4. Restaurants

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

975 Rabbit Rd, Sanibel, FL, 33957
  • (239) 472-8311
  • Store is closed

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Menu

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  • Tanya M.

    First time. Went for an early dinner (right before it got super busy) we were seated inside right away. Started with Mojitos. Yucatan shrimp appetizer amazing. No joke, I LICKED the plate. Have dreamt of eating them on a bed of pasta. Husband had the roast chicken with chimichurri and chorizo, it was enough for both of us and delicious times ten. I had the tostada appetizer as an entree which I enjoyed but it was overpowered by the amazing dish next to me. My 7yr old son who doesn't eat kids meals ordered the mahi with sweet soy sauce and jasmine rice. It had way, way too much sauce that was all mixed in the rice so he ate half of the fish and avoided the rice. The service was top notch and relaxed at the same time- we will go back when we are in Sanibel.

    (4)

  • R R.

    This restaurant was packed so we figured it would be a safe bet for food. OMG! I ordered the Mahi-mahi and it was terrible drowned in Ken's rasperry vinegareet...the rice wasn't jasmine it was more like rice-a-roni and was crunchy ...I could hardly eat the mahi-mahi Actually, I didn't really eat much of it 2 or 3 bites and left the rest...I just went hungry. My partner ordered the seafood paella and it was mushy and most of the mussels were bad....(i.e. half opened and spoiled yet they served them to her). I tried one and it tasted like dead fish). I spit it out). Worst food ever. The drinks were ok....I did send back a mojito because it was not to my liking but hey that happens. I was bitter over the 2 dinners and 2 drinks we had.....plus the appetizer which was Yucatan peel and eat shrimp...which were good....for $100 I expected better quality food. Bottom line...if there is a 4 star review for this place yelp has become too mainstream and people employed there are getting on here and giving positive reviews.....the place has horrible food.

    (1)

  • Julie W.

    I hate to say it but I'm with Kimberly J on this one...food was not great. My husband and I were staying at the Blue Dolphin for our honeymoon and we decided to go out for some seafood but we didn't want to go too far from our location. Doc Ford's was very close by so we decided to head there for a late lunch, early dinner. The restaurant itself was nice, it was a Sunday in October 2012 so football was on giving it a lively atmosphere. The service was great and the drinks were very good! We both got rum concoctions...when in Rome... Now to the food. We had mussels and crab cakes to start. The only good part about our meal were the crab cakes. They were tasty and surprisingly large. Then it went downhill. I had the seafood paella and it was disgusting. I studied in Spain and whenever I have the chance to eat some paella, I get excited. It's one of my favorite foods. I'm no stranger to mussels, clams, and the like but this dish tasting like badly burnt, fish. Not the most appetizing. Like Emo F said, not a lot of rice and there were only about 3 shrimp in the entire thing, the rest was mostly scallops and some mussels. For $24 you would think they would not skimp on the shrimp. My husband had the dry rubbed rib eye and he said it was okay, nothing spectacular. Overall we spent over $90 at Doc Ford's. Definitely not a cheap place. I would expect they would take more pride in their food with those prices. But hey, it's a touristy place. What do we know, right?

    (2)

  • Dana T.

    Seriously, try the Yucatan shrimp! We had the crab cakes for an appetizer, and the key lime sauce that they came with was delicious and very refreshing. For dinner, it was the Yucatan shrimp and quinoa shrimp salad. The salad was good, but I wish I would have ordered the Yucatan shrimp, too! The recipe is online, for those of you who want it at home, too (we do!!).

    (4)

  • Bobby H.

    Got the mussels as an appetizer and the yucatan shrimp as my meal. Both were great, get the shrimp if your not afraid of getting a little messy. My only problem was with how they told us it would be a half hour wait and it ended up being over 45 minutes. Other than that it was good food but a loud family oriented sports bar atmosphere if that's what your looking for - 4 stars

    (4)

  • Tammy A.

    Best meal we had on the island! Love the local fish, shrimp and key lime pie, and the ability to sit outside on the patio surrounded by tropical flora. Had to wait for outdoor seating for 20 mins but worth it. Service was attentive. This was our second time at Doc Fords, hoping for a third next year.

    (4)

  • sara s.

    This was my most favorite meal on sanibel, my friend and I has drinks, peel and eat shrimp and the fish tacos. All were delicious! Make sure to add some of their hot sauce to your meal to round it out. Will definitely come back here next visit.

    (4)

  • Jamie L.

    If you know who Tomlinson, Doc, Jeth, Mack, Rhonda, and Janet are, then you have probably already heard of Doc Ford's, and will try it out regardless. If you've never heard of Randy Wayne White... Yu're probably wondering what I'm talking about. (He is a local author who co-owns this place. Good books. Recommended) But about Doc Ford's... It's a chill, laid back bar and grill with an island feel to it, good local eats, and enough atmosphere that you'll be amused while spending time here. There are some TVs, some people watching, and some libations, too. (odddly enough, being that it's a rum bar!) The seafood selections are fresh and varied, with some beefs and chickens thrown in for you landlubbers. Myself, I just can't resist fresh Florida grouper, conch salad, smoked fish, or anything along those lines. With a nice cool beer. If you agree, this is the place for you, too.

    (4)

  • LB G.

    The costumer service wasn't good at all. We had a party of 9 and they made things very difficult for everyone. We ended up leaving.

    (1)

  • Paul K.

    I came here by dumb luck. Hey let's eat here type of thing. I am searching for the best grouper sandwich in all of the Naples's Ft. Meyers area. I have found it. For $13.94 I received a huge fillet of grouper fries and slaw. The fillet of grouper was so big it was hanging outside the bun and the bun was huge. I had the fried grouper and it was breaded in a very nice panko type of breading. Mrs K. ordered the fish sticks. I was waiting for a Mrs Paul's type stick to come out. No it was a fish fillet cut into big slices. She ordered a side of fries with it and was unable to even touch the fries. The other couple that was with us had the fish taco's and noted they were very good. The amount of grouper on the sandwich was so much I was not even close to eating supper nor did I. I guess I will have to come back and try them. Darn the bad luck of having to come back.

    (5)

  • JA A.

    Lots of menu options -- ask for extra bread when you order the Yucatan shrimp. Waitstaff friendly and helpful (despite efficient, brusque greeting by hostess).

    (4)

  • Pamela M.

    Place was great! We had the Yucatan Shrimp, awesome!!! The fish sticks were great! The lime Panko grouper sandwich was very good!! The service was awesome, our waitress Milly was very accommodating and nice! She even took our 1 year old to see the fish tank so we could finishing eating! Oh yeah and the rum drinks were awesome too!

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Yeah it's ok. I would probably go back but not before I check out several more restaurants in the area. This is a family style restaurant; and as much as I love kids and families this place was too loud. Second, I showed up on a rainy night so the outdoor seating area was closed, this meant we were all stuck together inisde. And worse it's captiva island so sitting outside is mandatory. Service was so-so, looked like lots of college kids home for the summer. Now the food: Had the clam chowder: was NOT impressed, recommended by the waiter, he must be used to cafeteria food or canned. Very disappointing. Had the Yucatan shrimp, yes these are quite good. I would order them again. Had the Paella, it was fresh, but amount of seafood was a bit disappointing, couple that with almost no flavor and I was a bit disappointed. Then dessert: I had the apple crisp....pfffft I could get marie calendars in a box, from the freezer section of the grocery store and it would be as good. So overall the food wasn't bad, but it wasn't worth the wait either. Yeah, holiday weekend, go early, raining, go early, got time, go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Matt S.

    Went there with my wife and 2 girls. Food and service was great. Try the fresh gulf shrimp and jerk chicken tostadas! Amazing. Can't go wrong.

    (5)

  • Bob K.

    My wife and I were touring Florida in our motorhome in March 2013 and were referred to Doc Ford's for a good seafood dinner. We were so pleased with our meal that I was compelled to write this review. At our server's recommendation, we both had the Snapper Special and were both very pleased. One of our best seafood dinners ever. We go to Roy's in Newport Beach, Ca. frequently and love the place. Doc Ford's was equally good, though no place can match Roy's Chocolate Souffle Desert for sheer chocolaty delight. Wish we had a Doc Ford's in Southern Calif.

    (5)

  • Stephanie V.

    First time here & I was excited because the pictures of the food looked amazing ! My mom had the crab cakes ( one of her favorite dishes) they serve you two but she ended up eating half of one .. They were mostly stuffing with no crab .. Very greasy** however my entree the fish & grits was amazing ! Really enjoyed it ! My husband had the tuna with noodles it was VERY spicy and the water or menu didn't mention this .. My father had the grouper sandwiche and they gave him the tiniest slice of grouper .. We def. not going back .. There is way better restaurants *mucky duck* .. This place was a waste of a meal for everyone in the fam except for me :)

    (2)

  • alice s.

    The food doesn't taste bad, that's the nicest thing I can say. However, my "panko crusted" fish sandwich did not have one flake of panko on it. The mixed drinks don't have one drop of alcohol in them. My "mango margarita" was a $6 mouthful of nasty sour mix. What's really wrong with this place is it has no soul. Even an Applebees would embrace it's Applebee-ness, but this place is just a wanna-be void. Do me a favor and go to Fresh Taqueria, Rosie's, or get a sandwich from Jerry's Market.

    (2)

  • Matt K.

    Was here while visiting family at the end of March. The food was good and so was the service. Our server was a Boston native. I don't remember our her name, but she was very helpful. Had the Yucatan shrimp appetizer, and it was awesome! My main meal was the shrimp and grits, and I would definitely recommend the dish! Hopefully I can make it back for another visit!

    (4)

  • Cristina C.

    Best quinoa salad and fish tacos EVER! Ask for Katie the waitress - fast and friendly service!

    (5)

  • Christopher J.

    Okay. This is DEFINITELY the best restaurant on the island! The Yucatan Shrimp is a little spicy but it is really really good! The Island Wings were very good. The wings are a good size, and the sauce (medium) had just the right amount of heat. The Ribeye is one of the best cuts of meat I have EVER had (even comparing to high end restaurants like Ruth's Chris) and the sauce is to die for. The chef here is really amazing and that should be recognized. Pricing is about right for this restaurant as well. I didn't get the rum bar thing at first, but they had some unique selections there. Premium rums are not my forte as I usually try to expand my experience with premium tequilas but this was a great place to start with rum. The Sanibel Sunset is actually relatively dangerous as you CANNOT tell you're drinking alcohol, but it is packed with premium rum. This restaurant is an experience you MUST have if you come visit Sanibel or Captiva island. There is none better in my opinion here.

    (5)

  • Darci S.

    Solid meal and experience for our last meal on the island. Two of us had the lime panko fish sandwich, and the other two the fried grouper sandwich. Everyone liked their sandwiches. Fries were average. The calamari app was really good, even the two year old liked it! Kids meals are expensive (6.95 with no drink!)...but came with carrots/celery with ranch dip (brought out first, nice touch) and an ice cream sandwich at the end, and he devoured the entire meal. Nice enough atmosphere although we got shuffled to the secondary dining room and the main room looked more fun. Only real negative was they never brought the soup I ordered, but didn't charge for it either so I guess no harm.

    (4)

  • Bronson B.

    A fun restaurant with good island food at reasonable prices. If you are on Sanibel a few days...eat here at least once. Good for families and a big bar area with lots of TVs for sports.

    (4)

  • Ed T.

    Overall a good place, it can get crazy busy so make sure you have a reservations. Parking can also get tight at times. The fish is fresh although sometimes dishes make it past the expediter when they shouldn't have. Not raw but can be overcooked for some. Simple dishes are best although they do sear a good scallop. Drinks are strong, mojitos are a bit too sweet for my taste. Better than most places on the island, so worth a shot, during the week.

    (3)

  • Tom H.

    Doc Ford's is a safe and fun bet for a vacation night out. I had a half pound yucatan shrimp which was good, spicy and plenty for one person. They also have a 1/4 pound portion and 1 pound portion. My wife had the fish tacos which were also good. We had a ceviche appetizer and that was good too. The seafood selection was also extensive and the bartender recommended Mahi Mahi, grouper and ribs. The place is busy and unless you sit at the bar you will most likely experience a wait.

    (4)

  • Amy G.

    Loved the Yucatan Shrimp. The outdoor seating was perfect for lunch. Would love to go there without the kids to try the rums and the dinner entrees. I'm feeling inspired to read one of the mystery novels written by Randy Wayne White. Definitely worth a visit at least once during a one week stay.

    (4)

  • Chuck S.

    Good appetizers but a little pricy, friendly service.

    (3)

  • karen f.

    We had read the yelp reviews and were not disappointed in the food or service. The yucatan shrimp was delish. I shared the tropical salad with my daughter - and that was ok. My husband had the rib eye and thought it excellent along with my daughter who had baby back ribs that were tasty and moist. The beer selection is very weak but FLA doesn't seem to be on board with the craft brews other states have. The bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner. I would come back again.

    (4)

  • Jeff S.

    Best meal we had while on the island. Went once at 6PM, too crowded, made a reservation for 5:30 the next night. Lots of people have talked about the shrimp appy, which was amazing, but I had the mussels which were every bit as good. All loved their drinks and entrees; I had the scallop and black linguini special which may have been one of the best meals I've ever eaten.

    (5)

  • Duane J.

    Doc Ford's is a pretty nice place. I've been here twice both times as part of a group of eight. The servers have been friendly and helpful and the food served in a reasonable amount of time. The food quality has been above average with most of the people in my group saying they really liked the food with only one exception. Doc Ford's ambiance is fitting for the type of place that it is and it's big with lots of seating. Their bar is appealing and big and your typical restaurant type bar. I did find it odd that during my two visits I didn't see anyone sitting at the bar. Both my visits were later at night and you'd think you would see some people at the bar ??? So, why three stars? That's because on both our visits to Doc Ford's we were treated rudely by the hostesses. It was a different person on each visit and both of them made us feel like we were a bother rather than a guest. I mean these hostesses were so out of character compared to the rest of the staff we encountered. We're a pretty laid back group of people and I certainly don't think we did anything to warrant being made to feel unwelcome. With many other good choices on the Island, I don't think we're going to give Doc Ford's any more of our money.

    (3)

  • Laura R.

    Try the spicy Yucatan shrimp, you can order different amounts. It's spicy, comes with huge pieces of bread, and is absolutely wonderful. They accommodated our large group on a Friday with a reservation and were very friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • Teresa C.

    Doc Ford's Sanibel - stopped on our way out of town and so glad we did! The Yucatan shrimp is phenomenal. Other posters said not to question it so we didn't and you shouldn't either! I also got the Sanibel sunset that not only tasted great but made me feel great! The waitress recommended a featured draft for my husband and it was really good too (cant remember the flavor but it was maybe a nut wheat beer or something) highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Sara G.

    Doc Fords is our go to when we are on Sanibel, but we were really disappointed this time. They are always packed so if you don't have reservations for 6 or more you will be waiting for a while. Also the food used to be delicious and now it's still good but you can just tell they are just churning food out without any thought. Hopefully they will learn how to handle the crowds better so the quality of service and food improves.

    (3)

  • Jim M.

    Not bad. Happenin place on Sanibel - we arrived at 8:45 and still had to wait at the bar for 20 minutes before a table was ready, which we didn't mind. Service was very good. The rum was better than the food, which was typical bar food. If you like appetizers and a good drinks, its a good spot to hang out.

    (4)

  • Cheri K.

    A friend and I met in Sanibel Island for a getaway and went to Doc's for a casual dinner. We arrived on a Monday evening to find an hour long wait. Fortunately, we were able to grab two seats at the bar and decided to eat there rather than wait. The service was great! Our bartender was super friendly and was able to recommend some tasty cocktails and entrees. Just be prepared, some of the food portions are HUGE! I couldn't even finish half of my roasted chicken chimichurri dish. Would definitely recommend Doc's but just be prepared for a huge crowd and possible long wait.

    (4)

  • Louis B.

    I'm really not sure why everyone likes this place so much. We had fish tacos that the fish was still cold in the center and had to be sent back. A broiled grouper filet that given that they must make thousands of a year was uninspired. The main bar also had an overwhelming smell of fried food. So I guess if your looking for a touristy sort of chainish place this is your place. I'm sure the kids meals come in sand pails.

    (2)

  • C S.

    Stopped here for lunch because of many favorable reviews. Service was slow but friendly. We didn't get our food for almost 40 minutes after ordering. My original fish sandwich was just warm, not hot. The beans and rice were nice and hot and very tasty. My husband's burger was big and juicy, but the fries were barely warm. After waiting so long we didn't want to send them back because we were hungry! The fish and beans were a little on the spicy side, and would have been too spicy for a kid. It seems to me this place is resting on its reputation , and succeeding by selling lots of alcohol. Won't bother them again.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Best restaurant I ever ate at. Get the mussels and the chicken fingers. Wish I had this where I live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • P S.

    The place for shrimp and fresh fish tacos. The snapper rocks too. Always fresh and tasty. Fun to explore the rum collection. Great decor and service ... Truly Island style.

    (5)

  • Rosy R.

    Great spot. Decent food unlike many other Sanibel places. Terrific staff. Drinks and shrimp were tops

    (4)

  • Betty B.

    We have been on the island for several days. We had the best dinner yet at Docs. Great salads plates were cold, conch chowder was just like the islands. We sat at the bar and joined the locals.

    (5)

  • Kristen P.

    The food, service, and drinks here were amazing. Super fresh calamari, yummy fish tacos papaya poco de gallo and the soy mahi-mahi was great. The double decker brownie with ice cream and chocolate rum sauce was to die for. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. Best meal on the island so far!

    (5)

  • Tim B.

    Our low expectations for a quick lunch were met. Good place to watch a game, but the food is fair and the atmosphere too loud. The "best" fish sandwich on the island means stay away from fish sandwiches on this island.

    (2)

  • Lamar G.

    About 9 coworkers dropped in for lunch this week and I loved my meal. I had the blackened grouper sandwich, which was cooked perfectly and tasted great. I noticed that anyone who had the fish loved their meal, those who had chicken were so so. The salads seemed to go down very fast too. I would definitely recommend the fish here though.

    (4)

  • Talmadge M.

    From the appetizers to the main courses, we enjoyed our experience at this dining establishment. Our server Joey was very attentive and accessible during our visit.

    (5)

  • Amy-Rose M.

    Great casual dining, very 'Sanibel'. They do the best mojitos, really extensive list of rum based cocktails. Food is good, stand out dish every visit is the panko shrimps. Oh and the key lime pie, or the brownies for desert. Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Good place to go for a nice and chilled out meal.

    (4)

  • Tim W.

    Why 4 Stars? Great Food, Atmosphere, Service We chose Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille based on the Yelp reviews when we drove by the restaurant. This place seems very popular and probably becomes very crowded on the weekends. I ordered the Mahi-Mahi entree which was very good. Below the Mahi there was a rice and veggie stir fry with a sweet and sour sauce. Excellent. This place has all sorts of high-end rums but I just had a simple captain and coke with my meal. I would recommend this restaurant to a friend for sure and I would go back!

    (4)

  • CORINA C.

    Ate here Christmas Eve. Great cocktail menu. This is one of the few places you can get a real lime daiquiri, on the rocks with fresh lime juice and good, Mount Gay rum. The Yucatan shrimp were definitely the highlight of the meal, but the jerk tostadas, ceviche, and pasta were also really good. Lots of seating, so wait time was not long at all despite the crowds. Service was friendly and quick, but not rushed. The ambiance could use a little fine tuning. Sort of too much like a chain restaurant.

    (4)

  • Meagan W.

    This "rum bar" didn't even have coconut rum. The staff was terrible, we sat at the bar and the bartender was so rude. When he asked if my friend had decided on a drink yet and she said no he literally said "whatever" and walked away. We got calamari and it was greasy and tasteless. I caught a glimpse of the ceviche- unimpressive. The portion may as well have been for a child. Don't bother coming here, we left after the calamari and rude service. Oh, and I'm credible because I worked as a server through college.

    (1)

  • Chris K.

    Great service, great food. From the Half Chicken to the Seafood Paella what great flavors, color, aroma, and eye catching presentation. Nice job Doc.

    (5)

  • Cara M.

    Yum! The gigantic restaurant of Doc Fords is always a treat in Sanibel. With practically two huge sides to the restaurant you are guaranteed a seat with little to no wait time. The food always comes out piping hot. Had the shrimp tacos and they were to die for.....shrimp was hot, pink and plump. YUMM!

    (5)

  • David M.

    Everyone in our party had an nice dinner at Doc Ford's. The food was really good, but the service was lacking probably because of the busy dinner crowd. We started with a dozen oysters. The size varied on the oysters from gigantic to tiny. The shrimp and grits were better than any others that I have had in Charleston (its a big thing in SC). The fish tacos and seafood paella were both really good as well. The key lime pie was homemade and creamy without being too tart or sweet - excellent end to a good meal.

    (4)

  • Joy B.

    Once again Yelp didn't let us down! We sourced for a "local" place; decided to try Doc Ford's. We were bar flies served by Sam and had a great experience! The banana leaf wrapped snapper was light, flakey and absolutely delicious! We saved room for the carrot cake and jeepers! It was a meal in itself. We highly recommend Doc's!

    (4)

  • Arthur C.

    Meeting friends on Sanibel Island was the purpose and Doc Ford's was the place. Eating outside on their deck is lovely. No view but very pleasant. We started with the Beach Bread which is similar to bruschetta but with baked with cheese-it was very good.The mussels were enjoyed by all who partook. Fish, chicken and Grouper sandwiches were all good. Service was very professional. Certainly this place deserves its success.

    (4)

  • David A.

    The burgers are not bad, but the meat could be of better quality and a little more tender. The French fries are delicious, fried to perfection. The broccoli is very good, steamed very well, very healthy, good stuff to eat. The service is excellent, with veteran waiters and waitresses, and the food is made quickly. Books are for sale at the restaurant, and is in the beautiful Sanibel Island. They have a huge menu, and very delightful desserts.

    (4)

  • P D.

    Yucatan shrimp had fresh shrimp and was delicious! Fried grouper app was bland. Back deck was nice for a January afternoon pit stop from biking the island.

    (4)

  • Jeanne C.

    We didn't realize that it was based off a character in a book. It was decent, some of the entrees seemed a bit over priced, however, the drinks were cheaper than most places we've been. The black bean appetizer was delicious. I had a Calamari Salad which was a bit too sour for my taste, they really do mean super sour of the "sweet and sour." My husband had fish tacos that was good. The best part of the meal was the hot sauce! We might be back, but it won't be a "must go" every time.

    (3)

  • Morgan M.

    Ate a quick lunch here, Here's the run down: Caribbean Jerk Tostados - a decent quesadilla-esque creation based around spicy / tangy Jerk chicken, fresh cabbage, black bean and a few other fresh veggies. Tasty and full of flavor but I was busy using this dish as a conveyance for trying the assortment of house hot sauces that are provided on every table. Tried the lunch - special seared tuna tacos - very fresh tuna, seared & sliced thin, served on a soft taco with guacamole and cilantro. The nicely seared nearly sushi grade tuna made this dish shine. Lastly, had a 1/2 lb of their Yucatan peel & eat shrimp. These are steamed & tossed in a mix of chili, cilantro, garlic and what seems to be several pounds of clarified butter / oil. It's a bit decadent, with tons of flavor, so long as you're willing to take on the substantial oil content. Rounding out the menu is a daunting selection of rums, and even a few micro - brews to wash everything down. Will definitely attend again.

    (3)

  • Heather G.

    Stopped into Doc's for lunch today after biking around Sanibel. I had the fish sandwich with the spicy remoulade sauce- the kitchen was nice enough to put it on 2 tortillas instead of a roll for me. Essentially I turned it into a fish taco with the sauce and coleslaw, and it was delicious. My man had 1/2 lb. Yucatan shrimp and he loved it. Rum cocktails for both of us!

    (4)

  • Tyler R.

    Been here twice, both times enticed by the promise of many rum based drinks selected from a lineup of enticing rum options. Oh rum, why are you so good? I was a little bummed that they were out of Cruzan (how is that possible!?) but they had plenty of Sailor Jerry which was a good second choice. Around 6pm, the place was pretty dead - which was surprising. But - off season. We downed a few SJ's and coke, extra lime, and they were delicious, refreshing, and only $6.50, no happy hour required. Sometimes I forget that a $13 rum and coke in Manhattan isn't the industry standard. We also had the fish ceviche, and it was delicious, fresh, and not heavy - just what we were looking for. The rest of the food, as was the case the first time we were here, looked really good. If we were staying for dinner, I had a pretty good list of what I would have eaten. Nice staff, cool decor, lots of rum, and a really sweet parking lot. Is that weird? I love the pavers - I want my driveway to be made of them....when I have a driveway.

    (3)

  • David D.

    Went to Doc Fords after a long day at Bowman Beach and we didn't know what to expect. It was close though and the kids were hungry, so good enough! Upon entering the restaurant though, the hostess was very nice and made sure to get us a table by the fish tank for the 3 children to look at and enjoy. The server was great and had a lot of good suggestions. I had the sweet chili buffalo shrimp for an app and it was one of the most delicious styles of shrimp I've ever had. I also tried the yucatan shrimp for main course and it was just as good. The food was so good that my wife and I decided to hit up Doc Ford's in Ft. Myers Beach (where we were staying) for our "big date night" without the kids on vacation. For parents of young kids, you understand! I definitely recommend any of the Doc Ford's locations while in the area, for lunch or dinner - it won't disappoint.

    (5)

  • Kristi H.

    The Yucatan Shrimp Tacos were AH-MAZ-ING! I highly recommend them! I chose sweet potatoes fries as a side and they were ok...will choose a different side in the future. I would have given this restaurant 5 stars had our service been, at the very least, decent. Unfortunately, it was subpar, and I've had better service at McDonald's. Asked for drinks multiple times and when we got our check we still hadn't received them. He may have just been off his game that night, who knows.

    (4)

  • Angie W.

    We had an outstanding meal and drinks. There were 9 of us including 5 kids. They were very accommodating. Everyone found something they liked to eat, even our picky little ones. The Yucatan shrimp are as good as everyone says.

    (5)

  • Jim P.

    All that's it's cracked up to be. Fun bar with good sports on, great bartenders, the patio dining was nice. We had a great waitress and the shrimp (Yucatan and the Shake spice) were both fantastic.

    (5)

  • Sean H.

    Excellent grouper sandwich, great service and very nice outdoor seating. A little annoyed by the umbrellas being taken down while we were eating.

    (5)

  • Bill G.

    Shrimp and Grits were great. Best this side of Savannah. Red Fish daily special was also great. See photos. I think I saw Doc Ford hiding in the corner? As we left the parking lot, I saw Tomlinson coming out the back door with a quart of beer headed for Dinkins Bay?

    (5)

  • Josh Y.

    This place was amazing!!! The food was great the atmosphere is warm and inviting as well as comfortable. The drinks where like no other. The "bull on the beach" drink was very good and smooth. The Mahi Mahi dinner was very delicious. That combination is a perfect pair for a great dinner experience. Definitely worth every penny. We will make it a must do every time we are in the area.

    (5)

  • Nancy E.

    My cousin and I both had dr fords fish sandwich made with luscious perfectly cooked white fish, cole slaw, special sauce and multigrain or whole wheat roll. Delicious. I had superb beans and rice and my cousin had the wonderful cole slaw. We both liked the special dr ford's sauces and I bought a bottle of the green flash slightly hot sauce made with Amazon peppers and great vinegars and flavors. We both also had a cocktail called fords cure which was delightful. Altogether a lovely meal. And waiter was superb. Great service. All cooperated to be sure we had our great meal in timely manner to make our appointment for beautiful evening boat tour of tarpon bay in the ding darling wildlife preserve! N and k

    (5)

  • Rick B.

    My wife and I were on vacation form Orlando and heard about Doc Ford's from friends that also vacation at Sanibel Island. Being proprietors of the Harp and Celt Irish Pub and Restaurant in Orlando we were ready to be spoiled and what a place we chose to be spoiled at. The service was excellent, the ambiance matched our expectations and the drink menu was a rum drinker's paradise. I had the Mozzarella de Marinello Salad with blackened chicken and my wife had the Old School Iceberg Salad. Needless to say we were two very happy and full guests and we both would recommend Doc Fords to our family and friends. Cheers

    (5)

  • Rich H.

    This was the best seafood I had during a visit to Sanibel. Whole family loved it, great prices and great service - Gabby was a delight. Came back the second day for more instead of trying elsewhere, it was so good and is a sure thing!

    (5)

  • Sara H.

    We tried this recently based on reviews and recommendations from area people. It was average. The service was excellent and no complaints there. The restaurant is large, very crowded and noisy. I just felt like we were being rushed through and nothing great to remember. I had clam chowder which was very thick (too thick for me) and very few clams. I had the crab cakes which were bland and not enough texture - you couldn't taste the crab. It was like they had been mixed in the food processor til smooth inside of having some lumps of crab in them. Over all an average place and I would try others in the area.

    (2)

  • Jennifer S.

    Great drinks, and awesome food. I went in December 2012. Don't remember what was ordered each the, but I wasn't disappointed! Over our week vaca we ate here multiple times. I do however remember their carrot cake! Yummy!!

