in the south.
2 Southwest Florida Beach Bars Make List Of Best In The South
Southern Living published their list of the 18 best beach bars in the south. Editors of the magazine that report, research and visit resorts across the south put this list together. (Tough gig!) With so many beaches, I'm sure it was hard to narrow down the best of the best when it comes to beach bars. But there are 8 in Florida that made the list and 2 Southwest Florida beach bars.
In Southwest Florida the first bar that made the list is Kane Tiki Bar & Grill on Marco Island. This bar is located at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and features a Hawaiian-inspired menu. The other bar that made the list is The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island. This British-inspired pub makes for a great spot to watch the sunset in the sand.
Other beach bars in Florida that made their list include:
- Jimmy B's- St. Pete Beach
- Peg Leg Pete's- Pensacola Beach
- The Sandbar- Delray Beach
- Square Grouper- Jupiter
- Aruba Beach Cafe- Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
- Flora-Bama- Perdido Key
For the full list, click here
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.
If you're from out of town, good, I'm glad you found this list for the best local cuisine.
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.
1. Dixie Fish Company
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.
2. Doc Ford's
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.
3. Farlow's On The Water
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.
4. Baleen
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...
5. The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies
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.
6. Harold's
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:
7. Clayton's Siesta Grille
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.
8. Fresh Catch Bistro
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.
9. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Fresh fish and paired wine at this place in Sarasota. The name really says who they are, and that's what they do.
10. Shore
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.
11. Flippers on the Bay
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.
