Fort Myers Beach
THE BEACHED WHALE Captain Ahab’s Favorite Spot. Stop by for the beach’s best burgers and barbecue, or choose from the selection of fresh seafood offerings, including a raw bar. The full menu is also served in the famous Lookout Lounge, where you can savor a Mermaid Chicken Sandwich while watching the sun set over Times Square. Live music is performed nightly, and the covered Deck Bar is the perfect place to follow your favorite team. LD
1249 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-5505, thebeachedwhale.com
DOC FORD’S FORT MYERS BEACH RUM BAR & GRILLE The Sequel. This is what we want with a good stor y—a sequel. Southwest Florida novelist Randy Wayne White’s second restaurant ser ves up a view of Matanzas Pass along with banana leaf snapper and Texas baby back ribs. Enjoy live music Wednesday through Sunday nights. LD
708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, 239-765-9660, docfords.com MATANZAS ON THE BAY Bayside Bounty. Savor a perfectly grilled filet mignon while gazing out over Matanzas Bay, or try “the best pizza on the beach” upstairs on Petey’s Upper Deck as you enjoy the nightly live music. Our locally sourced fresh seafood includes grouper, shrimp, oysters, lobster and stone crab. Come join the fun and see why we have been a local favorite since 1984. Happy hour is a daily draw, and Friday’s Jazz on the Bay showcases the smooth sounds of local performers. LD
416 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-3838, matanzas.com
NERVOUS NELLIE’S A Neurotically Good Time. The massive menu includes everything from gator bites to the zesty Thai shrimp salad, and the amazing grilled salmon Oscar, with local crab, wild salmon and tender baby asparagus, is sure to please. Check out Ugly’s Waterside Bar, just upstairs, “where everyone gets prettier,” and don’t forget the all-day happy hour. LD
1131 1st St., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-8077, nervousnellies.net
PINCHERS CRAB SHACK Gulf to Table. Fresh, cut-to-order fries; madefrom-scratch slaw; a decadently rich, hot cheese-and-crab dip; and full-on fruity, tropical cocktails complement the freshest seafood on the coast. LD
Multiple locations throughout Southwest Florida: 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs, 239-948-1313; 18100 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239415-8973; 6890 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, 239-463-2909; 2360 West 1st Street, Fort Myers, 239-245-7049; 10029 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, 239-4154040; 5991 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33914, 239-540-7939; and 1200 5th Avenue South, Naples, 239-434-6616, pincherscrabshack.com