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    One of Florida's best kept secrets. Head Chef Kent Zook's amazing culinary masterpieces are an explosion of colors and distinct tastes. We went to both the Sanibel and new Captiva restaurants. Both had the same high quality menu dishes. At the Captiva Doc Fords we were served by Holly who was warm and funny. Made our meal memorable enough that I still remember her name! Had to drive so I never had the chance to enjoy any rum but the food was amazing. If you are anywhere in the area, don't miss out on this culinary extravaganza hidden where Jimmy Buffet wrote Marguerittaville. Oh yea, an added bonus is that this is the author Randy White's creation who also has authored the Doc Ford series. You can score on all his paper backs and hard back novels, tee shirts and other cool things. If you are a fan like me, it's a wonderful experience!

    (5)

  • John V.

    Back to Sanibel and back to Doc Fords. It is hands down best on the island. Ultra professionally trained servers and perfect food. Try the Conch Chowder (picture the cartoon dog that floated in ecstasy after a dog biscuit). Ditto the Yucatan Shrimp (our favorite). The buffalo shrimp are great. You will ask for extra bread to sop up every drop of the sauce the mussels are served in. The dry-rubbed rib-eye - DAMN! And here is the interesting part: as I perused Yelp on Doc Ford's, I saw where one guy really got it right - wrote the perfect review! His handle was John V and he'd been there two years ago when I was last there. I showed my wife and she pointed out John V. was me and it was MY review from two years ago. Man, do I know what I am talking about or do I know what I am talking about?

    (5)

  • Mary Lou H.

    Good menu, lively atmosphere,prompt, but not quite friendly service.

    (4)

  • Kelly B.

    Had a fantastic lunch last month! We stopped in early, we arrived a little after 11am. and there was plenty of seating available. We chose the outdoor patio, since hey, we're from Michigan and it was February! By the time we left there was a long line under the canopy waiting for tables. After reading review from fellow yelpers, I know we had to get some Yucatan shrimp. You can get them in either 1/4 pound or 1/2 pound servings. My son ordered the 1/2 pound as his lunch (which was MORE than enough for a twelve year old boy - so I'm not sure why some others complained that it was not offered as a dinner??) Hubby had and I both had a fish sandwich - both were really good, especially with the addition of the house made hot sauces. My little guy is a purist and had the peel and eat shrimp which were large and perfectly cooked. But the star of the show is really the Yucatan shrimp - buttery, garlicky, a little spicy with a hint of citrus - they are truly fantastic and worth the trip.

    (4)

  • Chad H.

    I really don't see where the 4 stars came from. My wife had a grilled chicken salad. The chicken was over cooked and had no flavor at all. I had a soggy greasy fish sandwich which was a signature lunch item. It was a grease ball sandwich which had zero crunch and it was sopping with grease. The only thing worth a damn were the drinks. That's about all I'd order here. They'd be better off clearing out the tables and making a stage for some reggae bands to play while you sip on rum drinks. Food sucks.

    (2)

  • Kelly B.

    The Caribbean Jerk Tostadas, delish! The yucatan shrimp, amazing! The stone crab claws, yum! The bartender, could use a smile. Absolutely would eat there again and again.

    (5)

  • Deborah A.

    Had a great meal there. Be sure to try the shrimp and grits! The best. My son loves to read the books by the writer/owner so I bought some books for him there. The newest one was autographed!

    (5)

  • Jordanna E.

    Service was great, staff were all friendly. Atmosphere was nice, but food was average. Plenty of choices and reviews, tips, advertisements, table tents, menus and servers boast about the shrimp dish. I guess we should have tried the expensive shrimp. We just didn't feel like "working." My husband got the panko fish sandwich. He said it was good, but nothing out of this world, and I swear I didn't see any panko, it looked like corn meal. I got the Steak Sandwich which was supposed to have caramelized onions. Someone needs to kindly show them what caramelized onions are. Certainly weren't any on the sandwich. The sandwich was dry and was little piece of roast beef.. I was really hoping for a real Philly...but I'm the idiot who ordered it at a seafood restaurant. The kid's got chicken fingers, they were great. We would have rather ordered the fish fingers, but when I asked the waitress if they were fresh or frozen, she had no clue. I asked if they looked the same or if they were different. She said they looked the same. I wonder if they were fresh or frozen after the fact, because the chicken tenders were definitely fresh and delicious.. and the fish fingers could have been great, too. We would go there again, and definitely ask to sit near the tank if you have kids. :)

    (3)

  • Kimberly L.

    Drove by this and another branch a few times while in the area and it just seemed so inviting. First off, fantastic service from the door to the waitress. They have a great beer selection both on tap and bottled. The Youcatan shrimp was absolutely addictive. I could not stop dipping the bread in the sauce, which was a savory and perfect kick of spice, just full of flavor. I also had a cup of conch chowder, which was delicious and had ample pieces of conch. For the main, I had the fish tacos. I thought they were pretty tasty but a little dry and missing a sauce. Overall, a great casual place to please anyone.

    (4)

  • James H.

    Lives up to the hype. Very crowded but good sports bar and good food and atmosphere. One of several places in Sanibel that have amazing beach - convenient locations, good ingredients, and service that could be better thanks to a shortage of Island service workers. Tip well.

    (4)

  • Gerry H.

    Ghirschstein Excellent Yucatan shrimp & fresh grouper well prepared. Great service too.

    (5)

  • Lou L.

    Had a late lunch/early dinner there on the way to Captiva Island. The meal was definitely one of the high points of our vacation dining experiences. My cedar planked salmon was awesome, as was her shrimp and grits. What looks like lasagna in the photo is actually potatoes au gratin, which was quite yummy. Good rum drinks and excellent service too.

    (5)

  • Kimberly J.

    Yelpers-- I am sorry but you steered me wrong on this one. The location is nice, our service was good, but our food was not impressive. I ordered the fish tacos, they were so drippy and the papaya salsa on it was mushy. I saw where they were going with this one though, I think it had a lot of potential. The fish also had no seasoning on it. Why not? It could have used it. Such a simple fix. The rice and beans that came with it, ugh, rice and beans are such an easy crowd-pleaser, but someone put a layer of cumin on top. I like cumin, but not like a layer of snow on my dish. Again simple fixes that could just be easily controlled in the kitchen! The kicker? The mojito, what the restaurant is known for. It tasted like one of those Bacardi concentrates. Too sugary... barely any lime. I don't even think the mint was muddled.

    (2)

  • Stephen O.

    Decent meal, not really the atmosphere for me.

    (3)

  • Tom K.

    Excellent food, service and comfortable, with fair prices. Really good shrimp and oyster hors doerves. Red Snapper in banana leaves is wonderful.

    (4)

  • Gitana J.

    Great casual place! We stopes to watch World Cup and were presently surprised how great was food. Fish tacos w papaya salsa my favorite .. Had to comeback one more time before leaving ;-)

    (5)

  • J S.

    This is always a go to place for my wife and me. The shrimp and grits are fantastic. Yucatan shrimp and beach bread are great apps. If you don't want seafood the rib eye is delicious.

    (5)

  • Diane S.

    Had the tuna was cooked nicely. My friend had sandwich and we split the calamari. Which was okay. Martinis okay. Small. Good location which is why you go. Always busy. Service was quick this time.

    (3)

  • Robert K.

    Went to docs over xmas break, we loved the high quality seafood, good service great drinks. I love sanibel and this is a great choice for consistent quality meal. Kid friendly too.

    (4)

  • Alexandra D.

    I love Doc Ford's! This is my go-to place for a game and some casual dining with my dad. They DO have vegetarian options, the staff is superb and very experienced, and all of the food and drinks there are very high quality. One of my favorite places to go when I visit Sanibel. -Alexandra Drouhard

    (5)

  • Melinda S.

    We were in Sanibel for the first time and found this place for lunch. Everything was delicious. Cute decor. We liked it so much we came back for dinner and left with the first book in the Doc Ford series. Our only regret is that we didn't try the ribeye. Next time!

    (4)

  • Sterling R.

    Lovely open ambiance and the service was good but there is room for improvement. The biggest disappointment was the mixed drinks from the bar. I ordered a margarita with patron silver and the drink had no flavor at all. I paid $11.00 for A tasteless drink! My wife ordered a mojito and there wasn't any sugar in it. It tasted like a rum and tonic with lime. We added sugar packs to it to get it drinkable. We had the yucatan shrimp as an appetizer. They were ok but they are served in a bowl of melted butter. You will need to leave the table to wash your hands after eating them. The conch soup had a delicious base but there wasn't much conch in it. I had the calamari salad as my entree and it was really good. The squid was crisp yet tender and they put the right amount of dressing on it. The table next to us ordered the special which was shrimp stuffed with crab and it looked awesome. I'll try that next time.

    (3)

  • Victor S.

    We went to Doc Fords during a weekend trip to Sanibel. I remembered the Yucatan shrimp from a previous trip and ordered it again. Excellent! I had to go back the next day to have it once more before we left. My wife had the grouper sandwich (large portions) which she enjoyed. This is a place we will always go to when on the island.

    (5)

  • Guy P.

    Not a bad option on the menu. Agree with everyone on yelp. Yucatan shrimp is a can't miss! Stone crab claws were some of the freshest I've had. Key lime pie also the tops. This is a definite do not pass if you are in the area. Shawn was an excellent server!

    (5)

  • Lauren G.

    Very relaxed atmosphere, incredible food! Doc Ford's offers everything from your basic (huge) burger to the island's obligatory fried grouper sandwich to some really outstanding gourmet dishes. Calamari salad was huge with a generous layer of perfectly battered and fried rings (not many if any tentacles) with just the right amount of dressing. Shrimp and grits are the best I've ever had (don't let the jalapeno in the description scare you-they impart great jalapeno flavor without much heat, and the shrimp are seasoned and lightly battered to perfection). Banana leaf-wrapped Snapper was quite tasty. Paella is also among the best I've had, including at any Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant. Rum drinks (Mojito, Pina colada, Dark & stormy, Sanibel Sunset) are really yummy, reasonable sizes, and not unreasonably priced. Service is friendly and quick! P.S. If you're going out with kids, this place is a winner. As soon as we ordered a kids' meal, they immediately brought out veggies and dip for the little one; the meal was pretty good sized, and they included a little ice cream surprise at the end. This is a must-eat when on Santiva.

    (5)

  • Nancy L.

    This is our second vacation to Sanibel and Doc Fords is our favorite restaurant in the whole world. We fight over the Yucatan Shrimp, jerk chicken tostadas and the clam chowder. The mojitos are absolutely amazing! We LOVE Doc Fords!

    (5)

  • Chris L.

    My very pregnant wife and I sat down for late lunch yesterday. And waited for WELL over 10 minutes after being seated. Not once did a server come to our table that was directly in front of the bar. We just sat there as the bus boy walked by us about 5 times, and a couple of servers stopped by the host booth and chatted for a minute. It was not even busy. I can't review the food because we were never asked if we wanted to order anything! So we left and went over to Lazy Flamingo 2 down the road. And we sure are happy we did!

    (1)

  • debbie a.

    I really enjoyed coming to Doc Ford's while in Sanibel. Not only is it a great location (good halfway point between Sanibel and Captiva), but the food is always good. Decor - Minimal, but that's really all you need considering the beautiful weather and great food. The inside of the restaurant is all dark wood and rather noisy, but the patio (heated when necessary) is like its own oasis .. surrounded by greenery and small enough to feel cozy - complete with plastic chairs and a map of islands as the table. Food - Amazing. we had: Bayaman Black Bean Dip Looks a little like black bean soup when it comes out, but the cheese, fresh jalapenos and savory beans are great together with the thick crunchy (not greasy) tri-colored tortilla chips. Personally, i would have loved to see pickled jalapenos to make it a litlte less firey and add more acid to the mix, but hey.. its not my restaurant. Mussels - WOw.. these are the 2nd best mussels i have had in my life. Not only were they sweet and juicy and very plump, but they did not have that previously frozen texture (gritty/grainy) or a fishy taste at all. The sauce was so flavorful we had to ask for another roll just to mop up all the sauce.. MmmMm.. Taco Salad with chicken - I was a little disappointed with this salad because i think it could have used a little something, but hey... i only ordered it because the Seared Tuna appetizer salad was not an option because the server said the kitchen wouldnt accmodate my request to have the tuna cooked all the way because I'm pregnant.. (i was surprised and disappointed) The salad came with the bean dip spread on the top of it so.. if you decide against the appetizer, don't worry, you get to try it again in the salad. We never had room for a full entree, but everyone else around us seemed to say good things about their food. The man next to us with Paella seemed to enjoy it, but it looked like the rice to protein ratio was kind of ..overkill. anyway SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. The key lime pie is amazing! Its not this dense, overly cream cheesey taste... it was this light custardy, tart goodness with the PERFECT salty crust to go with it.. (some kind of nut inside the crust just made it amazing!) SERVICE: It really is a hit or miss here. The first server we had, TJ, was amazing. Not only did he accomodate our every want and desire, he was just SO on top of it. the next server - she was kind of inattentive and dismissive. She was the one that when I asked her for the Tuna appetitzer to be cooked a little more bc I am pregnant and can't have raw fish, she just said, "no, they wont do it for you" without any explanation without even attempting to ask.. - i don't even know if it is true because she didnt seem to want to try. even the manner in which she served us it was as if we were the bane of her existence.. it was our second time to Doc Fords and... our last meal out so.. it was kind of disappointing to end our experience that way. anyway, the food is good and the service is like the lottery... try it out just for the food.

    (4)

  • Susie T.

    The Yucatan Shrimp is so good! The garlic butter with the chile/cilantro is delightful. Atmosphere is nice and relaxed. The Patrón margaritas are really good.

    (4)

  • Dru P.

    IT's March Madness....every transplant from the Midwest is in the bar. shit talk abounds and even though it sounds like trash...its just midwest conversation. 20 some screens and every game compliment the variety of grouper and fresh seafood that are slapped down in minutes time. The food is something fresher than any Michigan or Wisconsin fan can put together given the same time frame and far less offensive. Honestly....I am not even sure if the food would taste nearly as prime if there wasnt some obese, drunken Iowa fan losing his ass while I slathered my cole slaw across a fresh fish.

    (5)

  • Zack P.

    This place has great food and a wonderful ambiance indoors and out. I forgot the name if the shrimp dish I ordered, it was a long time ago when I went in vacation here. But, we did make it a point to go here at least twice over our 5 day stay. They have awesome home made cooking sauces and hot sauces! And you cannot beat the fresh seafood from the area!

    (4)

  • Jon G.

    Update July 2014. Doc Ford's (Sanibel, Rabbit Rd.) has got its groove back! Didn't visit in 2012 (because of the 2011 experiences) but 2013 & 2014 are back to what I always loved & expected. In fact I believe this year is the best it's ever been. Consistent service, consistent & delicious food. Great staff from the hostess stand to the bar to the servers. It's back on my must do often list and that makes me happy.

    (4)

  • Jim W.

    Tried the jerked chicken tostadas. Very good, could have used a little more jerk seasoning. Had clam chowder and it was good. Went for the panko crusted lime fish sandwich. Loved it. Then, dessert. Double decker brownie was awesome. Definitely would return the next time I'm in the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Mary D.

    First time here. On vacation. Food was good and reasonably priced. Service was good too.

    (4)

  • Peg B.

    Calamari was great rum choices good. Did not care for fish tacos but the manager was sweet. And offered pie to make up for it. The staff is awesome and quick. Great light dinner and informal atmosphere. Drive on Sanibel a little longer than I thought.

    (3)

  • Julianna S.

    My fiancé and I ate here twice on our short 4 day vacation--that's how much we loved it. We didn't try any entrees but the appetizers and salads we got were all amazing! The chowder is super yummy and p.s the salads are huge. We will be making a point to visit this place on our next visit to Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Will H.

    Highly recommend, great place to watch a game, good tap options, peel and eat shrimp never disappoints

    (5)

  • MattKat O.

    Yucatan Shrimp with a Sanibel Sunset (cocktail not the view) = Glorious! Also had the signature fish sandwich which was very good. A fun stop on the island, buzzing atmosphere, good rum drinks, friendly service.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Ate here twice on our last trip to Sanibel, dinner one night and lunch another day. Great service, Island Mojitos are excellent - not too sweet. Bean dip should not be missed nor should the shrimp tacos.

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    -Good parking -Got there on a Friday night at 530. Told it would be 25-30 min. We were seated in 10min. -Server came by quickly, cold drinks on the table within 5 min. -Ordered ceviche and Yucatan shrimp apps. ceviche was loaded with shrimp, scallops, and

    (4)

  • Kevin S.

    Good food and drinks. Wasn't crowded and we got a table immediately. The seared ahi tuna appetizer was delicious. The scallops in linguine was very good also. Rum drinks are spot on and were mixed well Good place for a quick dinner.

    (4)

  • Carrie B.

    We went today and had a great experience! Great food and great service! Thank you to our server Mitch!

    (5)

  • Ralph G.

    Yuck. Fish tacos disgusting. Couldn't get past the overly fishy smell. Wife's spinach over salted. Everything too salty. Ginger ale was good. The 5 star ratings of this place look faked to me. All have same happy, stepford voice.

    (1)

  • Caitriona T.

    Fantastic Peel and Eat Shrimps.... Gulf shrimps steamed in Amazon spices then chilled and served with their very special tangy cocktail sauce and lemon. A must to eat. We travelled to Doc Ford's Sanibel not realising new Doc Ford now opened nearly a year at South Seas Resort. Well worth trip to eat the tastiest shrimps. Our first taste of these were 4 years ago and well worth finding the restaurant. Thank you for such a treat.

    (5)

  • Jennifer S.

    Yes, it's true. I'm a big fan of Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford books so when I was planning my road trip to Florida, I had to include a trip to Doc Ford's Rum Bar on Sanibel Island. I'm SO happy that I did. It was out of the way, but a great experience. The restaurant is actually not that big of deal. When you walk inside it's pretty much like any other restaurant you might go in, except for the Randy Wayne White goods everywhere! When we got there it was very quiet, with only a few other guests. We arrived around 2pm on a Sunday afternoon, so maybe it was just an off time. But, it was perfect timing for us because we got there in time to watch the Nascar race, they have televisions with sports going, and the drinks and food were really good. I started my visit with a signature Sanibel Sunset. This drink had Blackbeard Spiced Rum and Coconut Jack Rum with a splash of Amaretto, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. YUMMY. For lunch I ordered a signature dish, MARTINIQUE-JERKED PORK CHOP, a Caribbean spiced pork chop with caramelized plantains, steamed snow peas, covered with Cuban citrus mojo sauce, then topped with grilled pineapple and wilted cabbage slaw. I was a little embarrassed because I kept "yumming" while I ate. It is something I would normally not order, but it was so delicious I literally scraped my plate clean, which I NEVER do. My husband had the burger which he really enjoyed, but really, a burger? He's crazy. That menu had too many amazing dishes. I wish I could go back and try some others! The prices were reasonable and I did do a little shopping and came away with a Randy Wayne White cookbook. After we left the restaurant, we explored the island and hit a couple of beaches, including the lighthouse. If you like seashells, THIS is the island for you. The beaches are littered with them and it was a wonderful afternoon. I recommend a visit to the island and don't miss this restaurant for some classic Florida cuisine... and RUM.

    (4)

  • gabrielle o.

    Oh, Doc Ford's.....I really do love your food, shame that we found a push pin in the shrimp and grits! Spoke with the manager, she got us a new plate of food, offered us drinks (we already had) and then promised to take the dish off of our bill. The waitress, who had been hanging out at the bar with a customer while all of this was going on, didn't really seem to be bothered, brought us the check (with the dish still on there) and then rolled her eyes and sighed when we told her the manager said the dish would be comped. When she brought the bill back, a line item had been added FOREIGN OBJECT, with the cost of the dish deducted. Sort of makes me think this is not the time something weird/gross was found in their food. Would have been nice to have free drink or dessert for the ordeal. Food = 5, Customer Service = 0

    (2)

  • V B.

    Tried the new Captiva location of Doc Fords and it's as amazing as the Sanibel location for their food and service. The location is lovely with lots of space. We enjoyed sitting outside the weather was fantastic. Doc Fords bread and the Yucatan shrimp are a must have. Try the specials. We have never been let down by them. I love the chicken with chimichuri sauce. For desert we had one of everything and liked it all.

    (5)

  • sally s.

    I always get their dinner special. It's usually to die for. Start off with yucatan shrimp which is the best around. Then finish off with one of their yummy desserts. It's a must stop every trip to Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Tara J.

    I was a little apprehensive about this place, as it appeared to be a typical American touristy place to eat with not much of a local vibe. I had the vision of Margaritaville in my head. So not true! Stopped here when we first got to Sanibel, and glad we did! The Mango Mojito is a MUST if you like Mojitos. I tried the Island Mojito (their signature drink, I believe) and the Pineapple Mojito, but the Mango version wins! Drink pricing was fair at $6.75 per mojito (compared to other bars on the island), as was the food. We spit a couple of menu items and both offered HUGE portions! Food was really good, and service was attentive and friendly. This is a must-stop not just for a drink or two or three, but also for the big menu of good food!

    (4)

  • Rory L.

    This was my first time here and I really enjoyed it. I got the crab cakes appetizer and they melted in my mouth and was amazing. The fried calamari is so really great and I never liked it before. I do think they need to add in a lot more vegetarian options though. If you love seafood (which I do) then this place is a 5. One of my aunts got a vegetarian meal she did not like however they did not make us pay for it which was very nice. Apple crisp is amazing, brownie Sunday not so much.

    (4)

  • R W.

    From the Cevechie app, to the gumbo soup to the banana wrapped snapper everything was awesome. And that is rare opportunity our picky outings.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Probably one of the better places in Sanibel if you know what to order. You can't go wrong with the Yuctan shrimp

    (3)

  • Nathan C.

    Far and above the best dining experience we had on Sanibel. The place is very busy; call ahead especially if you have a large party. They have an extensive and thorough cocktail menu, as you might expect from a place that has "Rum" in the name. The mojito in particular was a standout. The food, all around, was top notch - from the appetizers to the main courses and even dessert. More on dessert later. I had what basically amounted to a red snapper tamale - which was one of the best fish preparations I've ever had. The soft masa flour coupled with the fish and the spicy sauce came together superbly, without masking the flavor of the fish. Pretty much every piece of seafood that hit our table was fresh and well prepared - all the dishes let you taste what you ordered, and didn't drown it in sauce or hide it behind spices. More places on the island could take a lesson from this. Don't skip dessert. You may be tempted by the key lime pie, because you're in Florida. But trust me on this - get the carrot cake. And bring a friend to help you.

    (5)

  • Judith B.

    Food was fantastic! So was the service!

    (5)

  • David G.

    This is what a well-done tourist restaurant should be like. Casual, loud Florida atmosphere with solid food and a fun vibe. The Yucatan Shrimp deserve six stars. The rest of the menu holds up very well. I find myself deciding between the Fish Tacos and the Cuban as defaults, but more often than not we will just load up on the App section and share.

    (4)

  • Todd S.

    Always one of our favorites on Sanibel. Fun tropical experience with good assortment of rum-based drinks to help complete the island atmosphere. My wife and I shared the shrimp and grits on our most recent visit, a southern classic that Doc's has mastered. Others in our group had shrimp entrees and everyone agreed the food was fresh, somewhat creative, and prepared as should be expected. Our waitress was friendly and attentive (as well as cute, which never hurts) and went out of her way to make our kids happy. We will definitely go back and would recommend Doc Fords as one of the better experiences on Sanibel.

    (4)

  • Amanda Z.

    Caribbean jerk nachos = super yums and different Banana leaf snapper = O M G heaven in my mouth Huge slice of carrot cake = gorge yourself in deliciousness Mango Tango drink = gross, too sweet Banana Slamma drink = please see the above Atmosphere and service = good Will I return = I hope so!

    (4)

  • Joel S.

    Great outdoor deck (although it's surrounded by shrubbery)' food was good, mojito was better. This place was too close to being a chain like restaurant for my taste.

    (3)

  • B. W. P.

    OK, I would really give this a 4.5 stars, as I think 5 should be reserved for truly outstanding restaurants, but it was better than a 4, and the 4 star ranking seems to be pervasive on yelp, so I wanted Doc Fords to be set apart from other choices. My wife and I were looking for a place that had tasty drinks and good food. Doc Fords delivered on both counts. We dined out on a Thursday, and the wait looked quite long, but when inquiring about the wait for two people, we were told that we could dine outside under the patio heaters immediately, and that is exactly what we did. The rum drinks were very tasty and reasonably priced considering the tourist locale. The food that we had was nicely prepared and well seasoned. The service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't extend a full 5 star rating is that I felt the food was good, but not excellent. The desert, a double brownie sundae, was excellent. If you are visiting Sanibel and looking for a nice and reasonably priced place to dine out, you will not go wrong with Doc Fords.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    The atmosphere was nice (there was a live band playing last night) and the service was good, but the food was much too overpriced for how mediocre it was.

    (3)

  • Les P.

    Nice decor, good food and good service.

    (4)

  • Jennifer S.

    My family went here during our vacation on the island....some of the best food and service we had! I got the lime crusted panko fish sandwich, which was so flaky and delicious. My husband had the Cuban, which he loved. We also shared a cup of the Southwest Beer Cheddar soup, which was one of the best beer cheddar soups I've tasted. Our kids loved their kids meals, which came with an ice cream sandwich for dessert. The restaurant wasn't very busy, even though we went during the noon lunch hour. Our waitresses were attentive and helpful and took the time to talk to our boys (always a plus in my book). Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Kathleen H.

    Good menu. Order the mussels. Save room for dessert for sure. Lots of drink options. Huge seating area including a patio.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Yukatan Shrimp the best

    (5)

  • Sarah B.

    Decent place but if you go there to watch a game, don't expect any volume even if you're the only table there! Apparently that's only for Super Bowl...

    (3)

  • Tommy H.

    Solid bar and grill... We happened into the place after a fantastic day on the beach. Great drinks, ice cold beers and solid food. Try the black bean dip and chicken tostadas appetizers. Their grilled chicken and fresh seafood mains are great as well.

    (5)

  • Stefanie O.

    The food was decent and the menu was varied enough but not so much that it looked like they were trying too hard. I liked my food more than my husband liked his - I thought the salmon was delicious. I enjoyed the famous key lime pie and my husband enjoyed the rum drinks, so we were both happy. The service could use some improvement as our waiter did not seem happy about the amount of people he had to wait on (which was not a full house). Definitely not a bad place to go if you're on the island, but wouldn't be my first pick.

    (3)

  • Megan R.

    Really mediocre food but nice atmosphere. Mix of locals and tourists. Fish sandwich soggy and way too much sauce. Bun generic and bland. Tropical salad had too much dressing. Pricey for the quality of the food.

    (3)

  • Nicole C.

    Horrible sea food! I order a blacken grouper sandwich and it came out raw, and order a mojito and that was horrible too!! When they told me they would make me a another sandwich , and when it came out a dead fly was on it!' Just horrible!! As a south Floridian every restaurant on a island should know how to cook seafood... And to top it off I got food poison!!!!!!!

    (1)

  • Jim B.

    Was here on a little vacation from Chicago, driving around the island and came across Doc Fords. I stopped here for some lunch, I must say the clam chowder and the yucatan shrimp are VERY, VERY GOOD!!!! I think I could have licked the bowl clean on both dishes!! Hahaha.. I will be back!!

    (5)

  • Doug D.

    We came because of Randy Wayne White but were very pleased with the service and food. We had appetizers at the bar, ceviche seafood cocktail, shrimp sausage quesadillas, and the caribbean jerk tostados. All were very good. Very busy for dinner and everyone clears out by nine o'clock. They actually close around nine thirty or ten.

    (4)

  • Vicky P.

    A solid establishment, with some hits and some misses. The crab cake is fine, but the jicama slaw served with it is *wonderful* and worth the order. Their signature salad was nothing to write home about. I had planned on throwing my crab cake on top of it, but got too hung up on the slaw to bother. The other folks I was with ordered the Cuban, which was very good, the black bean dip, which you should definitely skip, the grouper sandwich, which was excellent, and the grouper fingers from the kid's meal, which were also very very good. (there's also an appetizer of grouper fingers, which I expect are the same thing.) Worth trying.

    (4)

  • Dustin S.

    Great food and drinks! Even with it being a busy touristy restaurant, the atmosphere is astounding. The waiting staff is friendly. Me and my buddies just sat at the bar to eat dinner and probably chitchatted with the bar tender the whole time. The drinks were amazing! Their mixed frozen drinks were definitely the best in ft myers. Also while talking to the bartender we learned that the restaurant is based off a book series character that takes place in the area. The author is part owner as well. Definitely a place a non Ft. Myerian should visit.

    (5)

  • Jesse K.

    The rum drinks were way too sweet for my Chicago palette, but I was here for my birthday and decided to enjoy the local dining. The taquito appetizer was way above average, and surprisingly good. My order of "The Cubano" sandwich was a disaster. Dry, dry, dry, and served on rock-hard bread, a bare wisp of cheese, and flavourless meat - really, the WORST restaurant meal I have EVER had. The fries were good. (I ended up having to soak the sandwich in hot sauce to barely choke it down, but after the whole day cycling, I was hungry.) Cheap, strong drinks. Stick to those.

