Sanibel’s MudBugs Restaurant After Hurricane Ian

As they say in New Orleans French Quarter, “laissez les bon temps rouler” or let the good times roll. The good times are beginning their slow roll once again at one Southwest Florida spot. Here is a peak at Sanibel's MudBugs Restaurant after Hurricane Ian. MudBugs is known for its New Orleans style and Cajun cuisine. And as one might guess, the menu is crawling with mud bugs, slang for crawfish.

Since MudBugs opened in 2018 it has stood out on the island, with its unique cuisine and party atmosphere. A bowl of Mardi Gras beads sits by the host/hostess stand and they drip from the décor. In fact, if you look on the metal railings of the staircase leading to the loft dining room and bar, those beads tell a story.

They start at the top of the staircase but stop a little more than half-way down. They serve as a water mark, ending where the water from Hurricane Ian rose to. It's over my head. Some of the artwork has been replaced with pictures showing the damage to the restaurant following the storm.

Looking at those photos takes the wind out of your sail. But then you look around and see how far the restaurant has come in a year and it is impressive. The concrete floor and brick walls made repairs a little easier than their neighbors. There are still scars but they are barely visible.

A couple of new things are happening at MudBugs for now. First, they are paying for your $6 toll to thank you for returning to the island. Second, they are adding gratuity. People have mixed reactions to checks with gratuity included. I for one, don't mind. It keeps me from doing math and makes sure the servers are taking care of. More and more businesses on Sanibel are reopening. Support them if you can.