    (1)

  • Alana J.

    I have been going to Sanibel Island for at least three weeks every summer since I was born. Needless to say, I know about almost every restaurant there is on the little paradise island. My parents had started reading the books, and the summer after, Doc Fords was opened! We had to try it! I was a vegetarian then, and the vegetarian options are great! I loved the black bean dip! The first summer we were there, we must have gone five times! I got it for dinner every time! The cheesy grits are out of this world! I have tried and tried to recreate them, but I just can't get it right! The next summer, we went on the first night there. The owner actually recognized us, a year after we had met her! It was very cool, and really showed what great customer service they have. I had the banana-leaf wrapped snapper, which is just delicious. Our server was so nice, and brought us out the best key-lime pie for dessert on the house, just so we could try it! The time after, I had the onion-jam glazed pork chops, which has been my go-to ever since I stopped my 13-year veggie phase. Sadly, last time i went it wasn't on the menu, but I have never had anything there that wasn't delicious! Every year we have gone, the same woman recognizes my family, and the first year I didn't go with them, asked about me. She even put a picture of us in the paper as an ad for Doc Ford's! This place is more than just a great restaurant for me. It's a piece of my childhood, of those great summers I spent hunting for beach glass with my little brother and fishing in the Ding Darling, of the time my brother ran from the light house to Doc Ford's to see if he could beat us there for dinner. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • d k.

    OMG...7 Thumbs Down! Good thing RWW makes his living writing books because if he had to rely on this sad excuse for a restaurant, he would still be delivering fish. Hmm. How do I loathe thee?? Let me count the ways. - Black bean dip...beans must have come out of a can and they threw a bay leaf into it as a decoy... - Paella...good if you're into "rubberized" shrimp, old mussels and fine grit in every bite. Even the waitress said her own was better. - What was the pink sauce with the mahi mahi??? Gee-ross. - The appetizer bread...wow...must have been a tough recipe to come up with. Let me think...cut a french loaf in half, top with cheese and tomatoes, load into the broiler. Talk about elementary. - Panko breaded shrimp and fries...right out of the frozen section perhaps?? Overall, the absolute worst $200 i have ever spent in a restaurant...it was so heinous we took group pictures with a big thumbs DOWN in the parking lot...making sure a few cars saw us doing it.

    (1)

  • Jerry E.

    Doc Fords on Sanibel is one of our favorite places to go for a great meal in a fun atmosphere. Brenda and Marty Harrity are great host's and the food is always tasty. Fish Tacos are fantastic. You can't go wrong heading there for dinner or lunch!!

    (4)

  • Slim S.

    One of my favorite restaurants on my favorite island. The Yucutan shrimp is outstanding as well as the sweet chili chicken wings. The jerk nachos are also a great starter. Good place.

    (4)

  • PieandPly Z.

    3.5 stars. The Lazy Flamingo will always be my seafood number one, but I love the creativity and Caribbean flair of Doc Ford's menu. It also has a good sized bar and bar area, as well as a separate bar annex, which is nice when the island gets crowded and drinkers and diners start mortal combating for a seat. The food tends to sound and look just a little bit better than it tastes, but I have never left truly disappointed or unsatisfied. Prices are very reasonable for what comes on the plate as well. If I were on Sanibel for 7 days, I'd be happy having dinner at Doc's on 3 of them.

    (3)

  • Jim S.

    Best Buffalo Shrimp - ever: Doc Ford's Bar and Grill, Sanibel, FL. They were lightly breaded, perfectly sauced (the shrimp, not me...), jumbo gulf shrimp. I knew we had something special when I took the first bite and tasted something lacking in many other BS - it was the taste of the fresh gulf shrimp!!! Yes, we could taste the sauce - but also the shrimp - what a concept. Excellent. We'll go back for these guys - even with the $6 bridge toll...

    (4)

  • Jenny S.

    This was our first time visiting Sanibel and we were told there was great food. The service was great and we were seated quickly. Sadly we had hoped for better food there as it came highly recommended, however, the food was so-so and lukewarm, as though it had been sitting out on the counter for some time. The oyster appetizer was extremely disappointing-you could barely even tell there were oysters in the half shells. The seafood quesadilla was really just a tortilla and some cheese, not sure where the seafood was in it. Would not recommend.

    (2)

  • Shawn L.

    This was not my first visit to Doc Ford's but definitely the best! We started out with the appetizer Tuna over rice noodles and Asian veggies that had been tossed in Thai Peanut vinaigrette with a soy drizzle...delicious! We arrived a little before the specials for the dinner service were to begin but the Chef said he would accommodate us. My friend ordered the Sweet Chili Glazed Scallop special that was served over black linguini with roasted corn, asparagus tips, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, crab meat and tossed in a Citrus Butter. I thought she was going to lick the plate after she had eaten every morsel of her meal. I went for the Cedar Plank Salmon with Mango Chipotle glaze, ordered med-med rare and opted for wilted spinach with mixed veggies instead of the au gratin potato side dish. The Salmon was perfectly prepared, the veggie side dish included cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms (not the ho hum white button ones) and of course the spinach. I, too, cleaned my plate without an ounce of concern about looking like I hadn't eaten in a week. We washed this wonderful meal down with KJ Chardonnay and decided we will definitely make Doc Ford's one of our "go to" places when in the mood for something different and delicious!

    (5)

  • Bill C.

    Spent a week on Sanibel and tried most of the eat. Doc Ford's was our favorite of all of them. We even ate at the Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford's on the way to the airport. Great food, great drinks, great service, and reasonable prices! One of the few places that cooks the fish and other fried foods in different oil.

    (5)

  • Jon O.

    Went to Doc's last night for dinner and as the rating states...Meh, I've experienced better. Not a bad atmosphere but the food was very average. I had a burger which the said "are made fresh daily" and it was very average. My wife had fish which was pretty good but it came with rice and beans (which I normally love) and they were pretty terrible. The worst part was the server. When we sat down he proceeded to try to sell us some special drink before even saying hello. Everything I asked about was "great here". Give me a break, just be honest with me. Anyway the guy was a tool and kept trying to sell us everything instead of just letting us order what we wanted and enjoy. I'll try someplace new tonight.

    (2)

  • Will V.

    Doc Ford's is one of my favorite places to eat in Sanibel, and without a doubt the best place to get drinks. The mojitos are famous, and the bartenders are generous and friendly. The table service is generally very good. The food is excellent, I almost always order the banana leaf snapper, I love the stuff. The shake & shuck shrimp are very tasty. And of course, I love the key lime pie! No trip to Sanibel is complete without a trip to Doc Ford's!

    (4)

  • Russ T.

    The four of us stopped in based on the bartender at our place. Doc Fords is a nice palce to go as a casual eatery. It offers a fair amount of food that is not deep fried. The service was fine as we had a waitress and then a food runner/bus boy so things went along just fine. This was in addition to a fair number of people being seated after we arrived (likely around 20 in the "other dining room" area) and it was handled by two waitresses. On to the food. For appetizers we had the chicken fingers and the black bean dip. The chicken fingers were not the usual formed chicken and all the same shape and size. That was nice. There were three bottles of hot sauce to use along with the two dipping sauces they gave us. They were tender and tasted fine along with the hot sauces. The black bean dip had melted cheese on it and jalapeno pepper slices. It was extremely bland. The chips were simple out of a bag chips. You did get a lot of bean dip but then how much is for a can of black beans, some cheese and a few jalapeno slices. The hot sauces came to the rescue on this one. For dinner we had -- calamari salad, fish sandwich, cheese steak, pulled pork barbecue. All bot one were pretty good. The only negative was the fish sandwich had no flavor to it. The pork sandwich had a honey barbecue and two of us thought there was a fish aftertaste, although this was not a negative. The calamari salad was really good and the salad dressing was a sweet/hot taste. The cheese steak (he never apologized for ordering this) was fine too. Fries and sweet potator fries were usual fare and drinks were drinks. So for a casual place this was fine. We didn't try any of the "upscale" dinners. For the time we are on the island we simply want to try different places. This was better than others (so far).

    (3)

  • Sara B.

    Good food, good service. Food better priced than other places on Sanibel as well. The cheese bread is the best thing I ever ate.

    (4)

  • Yvonne M.

    We are part time residents for 18 years and this is our local. Casual and laid back (don't come here on a schedule or with pre-set expectations). I love that the menu is constantly updated for new ideas/ seasonal faves but maintains the classics - my 14 year old sons would "die" if the beach bread were ever to come off the menu. Great value, great food and consistently outstanding wait staff.

    (5)

  • Lauren T.

    Average at best. That shrimp app was the best even though I had to peel and eat.

    (3)

  • Rainer F.

    We stopped by for happy hour on our way back from Captiva and just had a couple of drinks and a snack. The ambience is a bit Key West-ish, with a indoor and a patio dining area. Don't forget the mosquito spray outside! We had the Yucatan shrimp, which were large, juicy, and had a nice kick to them. The drink selection looks interesting. We went for the Silverslider and the Sanibel Sunset. A first taste they tasted disappointingly like a margarita and a Mai Tai, but then some of the extra flavors came out and made them nice drinks to relax before dinner.

    (4)

  • Jason P.

    Too salty, bad GM. Ate there last night. Everyone's food was excessively salted to the point that no one could finish their meal. We had a coupon for b.o.g.o. entree from the Kiwanis club. My wife and I each ordered entrees. My mother (who has cancer and does not eat much) ordered an appetizer, and my kids ordered off of the kids menu. We presented our coupon when we were seated. When we received the bill, both entree's remained, and my mothers appetizer was taken off. I asked the waiter for an explanation of why our coupon that clearly stated "Buy one ENTREE get one free" was not being honored. He told me that my mothers intent in ordering the appetizer was that of an entree and therefore as the least valued "entree", it was deducted. I asked for the G.M. The GM gave me the same speech about the intent of a the patron. I challenged her logic by asking why she didn't just take off a kids meal as those were much more entree-like than moms small salty appetizer plate of mussels. My mom never expressed to anyone including me what her intent was when she ordered the appetizer off of the appetizer menu. Her purpose was self explanatory. She wanted an appetizer, not an entree. Then instead of righting a wrong, the GM said that she could put the mussels on a different check and that way there would be no course intent conflicts. SERIOUSLY??? Just don't participate in coupon programs if you are going to rip off your patrons, disrespect the Kiwanis and your customers.

    (1)

  • Sandy H.

    Went to Doc Fords with my vegetarian husband and in laws. I had the shrimp and grits. The shrimp was tasty and well cooked. The grits are very cheesy and was a touch too salty for me. The vegetables over the grits were a life saver as they were not too salty. My father in law had the pulled pork, which was also well cooked, but salty. My mother in law had a salad and was happy with it. My husband had the beach bread and tropical salad. The service was very good.

    (3)

  • Samuel G.

    Good place - sports bar atmosphere with several large TVs. Food is okay but not anything special. Drinks were good and they have a large selection. Would recommend for a reasonably priced casual meal.

    (4)

  • Patricia C.

    Husband & I headed to Sanibel to spend the New Year's weekend. Had hoped to make it to Sanibel Cafe for some unique little lunch, but they closed at 2:30 (we arrived at 3:15), so rather than going to Cheeburger Cheeburger or Blue Giraffe (ho hum) I remembered Doc Ford's from our last trip here. Good call! Fun bar, laid back atmosphere, pleanty of TVs w/ college football on, nice attentive waitstaff. We had a dozen Texas oysters to start (yum! fresh & tasty!) followed by a blackened Mahi Mahi sandwich (hubby) & fish tacos for me. The sandwiches were good, nothing to die for, but good and better than anything "touristy" or fried. A good quality place with nice people & good food. Would def. go back

    (4)

  • Aly S.

    Shout out to Katy for being an awesome server Saturday night!! We arrived around 8 pm and were quoted about a 15 minute wait for our table. We went to the bar to have a drink while we waited and tried some run drinks and local beer. We tried 4 different rum drinks by the end of the night and loved them all. I would highly recommend going this route for your dinner here at Doc Fords, But if beer is more your thing, the Doc's Ale is brewed specifically for the restaurant and is delicious. For dinner, my boyfriend and I split a half pound of the Yucatan shrimp and the mussels appetizer and it was PERFECTION! I was in heaven. The mussels were plentiful and more filling than you might think. The sauce was a thicker tomato sauce than you would usually get with mussels and it comes with delicious bread to soak up the extra sauce with, as does the shrimp, so it was perfect for 2. The hardest part was deciding which sauce to soak up, the mussels' sauce or the Yucatan sauce. The Yucatan Shrimp is legendary and really is something you need to get if you come here. The sauce is just right with the spicy sambal combined with tangy lime and finished with butter. The shrimp are peel and eat so once you peel you BETTER go back in for as much sauce as you can soak up on your shrimp, and you BETTER double dip those babies. Since they have released their recipe to the NY Times, we have tried to make it at home, but it wasn't quite right. Luckily, Katy was there to give us great tips on how to make it perfectly at home, specifically to use key limes and seek out the sambal sauce instead of using sriracha as a substitute. I have a feeling I will be back to Doc Fords ASAP!

    (5)

  • Jamie K.

    After spending hours in the sun it was time to hit the shade and grab a bite to eat. Without a plan we passed Doc Ford's and I remembered it was a restaurant I bookmarked on Yelp. It was busy when we got there with what seemed like a lot of locals, but we didn't have to wait. A server came over to take our drinks and our order, but we were waited on by two other people for the majority of our lunch. I guess as long as we were being served it didn't matter right? For lunch, my husband tried his hand at a grouper sandwich again and I ordered the tropical salad. It was field greens, mozzarella, mandarin oranges, spiced pecans, tomatoes, sun dried cherries and their secret balsamic vinaigrette. You can also add chicken or seafood like shrimp or grouper. After having the grouper sandwich somewhere else, my husband was sure this one was more like the fish than the other sandwich he had. It was a bigger piece of fish that he got blackened. He said he liked the flavor combined with the tartar sauce. My salad was huge and really good. Each bite was different and the balsamic while a little strong was the perfect pairing. When it was time for our check another woman that we hadn't seen the entire time dropped it by our table. Super confused at who actually "served" us we left our tip and hit the beach again. We noticed a couple more Doc Ford's during our trip so my guess is it's a chain. It was good enough that we'd go back as my husband picked it as one of his favorite meals.

    (4)

  • Whitnie E.

    I really enjoyed our visit here. We made a reservation for a table of 17, and overall, the service team handled our large group beautifully. The overall atmosphere is sports bar-ish, but with a bit nicer food than you'd typically expect. I tried to the Sanibel Stoop Punch, and it was delicious and refreshing in the Florida heat. I chose the Shrimp and grits for my meal, and my husband got the Seafood Paella. We were both very pleased with our meal choices. My shrimp and grits was lip smacking good, with smoky shrimp, cheesy and spicy grits and nice julienned veggies finishing the dish. I also got to sample a fresh oyster on the rocks, and it was delicious. Overall, I think everyone at our table was pleased with their choice, and I would love to come back here again to try some other dishes.

    (4)

  • Fabian D.

    We had both a salad with extra chicken. The taste of the salad was OK. But the chicken was grilled too long so a bit dry. The waitress was very very friendly. The restaurant looks good and is clean.

    (4)

  • Russ B.

    This is our second visit in a four day stay. Always a little busy (a good sign) but never too busy to seat us right away (but I'm sure there are times when you would have too wait). My wife had the Chicken Taco Salad but times, it was that good! I had the Yucatan Shrimp tacos (very good) and Shrimp and Grits (I'll update after they're gone). Bottom line - we really like this place and will be back.

    (5)

  • Janene H.

    So this is the place to go on Sanibel, according to Yelp. Honestly, we were not overly impressed with any our meals while on the island. I understand that meals will cost more on Sanibel but they better taste good- especially the seafood! Doc's was about a 30 minute wait for dinner. While waiting we had some drinks and were eaten alive by the no see ums that are everywhere this time of year. Maybe this was why the large outdoor deck was not open for dining? Finally we were seated in the main dining room near a large fish tank. The restaurant is crowded, both with people and stuff, and is loud. The floor feels sticky. Our server did a fine job but I was kind of disappointed in the menu. First, the Yucatan shrimp was spicy and could not be altered. Second, the Doc Ford's original fish sandwich was one of those random cheap fish varieties that also could not be subbed out for a local variety like grouper. I ended up getting Panko Crusted Grouper ($26.95) which was a bit bland. It was definitely not worth the money, even at island prices. Maybe I just got the wrong dish but no one else at the table was wowed either. If we come back to Sanibel I think we'll skip Doc's.

    (3)

  • James P.

    We skipped food here, although that panko fish sandwich sounded decent. For this visit, it was all about the drinks. Pretty good craft beer selection, which was nice to see. And if you're in a very small group (think 1-3 people), you can skip the extremely long wait time and go right up to the bar. Plunk down at some stools, order your food right there, and send me money and good karma (but mostly money) for giving you such an excellent protip. (This tip usually works at most "bar and grille" style places, although not all of them on Sanibel-Captiva let you do this - which is why it is extremely useful at Doc Ford's in particular.) Knowledgeable bartenders helped too, so chatting with them about beer was a good time.

    (4)

  • John M.

    I was a little disappointed. After reading the reviews I was hopeful the food would be much better. To me it was just mediocre.

    (3)

  • Erica M.

    Was in town on vacation and tried this spot because I heard good things. It was very clean ,decorated well and the staff was really friendly. I didn't have an alcohol drink but everyone else did and from what they said, it was the best drink they had the entire trip! Turns out , they ARE a really good rum bar. I read the reviews so I had the Yucatan Shrimp and the ceviche salad. Nothing disappointed us. Everything was really really good and we had no complaints at all. (especially the few of us that left drunk)

    (4)

  • Mike D.

    Wow. All five of us fell in love with the food here. I had the tropical salad and for $5 extra had local fish on the side. A very generous fish and salad emerged so good the carmalized nuts were fan. Wife had fish sand which was great we all tried it. Son had shrimp Al penne solid meal he loves it and 16 its rare something fills him. Older daughter had quinoa salad with shrimp and mangos and avacado also great I finished it. Younger daughter had the shrimp tacos they were spicy but really good. Also had local beer on tap gotta give them extra high marks for that. A local on the island told us to come here. He steered us right.

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    First of all, let me congratulate you on having this restaurant as an option. This means you have successfully made it to one of the most beautiful places in the world, in my humble opinion. Doc Ford's is a restaurant my family and I simply drove by for 20+ years of vacations on Sanibel Island. We are sure glad that we ventured in. The ambiance of this place is sports bar meets island cantina. We never have trouble getting seated with large groups and there is indoor and outdoor seating available depending on the time of year. I have to disclose that although I'm giving this place a rave review my menu options are limited due to my strong distaste for cilantro. However, the beginning and end of every meal at Doc Ford's is the best part. First of all, I recommend you don't even look at the drink menu and just get a mojito, they are the bomb.com . We always get raw oysters and they never disappoint. The entrees that have proven time and time again to be big winner with my family are the shrimp and grits (jalapeño cheese grits- YUMMM) and the yucatan shrimp. My sisters calls the yucatan shrimp vacation on the plate. I stick with the panko breaded shrimp and am happy every time. Now for dessert. This place has great carrot cake and I consider myself to be somewhat of a carrot cake connoisseur. The service here is always great and it gives you the vibe you are looking for when on a beach vacation. They recently opened a second location on Captive which tends to be less crowded. They serve the same great feel, but for me it doesn't have the same nostalgic beach feel I am looking for.

    (4)

  • Karen R.

    To tell you the truth, my husband and I stopped here because I liked the name. To be honest, I did look up yelp reviews while we were parking and was encouraged. I wasn't all that hungry so asked our server Rachael what she recommended. She said the Yucatan Shrimp. OMG this shrimp is peel and eat and served in an amazing buttery, spicy lime sauce that should be bottled and sold. I could see myself using it for all kinds of things. This was an amazing appetizer and most of the reason for my five star review. If you go here, you have to get this dish--paradise on a plate. My husband got the fish sandwich that was also excellent. And lastly, but certainly not the least, Rachael was great. She was engaged, interested and efficient. If and when I return to Sanibel, I will go to Doc Ford's for the Yucatan Shrimp and not the name, but sure am glad I went because of the name this time.

    (5)

  • Micki R.

    Great Yucatan Shrimp Tacos! We stopped here on our way to the beach. Rum drinks were tasty.... You can taste the rum! We had the bean dip... Which was good... Plenty of chips. We shared the shrimp tacos... Plenty for two. Good atmosphere and great service. Definitely recommend!

    (4)

  • Kayleen R.

    The food was excellent and our server Allyson was FANTASTIC! All of her recommendations were spot on from the run flight to entree.

    (5)

  • Luis T.

    Local brewed ale was very good, yucatan shrimp are superb... And yes, excellent key lime pie!! Great service. You will not be disappointed... Be aware that it gets very busy!

    (5)

  • Alex M.

    Great good, great service, great hot sauces. Had the grouper sandwich it was fantastic. My wife had the tropical salad it was good, very good, interesting.

    (5)

  • Bob J.

    Four different dishes into four reviews: 1) Steamed oysters: pretty bad, honestly. Some of them were ripped or torn, giving it an awful presentation. 2) Lobster roll: looked delicious and had a ton of meat - more than you'd get in Cape Cod for the same amount. 3) Lime panko crusted fish sandwich (ordered twice): mine was outstanding - I loved everything about it. The other asked for everything on the side and that was not how it happened. The menu does not specify which white fish was used. 4) Tropical salad: the flavor and portion was good, but the fried onion rings were depressingly cold and limp. There's no reason to put that on a salad. I'm glad they had craft beer on tap; too bad Fort Myers Brewery produces crappy beer.

    (3)

  • Peter L.

    After telling Ashley, the server that my Mai Tai was nothing but water, she informed me that no one else complained. She recommended the Rum Runner and though skeptical, I gave it a try. Delicious! Plenty of rum, great flavor. Night and day difference. My only complaint is they charged me for a really bad Mai Tai. I'll go back to Sanibel a lot but this place is off my list. Food and drinks were better other places and the server was no fun, very little personality. It could be a fun place, should be and there were plenty of locals there. It's a rum bar. The rum drinks should be amazing and if it's not, they should make it so.

    (3)

  • BrklynMaitai Y.

    Awesome everything. We had cedar salmon...the spinach and mushrooms side was so good too. The Yucatan shrimp was garlicky delicious! Kids enjoyed kids menu chicken fingers. Kid friendly with crayons and puzzle. Wait staff very very nice.

    (5)

  • Cynthia G.

    We returned here again after a year. Service was great, food was great as well. We opted for salads; mine was the Tropical Salad. Not too much on the menu for vegetarians but this is true of every restaurant out here. My little complaint was that the nuts in the salad were candied. Not healthy! My husband enjoyed his chicken taco salad which was not too spicy. It was not a busy evening, and I think it was a very auspicious week to visit. It was our third visit here. We will return again next year!

    (4)

  • Greta D.

    First and foremost, AMAZING service! We were 3 of an anticipated party of 7. After half an hour we decided to take a table for just the three of us. Of course 5 minutes later, our other friends arrived and the staff immediately had all of us sitting together, without us even moving!! Okay, the food. Husband had the cedar plank salmon and ate EVERY bite! I had the penne with shrimp and it was delicious, except that I would have preferred whole shrimp instead of it being cut up. Our friends enjoyed their dishes as well, the cerviche cocktail and captiva crabcakes. We are going back on Saturday to try more!

    (4)

  • Manuel B.

    Found this place on yelp. Went by the reviews, nice place, good service,very attentive. Everything tasted great, after we got our meal and others were being brought out I noticed the portion sizes were inconsistent. Overall good.

    (4)

  • Annie N.

    We tried this place for the first time last year after coming to Captiva/Sanibel for over 30 years. The one thing I can say is I am so sorry we just discovered it! It definitely has the beachy feel and atmosphere. The wait can get very long so I say go early or sit at the bar and get a drink. The drinks are awesome but they are a tad on the pricey side. The dress is very casual and laid back. It really just feels like you are "hanging" out. There is two different rooms, but the one room to the left seemed to be hotter and it was not attached from the main building. We asked to sit in the main building because they were carrying food from the main building to the second building. The kitchen is in the main building. I just didn't want my food traveling that far and outside and by 50 people. If you feel like getting an appetizer, I would definitely say the Yucatan shrimp are a must! I believe it comes in three different sizes, the biggest size almost enough for a meal. They are very rich and buttery with some spice. Just delicious. There is usually a nightly special which can range from scallops to fish. If you "like" Doc Fords on Facebook, they usually post a picture of the nightly special. I'm still waiting for a coupon to pop up! We came here twice last year. I had the steak one night, which was so large I could not finish my meal. I also had the grouper which was delicious. We also tried the calamari one night as an appetizer and it was good. It didn't really stand out in fried calamari world but it was good. The menu offers a wide selection with a lot of the items having a Caribbean or island flare. The server the first night was nice and the second night she was so so. They are very busy and it really comes out in the service. We had to ask a couple of times for refills and they didn't really come around to check on us either night. I understand that it is busy restaurant but the service could be friendlier. They have a little "gift shop" near the front entrance and when I went up to buy something, the hostess was just too busy to help me. I had to wait and get their attention as they just talked to each other. I would say 1 star for the hostess. All in all the food and drinks are very good and we will be going back this year during our vacation.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Such a great experience! I have come here several times and always received great service and good food. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Alli H.

    From what I understand, Doc Ford is a character in a book. I haven't read the series, so maybe I couldn't fully appreciate the experience. The food was delicious, but the portion sizes were considerably small for the price.

    (4)

  • Sam M.

    Amazing food, best beer Ive had, and a key lime pie that beats every other key lime pie in Florida. This place is truly one to visit. The food, specifically the fish and the chicken are incredibly fresh and flavorful. The mahi mahi was cooked very well and the chimichurri for the chicken was nothing short of perfection. One of their beers here is possibly the best light beer in Florida. It is a Doc Browns light ale. Really really good. Lastly, the Key Lime Pie is really good and has the perfect amount of tartness and sweetness. This meal has truly been a great experience and is the best meal I have had in a long time. Highly highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Sarah M.

    Wonderful service all around! Our servers name was Sarah. She was delightful & prompt with our drinks & food-- I felt she had a great attitude (so friendly & chipper). I ordered the Peel & Eat shrimp & a rum runner...So delicious! As we were leaving we were thanked for our service by whom I believe was a manager. Nice outdoor seating with fans & plenty of shading(umbrellas, trees, bushes). I will be returning!

    (5)

  • Maria M.

    Excellent food & service. The bean dip was delicious and the crab cakes too. Drinks and food were fresh with unique island flavor. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Marissa T.

    Arrived at 7pm and were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately. The special of the night was snapper with crab stuffing on a bed of brown rice pilaf and julienned vegetables and asparagus. It was perfect! And they doable $1 from every drink to the children's hospital. Reasonably priced and a fantastic atmosphere!

    (5)

  • Tram L.

    I just come to Sanibel as my first time and found this place on yelp. Their seafood especially the oysters and muscles are so delicious. I love it and definitely wanna come back.

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    Came here for dinner with family. Sports bar style theming. Food was ok. Ordered the shrimp and grits which had a Mexican Asian twist.

    (4)

  • Timothy W.

    The service was good, drinks were good but the food was average. Had The Cuban and friend had the burger and another had the lobster roll.

    (3)

  • Mark D.

    Quality down home cooking. Being from the North I really enjoyed this. Knocked back my dinner with a number of beers. Cool place to hang out too. Lots of history. Great place to eat on Sanibel!

    (4)

  • Victor R.

    Well coming across this restaurant (which out of the boat load of flyers that were given to me) was a real delight. It was so great that even though I was only on the island for three days I ate there twice. The atmosphere is a sports bar/ sit down restaurant. Very interesting decor (very fishing oriented) with window view from almost every seat. First time Our server Amanda was always on top of our table. We were seated instantly and had water within 2-3 minutes. After combing the menu I came to a decision on the mahi mahi and the dry rub rib eye. The mahi mahi Was presented beautifully seared in a sweet soy sauce over a bed of jasmine rice and sandwiched in between was a mixed vegetable stir fry. The fish was cooked to perfection. It was light and fluffy and was definitely not frozen which is a major plus. The jasmine rice with some of the veges and a bit of fish was an explosion of flavor. I have paid well in excess of 100 for a plate similar to this on south beach and it was in no way nearly as good as this fish was. The rib eye Was plated beautifully in a red wine reduction and served with smash potatoes, asparagus with mushrooms, and half a grilled tomato topped with bleu cheese. The meat (which I got medium rare) was cooked perfectly and moist and full of flavor. The asparagus was nice and tender but not overdone and the grilled tomato still kept its body. The smashed potatoes were not overly creamy and still had body. Overall the steak was much better quality than that of Morton's and Christie's in Miami which I pay three times as much for and does not come with any sides whatsoever. Dessert I opted for the double chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream. It was served nice and warm and the went well with the ice cream as a closing desert. Second time We were seated without a wait and our server Wayne had us served our drinks promptly. Appetizer I had the Captiva crab cakes which were omg (oh my god) good. They were moist and a bursting with flavor. Plates in between the crab cakes was a sample of cole slaw which I have to say was nearly the best slaw I've ever had. I would order this again in a heart beat. The entree There was a bit of trouble when our order got backed up due to a malfunction with the ticket printer in the kitchen. To remedy this we were given free dessert which is fine by me. After waiting for a little while our food was brought out. Being the type of woman she is my mom had the dry rub rib eye again. I decided to go with something a little different. Panamaniac's pulled pork sandwich This sandwich was brimming with flavor. The pork was tasty and moist but had clearly distinguished flavors. You could clearly taste the onions and spices that the pork was done in. There was also more of that heavenly slaw on top. My only recommended change was the bun. It was whole wheat and a little firm but not enough to really bother the taste of the sand which. I got the rice and beans and they were ok. I should have opted for more of the slaw or fries. Other than that it was a pretty good sandwich. Dessert I decided to finally experience the key lime pie and wow. It's definitely worth it. You get the tart of the key lime filling with the crunch and sweetness of the crust and balancing it all is the whipped creme. ( for those non Floridians, the whip creme is to be spread on top of the pie to balance it out. That's what I was taught growing up at least.) It was the prefect end to the meal Over all this restaurant gets a five because even though it has that sports bar feel, you get five start food for a three star price. As a side note looks like a great place to watch a game!!!

    (5)

  • Michelle L.

    Loved this place. Our food was excellent. I had the signature paella and a delicious key lime pie. Fun tshirts and mugs. No live music but nice atmosphere

    (5)

  • Annie W.

    By far the BEST food on the island! Oysters are fresh and tasty, Yuctan shrimp was good. The crab cakes have tons of crab in them and fall apart like they should, not filled with breading like most places. The jicama salad that comes with the crab cakes was SOOOO good! we even asked for the recipie. And the award winning dish that was our favorite was the special of the night which was a pakko crusted snapper topped with crab meat over a bed of creamy risotto with asparagus and red peppers with a lemon butter sauce. uh.... YUM! This dish could easily be served in a 5 Star upscale restaurant. It was phenomenal. We also ordered some key lime pie to go, and it was one of the best we've ever had, and we've tried LOTS of key lime pies all over south Florida and Key West. We will definitely be returning on our next trip. A lot of places on the island are "hip" and "quaint" meaning you more or less are paying for the atmosphere with sub par food. This place is great food at decent prices (granted everything is a little overpriced on the island). The place was super busy even at 5pm, but this didn't hinder our service at all. 5 Stars in my book, and I'm picky! ;)

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    We had the docs bread. Amazing!! The shrimp and grits. Amazing!! The rum drinks. Amazing!! The Sanibel cheese steak was great. Wings were good. Be careful our server was fantastic. Loved it here. 1st time but won't be the last.

    (4)

  • Samantha F.

    Yummy once again! Great service! Delicious food, everybody loved their food in our party of 8. We got the Grouper sandwich & it was yummy! Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Eva B.

    It was fine. Not the best but not the worst. Like everything on Sanibel it was tourist priced. The sandwiches were decent and the portions were large. The kids enjoyed coloring in their packets that were included with new crayons and each of their entrees came with an ice cream sandwich. The music was a little loud for my taste but it was def more of a bar type setting, although family friendly.

    (3)

  • Tara A.

    We're impressed! We came straight from the beach and we're way underdressed... but hey, it's vacation! Yacatan shrimp tacos were amazing and I'm pretty picky about shrimp. Hubby got the Cuban sandwich and it was pretty good, better after some extra mustard. Twenty minute wait in the super muggy front area (get a fan!) & pretty good service.

    (4)

  • Debbi N.

    The place is a cool hip sports bar with an interesting menu. We enjoyed it. A little loud and hectic. Food was good. Had a tuna appetizer.

    (4)

  • Faith S.

    I absolutely adore Doc Fords. It has the quintessential Southwest Florida, laid back island vibe, DELICIOUS seafood and a fun atmosphere. We had the fish tacos, Yucatan shrimp, and, of course, a slice of key lime pie. Everything was excellent and fresh. It's a very comfortable and casual environment and has a lively bar scene, too. Central island location and a true piece of Sanibel legend. Not to be missed.

    (5)

  • Gerri H.

    Doc Ford's offers great drinks and great food. We visit every year. Party of 5 seated within 10 minutes. Rum punch and other tropical drinks were served and enjoyed. Calamari and Beach bread were enjoyed and eaten quickly. Huge ala carte salad - enough to share. Dinners: Lobster roll - kind of small but lots of lobster meat. Yucatan Shrimp - Oh. So. Good!! Paella- chocked full of seafood and sausage with a nice kick! Panko crusted grouper was tasty and enjoyed. Service was attentive and fast!

    (4)

  • Cathy S.

    Took a group of 30 there as part of a Sanibel field trip. The kitchen didn't miss a beat- we all ate at the same time (allowing for servers to return to the kitchen to get the next tray of food) and I believe every order was correct. I had the pulled pork sandwich, but didn't eat the bun for fear I wouldn't finish. The sauce was tangy without too much tang. One of my dining companions expressed delight that the fish, while breaded with Pablo, was mostly baked and barely fried. The manager was waiting for us and, at the end, handled some slight confusion (our fault, not theirs) with the bill beautifully. They were slammed with other customers but if we hadn't have seen the people the servers wouldn't have given it away. I could not be more impressed. Our table shared a flight of rum and the server was great with suggestions for our choices. The rum prices were reasonable. I like the option of fresh fruit as a side. Well done!

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    The shrimp tacos were the best I've ever had. Still craving them!!! Also had one of their specialty mojitos and it was very good!

    (5)

  • Melissa S.

    Good food, ok service, very busy, they sell. Books by local authors and have book signings. Nice fish tank. Devote is mounted fish. Calamari appetizer is tasty.

    (5)

  • Marin C.

    When I ate here a few weeks ago, I chose to eat the chicken jerk tostadas. They were very tasty. My mom had the grouper sandwich. We shared a key lime pie, we each had a non-alcoholic beverage, but there were plenty of options for those who wish to imbibe. It wasn't the cheapest lunch, but it was of very good quality. Our server was a nice guy as well. I liked the aquarium as well, it had a lionfish and they are pretty (if poisonous). Plus, there were these pretty wooden kayaks or canoes hanging from the ceiling and a nice atmosphere overall.

    (4)

  • Oliver S.

    By far our favorite restaurant on Sanibel Island! We loved it so much we went back 3 times during our 8 day vacation. The food was amazing and the service very responsive. I would highly recommend you make a point of going to either the Sanibel or Captiva restaurant locations. The Yucatan Shrimp are to DIE for!

    (5)

  • Andrew B.

    Wonderful!! Service was friendly and food was filling. We have 3 kiddos, 6 and under. Ambiance was loud enough to be family friendly without just plain loud. Best Grouper sandwich I've had on island...and we've been coming for several years. Highly recent the black beans and rice as a side. We also had the chocolate creme brulee which was wonderful. 2 adult meals, shared dessert, 2 Kids meals (chicken was enough to split) all under $50. Kids meals came with ice cream sandwichs. Will come back!!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    "Best veggie burger in town" touts their menu. When I inquired about it, I was told it was not house made, but a garden burger made from frozen. Not impressive, and since I had come just to have that, I got it anyway. It was good - garden burgers are a better veggie burger than some others. The bun was good. But house made would have been better. My husband got the calamari and fried shrimp. He really enjoyed it. He loved the special sauces that were on the table. Both of us got fries (sweet potato for me, regular for him). Neither had any flavor or salt. They got better after we salted them. The drinks were good. Lots of options. I had the pineapple mojito. Service was just ok.

    (3)

  • Dunya A.

    This place has incredibly delicious food. The Yucatan shrimp was to die for wish we got more than just the 1/4 lb. We could have locked the bowl. We also got the Mahi Mahi and the Snapper and both were amazing. I'm definitely coming back!!!

    (5)

  • Casey R.

    Started with the Tuna app and crab cakes. Tuna app was unique and well balanced. The Crab cakes were excellent, accompanied by a green apple and jicama slaw that was absolute genius!! We also had the Yucatan Shrimp as an app...another gray dish. Once the main course arrived we continued to be amazed with outstanding flavor profiles. I had the Banana leaf snapper... The combination of perfectly seasoned masa with the snapper to create a totally unique "tamale" was unlike anything I had ever tasted. My wife had the Mussels, which were perfectly seasoned, and not "fishy", highly recommend this place, food was excellent with service to match.. Ask for Tommy, top notch service!!!!!

    (5)

  • Don J.

    Stopped in for lunch and tried out the Yucatan Shrimp and Doc's fish fingers. Both were excellent and filling. The service was fast and efficient. Was hoping for wi-fi but found none. We got here just before the lunch rush - thankfully.

    (4)

  • Laura W.

    Once again the estimated wait time is longer than actual. We shared peel and eat shrimp and the dinner version of Stone Crab. The mustard sauce for the Stone Crab was particularly delish. Cocktail sauce for the gi-normous shrimp was excellent, but the oily bowl of garlic was yucky. Side dishes were potatoes (some undercooked) and steamed veggies. The seafood was the star.

    (4)

  • Bill W.

    One on Sanibel, the other on Captiva, this is a good place for a group. It's a bit of a tourist attraction... Decor like Bass pro shops. They do make a fine conch chowder per a local Florida recipe, even though technically conch doesn't come from Florida any more (sadly). Another thing that doesn't come from Florida is Basa Catfish, which they once tried to sell me as Grouper... I knew immediately that it wasn't grouper, and the waiter tried to convince me that Basa is a type of grouper; it's a large Asian catfish. That bad experience aside, they do one thing really well... The peel & eat shrimp in "Amazon Spices". They used to be spicier, but they're still good.. Probably the best thing on the menu in my book. Speaking of books, if you're a fan of the Doc Ford books, you'll get a kick out of eating here. It looks like they've expanded to the mainland also.

    (3)

  • Lindsay C.

    My husband and I came for dinner based on the positive yelp reviews. I was looking for the best crab cakes on Sanibel and was led here. Actually, misled here is more like it. These were the worst crab cakes....they were pure stuffing and hardly any crab. The jicama slaw that accompanied the crab cakes was saturated in dressing and soggy. My husband did enjoy the yucatan peel and eat shrimp though, thus the two stars and not one. When we got the bill, we were charged for the bread and butter that was brought to us when we sat down. We assumed it was complimentary bread as most restaurants provide this and we never ordered it with the waitress. We explained that to our server and she did have the manager remove it, but rolled her eyes at us when she apologized. Expensive as well....definitely not worth the price when there are much better options on the island.

    (2)

  • Bill H.

    We've eaten here before and we new it would be a cool place to have our friends from out-of-town eat after walking the beach. Great atmosphere, decent service and good food. A better than average tourist attraction!

    (3)

  • Mary M.

    Left to die. The bar service was great. Sat down and had a very indifferent waitress. Ordered food -- after 25 minutes, inquired about dinner. Was told everything is fresh and takes 20 minutes. Fifteen minutes later - still no food. Do not eat here. It is loud and slow.

    (2)

  • Bob L.

    Love this place. Casual atmosphere. Great waitress and fast service. Shared everything with my companion. Great shrimp pasta dish creamy with avocado works. Sweet shrimp appetizer good. Ribs were ok. Not many good place out here on the island.

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    Key lime pie is delicious! I had the shuck and shake shrimp. Others had Cuban, shrimp and grits, steak, and fried shrimp. Everyone loved it and loved their food! Kids meals come with ice cream sandwich.

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    Been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Great food, courteous staff! So grateful that the hostess put the World Cup game on the TV for us to watch. We wouldn't come to Sanibel without eating here!

    (5)

  • Stefan M.

    Doc Fords is a definite stop if you are visiting the island. This is the first place I ever had a mojito almost 10 years ago...and they still make killer mojitos plus this is a great spot if your into exploring and trying different rums (I suggest the Zaya!) The food it really solid. Great place for sports watching on the island. The peel and eat shrimp are a fav in our family. Doc Fords also makes 3 of their own hot sauces that they also sell. They are all super tasty! We had the quinoa and shrimp salad on this last trip. There is no other way to put it other than it is frickin huge!

    (4)

  • C K.

    Fresh. Had crab cakes with jicama slaw, Yucatan shrimp and blackened grouper sandwich. All recommended by Jim. All fresh, flavorful and delicious. We were luck to wander in here. A definate must visit!!

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    I've visited Doc Ford's numerous times on my many trips to Sanibel, and the food never disappoints! They have a nice selection of cocktails, and just about everything on the menu is tasty. On this visit, we ordered calamari, clam chowder, and the 1/2 Roasted Chicken with Chimichurri sauce! Everything was awesome, but that chicken blew me away. It was full of flavor and large enough for two...a little pricey at $19, but worth every penny! On prior visits, I've ordered the shrimp and grits, the jerked pork chops, and the baby-back ribs. You can't go wrong with any of those choices. If you're looking for a solid meal and a nice place to relax, Doc Ford's is the place! Be sure to peruse their little "store". They sell some interesting books, shirts, hats, mugs and various sauces. The Doc Ford's verde sauce is devine!

    (4)

  • Jennifer S.

    The Yucatan Shrimp was tremendous and the fried grouper sandwich was outstanding. The prices were a bit much but you pay for the ambience. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the conch chowder. A little too tangy for my taste. If you are a Randy Wayne White fan you will love it.

    (4)

  • Caroline L.

    Wow! Best place we have eaten at on Sanibel island so far, we will be returning before we leave! Prices were great for how exceptional the food was! My mom, sister and I split the clam chowder (thick, but not overly rich!), the seared tuna app (light and lovely!), and cedar plank salmon (perfection)! Everything was delicious and the three dishes were plenty for the three of us! Oh, and the passiontini was yummy too!! Tyler was our sever, very helpful and our food came out very quickly.

    (5)

  • Donna S.

    We have read the entire Doc Ford series of books by Randy Wayne White, but had no idea there was a Doc Ford's Rum Bar. We made a side trip to look around Sanibel Island and almost drove off the road we were so excited when we spotted the restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed. There are T-shirts and signed copies of the latest Randy Wayne White book, Cuban Straits, for sale. We had the Doc Ford fish sandwich which was marinated in lime and coated in a panko crust. Delicious. The menu is very select with both seafood and non-seafood items. The drink selection was tropical. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Lots of parking. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…

    (4)

  • Sean R.

    Came here for vacation dinner. Great food. The Yucatan shrimp and the steamed oysters were amazing! I had the lobster roll which was ok and my girlfriend had the shrimp penne which was overly salty for her taste but still pretty good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone eating dinner on the island.

    (4)

  • Christy C.

    Terrible service. Wasn't busy at all. We were seated right away then Waited on a server for 10 minutes. Decided to leave.

    (1)

  • Linda P.

    Doc Fords is THE place to eat!! Always great food and excellent service! They also have good bands playing!

    (5)

  • Debbie N.

    Delicious ... stopped here for lunch and sat on the delightful patio. We ordered the Yucatan shrimp tacos and a Cuban sandwich. The tacos were awesome ... full of succulent shrimp! Have never had a better Cuban sandwich, so we were happy with that, also. Good service ... good beer ... nice atmosphere. What more could you ask for during a long weekend vacation lunch?!

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    Though the waitress was less than enthused, the food was pretty good and they had a lot of fun drink choices--for kids and adults!

    (4)

  • MN M.

    Super yummy! Perfect date night on the dock with the heaters going. Got the pomegranate mojito....perfection! Hubs steak was melt in your mouth fantastic and the quinoa salad I had was really good as well! We'll be back next time we visit!

    (4)

  • Dana F.

    Very friendly people and nice atmosphere. Had a lobster roll and black beans and rice. The lobster roll was good sized but average taste. Same with the black beans. Good alcohol selection and would come back bbc.co again.

    (4)

  • Trish F.

    Yummmmmmm! I went with my mom, my sister, my 2 boys ages 9 and 13, and my nephews ages 11 and 14. Everyone enjoyed their meals!!! Hard to do with this clan. Food was abundant too! I ordered the planko crusted grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries. This is t an island favorite for nothing. I ate every bite!!!! Personally, their raspberry tea was too sweet for me but I'm normally an unsweet tea drinker so take that with a grain of salt (or sugar) ha.

    (5)

  • Movie L.

    Love the food. Will definitely come back!had the lobster roll and it was fabulous.

    (4)

  • ST Y.

    We stopped by for lunch in our drive back from Captiva. We wanted something good and the food was good, nothing exciting or different - we got a fish sandwich and cheesesteak sandwich, total of $20+tip and tax. Service was OK too. Nothing exceptional and nothing bad, 3-star quality for sure.

    (3)

  • Uncle Buck S.

    What a treat. This was the best restaurant experience I have had on Sanibel Island in my many years of visiting. In fact, its a shame it took me so long to get her. From the very attentive service, comfortable setting and excellent food, I could not have been more pleases. Of course, the Yucatan Shrimp was outstanding, but so were the huge oysters! I do recommend keeping it simple; enjoy the appetizers and get the grouper sandwich, all with a beer or course. Everything is appropriately priced.

    (5)

  • R F.

    Im at the restaurant right now in a party of 12. We all give this place 5 stars. The Yucutan Shrimp is AHHHHMAZING! We ordered it as an appetizer and when we finished, we kept the sauce and dipped everything in it. It was soooo good. The seafood was fresh and delicious. We had an array of food. The Doc Fords cheesy bread was a hit for adults and kids (and that was definitely dipped in the Yucutan Shrimp sauce). We ate seared tuna, crab cakes, grouper sandwich, wedge salad, clam chowder, their special that night which was a coconut crusted snapper and all was delicious. The fish tacos and lobster roll got pretty good but not rave reviews. Kids loved the fish fingers and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. They also took a reservation and we didnt have to wait even 30 seconds to be seated upon arrival. Definitely recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Jonathan M.

    We ate here twice while staying at the South Seas resort and have to say we had two different experiences. The first time we each had a sandwich, take out, and the food was so so. However, we ate in the second time and the lady ordered salmon while I got the steak and boy those were some tasty meals. We both recommend the place. Overall, it's a tasty option.

    (4)

  • Shawn D.

    Stale chips with bean dip. Waiter was funny but very negative. Let us know right away there was no seafood special because it was rank. Actually, he let us know that the management was rank too. Like I said, funny, but just odd for a server to be so honest. He clearly didn't like his job. Fish fingers were just ok. Not sure what the big deal is here. The Doc Fords in Fort Myers is much better and has great outside seating with music. We will stick with that one. The best part of this visit was our drinks made by a cute brunette girl. She also made some fun mock tails for our kids.

    (2)

  • Daniel F.

    Best mahi mahi ever. No kidding. Outside seating in October with no moskitos tops it.

    (4)

  • Kathy S.

    Wasn't too impressed with this place. Atmosphere was cute very key west beachy theme. Server was friendly but seemed too preoccupied with the larger table next to us. Food was way over priced for the quality. My shrimp tacos were ok but the cole slaw was literally thick slices of cabbage with what seemed like nothing on them. My husbands friedm shrimp was just your typical fried shrimp nothing special there either. My daughter had a kids cheeseburger looked like those frozen patties from the grocery store and the fries could definitely have been in the fryer a little longer they were pretty limp and soggy.

    (1)

  • Helen B.

    Friendly service. Waited 30 mins. Had fried grouper tacos. Very filling and tasty. Was reluctant to go there because of some many kids but food and service were great. Will be back.

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    Excellent food and service. Had the grouper dinner and it was perfect. A very nice size piece of fish. My boyfriend had shrimp tacos. He likes a little heat and said they were awesome. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Stephanie R.

    Tonight was an amazing experience on a busy Saturday night!!! If you go to this restaurant you need to request the server Josh. He is one of the friendliest and most intuitive servers that I have met in a long time. 5 gold stars!!!!

    (5)

  • J D.

    Great atmosphere for starters. It has a real Caribbean feel. I got the crab cakes for a starter and they were good. It was like a cross between a key lime pie, vinegar favored cucumber and a crab cake. I would definitely get it again. I also got the pulled pork sandwich which was tasty as well. A little on the sweet side but good. And lastly I got their crocodile mojito drink. Awesome!

    (4)

  • Susan C.

    Came back this year and forgot I had ordered bad ribs last year...well, they haven't improved. They are overcooked and meat is scarce. The only good thing was the sauce. Clam chowder came cold and had to be sent back.....I came for the Yucatan Shrimp but didn't know they were just an appetizer, not a dinner, my mistake. And, a FYI, in one of the promotional magazines, there is a coupon for a free Doc Ford's Boater's key chain. Get it!

    (2)

  • Nick P.

    Great restaurant on the island. I went at 8:39 PM after seeing almost an hour wait at the island cow. I was not sad anymore after I tasted that food. I first got the pulled pork sandwich which was excellent. Then the next day I went back and got the cheesesteak, both excellent choices. Service was amazing! It truly made even a tourist feel right at home.

    (5)

  • Roni H.

    We were very disappointed with Doc Ford's Sanibel location with regard to the food & service. They were both sub-par. My husband ordered the Campeche fish tacos. The taste and texture was very mushy. The manager came over to speak with us and we were told the fish was Tilapia. Tilapia inhabit shallow waters & from what we've read not the healthiest of fish choices. Why would this restaurant on Sanibel serve Tilapia when you are surrounded by fresh local amazing fish choices and why does the menu not list Tilapia as the fish used in this recipe?

    (2)

  • Nathaniel B.

    Excellent food and service. The clam chowder was quite good albeit more chunky than one would normally expect. The chunk ones was not a bad thing at all, though, as the potatoes were thoroughly cooked. The half chicken chimichurri was exceptional; crispy skin, excellent flavor and seasoning, and a ton of great food. The yucatan shrimp tacos were also a hit with my wife. Worth the trip!

    (5)

  • Dodi A.

    Waiting time was short and hostes did a great job finding a table for the five of us. I was not blown away with the food flavors. The mahi mahi came over a bed of rice with a sauce to sweet for my taste. I hope the sauce was not from the asian islevof Publix, from a bottle. Pulled pork was underpar on a stale whole wheat bun. About the mojito, I can make a better one at home. Could not taste the sweetness of the sugar cane nor the strong mint needed in mojito. Unimpressed to come on the island and get a rushed service. Ladies should be served first, on the right side always, not passing the plates across to whomever the waiter feels. I ordered a peel and eat shrimp and received something else. I give a four star for the excellent service, food and beverage received in prior years.

    (4)

  • Sandy K.

    My husband and I have dined at Doc Fords for years but we're disappointed tonight. He ordered a grouper dish which was overlooked. I got the salmon special which was good. Also I asked for one of the tvs to be changed to ABC for Dancing With the Stars and they changed a tv but immediately put it back to baseball. No one was even watching that tv! Also the service was very slow; took 45 minutes to get our entree.

    (2)

  • Susan M.

    The wait time for food was abnormally long. Two of my groups' orders got messed up and when we corrected our waitress, she claimed that she didnt mess up and that we were at fault. The second time we corrected her she coldly grabbed the plate and walked away without saying anything. I finished my meal in less than 5 minutes, and we were still waiting for two of our orders by the time most of us were finished. Most people were satisfied with the meals and we didnt have to pay for one messed up meal, but the poor service, small portions and cold attitudes ruined the experience. To top the night off, the change was messsed up and we had to wait 10 minutes for the bill to return. 2.5/5 stars

    (3)

  • Chrissy F.

    Tried the mussels app to start, which was phenomenal and cooked to perfection. followed with the yucatan shrimp (which was amazing, had a nice kick) and the fish tacos (which were mediocre.) the side of black beans and rice were disgusting and had way too much cumin. Overall, very nice experience!

    (4)

  • Bob K.

    I have eaten here many times over the years. It has become a place that needs a "kick-in the pants". I used to really enjoy it. Last week I had the "Doc Ford's Original Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich". Wow. Final straw for me. Not sure which was "mushier" the "bun" or the piece of fish. Eek. Gross. Won't get fooled again.

    (1)

  • Robert W.

    To start off I'm vacationing from Virginia Beach, Va. Staying on Sanabel Island. The yelp reviews looked great and that was good enough for me. Unfortunately the hostesses attitude ended this night out before it got started. We arrived at 6:50pm with a party of 5, the wait was 45 minutes, which is fine due to the fact it was prime time. I approached the hostess to inquire about the situation and to tell her our 11 month old could sit in my lap which would reduce our 5 top to 4 top. She couldn't hold the conversation for 10 seconds without being distracted by everything going on around her. When she came to from being lost in the deadlights and realized I was still standing there with my 2 sons she looked over and said " sir how can I help you?" I replied "I'd like an answer to my original question" she rolled her eyes and stated we'd be seated when we are seated. I placed my table pager on the hostess stand, gathered my family and left. Look, I know how it is in the service industry, I'm an 11 year veteran and I've held every position from barback to GM. But if your first point of contact in a restaurant can't handle a dinner rush and is rude to guests, you've made a terrible hire. Honestly I was excited about the Yucatan shrimp I read about, it's funny that I read about bad reviews due to a hostess, history repeating itself.

    (1)

  • Kohler A.

    It was ok. Our first trip after we arrived. Our server was good but tried to upsell us on everything.

    (3)

  • Ed L.

    Simple food well executed. The clam chowder was a balance of creamy, light, briney and sweet. Fish sandwich was well cooked, flavorful, soft and moist. Pulled pork sandwich was big, tasty, but too salty. My wife and I are careful about salt, so this may just be a personal preference. Service was quick and friendly.

    (4)

  • Ceil S.

    Wonderful lunch outside. Yucatan spice shrimp tacos full of shrimp! Spiced perfectly. Fresh and tasty

    (4)

  • Allison E.

    Loved this place so much that we dined here twice during our vacation to Sanibel. It's a fairly large restaurant so there are plenty of tables... Bar stools at the bar, high tables in the bar area, outside dining plus loads of low dining tables. They don't take reservations, unless you are a party of six or more. Sanibel is a beach town and this place is no different... Casual and chill atmosphere. The menu has several choices, sandwiches, salads, entrees, etc.. definitely something for everyone. The oysters were yum and surprisingly inexpensive... $10 per dozen. The mussels are some if the best have had (tomato based broth.. I could have licked the bowl). The fish was all fresh and all entree choices were well received..the fish sandwich, quinoa salad, and Mahi Mahi. The other items passing by our table also looked good, so I don't think you can go wrong. Oh and get the Key Lime Pie, you are in FL after all. Service was friendly and brisk (but not rushed). They offer a fun cocktail menu, but I found the Mojitos way to sweet. Land shark is offered on draft so I stuck with that choice after I drank the sweet cocktail. Next time you find yourself in Sanibel, definitely stop here.

    (4)

  • Kaleen F.

    Food was average. Black beans and rice, with a lobster roll. The atmosphere and the people are friendly.

    (3)

  • Tom P.

    We love Doc Fords but this last visit... Service was slow...Shrimp taco was terrible iceberg lettuce, diced shrimp and diced tomato-drab, crab cakes were good, seared tuna was good, Cuban sandwich was 10 minutes late to the table, cold, dry(East End Deli is far superior), sweet potato fries were overcooked. Waitress hit me with a knife clearing the table- when I commented- she retorted " oh it never even touched you", tell that to the dry cleaner. Not ready to ever go back- sad was one of our go to places on Sanibel.

    (3)

  • Chris M.

    Great food. The banana leaf wrapped snapper is fantastic and there are many good appetizers to choose from. Our favorite location is the one in sanibel. Been there 3 times and look forward to going again when we return to sanibel.

    (5)

  • Fab F.

    I went to this place due to the good reviews on yelp but was greatly disappointed. The inside ambiance could be anywhere-America so if you want a Florida feeling, this is not your place. We tried seating outside but we were worried about mosquitoes (it was the end if the day) and we were reassured by the waitress that they had citronella candles and fans and we would not have a problem. Well... 5 minutes and 50 mosquitoes bites later we asked to be moved inside. The waiter didn't seem happy about it. Once inside, I order a fish on banana leaves and specifically asked if it was spicy. I even went on to tell the waitress that by spicy I've meant "hot" as in "pepper", not as in the number of condiments. She assured me it wasn't spice at all. Well... Not true. It definitely had pepper. I would qualify as medium hot. Low being no pepper and high being Indian food. My daughter ordered a simple bread battered shrimp from the adult menu and it was overlooked and rubbery. I don't know this deal with the books but when I go to a restaurant, I want good food, not the story. (Unless it is the 3 broomsticks in which case I wouldn't care how bad the butter beer is). ;-)

    (2)

  • Jennifer F.

    Hands down the best food on the island. Service is great, everyone is happy and pleasant. My daughter loved the shrimp and grits, husband had the cheese steak (he's from philly and gave it a thumbs up). I had the taco salad and it exceeded my expectations. The manager, Adam came over to check on us and could not have been any nicer. Can't say enough good things about this place!

    (5)

  • Robert Y.

    We had about 5 meals here during an 8-night stay. Drinks and beer selection are good, food ranges from very good to excellent, and service was consistently great (that's so important!!). We loved eating on their outdoor patio in the evenings in February, looking up at the moon and enjoying the warmth of the propane heaters on these chilly nights. The menu is varied enough that we could have eaten there even more but we wanted to experience some other places too!

    (5)

  • Becky F.

    Came here for drinks and lunch. We had the mojito, horchata with rum and a sanibel sunrise. The rum and horchata cocktail was unique and definitely my favorite. The regular mojito was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was accommodating about swapping the watery mojito for a different drink, but she also randomly brought over a cocktail that nobody had ordered towards the end of the meal and then charged us for it. The cheesy bread appetizer was too heavy for my taste (I think it was cheese AND mayo which is kind of sick) but our group enjoyed the bean dip, which came with a generous serving of chips. I had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries and it was tasty and served quickly. Overall, it's kind of kitchsy, chain style restaurant atmosphere and ok food. That horchata drink is addictive though. I was craving it all day today.

    (3)

  • Rick P.

    Not at all impressed and we will not be back. There are far better options on the island. Was there for lunch. 1. Flys buzzing around... never a good sign. 2. Ordered the fish tacos. They were tasteless and the accoutrements looked and tasted old. 3. Ordered an ice tea... Completely watered down looking. It didn't even taste like tea. The waitress insisted the tea always looks that way. Given the amount of tea I've had in my life, I think I know what tea is supposed to taste and look like. Suffice to say, the tea tasted like water with a splash of lemon. Not recommended.

    (1)

  • Dan S.

    Read a lot of reviews of other restaurants and decided to not be disappointed. Came to Doc's after driving by it for a month this past summer. So glad we came! Met at the door by a smiling host and then happily led to our seat. The server was excellent as well. Started off with the Yucatan Shrimp. AMAZING!!! My wife and I then shared the dry rubbed ribeye and the tropical salad. Both were exceptional. Seriously, don't waste your time, money, and emotional let-downs on the other restaurants on Captiva.

    (5)

  • David B.

    Hmmmmm. Pricey??! Quite affordable for a tourist joint. I'm from Florida and know that their blackened grouper and peel-n-eat shrimp are VERY good compared to most places at this price point. soup du jour was chicken vegetable -- homemade and delicious!!! Nice drink menu with cocktails of great quality, not the premixed sugary sludge you often are served. Friendly and prompt service. Nautical Florida decor. Two thumbs up!!!!

    (4)

  • Kegan M.

    Ugh... food was bland and wait time was RIDICULOUS! The waiter rarely came back and I only had 1 refill. I'm forced to come here by my family because they like it but I don't see how. I would rather have any other place I've reviewed.

    (1)

  • Michelle M.

    No trip to Sanibel is complete without a stop to Doc Ford's! Fellow Yelper Steve E. from Tampa recommended Doc Ford's to me on my last visit and what a great recommendation it was! There are a lot of tourist traps on Sanibel island so finding good food can sometimes be tough. I thought the food at Doc Ford's would be typical pub grub, but the food and drinks were really good. My husband isn't much of a mixed drink guy so he was unimpressed with the rum menu initially. Then he realized his favororite rum was behind the bar and he was a happy camper. I loved the relaxed atmosphere at Doc Ford's. The restaurant carries an extensive rum cocktail menu and great seafood. I loved the Pom Pom Mojito and thought the mason jars they served the drinks in were cute. On our first visit we had the Island Wings and the Seared Tuna. I was suprised how good the tuna was! The tuna was served on a tangy bed of coleslaw with the delicious wasabi dressing. On our second visit we had the Yucatan Shrimp and BBQ Ribs. All of the food was fantastic! I would definitely recommend a stop to Doc Ford's if you are staying in Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Leslie W.

    This place was packed as Randy Wayne White was there for a book signing, but we got right in and were able to eat at the bar. We were there for some food, drink, and to catch a NCAA basketball tournament game, and the bar was the best place to be. The food was great and the place had a great atmosphere. We would definitely come back again.

    (4)

  • Joanne L.

    Fun location! Our waitress and the manager were friendly and very careful with food allergies. The food was good and the menu had a bit of the Doc Ford novels in them. Our party of eight had a great time.

    (5)

  • F G.

    Overpriced mediocre food. Worse ceviche of my life; watery and smelly. Probably old. Iceberg salad was not fresh. Shrimp Yucatan was tasty but the rest ruined our experience at this restaurant. Very disappointed. They didn't even bother to ask if the food was good or not.

    (1)

  • Doc H.

    First the positive: Great atmosphere and decor with a nice bar area, numerous TV's, and several huge fish mounted on the walls. We went on a Sunday evening at around 5:00pm and just beat the crowd. By 6:00pm they were lined up outside. Lots of cool looking t-shirts and other Doc's stuff for sale. Now the rest: Waitress was very hurried even though she wasn't real busy. She didn't seem very excited to be working and couldn't even force herself to be friendly. Not good traits for her job. Mojitos were OK but not great. Ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer. Honestly the most I have ever paid for so little food. $14.00 for two cakes about the size of a quarter. We laughed while trying to split them into four mini bite sized pieces. Other food was just OK. We had Grouper sandwiches. They weren't impressive. The waitress couldn't even muster up a smile while asking about desert and bringing the check so her tip was adjusted accordingly (and I didn't get a t-shirt). Bottom line: Over-priced and over-rated. Won't go back.

    (1)

  • Marc B.

    Dinner here was great! We were seated quickly and had a view overlooking the bay out server was polite and attentive and very knowledgeable of all the different types of dish and there favors. We of corse felt the same as everyone else about the shrimp. And would highly recommend them to anyone! For our main corse we had their special ( breaded triple fin ) served over rice the dish was awesome and flavorful a mild tasting white fish cooked perfectly. And for myself the grouper the fish was delicious and flavorful however the seasoning on top was very storing and did not sit well in my pallet. The bed of rice under the grouper was good a bit to salty for my tastes but it paired well with the fish. Over all 4 stars for this place and we would recommend it to friends! Worth a try!

    (4)

  • Pamela M.

    My husband and I were so pleased with this place. The food was amazing!!! I had the snapper cooked in bandana leaves with fresh veggies, red beans and rice and my husband had the shrimp and grits. The mojito was very refreshing to wash it down with. Would most definitely return.

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    Fun restaurant and great food! My husband had the Yucatan Shrimp and I had the Banana Leaf Snapper, both were excellent! I loved their original mojito, although the wait at the bar was ridiculous. Outside seating was nice, except for the biting bugs at sundown (our waitress was terrific and brought us bug spray right away).

    (4)

  • Joseph J.

    had dinner with friends. the place was packed for a good number of hours. Service was excellent. Raw oysters were small but we got eight for the price of six. Cuban was outstanding. I ate half of mine and stopped but five minutes later I finished it. - no will-power on the Cuban. Wine and beer were good and cold. JJ Ft Myers

    (5)

  • Amit S.

    We had the buffalo chicken tenders, some smashed potatoes, and french fries for lunch. The food wasn't strikingly good, but it was good enough. The prices were pretty reasonable, though. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable.

    (3)

  • Frank A.

    Simply the best food on Captiva! Thank you for opening on Captiva, we surely needed you. The baby back ribs are awesome and the yucatan shrimp are delicious. Everything, from the ambiance to the service to the food is terrific. Even the bread is house made and great!

    (5)

  • Michael P.

    Banana wrapped snapper was fantastic. Nice beer selection. Service was great. Definitely coming back. (in fact did come back on Friday and it was just as good. We ate all over the island and this was the best meal out we had).....

    (5)

  • David F.

    I don't see reason for all the positive reviews. We've stayed on Sanibel 5 or 6 times, and have never been to this chain restaurant. Tonight, we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a nice dinner. Since we have two small kids, we went early - 5:15 on a Monday night. A 25 minute wait to sit outside, and no wait for indoor. We decided to not wait. Atmosphere is nothing to write home about. Cement floor, plastic fish on the walls, and TVs everywhere. Service was poor. I hate it when I ask the server what's good, and they say that everything is good. This provides me with absolutely no useful information. I had the blackened grouper sandwich. When I asked to substitute the fries with something more healthy, like fruit, our waitress curtly told me they didn't have fruit. The food was delivered by a different server, who just dropped off the plates. The grouper was bland and not blackened. Our waitress never came by to ask about our meals, and we had waited so long for them initially, I just ate it. My daughter's fish fingers were good, and my son's hot dog was sizable. This earns the 2-stars. My wife's fish sandwich was ok. All food was warm, not hot. The icing on the cake was when our waitress brought the kids' ice cream sandwiches for desert. She just tossed them on the table, as if it was an imposition. The bill came quickly afterwards, without prompting. In summary, the food was marginal, and service poor. Somewhat expected in a tourist town. Not sure why others like it...

    (2)

  • Jack F.

    This was probably my favorite place to eat during my trip to Sanibel. LOVED the Cedar Plank Salmon. The rum, of course, is a must. They've got a lot of interesting drinks -- and strong too! They don't skimp out here. Loved it and can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Brian O.

    Stopped here twice during our stay in Captiva. The food was great both times. Staff service was also good. The burger was delicious but the shrimp and grits have me dreaming about coming back!

    (4)

  • Zelda P.

    I wanted to like this place because it was close to where we're staying, the menu sounded great, and outside looked inviting. It was OK, but did not impress us enough that we would return. It's a vibrant atmosphere and the service was fine, but the food was just so-so. Burgers were OK, the Cuban was not very good. Meat didn't seem that high quality and the mustard/pickle taste just didn't come through. I do have to say the carrot cake was very good.

    (2)

  • Jocelyn K.

    Had a very nice lunch here with a group of friends. I read the reviews before I came, and already knew that I would be ordering the Yucatan Shrimp. They were as everyone said, delicious! My partner had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries, also yummy!! Good value on alcoholic beverages as well!! Will definitely return!

    (4)

  • Katy T.

    Went with my parents when they came to visit swfl from NY. My fish tacos were wonderful, with grouper inside and my husband loved his paella. Service was super friendly and the story behind the place is cool. Would definitely recommend.

    (5)

  • Lisa V.

    We went based on the reviews. We had a great and friendly waitress. We had the Yucatan shrimp and the raw oysters as appetizers. They were amazing. The oysters were fresh. The Yucatan shrimp were big. The sauce that it comes with is a big spicy, which I love. They give you bread to dip in the Yucatan sauce, sooo good! I ordered the shrimp and grits which was very good. My husband order the chef special with sea scallops and vegetable hash with crab. His food was way better. The scallops were seared to perfection. We had dessert. My son had the brownie which was ok. My husband had the carrot cake, not impressed. I had the key lime pie. I didn't like it too much because it tasted a lot like mint but my husband loved it.

    (5)

  • Chris V.

    After a lovely afternoon on the island, she and I decided it was time fora cocktail and some grub. We had read of Doc Fords on our past trips out on the island but had yet to stop in ... great place, great place indeed. Mojitos, Dr. Key West, Havana Punch, Dark & Stormy ... all of which were full of flavor and most importantly, alcohol! Most fitting for the locale and occasion were oysters ... and their was plenty of them! After the first dozen we went back for another ... and probably could have done another one. We coupled the oysters with some tuna poke ... a little heavy on the mango but refreshing none the less. What would a meal in south florida be without Key Lime Pie ? It was quite nice ... the best we had had for sure ... We will certainly be making the trip back to Doc's ....a perfect spot on the island.

    (4)

  • Dan D.

    I eat there a few times every year. Must have been lucky, always had good food and decent service. 2nd best clam chowder I've had. The best is Casey's In New Buffalo MI. True it's pricey but hey it's Sanibel. The unknown diner digs it!

    (4)

  • Brian H.

    This is my "go to" place in Sanibel. Most reliable while on the Island, where good service and the freshest of the fresh seafood pleases the palate whether it is in the 5 star fish sandwich, on a cedar plank or grilled and sitting atop a wonderful collection of sides. A wide selection of apps from a varied menu where you could eat light, heavy, or somewhere in between. It has a one-step above a sports bar atmosphere, but that translates to a place where one can have fun with friends, chat with a local, and lighten up, you're away from the daily grind. SIt back and relax, eat some food and have a drink.

    (4)

  • Kurt S.

    Stayed on Captiva for a week in January. Went to a lot of the restaurants on Captiva and Sanibel and we had the best meal at Doc Ford's. One of the few restaurants that serves liquor on the islands. The beach bread for appetizer was good and my roasted half chicken was the best chicken I've had at a restaurant. My wife enjoyed her fish tacos.

    (4)

  • S And B D.

    A really friendly place, amazing service (Amanda and team were lightening fast) and better food than we had a right to expect after a day in paradise in the sun. Yucatan shrimp are - as advertised - yummy and rich. 1/2 lb. for two of us was perfect appetizer. Salad and beer were good too. Go in hungry, come out happy!

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    On spring break on the island we decided to do an early supper 4:40 at this very busy place to avoid the crowd. We were told it would be awhile if we wanted to sit outdoors so we took a place inside. The sports bar theme was so so - as early as it was, it was sort of loud. Our server was polite and got our drinks soon. The menu was varied enough everybody found something they liked. It took quite awhile before our food came. I chose the fish tacos to compare against last nights fare. My wife's pulled pork was good and generously served. The youngest order fish fingers that she finished off! The fish tacos were interesting - now I liked the papaya salsa... The choice of grilled whitefish was ok in fact my son really liked it - but he wouldn't touch the papaya. They're hit or miss. The tacos only side of black beans and rice likewise were so so - just a little spicy and generously served. My son wouldn't eat them. Too bad another side wasn't offered. I probably wouldn't eat here again. Had better fish tacos last night on the island elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Laura R.

    Great prices for great food. Friendly staff. Busy but worth the wait. My first experience w/ raw oysters. I will be ordering them again. Don't pass up the Yucatan Shrimp.

    (4)

  • Alden G.

    Another popular and busy island restaurant. Enjoyed the banana leaf snapper with masa and spicy green topping. Be prepare to wait for a table, though the line moves fairly quickly. The feel here was less family, more sports bar, and a bit more expensive.

    (4)

  • Heidi P.

    WOW!!! By far the best food I've had on the island, and I've been coming to Sanibel/Captiva for the last 12 years. This was the first time I didn't feel as if I was paying astronomical prices for mediocre food. The first thing that I loved was the beer selection. All of the restaurants I've been to on Sanibel/Captiva have been very limited and are all light beers. They actually had a delicious Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale on tap. I would describe it more as a brown oatmeal stout. It was soo good! It was a nice change from the lagers I've had at all other places. Onto the food!! We tried three appetizers, the Buffalo Shrimp, Caribbean Jerk Tostados, and the Cartagena Shrimp Sausage Quesadillas. They were all the bomb!! I will say that the quesadilla and tostado both had a bit of curry seasoning, that was not listed in the description, but I really enjoyed it. The buffalo shrimp were to die for. They were lightly dusted in flour, fried, and then tossed in buffalo sauce. Basically just as the name of it describes, it's exactly like buffalo wings but made with sweet, fat shrimp. The other thing I liked was that they had three hot sauces sitting at the table, one of which was a sweet mango chile sauce, which was so tasty on top of the tostada. The ambiance is great, as it's a good size place with many large flat screens for game watching. The service was also great, and the waitress very friendly and was really gave us great suggestions for things to try. I wish i had not waited so long to come here. Doc Ford's will be on my return list every time I come back to the island.

    (5)

  • M B.

    Oh mojito how I missed you. My first and best, Doc Fords' in 2004. Doc Fords has grown in 10 years, adding patio seating and a bungalow. It has also become a "sports bar", or as close as they come on Sanibel, but with a more sophisticated menu ( and prices to match). $100.00 tab for 2 mojitos each, shared app, and 2 entrees. Food was very good, but I have a hard time reconciling the tv s and bright lighting, high tops, and fine dining. Maybe next time I ask for the patio. Very busy on a Monday night at 6:30pm, but cleared out by 7:30. Server was pleasant and made great suggestions. Go for shrimp, fish, and mojitos!

    (4)

  • Wood W.

    Great food. Stumbled on Doc Ford's this year during our 9th visit to Sanibel. Had gone once several years back and was not impressed, but were delighted during our two visits this year. Would have come more but ran out of days. :) Best oyster value on the island with 13 for $10! Service was good both times from Olga.

    (5)

  • Mary S.

    Wonderful service, delicious food and great drinks! Only place in Sanibel and Captiva that we found that made margaritas using hard liquor not wine.

    (5)

  • Shannon J.

    What a terrific place! I ordered the Blackened Grouper sandwich and it was juicy, flakey, thick and tasty! Did I say juicy? Yes, I'll say it again because my sandwich was so juicy that my hands were drippy and messy and my bottom bun was a completely saturated soggy wetish mess. I still LOVED this sandwich but would have been a little happier yet had I not had to request extra napkins. I went with the black beans and rice instead of fries. Go with that when given the choice! Fries are everywhere all day every day, but fantastic black beans and rice are less common. Theirs have great flavor! My husband got the pork sandwich, which he thought was very good. He didn't elaborate beyond that other than it was a pleasant sweet sauce they used. AND, we loved the key lime pie! Good stuff! Nice enough ambiance, but you're in quite a beautiful place where I'm sure you'd rather be outside! We should have sat outside.

    (4)

  • Scott B.

    Stayed on Sanibel for a week and Doc Ford's was by far the best meal we had on the island. Easy going, unpretentious and the drinks were also good. Strongly recommended; particularly when compared with most of the competition on the island.

    (4)

  • Erika S.

    It's a bar with bar food but the most amazing dish here was Docs Beach Bread (warning this is fat people food). I had the bread and a tomato mozzarella salad. Unfortunately, my choices weren't that amazing so Ill just focus on the bread .. cheese and bread.. lots of cheese on the bread. How can you go wrong? It was very good. The ambience is exactly what you would expect for the island.. laid back, sandals and shorts kinda place. Friendly people and lots of tourists. There's not much to do on the island but this place seems to usually be packed with people having drinks, chatting or watching a football game.

    (4)

  • Wayne M.

    We were staying at a beach cottage nearby and had take out for dinner two days in a row. Like everyone has said, the Yucatan Shrimp is OMG good! The first day, I had key lime pie for dessert and my wife opted for her usual carrot cake. I am not one for carrot cake but she had me try it and I am now a true believer. Their carrot cake is so divine. I went ahead and got one for myself the next day along with another order of Yucatan Shrimp. We also tried the Caribbean Jerk Tostados, The Mussels from the Appetizer section, and the sweet chili island chicken wings. Everything was so good and we will definitely be back. When I got home, I researched and found a recipe for Yucatan Shrimp. I altered it to be even more like the restaurants and I now make it about once a week at home. My wife can't get enough of it.

    (5)

  • Ron C.

    Had dinner here a couple of weeks ago. Waited 30 minutes for a table, but it was worth it as we got to sit outside which was real nice. Had the Conch chowder as a starter and then the ribs. Biggest slab that I've ever seen. I have a big appetite and needed help from my 20 year old grandson to finish them off. Both the chowder and ribs were great as was the service. This place is a real winner!

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    My parents have talked about how much they love Doc Ford's for a few years. Last year when we stopped by, they were closed for cleaning. Luckily, they were open this year and I got to taste what my family has been raving about. Doc Ford's looks like your typical bar and grill, but the food is so much better. I ordered their panko crusted fish sandwich and it was probably the best thing I ate all week. The fish was moist and flaky and the panko crust added the perfect amount of crunch. I also loved the creamy sauce on the sandwich. Everyone at our table loved their meal. I'm only knocking off one star because of our server, he was a real dud and not at all personable.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    Great food, inconsistent service. Yucatan shrimp is the best, clam chowder as good as we get in new england

    (4)

  • Natasha G.

    If you are in the Sanibel/Captiva or Ft. Meyers area, you cannot pass up Doc's. delicious and generous rum drinks. My friend and I shared the Yucatan shrimp as an appetizer and it was so delicious! It is peel and eat so be prepared to get your hands messy, but it is worth it. The sauce was just incredible. We also shared the soy glazed mahi mahi as our entree. The stir fried vegetables were very fresh. The fish was done to perfection. I will definitely go back and try the shrimp with grits and key lime pie on my next visit. I believe everything on this menu is probably delicious. Excellent service as well.

    (5)

  • Krystal B.

    Great menu with some unique items. Nice location. Service was fast and attentive. Drinks were strong!

    (4)

  • Bryn D.

    Could quite possibly be my favorite bar on the planet. I was met with an amazing bartender that not only served me the best Mojito I have ever had... but his customer service was spot on. Not only did he break down all of the 'ins and outs' of Sanibel- but when I mentioned that my parents were considering coming down a few weeks later to look at properties, he sent them his name and contact information to be their tour guide. Our server Nate was amazing- and made the experience. Mr. Bentley the manager was also 'the man'. When I mentioned an interest in rum, he quickly poured me a small sample of his favorite distillery. He was equally nice, and made for great conversation. The Peel and Eat Shrimp was the best I have ever had around the Gulf... and priced very fairly for the amount and quality. If I could give more than 5 Stars... I would!

    (5)

  • Matthew O.

    First time eating here after bypassing some really popular places reviewed on Yelp. I'm glad there was a line at Island Cow cause we never would have found this place. Excellent! Oysters , soup, shrimp and grits and the signature Yucatan Shrimp. Great beer and service. Will definitely be back there again.

    (5)

  • Katya T.

    The best restaurant on the island - food is fresh and tasty. Carrot cake is a must try item. Olga is the best server, we always try to be seated in her area when she is working.

    (5)

  • Jape D.

    Wow...now I know why Islanders hate tourists. Beware of reviews from IL and GA. Stopped in because my fiancée and I were hungry and needed a quick meal and drink. Sat at the bar and met Greg. Nice guy, friendly, and competent a plus. Status as a Red Sox fan a negative, but hey, I'm a Yanks fan, and as far as I know our meals were saliva-free. Food was excellent (Yucatan shrimp a MUST) and everyone there could not have been nicer. We were looking for a place to get married, and we left with a slight buzz, a few great recommendations, and full stomachs. Very pleasant surprised, a must try for a solid casual meal.

    (4)

  • Wayne S.

    Had the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean/rice. Very good. It is a bar & grill, so the noise level is high. Lots of flat screens around for us football fans. Like most everything on Sanibel, kinda pricey...

    (4)

  • Larry B.

    Doc Ford's is large version of leading sports bars. Above average food and an extensive array of flat screens with all the games. The wait during peak periods can be a bit annoying, but illustrates the popularity of the establishment. Raw oysters were a great deal, but a bit on the small side. Bean dip appetizer is great. Our group mixed a variety of entrees, all rated above average. Grouper sandwich was excellent. Also, chicken wings were rated outstanding. The house specialty Yucantan Shrimp was rated by several of our group as the best they ever had. Overall, very good dining experience for a resort sports bar.

    (4)

  • Tom R.

    This place is just awesome! Get the pineapple mojito. You won't be the same!

    (4)

  • Lisa H.

    I love Doc Fords, it is my favorite restaurant on the island. It looks like a typical sports bar with multiple TVs with a variety of sports programming but the food here is anything but typical. We usually go multiple times during out stay on Sanibel and this year was no exception. My husband and I had a rare evening out alone this year and of course I chose Docs as the place I wanted to go even though I knew we were going there the next evening for my birthday dinner. Normally I have the Sanibel Sunset to drink but this time I decided to try a Bull on the Beach and it was delicious, every bit as good as the Sunset but it seemed very similar to me. The next night at Doc 2 on Ft. Myers Beach I had a Rowdy Razorback and I have to say that it is now my favorite fruity rum drink at Docs. This evening we ordered the fish fingers appetizer and it was hot, crunchy and delicious. I think there were six in all and they were much larger than I anticipated which was the first surprise of the evening. My husband ordered a 1/2 pound of Yucatan shrimp for his entree and I tried the "new" 1/2 chicken. First let me say that even though we have been here many times for some reason we had never tried the Yucatan shrimp before. Big mistake!!! I hate that we've missed so many chances to eat something so delicious. Yes, they are messy, peel your own shrimp but all of that work is worth it. The sauce they come in is hot, spicy, and rich, made with real butter, cilantro, chilies, and lime juice. My husband liked it so much that he ordered it again the next night! My chicken was a juicy, roasted 1/2 chicken with a tangy chimichurri sauce and corn black bean salsa over a roasted potato, onion, chorizo hash. Also something I would definitely have again. After dinner as we were finishing our drinks and waiting on the check a woman named Brenda stopped by our table to ask how we liked our dinners. We told her it was wonderful as always and how much we enjoyed eating there on each of our yearly trips to Sanibel. I also told her I was disappointed that I would again miss a book signing by co-owner Randy Wayne White. He is scheduled to be there on Sept 2 & 3 about week & half after we would be leaving. We also told her that Docs was my choice each year for my birthday dinner. Brenda told us that we "needed" one of their new shirts and off she went to get them for both my husband and myself. When I told her that I already had the shirt that she had brought for me and the one for my husband would be fine she told me to follow her to the front to pick out one that I didn't already own. She also introduced us to the manager explaining to him that we were frequent diners at Docs. It was a pleasure to meet them both and we can't thank Brenda enough for the gifts. We will wear them proudly. Once again Doc Fords exceeded all of my expectations. See you again next year!!!

    (5)

  • Cezaro L.

    I've eaten here a few times and never thought much of what I ordered. Fish plates, salads and burgers are all mediocre. Weird mango sauce on the Cedar Plank Salmon ruins an otherwise good dish. There is a pretty big menu though, so maybe I've just struck out every time. Atmosphere looks fun, but with large parties the service has tended to be rude. If you go and like what you get, awesome--list it here! But if not, I'd save my pennies for one of the better restaurants in the area (Greenhouse Grill, Timbers). I can't speak to how it might be as a bar, though.

    (2)

  • Sarah R.

    My husband and I honeymooned in Sanibel. We were looking for nice places to eat on our trip. We love trying new places and being a long way from home (Virginia!) we definitely were on the lookout for new favorites! We came here for the first time during the day when it was pretty empty. Our waitress was pretty bland. But, it really didn't matter much. We tried the buffalo shrimp for an appetizer. They weren't what I was expecting. In Virginia, our shrimp are pretty small at restaurants. These were HUGE and juicy. Very delicious! I tried the cedar plank salmon for my entree. (freshly cut salmon filet topped with a mango chipotle glaze, served with au gratin potatoes, wilted spinach and caramelized mushrooms) It was 21.95 and actually worth every penny! The salmon was HUGE and again, nothing like the salmon we get at restaurants in Virginia. The chipotle glaze was a nice touch but, wouldn't have missed it if it weren't there. The au gratin potatos were very different than any I have had before but, definitely delicious. I was not sure about having the wilted spinach and caramelized mushrooms and even was on the verge of asking her not to include them but, I am glad I kept it. It was sooooo good! My husband likes to play it safe. He's not a fan of veggies and is a meat and potato kind of guy. He was just going to get the pank fried shrimp and call it a day but, I persuaded him to try something new. He decided on the pank crusted fish sandwhich (seared, baked and served on a whole wheat bun, topped with house slaw and spicy remoulade) and fries. He got the remoulade on the side. It was not very good. He said his sandwhich was delicious. It came with coleslaw which of course he doesn't touch but, I ate it for him and it was really great! For drinks, I tried the Grape Ape (Grape Jack Rum mixed with lemonade and a splash of lemon lime soda) and Raspberry Beret (Pinnacle Raspberry Vodka, hint of black raspberry liqueur mixed with cranberry juice, sweet & sour with a touch of grapefruit juice). Both were very good. My husband stuck with a strong Jack & Coke. We were absolutely stuffed after our meal. I really wanted to try their carrot cake so, I got that to go so I could enjoy it later. It was HUGE and absolutely delicious! Made with a hint of Gossling's Black Seal Rum. I am glad I got it to go. :) We absolutely fell in love with the sauces they have on the table. We even bought some to bring home. My husband loved the Chipotle BBQ and I loved the Mango Salsa. AMAZING. We loved this place so much, we came back on our last day for dinner on the island. We tried their calamari for an appetizer and it was, hands down the best calamari we have ever had. The cocktail sauce with it was amazing. Had a light spicy kick. It was perfect. The calamari was tender and crunchy. PERFECT. The portion is enormous. Make sure you have lots of people to share it with! For dinner, I couldn't resist and had to get the salmon again. My husband was happy because he got to get the planko shrimp, finally. They were HUGE and he loved them. Their side house salad is great. Bigger than I thought and I couldn't even finish it, nor my meal this time. I regret not getting their key lime pie to go. But, we left happy. Our waiter this time around was great. We got there around 5 for dinner and right as we were seated, the place started filling up. We loved it here and can't wait to return!

    (5)

  • Ted L.

    Oh my!!! Yucatan shrimp. Shrimp and grits. Always our go-to place. Actually met Randy Wayne White (Doc Ford Himself) for the second time. He's always personable and willing to chat with fans. The food and service is always outstanding...not much else to say. Go !

    (5)

  • Victoria T.

    We stopped here for lunch during our scooter ride... it was a WONDERFUL lunch! A huge selection on the menu and everything that everyone got was fresh and delicious. Loved it.

    (5)

  • J P.

    Doc's is the place to go for great atmosphere, awesome food. There are plenty of TV screens so you can catch whatever games are on, but it doesn't detract from the atmosphere of a classy sports bar/restaurant. Great crunchy grouper, great fish tacos, great snapper cooked in banana leaf, great selection of beers and mixed drinks, and creative menu items. I've enjoyed everything I've eaten there. Mostly recently fell in love with the shrimp cooked in a special spice mix and served on spiced grits. Delicious!! Also the mojitos are yummy! If you have not read any Randy Wayne White, start with "Sanibel Flats"! Good readin'

    (5)

  • Peter G.

    The best way to describe this place is to say it's just like Chili's or Applebees only slightly better. The quality of the food is certainly above a chain but flavors are about the same. Cheap, simplistic, and almost mechanical. On a very bright day the interior of the restaurant seemed very dark, so we opted for the outside patio. Bad choice. The service was abysmal. Seeing any waitress, let alone our own, was like a manatee sighting. There was one waitress working a pretty empty patio with only for other parties who were showing similar levels of frustration. Ordering food took almost twenty minutes. Requested drink refills never happened. My family ordered the Black Bean dip with chips and it was utterly tasteless perhaps since it had come from a can? A similarly underwhelming cheese was melted on top but at least gave it some flavor. The only good part were the four fresh cut jalapenos on top. They were delicious but few! I ordered the Panamania pulled pork sandwich came slopped in a saccharin sweet BBQ sauce with no punch or spice...worse yet cose slaw had been dumped on top. Why the hell is there cole slaw on my pulled pork sandwich?! Cole slaw is a side and if I wanted to have it on my sandwich I could put it on myself. The pulled pork was a messy affair on it's own it didn't need watery slaw poured on top. This sandwich was just disgusting. Everyone else seemed pretty disappointed with their meals too. The Conch Chowder was too salty, the veggies had no texture and conjured up images of a canned product. The soups came with no bread or crackers...Enh? It perhaps doesn't help that I am from New England where nothing with a tomato base could ever be chowder! The Cubano especially just didn't taste like anything in particular, and for a sandwich that is supposed to be quite flavorful it came as a surprise. The food was mediocre the only highlight being the perfect french fries, but even those were of the frozen variety. You can taste the corners cut in the kitchen, and that's just not a good thing when entrees start at $15 and go up from there. I just can't recommend this place in good conscious. Avoid.

    (2)

  • Maddie W.

    One of my favorite places on the island, especially nice on the patio. The seafood entrees looked especially good, but since I'm allergic I could only look and not taste (though everyone at the table said they were great). I usually order the veggie burger and fries because there aren't too many places on the island to get one. The beach bread was a bit of a letdown, it was suggested by the server, but was too soggy for my tastes. Will definitely be going back to Doc Ford's!

    (4)

  • AJ D.

    Have been coming to the Island for years. The past three years we make it a priority to got to Doc Ford's. Always amazing food. Great service. So good!

    (5)

  • Dave W.

    Ate here a couple times while here on vacation, including once for a wedding reception. Everything was pretty good. Lots of seafood and "vacation drinks". Service was great. Fish tacos were just ok but I'd recommend something different. Wife's paella was really good. Snapper cooked in banana leaves looked really good but I didn't get to try it.

    (4)

  • Mike P.

    We went on a Wednesday afternoon as the rain did not make for a good beach day. Wednesday must have been the weekly food delivery day, as while we were sitting at the table the Sysco truck showed up. Our kids wanted Mac-n-Cheese. Sorry folks we dont have that on the kids menu, we ran out and are waiting for a delivery! We ordered Calamari for an app, but oops that was still on the truck too! Instead of asking the truck driver to bring it out first they asked us to order something else. Waiter was kind enough to comp another key west beer and desert. The fish tacos (grouper) were gross. The fish was supposed to be broiled but was more rubberized! The seared tuna app was very good. The most impressive thing about Doc Fords is that they have TV screens all over the place. If you are stuck on a Sunday down there missing your home team, they have Direct TV NFL package. This is the only saving grace of the place. So 1 star for the seared tuna app, and 1 star for the Football potential.

    (2)

  • Christy S.

    Very solid food. It IS basically a sports bar, but the food is more sophisticated-good shrimp dishes and fish tacos. Party of 12 all enjoyed the fare, pleasant service. Pretty quick, casual and great for all ages (we had 9-70 represented). Most shockingly for Sanibel/Captiva, the value was actually pretty good.

    (4)

  • Ruth B.

    Fun atmosphere and very good food. My husband's shimp and grits dinner was amazing, my Bahamian Shrimp was very good. Everybody else at our table seemed to really enjoy their food too. They have a good kids menu (always important for us) and it is loud enough that it doesn't matter how well your kids behave (also important for us). They messed up our reservation a little, but worked very hard to put it right quickly. Definitely make a reservation during high season, though. There were a lot of people waiting.

    (4)

  • Kevin C.

    Great drinks but overpriced food and so so service. Server completely mixed up our order. My wife ordered an app as her dinner and we were going to share a salad. Instead he brought out the app for her first and forgot the salad. I ordered the pork chops which turned out to be a pork chop. For $18 bucks you should get what the menu says. I would go back for drinks and wings but not for a good dinner.

    (3)

  • Ted H.

    Outstanding rum cocktails. Great yucatan shrimp app. Fish is excellent but preps r too fussy n complicated. Just b simpler.

    (4)

  • Amy T.

    Doc Ford's USED to be one of my favorite places to dine on Sanibel Island...... My guest and I sat at the bar for almost 2 hours because the hostess lost our number. When finally seated down we waited about an hour for our food to arrive. It was a disappointment. I tried something new, because they didn't have the fabulous Penne with Rock Shrimp which was my only reason why I would wait so long at Doc Ford's. After an hour of waiting, food finally arrived, 7 fried shrimp. There were more french fries then needed. My guest had the mussels which were good but nothing outstanding. I'm very sad to the new changes that Doc Ford's had made, and will have to re-think if I want to visit again.

    (2)

  • Jason Z.

    Red Snapper wrapped in the banana leaves is amazing...the fish tacos were really good...they had a separate drink menu with many options, but the two that we tried were both way too sweet.

    (4)

  • Vincent P.

    Doc's was a dissappointment after hearing mainly positive buzz. Everyone in our party commented that the chef made some odd choices with seasoning. Making a move that is off the beaten path sometimes pays off but at Doc Fords, it seems like some dishes need to be rethought.

    (3)

  • Mike B.

    Excellent food - super friendly staff, and a great menu of asian/latin american-inspired sensations! We go back every year, and it never disappoints!

    (4)

  • Brian C.

    Went to Sanibel in March with my family and had lunch at Doc's. Great food, great service. The Key Lime Pie was incredible.

    (5)

  • G Z.

    We went here a couple of times on our latest trip to Sanibel. The drinks are pretty good and cheap. It is hard to distinguish one pink fruity rum drink from the next. One bartender in particular works that lead wrist. The food was also surprisingly good (minus the so-so calamari), though we only had appetizers. The "host" we had one afternoon needs some extra training cuz he slammed the poor patio, making the customers and servers suffer.

    (3)

  • Jim Y.

    Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grill is a great spot for casual dining on Sanibel. Normally I go for a mojito (house specialty), however this time we went for a round of frozen rum-runners and they were fantastic. We also started with the Dinkin's Bay Boil - a shrimp dish which was stellar. Get some extra bread to sop up the leftover sauce. Apparently the dish rivals Killer Shrimp in LA (which i've never had but heard of). I had a blackened grouper sandwich which was ok - however the shrimp and drinks gave this four stars.

    (4)

  • Shelby J.

    The menu is not too out of the ordinary - no frills, you get what you expect to get and that is it. Regardless, we enjoyed it and would go back. The fish special was a hit at our table. The pricing is reasonable and the service is very friendly and attentive.

    (4)

  • myopinionisbetterthanyours B.

    In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Sanibel. We've been here over 10 times: twice with large groups with kids, a couple times for birthday celebrations, a couple times to watch the game. Everything we had was good: -Fish tacos -Fish sandwich -Shrimp and grits -Pulled pork sandwich -Calamari -Shrimp -Specials -Carribbean Jerk Nachos -Carrot Cake -Black Bean Dip -Fish finger appetizer -Mojitos -Tropical Breeze (like a mai tai) We love it!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    We were skeptical because we thought it might just be plain bar food and we were hungry, but the food is excellent. I had the snapper wrapped in banana leaf which was creative and tasty. We were only there for lunch but it looks like it would be a fun place to grab a cocktail at night.

    (4)

  • Cindy P.

    We enjoyed the best meal so far on our vacation on Sanibel Island. When we walked in and I realized it was a sports bar I was disappointed. Doug always says that I need to order sports bar food if we are in a sports bar, like ribs or burgers. This is NOT your typical sports bar. Ther are plenty of TV's,(all football games available), but the food was fabulous. I started with a perfect mojito, none of that sprite to make it sweet baloney, and then we had peel and eat Yucatan shrimp to die for. Sweet large shrimp with a chili, butter, key lime dressing. I could have made a meal of that and might later in the week. For dinner I had what I would call a red snapper tamale. It was wrapped in a banana leaf lined with masa harina and the fish was grilled to perfection with ancho chili and key lime marinade. I never usually eat my beans and rice but they were delicious. I rarely write a review. the place has to be outstanding or simply awful to get me excited about a review. Go there. You will love it.

    (5)

  • Trey J.

    I'm glad we didn't listen to these reviews. Banana leaf wrapped snapper, excellent grouper, lots of recipes. Call-ahead seating mkaes wait times minimal. A little pricey for the ruggedness of the restaurant but I think you'll like if you go.

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    Great atmosphere, good service, very good selection of food, and how can you go wrong with a Rum Bar! Named after the character in the Randy Wayne White novels (which the books are available there), Doc Ford's is large with indoor seating, outdoor seating, high-tops, bar stools, and traditional booths and tables. The staff is attentive and friendly and the food and drink menus have a lot to offer and they even have a kids menu. The food is reasonably priced for this type of dining on Sanibel (which is of course higher than a similar place inland), the drinks are priced like any other bar (mixed rum drinks $7), and it's a casual atmosphere. For our family (2 adults, 2 kids) our bill was around $80 which was for 2 adult meals and 4 rum drinks, and two kids meals with soda. We went there after being at the beach and doing a quick change into dry clothes at the beach restroom, while others had on nice evening wear. My wife doesn't like seafood so she always orders the Blackened Chicken Salad and she said it is very good. I have had the Roasted Half-Chicken with a Cuban Chimichurri Sauce and the Martinique-Jerked Pork Chop which are pretty good but nothing exceptional. Over all the food was pretty good, the drinks were great, and the kids seemed to enjoy their food from the children's menu. We visit Sanibel at least once a year and always stop in Doc Ford's for some food and drinks.

    (4)

  • Emo F.

    visited last month. the decor and atmosphere were nice, and it was located close to where we were staying. service was also good. the food was not up to par. i had high expectations for the seafood paella, but there was hardly and rice in it and wayyyy too much halfcooked onions. and the salt! the salt! my wife had the salmon wrapped in banana leaf, which was overcooked and had a salty salty sauce all over it.

    (1)

  • Bill C.

    Finally ate here after driving past it for years. Couldn't believe how good everything was. Menu features numerous Carribean inspired dishes. We tried four different things and each was unique and delicious. Service couldn't have been better, our waitress had perfect timing on every little thing. We were there a little early, so it didn't fill up until we were about ready to go and it got a little loud by then; but there is what looked like a quiet outside area if you don't like the upscale sports bar motif and noise level.

    (5)

  • Don P.

    The patio is heated..take a seat there and dive into the calamarie, sip on a happy gator, and over indulge on yucatan shrimp!

    (5)

  • Heather D.

    Ok...what was I thinking giving this place 3 stars. On this trip to Sanibel we've eaten at this location twice, Captiva once, and are planning to come back one more time before the vacation is over. This really is a great place. The food is some of the best on Sanibel. Our favorites include Yucatan Shrimp, Captiva Crab Cakes ( the key lime butter sauce is awesome), Lime Panko Fish Sandwich, and the Silver Glider drink. I you have room for dessert we recommend the Drunkin Carrot Cake or Key Lime Pie. (If they wanted to better the pie they should add meringue. More places should serve it that way... I detest whipped cream on my pie.). Note that we recommend the Sanibel location over Captiva. As of this writing the Captiva restaurant is just a couple of months old and it would seem they are still perfecting. The crab cakes there were smaller and falling apart when served. Shrimp seemed smaller as well. We highly recommend Doc Ford's Sanibel. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Xar D.

    Fantastic Menu. The Banana Leaf Wrapped Snapper was perfect. Yucatan Shrimp (followed the hype, glad I did) they were awesome. Very Rich in taste tho. Prepare yourself. They dont make a Miami Mojito, but they try and come close. The noise level can really get up there. Imagine a family reunion at one table with everyone trying to talk over one another. Its about like that. We were very happy with everything. Server staff was very efficient and checked on us throughout the night. Had our 19 month with us and they were very accomodating. I was pleasantly surprised that we were not rushed out in any way, as we were taking awhile feeding our little guy after we finished eating. We will venture back to Sanibel for all of its treasures, Doc Fords included.

    (4)

  • Dante F.

    Great food, great service!

    (4)

  • J C.

    Good food and good atmosphere. Family loved it. Caribbean spiced half chicken was absolutely the best meal I ate the entire week we were on the island. Kids fish sticks not so good.

    (4)

  • F L.

    The Yucatan shrimp was fabulous. The Ahi tuna app. Wonderful! The ceviche was very good. Service stellar! Very comfy atmosphere. Not too noisy. Loved every moment. Will definitely return. This is the kind of place you hope to find on vacation! Has gluten free suggestions.

    (5)

  • Jack J.

    Staff was awesome. They seated us in a booth by the fish tank. Grouper sandwich for my wife. Grouper fingers for my daughter who normally eats chicken fingers. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a Kalik beer. Very good for bar food. We will return.

    (4)

  • Ryan G.

    Excellent food, atmosphere, service, pricing. This was our first stop on the island after reading reviews online. We were all very satisfied with your meal selections and everything was very tasty. The service was fast and polite, the outdoor dining was a nice touch. I had a blackened mahi-mahi sandwich and it was simply divine. I would eat here again in a heartbeat and plan to visit again the next time we are down this way.

    (4)

  • Lisa J.

    Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is one of our all time top fave places to stop for a teeth-curlingly cold beverage and some delightful eats. We first stopped in last year when we visited Sanibel, on a fiction-fueled pilgrimage to see the restaurant owned by Randy Wayne White and eponymously named after his main book character, Doc Ford. That visit didn't disappoint, nor did this one. To start, the back patio is just ideally positioned for several solid hours of afternoon sun. The oysters from the raw bar are surigcally clean and have a crisp, mineral finish that is perfectly complemented by a splash of one of RWW's own hot sauces. The ceviche at Doc's is outstanding: chunks of grouper and snapper, bay scallops, and shrimp tossed with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomato and jalapenos. Honestly, it if weren't impossibly tacky (and I thought my mother wouldn't find out), I'd pick up the bowl and drink the lime marinade, after the good fishy-bits were gone. The same is true of the Yucatan Shrimp, lovely perfect shrimp swimming in a buttery cliantro-spiked and pepper-and-garlic studded sauce. Thankfully, it comes with bread you can use to soak up the sauce, so you don't have to drink it from the bowl. For entrees, we had a Cuban sandwich and a panko-crusted fish sandwich -- which used a fish called basa (which is, as I now know, also called bocourti and is related to the catfish). I'd never even heard of it, much less eaten it, but it was really nice piece of fish -- firm, white, clean, and perfectly prepared -- not a thing like what you expect from anything related to a catfish. The perfectly cooked sandwich is topped with slaw and some spicy sauce, all of which combines for a smooshy, messy yummy delight. Don't get me wrong: the Cuban was good, but the Fish Sandwich was the winner, easily! For your choices of sides, go with the fries. The rice and beans are always a little dry and are way too over-cumined -- and their fries are darned good. If you're feeling zany, as for some of their house-made blue cheese dressing to dip them in...it's addictive and amazing. Did I mention the drinks? Yes. We had some. Many rummy concoctions, including a few mojitos and a Sanibel Sunset. Always good. Can't' recommend it enough. Even if you're not a fan of his books, you should definitely become a fan of his restaurant!

    (5)

  • Christina D.

    Went there for dinner while in town recently and it was soooooo good we went back for lunch the next day on the way to the airport. Fast friendly service. It has a fun eclectic menu.

    (5)

  • Robert J.

    We've been going down to Sanibel for several years now, and Doc Ford's has been an island staple for us. We both are Randy W. W. readers and fans, so the first trip was a natural. Menu items - we have had most, and the Shrimp and Grits is a southern classic, the Dinkins Bay Boil and its spicier cousin are fabulous. But NEVER miss the rum on the menu fora a real treat. This is where we found out that 22 year-old Appleton is nice but not as superior as the featured selection on the menu. I fished with Capt. Randy back in the 80's, and it was nice to renew a friendship. Randy had said he wanted a "sports bar with great food". He got it! We have not been to the Ft. Myers beach location - because when we are on Sanibel for three weeks each year, we almost NEVER leave the island. Bend Elbow, breath deeply, and inhale!

    (5)

  • PathGeek G.

    below average. Positives: got in w relatively no wait. The fish in our main courses was amazing. Waitress was nice and tried to please Negs: Loud crowd. Boat diesel from the marina. Bad tap beer selection (the bar is probably fine if you like sweet cocktails or rum). Besides the fish, food was meh-- neither good nor terrible. The server needed more help-- she was running but had too many tables-- and needed more education about the food and its' prep (one diner with food allergies had trouble knowing what was safe to eat). Return? No.

    (2)

  • Ryan P.

    .......I just wrote a review for Doc Ford's in Fort Myers (Cool 'Boater' Setting) - Sanibel location is more tropical paradise - especially at night. We had a long day and decided to go for some homemade carrot cake and 'sipping' rum! What a treat - I love carrot cake and Doc Ford's is among the very best! A Must for ALL! We sat outside....Nice Night!

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    We love the waterfront location of the other store, this location felt like we were sitting in someones back yard not on an island. we tried the black bean dip app, it was ok, not great. She had the mahi sand she loved it, fry's were pretty good. I had the famous fish sand which was very good. But I have had that sand at the other location and it was served with more slaw and sauce on it. It looked better and tasted better with more toppings. The fish was great. My side of slaw was just ok. Service was pretty good, but as for atmosphere no comparison to the waterfront Ft. Myers beach location. If you want good food without a view or ambiance it will do.

    (3)

  • Monica B.

    Delicious! One member of our party said the snapper was the best fish he had eaten in his whole life. Shrimp both steamed and fried were huge and yummy. It is a rum bar, so the drinks are not to be missed! Key lime pie and carrot cake are a must.

    (5)

  • Jody R.

    This was the best restaurant experience we had on the island. Loved the atmosphere. Very laid back Caribbean, Margaritaville feeling. There are two dining areas, and I think I'd prefer to be in the main area. We ate in the overflow dining area which was still good, but I think it caused the service to be slower. Once the initial greeting by the waitress came, after 10 minutes, we received our drinks and food quick enough, just could have been a little better. We ordered mango mojitos, which could have been a lot stronger, but were tasty. We ordered a ton of food. We had calamari and Cuban black bean dip for appetizers. I had shrimp and grits which were excellent. She had fish taco's, very good. A Cuban sandwich, ribs, and a kids chicken strips was also ordered. All very good. We then finished with an excellent key lime pie and double dark chocolate brownie sunday...Yummy!

    (5)

  • Josh M.

    A great place for delicious seafood and boat parking. Before heading to the beach, we usually bring the boat over to Doc Ford's for lunch and sit outside on the patio, watching the boat traffic. Sometimes they have live music outside too.

    (5)

  • Jenny B.

    Great food, great service. A little pricey, but the quality shows. We got panko shrimp, clam chowder and ceviche. All were awesome!

    (5)

  • Chris C.

    All of our food was delicious. The band on Wed night was country and very good. Sit outside and enjoy the view of the harbor.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Anthony T.

    Zagat has awarded a rating to Doc Fords for 2009. I believe that it is the only restaurant in Lee county to be recognized. We were absolutely delighted by the servic,the food, and the ambiance. The Grouper sandwich I had, was quite possibly, the best fish sandwich I have ever had. Check this place out as a "MUST GO" if you are in tehe area.

    (5)

  • Lee S.

    Low season. For several nights, we have been able to just walk in and have our choice of tables. We understand that later they'll be a two hour wait. Excellent salads and clam chowder. Excellent crabcakes and salmon on a plank. Keylime pie to top it off.

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Great shrimp and grits and key lime pie, service ok.

    (4)

  • Adam M.

    Doc Ford's has the best Grouper sandwich in Fort Myers. I like it blackened, and they do it perfectly. A generous amount of grouper with sexy spices and fresh veggies are just what the doctor ordered. They also have many rum options, which is nice if you don't mind paying the markup. Their calamari is an excellent appetizer, and the atmosphere is very nice. A solid 4 star restaurant.

    (4)

  • Karen D.

    Yucatan shrimp was amazing. Next time we are back in Sanibel, we will be back for more. Friendly wait staff, good drinks, reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    Hostess nice. Beer food. Go somewhere else for food. Wrong order given to us. Service took forever. Watch out for bees.

    (2)

  • Kevin M.

    We went for lunch. Awesome fresh fish sandwiches and tacos. Go there and eat fish! FISH!!!!! Looks like fun sports bar and night spot too.

    (4)

  • Ron B.

    We dropped in at 9:00pm on a Sunday night and were seated immediately. We order two appetizers, the Shrimp Quesadilla's and the Jerk Chicken Tostada's. The Quesadilla's were outstanding and the Tostada's were ok. I ordered a Lemon drop as my drink, it wasn't a true San Fran Lemon drop but it had plenty of alcohol. Of course we ordered the Key Lime Pie, it was terrific, the best on the Island. Service was good, friendly and the food came out quickly. They were very accommodating about putting the sunday night football game on a near by screen.

    (5)

  • Sentient Snacker S.

    Reading some of the other reviews, I agree that pricing is not Doc Ford's strong suit, yet that is also true of most other Sanibel/Captiva venues. Having dined there on a few occasions, I would also concur that service isn't always superlative. Yet some of the dishes are, indeed, marvelous and a good value as well! For instance, definitely give the Yucatan Shrimp appetizer a try and liberally dip the fresh bread into the savory, spicy sauce that the shrimp is, proverbially, swimming in. It is a deliciously addictive and hearty treat! While you're at it, order up some raw oysters. They're competitively priced, fresh, and delicious. As far as entrees go, the fish tacos, Island Style Shrimp & Grits, and pork chops have, repeatedly, proven to be tasty and worth the trip. The atmosphere is suited for small or large parties and accomodates ages from young to old. And, before you go, pick up one of Randy Wayne White's books that feature Sanibel and Captiva locations. They hit the spot, too!

    (4)

  • Foodie E.

    Went on a Sunday to watch NFL and eat lunch. We were given a restaurant beeper and told 30 minute wait. After 45 mins I went to check on the wait and found out the beeper was broken. Once we got seated, our waitress could have passed as it being her first day. Clueless and missing for 20 minutes at a time. We had to ask her four times if the kids food was ready. Food makes Applebee's and TGI Fridays look gourmet. There are many other bar/restaurants on the island that have figured out how to balance crowds and good service. Don't waste your time or money.

    (1)

  • Kevin R.

    My wife and I were waited on by Shawn out on the patio. I ordered one of their amazing rum drinks, the clam chowder, ribs, and key lime pie. My wife ordered a hamburger. Everything was just simply amazing, and we loved the atmosphere! Shawn had to be one of the best waiters we have ever had! Very attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. If we ever get to Sanibel again we are definitely going back to Doc Ford's.

    (5)

  • Alison F.

    This place was solidly good. I enjoyed their tropical salad and cheese bread. This seems like a reasonable restaurant to enjoy while on Sanibel.

    (3)

  • Don G.

    Food was great and service was extremely attentive. Had the black bean dip for an appetizer and found it to be phenomenal. My wife had the doc fords fish sandwich and she said it was the best fish sandwich she ever had. I had the Cuban sandwich and thought it was great. Nice atmosphere, music was not loud. I would definitely return.

    (4)

  • Steve B.

    Enjoyed our visit to Doc's. Lots of seafood enjoyed by the whole family. Shrimp and Grits were delicious, Cheesy Grits and Spicy Shrimp. Calamari were fresh and crisp for an appetizer, and those who like black beans loved the black bean and queso dip. I had the paella and really enjoyed it. It would have been nice to have some crust on the paella, but neither of us who ordered it had any. Still quite good. Service was friendly and prompt. Key Lime Pie was an excellent finish. A bit pricey, but the meal was quite good.

    (4)

  • Scott C.

    Went on a Sunday night after doing a Dolphin Cruise from Captiva and have eaten here before. They got our business tonight because The Mucky Duck is closed on Sundays. I'm from Chicago and while we certainly have access to great seafood, one of the things I love about Florida is that by and large, if you're looking for fish on the menu on Sanibel it may have been yanked out of water within several miles of where you were sitting that morning and it just makes for the freshest taste you can come up with. I had the banana wrapped snapper tonight with a cilantro-based pesto and a side of steamed vegetables and black beans and rice. It was really more like a Chimichurri sauce but served over the steamed fish which was perfectly cooked, it added a very complimentary brightness. Doc Ford's is the kind of place you can wander in solo and sit at the bar and make a friend watching sports on the big televisions or come in with the whole family for a great dining experience. There's something for everybody on the menu as well which makes it all the more accessible. Salads, sandwiches, burgers and seafood give a multitude of options for everybody's tastes in a larger party.

    (4)

  • Shawn L.

    This was not my first visit to Doc Ford's but definitely the best! We started out with the appetizer Tuna over rice noodles and Asian veggies that had been tossed in Thai Peanut vinaigrette with a soy drizzle...delicious! We arrived a little before the specials for the dinner service were to begin but the Chef said he would accommodate us. My friend ordered the Sweet Chili Glazed Scallop special that was served over black linguini with roasted corn, asparagus tips, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, crab meat and tossed in a Citrus Butter. I thought she was going to lick the plate after she had eaten every morsel of her meal. I went for the Cedar Plank Salmon with Mango Chipotle glaze, ordered med-med rare and opted for wilted spinach with mixed veggies instead of the au gratin potato side dish. The Salmon was perfectly prepared, the veggie side dish included cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms (not the ho hum white button ones) and of course the spinach. I, too, cleaned my plate without an ounce of concern about looking like I hadn't eaten in a week. We washed this wonderful meal down with KJ Chardonnay and decided we will definitely make Doc Ford's one of our "go to" places when in the mood for something different and delicious!

    (5)

  • Bill C.

    Spent a week on Sanibel and tried most of the eat. Doc Ford's was our favorite of all of them. We even ate at the Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford's on the way to the airport. Great food, great drinks, great service, and reasonable prices! One of the few places that cooks the fish and other fried foods in different oil.

    (5)

  • Jon O.

    Went to Doc's last night for dinner and as the rating states...Meh, I've experienced better. Not a bad atmosphere but the food was very average. I had a burger which the said "are made fresh daily" and it was very average. My wife had fish which was pretty good but it came with rice and beans (which I normally love) and they were pretty terrible. The worst part was the server. When we sat down he proceeded to try to sell us some special drink before even saying hello. Everything I asked about was "great here". Give me a break, just be honest with me. Anyway the guy was a tool and kept trying to sell us everything instead of just letting us order what we wanted and enjoy. I'll try someplace new tonight.

    (2)

  • Will V.

    Doc Ford's is one of my favorite places to eat in Sanibel, and without a doubt the best place to get drinks. The mojitos are famous, and the bartenders are generous and friendly. The table service is generally very good. The food is excellent, I almost always order the banana leaf snapper, I love the stuff. The shake & shuck shrimp are very tasty. And of course, I love the key lime pie! No trip to Sanibel is complete without a trip to Doc Ford's!

    (4)

  • Russ T.

    The four of us stopped in based on the bartender at our place. Doc Fords is a nice palce to go as a casual eatery. It offers a fair amount of food that is not deep fried. The service was fine as we had a waitress and then a food runner/bus boy so things went along just fine. This was in addition to a fair number of people being seated after we arrived (likely around 20 in the "other dining room" area) and it was handled by two waitresses. On to the food. For appetizers we had the chicken fingers and the black bean dip. The chicken fingers were not the usual formed chicken and all the same shape and size. That was nice. There were three bottles of hot sauce to use along with the two dipping sauces they gave us. They were tender and tasted fine along with the hot sauces. The black bean dip had melted cheese on it and jalapeno pepper slices. It was extremely bland. The chips were simple out of a bag chips. You did get a lot of bean dip but then how much is for a can of black beans, some cheese and a few jalapeno slices. The hot sauces came to the rescue on this one. For dinner we had -- calamari salad, fish sandwich, cheese steak, pulled pork barbecue. All bot one were pretty good. The only negative was the fish sandwich had no flavor to it. The pork sandwich had a honey barbecue and two of us thought there was a fish aftertaste, although this was not a negative. The calamari salad was really good and the salad dressing was a sweet/hot taste. The cheese steak (he never apologized for ordering this) was fine too. Fries and sweet potator fries were usual fare and drinks were drinks. So for a casual place this was fine. We didn't try any of the "upscale" dinners. For the time we are on the island we simply want to try different places. This was better than others (so far).

    (3)

  • Sara B.

    Good food, good service. Food better priced than other places on Sanibel as well. The cheese bread is the best thing I ever ate.

    (4)

  • Yvonne M.

    We are part time residents for 18 years and this is our local. Casual and laid back (don't come here on a schedule or with pre-set expectations). I love that the menu is constantly updated for new ideas/ seasonal faves but maintains the classics - my 14 year old sons would "die" if the beach bread were ever to come off the menu. Great value, great food and consistently outstanding wait staff.

    (5)

  • Lauren T.

    Average at best. That shrimp app was the best even though I had to peel and eat.

    (3)

  • Rainer F.

    We stopped by for happy hour on our way back from Captiva and just had a couple of drinks and a snack. The ambience is a bit Key West-ish, with a indoor and a patio dining area. Don't forget the mosquito spray outside! We had the Yucatan shrimp, which were large, juicy, and had a nice kick to them. The drink selection looks interesting. We went for the Silverslider and the Sanibel Sunset. A first taste they tasted disappointingly like a margarita and a Mai Tai, but then some of the extra flavors came out and made them nice drinks to relax before dinner.

    (4)

  • Jason P.

    Too salty, bad GM. Ate there last night. Everyone's food was excessively salted to the point that no one could finish their meal. We had a coupon for b.o.g.o. entree from the Kiwanis club. My wife and I each ordered entrees. My mother (who has cancer and does not eat much) ordered an appetizer, and my kids ordered off of the kids menu. We presented our coupon when we were seated. When we received the bill, both entree's remained, and my mothers appetizer was taken off. I asked the waiter for an explanation of why our coupon that clearly stated "Buy one ENTREE get one free" was not being honored. He told me that my mothers intent in ordering the appetizer was that of an entree and therefore as the least valued "entree", it was deducted. I asked for the G.M. The GM gave me the same speech about the intent of a the patron. I challenged her logic by asking why she didn't just take off a kids meal as those were much more entree-like than moms small salty appetizer plate of mussels. My mom never expressed to anyone including me what her intent was when she ordered the appetizer off of the appetizer menu. Her purpose was self explanatory. She wanted an appetizer, not an entree. Then instead of righting a wrong, the GM said that she could put the mussels on a different check and that way there would be no course intent conflicts. SERIOUSLY??? Just don't participate in coupon programs if you are going to rip off your patrons, disrespect the Kiwanis and your customers.

    (1)

  • Sandy H.

    Went to Doc Fords with my vegetarian husband and in laws. I had the shrimp and grits. The shrimp was tasty and well cooked. The grits are very cheesy and was a touch too salty for me. The vegetables over the grits were a life saver as they were not too salty. My father in law had the pulled pork, which was also well cooked, but salty. My mother in law had a salad and was happy with it. My husband had the beach bread and tropical salad. The service was very good.

    (3)

  • Samuel G.

    Good place - sports bar atmosphere with several large TVs. Food is okay but not anything special. Drinks were good and they have a large selection. Would recommend for a reasonably priced casual meal.

    (4)

  • Patricia C.

    Husband & I headed to Sanibel to spend the New Year's weekend. Had hoped to make it to Sanibel Cafe for some unique little lunch, but they closed at 2:30 (we arrived at 3:15), so rather than going to Cheeburger Cheeburger or Blue Giraffe (ho hum) I remembered Doc Ford's from our last trip here. Good call! Fun bar, laid back atmosphere, pleanty of TVs w/ college football on, nice attentive waitstaff. We had a dozen Texas oysters to start (yum! fresh & tasty!) followed by a blackened Mahi Mahi sandwich (hubby) & fish tacos for me. The sandwiches were good, nothing to die for, but good and better than anything "touristy" or fried. A good quality place with nice people & good food. Would def. go back

    (4)

  • Cezaro L.

    I've eaten here a few times and never thought much of what I ordered. Fish plates, salads and burgers are all mediocre. Weird mango sauce on the Cedar Plank Salmon ruins an otherwise good dish. There is a pretty big menu though, so maybe I've just struck out every time. Atmosphere looks fun, but with large parties the service has tended to be rude. If you go and like what you get, awesome--list it here! But if not, I'd save my pennies for one of the better restaurants in the area (Greenhouse Grill, Timbers). I can't speak to how it might be as a bar, though.

    (2)

  • Larry B.

    Doc Ford's is large version of leading sports bars. Above average food and an extensive array of flat screens with all the games. The wait during peak periods can be a bit annoying, but illustrates the popularity of the establishment. Raw oysters were a great deal, but a bit on the small side. Bean dip appetizer is great. Our group mixed a variety of entrees, all rated above average. Grouper sandwich was excellent. Also, chicken wings were rated outstanding. The house specialty Yucantan Shrimp was rated by several of our group as the best they ever had. Overall, very good dining experience for a resort sports bar.

    (4)

  • Tom R.

    This place is just awesome! Get the pineapple mojito. You won't be the same!

    (4)

  • Victoria T.

    We stopped here for lunch during our scooter ride... it was a WONDERFUL lunch! A huge selection on the menu and everything that everyone got was fresh and delicious. Loved it.

    (5)

  • J P.

    Doc's is the place to go for great atmosphere, awesome food. There are plenty of TV screens so you can catch whatever games are on, but it doesn't detract from the atmosphere of a classy sports bar/restaurant. Great crunchy grouper, great fish tacos, great snapper cooked in banana leaf, great selection of beers and mixed drinks, and creative menu items. I've enjoyed everything I've eaten there. Mostly recently fell in love with the shrimp cooked in a special spice mix and served on spiced grits. Delicious!! Also the mojitos are yummy! If you have not read any Randy Wayne White, start with "Sanibel Flats"! Good readin'

    (5)

  • myopinionisbetterthanyours B.

    In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Sanibel. We've been here over 10 times: twice with large groups with kids, a couple times for birthday celebrations, a couple times to watch the game. Everything we had was good: -Fish tacos -Fish sandwich -Shrimp and grits -Pulled pork sandwich -Calamari -Shrimp -Specials -Carribbean Jerk Nachos -Carrot Cake -Black Bean Dip -Fish finger appetizer -Mojitos -Tropical Breeze (like a mai tai) We love it!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    We were skeptical because we thought it might just be plain bar food and we were hungry, but the food is excellent. I had the snapper wrapped in banana leaf which was creative and tasty. We were only there for lunch but it looks like it would be a fun place to grab a cocktail at night.

    (4)

  • Sarah R.

    My husband and I honeymooned in Sanibel. We were looking for nice places to eat on our trip. We love trying new places and being a long way from home (Virginia!) we definitely were on the lookout for new favorites! We came here for the first time during the day when it was pretty empty. Our waitress was pretty bland. But, it really didn't matter much. We tried the buffalo shrimp for an appetizer. They weren't what I was expecting. In Virginia, our shrimp are pretty small at restaurants. These were HUGE and juicy. Very delicious! I tried the cedar plank salmon for my entree. (freshly cut salmon filet topped with a mango chipotle glaze, served with au gratin potatoes, wilted spinach and caramelized mushrooms) It was 21.95 and actually worth every penny! The salmon was HUGE and again, nothing like the salmon we get at restaurants in Virginia. The chipotle glaze was a nice touch but, wouldn't have missed it if it weren't there. The au gratin potatos were very different than any I have had before but, definitely delicious. I was not sure about having the wilted spinach and caramelized mushrooms and even was on the verge of asking her not to include them but, I am glad I kept it. It was sooooo good! My husband likes to play it safe. He's not a fan of veggies and is a meat and potato kind of guy. He was just going to get the pank fried shrimp and call it a day but, I persuaded him to try something new. He decided on the pank crusted fish sandwhich (seared, baked and served on a whole wheat bun, topped with house slaw and spicy remoulade) and fries. He got the remoulade on the side. It was not very good. He said his sandwhich was delicious. It came with coleslaw which of course he doesn't touch but, I ate it for him and it was really great! For drinks, I tried the Grape Ape (Grape Jack Rum mixed with lemonade and a splash of lemon lime soda) and Raspberry Beret (Pinnacle Raspberry Vodka, hint of black raspberry liqueur mixed with cranberry juice, sweet & sour with a touch of grapefruit juice). Both were very good. My husband stuck with a strong Jack & Coke. We were absolutely stuffed after our meal. I really wanted to try their carrot cake so, I got that to go so I could enjoy it later. It was HUGE and absolutely delicious! Made with a hint of Gossling's Black Seal Rum. I am glad I got it to go. :) We absolutely fell in love with the sauces they have on the table. We even bought some to bring home. My husband loved the Chipotle BBQ and I loved the Mango Salsa. AMAZING. We loved this place so much, we came back on our last day for dinner on the island. We tried their calamari for an appetizer and it was, hands down the best calamari we have ever had. The cocktail sauce with it was amazing. Had a light spicy kick. It was perfect. The calamari was tender and crunchy. PERFECT. The portion is enormous. Make sure you have lots of people to share it with! For dinner, I couldn't resist and had to get the salmon again. My husband was happy because he got to get the planko shrimp, finally. They were HUGE and he loved them. Their side house salad is great. Bigger than I thought and I couldn't even finish it, nor my meal this time. I regret not getting their key lime pie to go. But, we left happy. Our waiter this time around was great. We got there around 5 for dinner and right as we were seated, the place started filling up. We loved it here and can't wait to return!

    (5)

  • Ted L.

    Oh my!!! Yucatan shrimp. Shrimp and grits. Always our go-to place. Actually met Randy Wayne White (Doc Ford Himself) for the second time. He's always personable and willing to chat with fans. The food and service is always outstanding...not much else to say. Go !

    (5)

  • Peter G.

    The best way to describe this place is to say it's just like Chili's or Applebees only slightly better. The quality of the food is certainly above a chain but flavors are about the same. Cheap, simplistic, and almost mechanical. On a very bright day the interior of the restaurant seemed very dark, so we opted for the outside patio. Bad choice. The service was abysmal. Seeing any waitress, let alone our own, was like a manatee sighting. There was one waitress working a pretty empty patio with only for other parties who were showing similar levels of frustration. Ordering food took almost twenty minutes. Requested drink refills never happened. My family ordered the Black Bean dip with chips and it was utterly tasteless perhaps since it had come from a can? A similarly underwhelming cheese was melted on top but at least gave it some flavor. The only good part were the four fresh cut jalapenos on top. They were delicious but few! I ordered the Panamania pulled pork sandwich came slopped in a saccharin sweet BBQ sauce with no punch or spice...worse yet cose slaw had been dumped on top. Why the hell is there cole slaw on my pulled pork sandwich?! Cole slaw is a side and if I wanted to have it on my sandwich I could put it on myself. The pulled pork was a messy affair on it's own it didn't need watery slaw poured on top. This sandwich was just disgusting. Everyone else seemed pretty disappointed with their meals too. The Conch Chowder was too salty, the veggies had no texture and conjured up images of a canned product. The soups came with no bread or crackers...Enh? It perhaps doesn't help that I am from New England where nothing with a tomato base could ever be chowder! The Cubano especially just didn't taste like anything in particular, and for a sandwich that is supposed to be quite flavorful it came as a surprise. The food was mediocre the only highlight being the perfect french fries, but even those were of the frozen variety. You can taste the corners cut in the kitchen, and that's just not a good thing when entrees start at $15 and go up from there. I just can't recommend this place in good conscious. Avoid.

    (2)

  • Maddie W.

    One of my favorite places on the island, especially nice on the patio. The seafood entrees looked especially good, but since I'm allergic I could only look and not taste (though everyone at the table said they were great). I usually order the veggie burger and fries because there aren't too many places on the island to get one. The beach bread was a bit of a letdown, it was suggested by the server, but was too soggy for my tastes. Will definitely be going back to Doc Ford's!

    (4)

  • AJ D.

    Have been coming to the Island for years. The past three years we make it a priority to got to Doc Ford's. Always amazing food. Great service. So good!

    (5)

  • Dave W.

    Ate here a couple times while here on vacation, including once for a wedding reception. Everything was pretty good. Lots of seafood and "vacation drinks". Service was great. Fish tacos were just ok but I'd recommend something different. Wife's paella was really good. Snapper cooked in banana leaves looked really good but I didn't get to try it.

    (4)

  • Mike P.

    We went on a Wednesday afternoon as the rain did not make for a good beach day. Wednesday must have been the weekly food delivery day, as while we were sitting at the table the Sysco truck showed up. Our kids wanted Mac-n-Cheese. Sorry folks we dont have that on the kids menu, we ran out and are waiting for a delivery! We ordered Calamari for an app, but oops that was still on the truck too! Instead of asking the truck driver to bring it out first they asked us to order something else. Waiter was kind enough to comp another key west beer and desert. The fish tacos (grouper) were gross. The fish was supposed to be broiled but was more rubberized! The seared tuna app was very good. The most impressive thing about Doc Fords is that they have TV screens all over the place. If you are stuck on a Sunday down there missing your home team, they have Direct TV NFL package. This is the only saving grace of the place. So 1 star for the seared tuna app, and 1 star for the Football potential.

    (2)

  • Christy S.

    Very solid food. It IS basically a sports bar, but the food is more sophisticated-good shrimp dishes and fish tacos. Party of 12 all enjoyed the fare, pleasant service. Pretty quick, casual and great for all ages (we had 9-70 represented). Most shockingly for Sanibel/Captiva, the value was actually pretty good.

    (4)

  • Ruth B.

    Fun atmosphere and very good food. My husband's shimp and grits dinner was amazing, my Bahamian Shrimp was very good. Everybody else at our table seemed to really enjoy their food too. They have a good kids menu (always important for us) and it is loud enough that it doesn't matter how well your kids behave (also important for us). They messed up our reservation a little, but worked very hard to put it right quickly. Definitely make a reservation during high season, though. There were a lot of people waiting.

    (4)

  • Kevin C.

    Great drinks but overpriced food and so so service. Server completely mixed up our order. My wife ordered an app as her dinner and we were going to share a salad. Instead he brought out the app for her first and forgot the salad. I ordered the pork chops which turned out to be a pork chop. For $18 bucks you should get what the menu says. I would go back for drinks and wings but not for a good dinner.

    (3)

  • Ted H.

    Outstanding rum cocktails. Great yucatan shrimp app. Fish is excellent but preps r too fussy n complicated. Just b simpler.

    (4)

  • Judith B.

    Food was fantastic! So was the service!

    (5)

  • Amy T.

    Doc Ford's USED to be one of my favorite places to dine on Sanibel Island...... My guest and I sat at the bar for almost 2 hours because the hostess lost our number. When finally seated down we waited about an hour for our food to arrive. It was a disappointment. I tried something new, because they didn't have the fabulous Penne with Rock Shrimp which was my only reason why I would wait so long at Doc Ford's. After an hour of waiting, food finally arrived, 7 fried shrimp. There were more french fries then needed. My guest had the mussels which were good but nothing outstanding. I'm very sad to the new changes that Doc Ford's had made, and will have to re-think if I want to visit again.

    (2)

  • Jason Z.

    Red Snapper wrapped in the banana leaves is amazing...the fish tacos were really good...they had a separate drink menu with many options, but the two that we tried were both way too sweet.

    (4)

  • Vincent P.

    Doc's was a dissappointment after hearing mainly positive buzz. Everyone in our party commented that the chef made some odd choices with seasoning. Making a move that is off the beaten path sometimes pays off but at Doc Fords, it seems like some dishes need to be rethought.

    (3)

  • Mike B.

    Excellent food - super friendly staff, and a great menu of asian/latin american-inspired sensations! We go back every year, and it never disappoints!

    (4)

  • Brian C.

    Went to Sanibel in March with my family and had lunch at Doc's. Great food, great service. The Key Lime Pie was incredible.

    (5)

  • G Z.

    We went here a couple of times on our latest trip to Sanibel. The drinks are pretty good and cheap. It is hard to distinguish one pink fruity rum drink from the next. One bartender in particular works that lead wrist. The food was also surprisingly good (minus the so-so calamari), though we only had appetizers. The "host" we had one afternoon needs some extra training cuz he slammed the poor patio, making the customers and servers suffer.

    (3)

  • Jim Y.

    Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grill is a great spot for casual dining on Sanibel. Normally I go for a mojito (house specialty), however this time we went for a round of frozen rum-runners and they were fantastic. We also started with the Dinkin's Bay Boil - a shrimp dish which was stellar. Get some extra bread to sop up the leftover sauce. Apparently the dish rivals Killer Shrimp in LA (which i've never had but heard of). I had a blackened grouper sandwich which was ok - however the shrimp and drinks gave this four stars.

    (4)

  • Shelby J.

    The menu is not too out of the ordinary - no frills, you get what you expect to get and that is it. Regardless, we enjoyed it and would go back. The fish special was a hit at our table. The pricing is reasonable and the service is very friendly and attentive.

    (4)

  • Cindy P.

    We enjoyed the best meal so far on our vacation on Sanibel Island. When we walked in and I realized it was a sports bar I was disappointed. Doug always says that I need to order sports bar food if we are in a sports bar, like ribs or burgers. This is NOT your typical sports bar. Ther are plenty of TV's,(all football games available), but the food was fabulous. I started with a perfect mojito, none of that sprite to make it sweet baloney, and then we had peel and eat Yucatan shrimp to die for. Sweet large shrimp with a chili, butter, key lime dressing. I could have made a meal of that and might later in the week. For dinner I had what I would call a red snapper tamale. It was wrapped in a banana leaf lined with masa harina and the fish was grilled to perfection with ancho chili and key lime marinade. I never usually eat my beans and rice but they were delicious. I rarely write a review. the place has to be outstanding or simply awful to get me excited about a review. Go there. You will love it.

    (5)

  • Trey J.

    I'm glad we didn't listen to these reviews. Banana leaf wrapped snapper, excellent grouper, lots of recipes. Call-ahead seating mkaes wait times minimal. A little pricey for the ruggedness of the restaurant but I think you'll like if you go.

    (5)

  • Doug D.

    We came because of Randy Wayne White but were very pleased with the service and food. We had appetizers at the bar, ceviche seafood cocktail, shrimp sausage quesadillas, and the caribbean jerk tostados. All were very good. Very busy for dinner and everyone clears out by nine o'clock. They actually close around nine thirty or ten.

    (4)

  • Vicky P.

    A solid establishment, with some hits and some misses. The crab cake is fine, but the jicama slaw served with it is *wonderful* and worth the order. Their signature salad was nothing to write home about. I had planned on throwing my crab cake on top of it, but got too hung up on the slaw to bother. The other folks I was with ordered the Cuban, which was very good, the black bean dip, which you should definitely skip, the grouper sandwich, which was excellent, and the grouper fingers from the kid's meal, which were also very very good. (there's also an appetizer of grouper fingers, which I expect are the same thing.) Worth trying.

    (4)

  • Dustin S.

    Great food and drinks! Even with it being a busy touristy restaurant, the atmosphere is astounding. The waiting staff is friendly. Me and my buddies just sat at the bar to eat dinner and probably chitchatted with the bar tender the whole time. The drinks were amazing! Their mixed frozen drinks were definitely the best in ft myers. Also while talking to the bartender we learned that the restaurant is based off a book series character that takes place in the area. The author is part owner as well. Definitely a place a non Ft. Myerian should visit.

    (5)

  • Jesse K.

    The rum drinks were way too sweet for my Chicago palette, but I was here for my birthday and decided to enjoy the local dining. The taquito appetizer was way above average, and surprisingly good. My order of "The Cubano" sandwich was a disaster. Dry, dry, dry, and served on rock-hard bread, a bare wisp of cheese, and flavourless meat - really, the WORST restaurant meal I have EVER had. The fries were good. (I ended up having to soak the sandwich in hot sauce to barely choke it down, but after the whole day cycling, I was hungry.) Cheap, strong drinks. Stick to those.

    (1)

  • Alana J.

    I have been going to Sanibel Island for at least three weeks every summer since I was born. Needless to say, I know about almost every restaurant there is on the little paradise island. My parents had started reading the books, and the summer after, Doc Fords was opened! We had to try it! I was a vegetarian then, and the vegetarian options are great! I loved the black bean dip! The first summer we were there, we must have gone five times! I got it for dinner every time! The cheesy grits are out of this world! I have tried and tried to recreate them, but I just can't get it right! The next summer, we went on the first night there. The owner actually recognized us, a year after we had met her! It was very cool, and really showed what great customer service they have. I had the banana-leaf wrapped snapper, which is just delicious. Our server was so nice, and brought us out the best key-lime pie for dessert on the house, just so we could try it! The time after, I had the onion-jam glazed pork chops, which has been my go-to ever since I stopped my 13-year veggie phase. Sadly, last time i went it wasn't on the menu, but I have never had anything there that wasn't delicious! Every year we have gone, the same woman recognizes my family, and the first year I didn't go with them, asked about me. She even put a picture of us in the paper as an ad for Doc Ford's! This place is more than just a great restaurant for me. It's a piece of my childhood, of those great summers I spent hunting for beach glass with my little brother and fishing in the Ding Darling, of the time my brother ran from the light house to Doc Ford's to see if he could beat us there for dinner. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

    (5)

  • d k.

    OMG...7 Thumbs Down! Good thing RWW makes his living writing books because if he had to rely on this sad excuse for a restaurant, he would still be delivering fish. Hmm. How do I loathe thee?? Let me count the ways. - Black bean dip...beans must have come out of a can and they threw a bay leaf into it as a decoy... - Paella...good if you're into "rubberized" shrimp, old mussels and fine grit in every bite. Even the waitress said her own was better. - What was the pink sauce with the mahi mahi??? Gee-ross. - The appetizer bread...wow...must have been a tough recipe to come up with. Let me think...cut a french loaf in half, top with cheese and tomatoes, load into the broiler. Talk about elementary. - Panko breaded shrimp and fries...right out of the frozen section perhaps?? Overall, the absolute worst $200 i have ever spent in a restaurant...it was so heinous we took group pictures with a big thumbs DOWN in the parking lot...making sure a few cars saw us doing it.

    (1)

  • Jerry E.

    Doc Fords on Sanibel is one of our favorite places to go for a great meal in a fun atmosphere. Brenda and Marty Harrity are great host's and the food is always tasty. Fish Tacos are fantastic. You can't go wrong heading there for dinner or lunch!!

    (4)

  • Slim S.

    One of my favorite restaurants on my favorite island. The Yucutan shrimp is outstanding as well as the sweet chili chicken wings. The jerk nachos are also a great starter. Good place.

    (4)

  • PieandPly Z.

    3.5 stars. The Lazy Flamingo will always be my seafood number one, but I love the creativity and Caribbean flair of Doc Ford's menu. It also has a good sized bar and bar area, as well as a separate bar annex, which is nice when the island gets crowded and drinkers and diners start mortal combating for a seat. The food tends to sound and look just a little bit better than it tastes, but I have never left truly disappointed or unsatisfied. Prices are very reasonable for what comes on the plate as well. If I were on Sanibel for 7 days, I'd be happy having dinner at Doc's on 3 of them.

    (3)

  • Jim S.

    Best Buffalo Shrimp - ever: Doc Ford's Bar and Grill, Sanibel, FL. They were lightly breaded, perfectly sauced (the shrimp, not me...), jumbo gulf shrimp. I knew we had something special when I took the first bite and tasted something lacking in many other BS - it was the taste of the fresh gulf shrimp!!! Yes, we could taste the sauce - but also the shrimp - what a concept. Excellent. We'll go back for these guys - even with the $6 bridge toll...

    (4)

  • Cheri K.

    A friend and I met in Sanibel Island for a getaway and went to Doc's for a casual dinner. We arrived on a Monday evening to find an hour long wait. Fortunately, we were able to grab two seats at the bar and decided to eat there rather than wait. The service was great! Our bartender was super friendly and was able to recommend some tasty cocktails and entrees. Just be prepared, some of the food portions are HUGE! I couldn't even finish half of my roasted chicken chimichurri dish. Would definitely recommend Doc's but just be prepared for a huge crowd and possible long wait.

    (4)

  • Louis B.

    I'm really not sure why everyone likes this place so much. We had fish tacos that the fish was still cold in the center and had to be sent back. A broiled grouper filet that given that they must make thousands of a year was uninspired. The main bar also had an overwhelming smell of fried food. So I guess if your looking for a touristy sort of chainish place this is your place. I'm sure the kids meals come in sand pails.

    (2)

  • C S.

    Stopped here for lunch because of many favorable reviews. Service was slow but friendly. We didn't get our food for almost 40 minutes after ordering. My original fish sandwich was just warm, not hot. The beans and rice were nice and hot and very tasty. My husband's burger was big and juicy, but the fries were barely warm. After waiting so long we didn't want to send them back because we were hungry! The fish and beans were a little on the spicy side, and would have been too spicy for a kid. It seems to me this place is resting on its reputation , and succeeding by selling lots of alcohol. Won't bother them again.

    (2)

  • John G.

    Best restaurant I ever ate at. Get the mussels and the chicken fingers. Wish I had this where I live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (5)

  • P S.

    The place for shrimp and fresh fish tacos. The snapper rocks too. Always fresh and tasty. Fun to explore the rum collection. Great decor and service ... Truly Island style.

    (5)

  • Rosy R.

    Great spot. Decent food unlike many other Sanibel places. Terrific staff. Drinks and shrimp were tops

    (4)

  • Betty B.

    We have been on the island for several days. We had the best dinner yet at Docs. Great salads plates were cold, conch chowder was just like the islands. We sat at the bar and joined the locals.

    (5)

  • Kristen P.

    The food, service, and drinks here were amazing. Super fresh calamari, yummy fish tacos papaya poco de gallo and the soy mahi-mahi was great. The double decker brownie with ice cream and chocolate rum sauce was to die for. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. Best meal on the island so far!

    (5)

  • Peter L.

    After telling Ashley, the server that my Mai Tai was nothing but water, she informed me that no one else complained. She recommended the Rum Runner and though skeptical, I gave it a try. Delicious! Plenty of rum, great flavor. Night and day difference. My only complaint is they charged me for a really bad Mai Tai. I'll go back to Sanibel a lot but this place is off my list. Food and drinks were better other places and the server was no fun, very little personality. It could be a fun place, should be and there were plenty of locals there. It's a rum bar. The rum drinks should be amazing and if it's not, they should make it so.

    (3)

  • BrklynMaitai Y.

    Awesome everything. We had cedar salmon...the spinach and mushrooms side was so good too. The Yucatan shrimp was garlicky delicious! Kids enjoyed kids menu chicken fingers. Kid friendly with crayons and puzzle. Wait staff very very nice.

    (5)

  • Cynthia G.

    We returned here again after a year. Service was great, food was great as well. We opted for salads; mine was the Tropical Salad. Not too much on the menu for vegetarians but this is true of every restaurant out here. My little complaint was that the nuts in the salad were candied. Not healthy! My husband enjoyed his chicken taco salad which was not too spicy. It was not a busy evening, and I think it was a very auspicious week to visit. It was our third visit here. We will return again next year!

    (4)

  • Greta D.

    First and foremost, AMAZING service! We were 3 of an anticipated party of 7. After half an hour we decided to take a table for just the three of us. Of course 5 minutes later, our other friends arrived and the staff immediately had all of us sitting together, without us even moving!! Okay, the food. Husband had the cedar plank salmon and ate EVERY bite! I had the penne with shrimp and it was delicious, except that I would have preferred whole shrimp instead of it being cut up. Our friends enjoyed their dishes as well, the cerviche cocktail and captiva crabcakes. We are going back on Saturday to try more!

    (4)

  • Manuel B.

    Found this place on yelp. Went by the reviews, nice place, good service,very attentive. Everything tasted great, after we got our meal and others were being brought out I noticed the portion sizes were inconsistent. Overall good.

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    Wonderful service all around! Our servers name was Sarah. She was delightful & prompt with our drinks & food-- I felt she had a great attitude (so friendly & chipper). I ordered the Peel & Eat shrimp & a rum runner...So delicious! As we were leaving we were thanked for our service by whom I believe was a manager. Nice outdoor seating with fans & plenty of shading(umbrellas, trees, bushes). I will be returning!

    (5)

  • Maria M.

    Excellent food & service. The bean dip was delicious and the crab cakes too. Drinks and food were fresh with unique island flavor. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Marissa T.

    Arrived at 7pm and were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately. The special of the night was snapper with crab stuffing on a bed of brown rice pilaf and julienned vegetables and asparagus. It was perfect! And they doable $1 from every drink to the children's hospital. Reasonably priced and a fantastic atmosphere!

    (5)

  • Tram L.

    I just come to Sanibel as my first time and found this place on yelp. Their seafood especially the oysters and muscles are so delicious. I love it and definitely wanna come back.

    (5)

  • Annie N.

    We tried this place for the first time last year after coming to Captiva/Sanibel for over 30 years. The one thing I can say is I am so sorry we just discovered it! It definitely has the beachy feel and atmosphere. The wait can get very long so I say go early or sit at the bar and get a drink. The drinks are awesome but they are a tad on the pricey side. The dress is very casual and laid back. It really just feels like you are "hanging" out. There is two different rooms, but the one room to the left seemed to be hotter and it was not attached from the main building. We asked to sit in the main building because they were carrying food from the main building to the second building. The kitchen is in the main building. I just didn't want my food traveling that far and outside and by 50 people. If you feel like getting an appetizer, I would definitely say the Yucatan shrimp are a must! I believe it comes in three different sizes, the biggest size almost enough for a meal. They are very rich and buttery with some spice. Just delicious. There is usually a nightly special which can range from scallops to fish. If you "like" Doc Fords on Facebook, they usually post a picture of the nightly special. I'm still waiting for a coupon to pop up! We came here twice last year. I had the steak one night, which was so large I could not finish my meal. I also had the grouper which was delicious. We also tried the calamari one night as an appetizer and it was good. It didn't really stand out in fried calamari world but it was good. The menu offers a wide selection with a lot of the items having a Caribbean or island flare. The server the first night was nice and the second night she was so so. They are very busy and it really comes out in the service. We had to ask a couple of times for refills and they didn't really come around to check on us either night. I understand that it is busy restaurant but the service could be friendlier. They have a little "gift shop" near the front entrance and when I went up to buy something, the hostess was just too busy to help me. I had to wait and get their attention as they just talked to each other. I would say 1 star for the hostess. All in all the food and drinks are very good and we will be going back this year during our vacation.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Such a great experience! I have come here several times and always received great service and good food. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Alli H.

    From what I understand, Doc Ford is a character in a book. I haven't read the series, so maybe I couldn't fully appreciate the experience. The food was delicious, but the portion sizes were considerably small for the price.

    (4)

  • Sam M.

    Amazing food, best beer Ive had, and a key lime pie that beats every other key lime pie in Florida. This place is truly one to visit. The food, specifically the fish and the chicken are incredibly fresh and flavorful. The mahi mahi was cooked very well and the chimichurri for the chicken was nothing short of perfection. One of their beers here is possibly the best light beer in Florida. It is a Doc Browns light ale. Really really good. Lastly, the Key Lime Pie is really good and has the perfect amount of tartness and sweetness. This meal has truly been a great experience and is the best meal I have had in a long time. Highly highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Victor R.

    Well coming across this restaurant (which out of the boat load of flyers that were given to me) was a real delight. It was so great that even though I was only on the island for three days I ate there twice. The atmosphere is a sports bar/ sit down restaurant. Very interesting decor (very fishing oriented) with window view from almost every seat. First time Our server Amanda was always on top of our table. We were seated instantly and had water within 2-3 minutes. After combing the menu I came to a decision on the mahi mahi and the dry rub rib eye. The mahi mahi Was presented beautifully seared in a sweet soy sauce over a bed of jasmine rice and sandwiched in between was a mixed vegetable stir fry. The fish was cooked to perfection. It was light and fluffy and was definitely not frozen which is a major plus. The jasmine rice with some of the veges and a bit of fish was an explosion of flavor. I have paid well in excess of 100 for a plate similar to this on south beach and it was in no way nearly as good as this fish was. The rib eye Was plated beautifully in a red wine reduction and served with smash potatoes, asparagus with mushrooms, and half a grilled tomato topped with bleu cheese. The meat (which I got medium rare) was cooked perfectly and moist and full of flavor. The asparagus was nice and tender but not overdone and the grilled tomato still kept its body. The smashed potatoes were not overly creamy and still had body. Overall the steak was much better quality than that of Morton's and Christie's in Miami which I pay three times as much for and does not come with any sides whatsoever. Dessert I opted for the double chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream. It was served nice and warm and the went well with the ice cream as a closing desert. Second time We were seated without a wait and our server Wayne had us served our drinks promptly. Appetizer I had the Captiva crab cakes which were omg (oh my god) good. They were moist and a bursting with flavor. Plates in between the crab cakes was a sample of cole slaw which I have to say was nearly the best slaw I've ever had. I would order this again in a heart beat. The entree There was a bit of trouble when our order got backed up due to a malfunction with the ticket printer in the kitchen. To remedy this we were given free dessert which is fine by me. After waiting for a little while our food was brought out. Being the type of woman she is my mom had the dry rub rib eye again. I decided to go with something a little different. Panamaniac's pulled pork sandwich This sandwich was brimming with flavor. The pork was tasty and moist but had clearly distinguished flavors. You could clearly taste the onions and spices that the pork was done in. There was also more of that heavenly slaw on top. My only recommended change was the bun. It was whole wheat and a little firm but not enough to really bother the taste of the sand which. I got the rice and beans and they were ok. I should have opted for more of the slaw or fries. Other than that it was a pretty good sandwich. Dessert I decided to finally experience the key lime pie and wow. It's definitely worth it. You get the tart of the key lime filling with the crunch and sweetness of the crust and balancing it all is the whipped creme. ( for those non Floridians, the whip creme is to be spread on top of the pie to balance it out. That's what I was taught growing up at least.) It was the prefect end to the meal Over all this restaurant gets a five because even though it has that sports bar feel, you get five start food for a three star price. As a side note looks like a great place to watch a game!!!

    (5)

  • Dan R.

    Came here for dinner with family. Sports bar style theming. Food was ok. Ordered the shrimp and grits which had a Mexican Asian twist.

    (4)

  • Timothy W.

    The service was good, drinks were good but the food was average. Had The Cuban and friend had the burger and another had the lobster roll.

    (3)

  • Mark D.

    Quality down home cooking. Being from the North I really enjoyed this. Knocked back my dinner with a number of beers. Cool place to hang out too. Lots of history. Great place to eat on Sanibel!

    (4)

  • Michelle L.

    Loved this place. Our food was excellent. I had the signature paella and a delicious key lime pie. Fun tshirts and mugs. No live music but nice atmosphere

    (5)

  • Annie W.

    By far the BEST food on the island! Oysters are fresh and tasty, Yuctan shrimp was good. The crab cakes have tons of crab in them and fall apart like they should, not filled with breading like most places. The jicama salad that comes with the crab cakes was SOOOO good! we even asked for the recipie. And the award winning dish that was our favorite was the special of the night which was a pakko crusted snapper topped with crab meat over a bed of creamy risotto with asparagus and red peppers with a lemon butter sauce. uh.... YUM! This dish could easily be served in a 5 Star upscale restaurant. It was phenomenal. We also ordered some key lime pie to go, and it was one of the best we've ever had, and we've tried LOTS of key lime pies all over south Florida and Key West. We will definitely be returning on our next trip. A lot of places on the island are "hip" and "quaint" meaning you more or less are paying for the atmosphere with sub par food. This place is great food at decent prices (granted everything is a little overpriced on the island). The place was super busy even at 5pm, but this didn't hinder our service at all. 5 Stars in my book, and I'm picky! ;)

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    We had the docs bread. Amazing!! The shrimp and grits. Amazing!! The rum drinks. Amazing!! The Sanibel cheese steak was great. Wings were good. Be careful our server was fantastic. Loved it here. 1st time but won't be the last.

    (4)

  • Samantha F.

    Yummy once again! Great service! Delicious food, everybody loved their food in our party of 8. We got the Grouper sandwich & it was yummy! Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Eva B.

    It was fine. Not the best but not the worst. Like everything on Sanibel it was tourist priced. The sandwiches were decent and the portions were large. The kids enjoyed coloring in their packets that were included with new crayons and each of their entrees came with an ice cream sandwich. The music was a little loud for my taste but it was def more of a bar type setting, although family friendly.

    (3)

  • Tara A.

    We're impressed! We came straight from the beach and we're way underdressed... but hey, it's vacation! Yacatan shrimp tacos were amazing and I'm pretty picky about shrimp. Hubby got the Cuban sandwich and it was pretty good, better after some extra mustard. Twenty minute wait in the super muggy front area (get a fan!) & pretty good service.

    (4)

  • Debbi N.

    The place is a cool hip sports bar with an interesting menu. We enjoyed it. A little loud and hectic. Food was good. Had a tuna appetizer.

    (4)

  • Faith S.

    I absolutely adore Doc Fords. It has the quintessential Southwest Florida, laid back island vibe, DELICIOUS seafood and a fun atmosphere. We had the fish tacos, Yucatan shrimp, and, of course, a slice of key lime pie. Everything was excellent and fresh. It's a very comfortable and casual environment and has a lively bar scene, too. Central island location and a true piece of Sanibel legend. Not to be missed.

    (5)

  • Gerri H.

    Doc Ford's offers great drinks and great food. We visit every year. Party of 5 seated within 10 minutes. Rum punch and other tropical drinks were served and enjoyed. Calamari and Beach bread were enjoyed and eaten quickly. Huge ala carte salad - enough to share. Dinners: Lobster roll - kind of small but lots of lobster meat. Yucatan Shrimp - Oh. So. Good!! Paella- chocked full of seafood and sausage with a nice kick! Panko crusted grouper was tasty and enjoyed. Service was attentive and fast!

    (4)

  • Cathy S.

    Took a group of 30 there as part of a Sanibel field trip. The kitchen didn't miss a beat- we all ate at the same time (allowing for servers to return to the kitchen to get the next tray of food) and I believe every order was correct. I had the pulled pork sandwich, but didn't eat the bun for fear I wouldn't finish. The sauce was tangy without too much tang. One of my dining companions expressed delight that the fish, while breaded with Pablo, was mostly baked and barely fried. The manager was waiting for us and, at the end, handled some slight confusion (our fault, not theirs) with the bill beautifully. They were slammed with other customers but if we hadn't have seen the people the servers wouldn't have given it away. I could not be more impressed. Our table shared a flight of rum and the server was great with suggestions for our choices. The rum prices were reasonable. I like the option of fresh fruit as a side. Well done!

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    The shrimp tacos were the best I've ever had. Still craving them!!! Also had one of their specialty mojitos and it was very good!

    (5)

  • Melissa S.

    Good food, ok service, very busy, they sell. Books by local authors and have book signings. Nice fish tank. Devote is mounted fish. Calamari appetizer is tasty.

    (5)

  • Marin C.

    When I ate here a few weeks ago, I chose to eat the chicken jerk tostadas. They were very tasty. My mom had the grouper sandwich. We shared a key lime pie, we each had a non-alcoholic beverage, but there were plenty of options for those who wish to imbibe. It wasn't the cheapest lunch, but it was of very good quality. Our server was a nice guy as well. I liked the aquarium as well, it had a lionfish and they are pretty (if poisonous). Plus, there were these pretty wooden kayaks or canoes hanging from the ceiling and a nice atmosphere overall.

    (4)

  • Oliver S.

    By far our favorite restaurant on Sanibel Island! We loved it so much we went back 3 times during our 8 day vacation. The food was amazing and the service very responsive. I would highly recommend you make a point of going to either the Sanibel or Captiva restaurant locations. The Yucatan Shrimp are to DIE for!

    (5)

  • Andrew B.

    Wonderful!! Service was friendly and food was filling. We have 3 kiddos, 6 and under. Ambiance was loud enough to be family friendly without just plain loud. Best Grouper sandwich I've had on island...and we've been coming for several years. Highly recent the black beans and rice as a side. We also had the chocolate creme brulee which was wonderful. 2 adult meals, shared dessert, 2 Kids meals (chicken was enough to split) all under $50. Kids meals came with ice cream sandwichs. Will come back!!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    "Best veggie burger in town" touts their menu. When I inquired about it, I was told it was not house made, but a garden burger made from frozen. Not impressive, and since I had come just to have that, I got it anyway. It was good - garden burgers are a better veggie burger than some others. The bun was good. But house made would have been better. My husband got the calamari and fried shrimp. He really enjoyed it. He loved the special sauces that were on the table. Both of us got fries (sweet potato for me, regular for him). Neither had any flavor or salt. They got better after we salted them. The drinks were good. Lots of options. I had the pineapple mojito. Service was just ok.

    (3)

  • Dunya A.

    This place has incredibly delicious food. The Yucatan shrimp was to die for wish we got more than just the 1/4 lb. We could have locked the bowl. We also got the Mahi Mahi and the Snapper and both were amazing. I'm definitely coming back!!!

    (5)

  • Casey R.

    Started with the Tuna app and crab cakes. Tuna app was unique and well balanced. The Crab cakes were excellent, accompanied by a green apple and jicama slaw that was absolute genius!! We also had the Yucatan Shrimp as an app...another gray dish. Once the main course arrived we continued to be amazed with outstanding flavor profiles. I had the Banana leaf snapper... The combination of perfectly seasoned masa with the snapper to create a totally unique "tamale" was unlike anything I had ever tasted. My wife had the Mussels, which were perfectly seasoned, and not "fishy", highly recommend this place, food was excellent with service to match.. Ask for Tommy, top notch service!!!!!

    (5)

  • Don J.

    Stopped in for lunch and tried out the Yucatan Shrimp and Doc's fish fingers. Both were excellent and filling. The service was fast and efficient. Was hoping for wi-fi but found none. We got here just before the lunch rush - thankfully.

    (4)

  • Laura W.

    Once again the estimated wait time is longer than actual. We shared peel and eat shrimp and the dinner version of Stone Crab. The mustard sauce for the Stone Crab was particularly delish. Cocktail sauce for the gi-normous shrimp was excellent, but the oily bowl of garlic was yucky. Side dishes were potatoes (some undercooked) and steamed veggies. The seafood was the star.

    (4)

  • Bill W.

    One on Sanibel, the other on Captiva, this is a good place for a group. It's a bit of a tourist attraction... Decor like Bass pro shops. They do make a fine conch chowder per a local Florida recipe, even though technically conch doesn't come from Florida any more (sadly). Another thing that doesn't come from Florida is Basa Catfish, which they once tried to sell me as Grouper... I knew immediately that it wasn't grouper, and the waiter tried to convince me that Basa is a type of grouper; it's a large Asian catfish. That bad experience aside, they do one thing really well... The peel & eat shrimp in "Amazon Spices". They used to be spicier, but they're still good.. Probably the best thing on the menu in my book. Speaking of books, if you're a fan of the Doc Ford books, you'll get a kick out of eating here. It looks like they've expanded to the mainland also.

    (3)

  • Lindsay C.

    My husband and I came for dinner based on the positive yelp reviews. I was looking for the best crab cakes on Sanibel and was led here. Actually, misled here is more like it. These were the worst crab cakes....they were pure stuffing and hardly any crab. The jicama slaw that accompanied the crab cakes was saturated in dressing and soggy. My husband did enjoy the yucatan peel and eat shrimp though, thus the two stars and not one. When we got the bill, we were charged for the bread and butter that was brought to us when we sat down. We assumed it was complimentary bread as most restaurants provide this and we never ordered it with the waitress. We explained that to our server and she did have the manager remove it, but rolled her eyes at us when she apologized. Expensive as well....definitely not worth the price when there are much better options on the island.

    (2)

  • Bill H.

    We've eaten here before and we new it would be a cool place to have our friends from out-of-town eat after walking the beach. Great atmosphere, decent service and good food. A better than average tourist attraction!

    (3)

  • Mary M.

    Left to die. The bar service was great. Sat down and had a very indifferent waitress. Ordered food -- after 25 minutes, inquired about dinner. Was told everything is fresh and takes 20 minutes. Fifteen minutes later - still no food. Do not eat here. It is loud and slow.

    (2)

  • Bob L.

    Love this place. Casual atmosphere. Great waitress and fast service. Shared everything with my companion. Great shrimp pasta dish creamy with avocado works. Sweet shrimp appetizer good. Ribs were ok. Not many good place out here on the island.

    (5)

  • Jennifer M.

    Key lime pie is delicious! I had the shuck and shake shrimp. Others had Cuban, shrimp and grits, steak, and fried shrimp. Everyone loved it and loved their food! Kids meals come with ice cream sandwich.

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    Been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Great food, courteous staff! So grateful that the hostess put the World Cup game on the TV for us to watch. We wouldn't come to Sanibel without eating here!

    (5)

  • Stefan M.

    Doc Fords is a definite stop if you are visiting the island. This is the first place I ever had a mojito almost 10 years ago...and they still make killer mojitos plus this is a great spot if your into exploring and trying different rums (I suggest the Zaya!) The food it really solid. Great place for sports watching on the island. The peel and eat shrimp are a fav in our family. Doc Fords also makes 3 of their own hot sauces that they also sell. They are all super tasty! We had the quinoa and shrimp salad on this last trip. There is no other way to put it other than it is frickin huge!

    (4)

  • C K.

    Fresh. Had crab cakes with jicama slaw, Yucatan shrimp and blackened grouper sandwich. All recommended by Jim. All fresh, flavorful and delicious. We were luck to wander in here. A definate must visit!!

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    I've visited Doc Ford's numerous times on my many trips to Sanibel, and the food never disappoints! They have a nice selection of cocktails, and just about everything on the menu is tasty. On this visit, we ordered calamari, clam chowder, and the 1/2 Roasted Chicken with Chimichurri sauce! Everything was awesome, but that chicken blew me away. It was full of flavor and large enough for two...a little pricey at $19, but worth every penny! On prior visits, I've ordered the shrimp and grits, the jerked pork chops, and the baby-back ribs. You can't go wrong with any of those choices. If you're looking for a solid meal and a nice place to relax, Doc Ford's is the place! Be sure to peruse their little "store". They sell some interesting books, shirts, hats, mugs and various sauces. The Doc Ford's verde sauce is devine!

    (4)

  • Jennifer S.

    The Yucatan Shrimp was tremendous and the fried grouper sandwich was outstanding. The prices were a bit much but you pay for the ambience. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the conch chowder. A little too tangy for my taste. If you are a Randy Wayne White fan you will love it.

    (4)

  • Caroline L.

    Wow! Best place we have eaten at on Sanibel island so far, we will be returning before we leave! Prices were great for how exceptional the food was! My mom, sister and I split the clam chowder (thick, but not overly rich!), the seared tuna app (light and lovely!), and cedar plank salmon (perfection)! Everything was delicious and the three dishes were plenty for the three of us! Oh, and the passiontini was yummy too!! Tyler was our sever, very helpful and our food came out very quickly.

    (5)

  • Donna S.

    We have read the entire Doc Ford series of books by Randy Wayne White, but had no idea there was a Doc Ford's Rum Bar. We made a side trip to look around Sanibel Island and almost drove off the road we were so excited when we spotted the restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed. There are T-shirts and signed copies of the latest Randy Wayne White book, Cuban Straits, for sale. We had the Doc Ford fish sandwich which was marinated in lime and coated in a panko crust. Delicious. The menu is very select with both seafood and non-seafood items. The drink selection was tropical. The wait staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. Lots of parking. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…

    (4)

  • Sean R.

    Came here for vacation dinner. Great food. The Yucatan shrimp and the steamed oysters were amazing! I had the lobster roll which was ok and my girlfriend had the shrimp penne which was overly salty for her taste but still pretty good. I would definitely recommend it to anyone eating dinner on the island.

    (4)

  • Christy C.

    Terrible service. Wasn't busy at all. We were seated right away then Waited on a server for 10 minutes. Decided to leave.

    (1)

  • Linda P.

    Doc Fords is THE place to eat!! Always great food and excellent service! They also have good bands playing!

    (5)

  • Debbie N.

    Delicious ... stopped here for lunch and sat on the delightful patio. We ordered the Yucatan shrimp tacos and a Cuban sandwich. The tacos were awesome ... full of succulent shrimp! Have never had a better Cuban sandwich, so we were happy with that, also. Good service ... good beer ... nice atmosphere. What more could you ask for during a long weekend vacation lunch?!

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    Though the waitress was less than enthused, the food was pretty good and they had a lot of fun drink choices--for kids and adults!

    (4)

  • MN M.

    Super yummy! Perfect date night on the dock with the heaters going. Got the pomegranate mojito....perfection! Hubs steak was melt in your mouth fantastic and the quinoa salad I had was really good as well! We'll be back next time we visit!

    (4)

  • Dana F.

    Very friendly people and nice atmosphere. Had a lobster roll and black beans and rice. The lobster roll was good sized but average taste. Same with the black beans. Good alcohol selection and would come back bbc.co again.

    (4)

  • Trish F.

    Yummmmmmm! I went with my mom, my sister, my 2 boys ages 9 and 13, and my nephews ages 11 and 14. Everyone enjoyed their meals!!! Hard to do with this clan. Food was abundant too! I ordered the planko crusted grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries. This is t an island favorite for nothing. I ate every bite!!!! Personally, their raspberry tea was too sweet for me but I'm normally an unsweet tea drinker so take that with a grain of salt (or sugar) ha.

    (5)

  • Movie L.

    Love the food. Will definitely come back!had the lobster roll and it was fabulous.

    (4)

  • ST Y.

    We stopped by for lunch in our drive back from Captiva. We wanted something good and the food was good, nothing exciting or different - we got a fish sandwich and cheesesteak sandwich, total of $20+tip and tax. Service was OK too. Nothing exceptional and nothing bad, 3-star quality for sure.

    (3)

  • Uncle Buck S.

    What a treat. This was the best restaurant experience I have had on Sanibel Island in my many years of visiting. In fact, its a shame it took me so long to get her. From the very attentive service, comfortable setting and excellent food, I could not have been more pleases. Of course, the Yucatan Shrimp was outstanding, but so were the huge oysters! I do recommend keeping it simple; enjoy the appetizers and get the grouper sandwich, all with a beer or course. Everything is appropriately priced.

    (5)

  • Aly S.

    Shout out to Katy for being an awesome server Saturday night!! We arrived around 8 pm and were quoted about a 15 minute wait for our table. We went to the bar to have a drink while we waited and tried some run drinks and local beer. We tried 4 different rum drinks by the end of the night and loved them all. I would highly recommend going this route for your dinner here at Doc Fords, But if beer is more your thing, the Doc's Ale is brewed specifically for the restaurant and is delicious. For dinner, my boyfriend and I split a half pound of the Yucatan shrimp and the mussels appetizer and it was PERFECTION! I was in heaven. The mussels were plentiful and more filling than you might think. The sauce was a thicker tomato sauce than you would usually get with mussels and it comes with delicious bread to soak up the extra sauce with, as does the shrimp, so it was perfect for 2. The hardest part was deciding which sauce to soak up, the mussels' sauce or the Yucatan sauce. The Yucatan Shrimp is legendary and really is something you need to get if you come here. The sauce is just right with the spicy sambal combined with tangy lime and finished with butter. The shrimp are peel and eat so once you peel you BETTER go back in for as much sauce as you can soak up on your shrimp, and you BETTER double dip those babies. Since they have released their recipe to the NY Times, we have tried to make it at home, but it wasn't quite right. Luckily, Katy was there to give us great tips on how to make it perfectly at home, specifically to use key limes and seek out the sambal sauce instead of using sriracha as a substitute. I have a feeling I will be back to Doc Fords ASAP!

    (5)

  • Jamie K.

    After spending hours in the sun it was time to hit the shade and grab a bite to eat. Without a plan we passed Doc Ford's and I remembered it was a restaurant I bookmarked on Yelp. It was busy when we got there with what seemed like a lot of locals, but we didn't have to wait. A server came over to take our drinks and our order, but we were waited on by two other people for the majority of our lunch. I guess as long as we were being served it didn't matter right? For lunch, my husband tried his hand at a grouper sandwich again and I ordered the tropical salad. It was field greens, mozzarella, mandarin oranges, spiced pecans, tomatoes, sun dried cherries and their secret balsamic vinaigrette. You can also add chicken or seafood like shrimp or grouper. After having the grouper sandwich somewhere else, my husband was sure this one was more like the fish than the other sandwich he had. It was a bigger piece of fish that he got blackened. He said he liked the flavor combined with the tartar sauce. My salad was huge and really good. Each bite was different and the balsamic while a little strong was the perfect pairing. When it was time for our check another woman that we hadn't seen the entire time dropped it by our table. Super confused at who actually "served" us we left our tip and hit the beach again. We noticed a couple more Doc Ford's during our trip so my guess is it's a chain. It was good enough that we'd go back as my husband picked it as one of his favorite meals.

    (4)

  • Whitnie E.

    I really enjoyed our visit here. We made a reservation for a table of 17, and overall, the service team handled our large group beautifully. The overall atmosphere is sports bar-ish, but with a bit nicer food than you'd typically expect. I tried to the Sanibel Stoop Punch, and it was delicious and refreshing in the Florida heat. I chose the Shrimp and grits for my meal, and my husband got the Seafood Paella. We were both very pleased with our meal choices. My shrimp and grits was lip smacking good, with smoky shrimp, cheesy and spicy grits and nice julienned veggies finishing the dish. I also got to sample a fresh oyster on the rocks, and it was delicious. Overall, I think everyone at our table was pleased with their choice, and I would love to come back here again to try some other dishes.

    (4)

  • Fabian D.

    We had both a salad with extra chicken. The taste of the salad was OK. But the chicken was grilled too long so a bit dry. The waitress was very very friendly. The restaurant looks good and is clean.

    (4)

  • Janene H.

    So this is the place to go on Sanibel, according to Yelp. Honestly, we were not overly impressed with any our meals while on the island. I understand that meals will cost more on Sanibel but they better taste good- especially the seafood! Doc's was about a 30 minute wait for dinner. While waiting we had some drinks and were eaten alive by the no see ums that are everywhere this time of year. Maybe this was why the large outdoor deck was not open for dining? Finally we were seated in the main dining room near a large fish tank. The restaurant is crowded, both with people and stuff, and is loud. The floor feels sticky. Our server did a fine job but I was kind of disappointed in the menu. First, the Yucatan shrimp was spicy and could not be altered. Second, the Doc Ford's original fish sandwich was one of those random cheap fish varieties that also could not be subbed out for a local variety like grouper. I ended up getting Panko Crusted Grouper ($26.95) which was a bit bland. It was definitely not worth the money, even at island prices. Maybe I just got the wrong dish but no one else at the table was wowed either. If we come back to Sanibel I think we'll skip Doc's.

    (3)

  • James P.

    We skipped food here, although that panko fish sandwich sounded decent. For this visit, it was all about the drinks. Pretty good craft beer selection, which was nice to see. And if you're in a very small group (think 1-3 people), you can skip the extremely long wait time and go right up to the bar. Plunk down at some stools, order your food right there, and send me money and good karma (but mostly money) for giving you such an excellent protip. (This tip usually works at most "bar and grille" style places, although not all of them on Sanibel-Captiva let you do this - which is why it is extremely useful at Doc Ford's in particular.) Knowledgeable bartenders helped too, so chatting with them about beer was a good time.

    (4)

  • John M.

    I was a little disappointed. After reading the reviews I was hopeful the food would be much better. To me it was just mediocre.

    (3)

  • Erica M.

    Was in town on vacation and tried this spot because I heard good things. It was very clean ,decorated well and the staff was really friendly. I didn't have an alcohol drink but everyone else did and from what they said, it was the best drink they had the entire trip! Turns out , they ARE a really good rum bar. I read the reviews so I had the Yucatan Shrimp and the ceviche salad. Nothing disappointed us. Everything was really really good and we had no complaints at all. (especially the few of us that left drunk)

    (4)

  • Erin H.

    First of all, let me congratulate you on having this restaurant as an option. This means you have successfully made it to one of the most beautiful places in the world, in my humble opinion. Doc Ford's is a restaurant my family and I simply drove by for 20+ years of vacations on Sanibel Island. We are sure glad that we ventured in. The ambiance of this place is sports bar meets island cantina. We never have trouble getting seated with large groups and there is indoor and outdoor seating available depending on the time of year. I have to disclose that although I'm giving this place a rave review my menu options are limited due to my strong distaste for cilantro. However, the beginning and end of every meal at Doc Ford's is the best part. First of all, I recommend you don't even look at the drink menu and just get a mojito, they are the bomb.com . We always get raw oysters and they never disappoint. The entrees that have proven time and time again to be big winner with my family are the shrimp and grits (jalapeño cheese grits- YUMMM) and the yucatan shrimp. My sisters calls the yucatan shrimp vacation on the plate. I stick with the panko breaded shrimp and am happy every time. Now for dessert. This place has great carrot cake and I consider myself to be somewhat of a carrot cake connoisseur. The service here is always great and it gives you the vibe you are looking for when on a beach vacation. They recently opened a second location on Captive which tends to be less crowded. They serve the same great feel, but for me it doesn't have the same nostalgic beach feel I am looking for.

    (4)

  • Karen R.

    To tell you the truth, my husband and I stopped here because I liked the name. To be honest, I did look up yelp reviews while we were parking and was encouraged. I wasn't all that hungry so asked our server Rachael what she recommended. She said the Yucatan Shrimp. OMG this shrimp is peel and eat and served in an amazing buttery, spicy lime sauce that should be bottled and sold. I could see myself using it for all kinds of things. This was an amazing appetizer and most of the reason for my five star review. If you go here, you have to get this dish--paradise on a plate. My husband got the fish sandwich that was also excellent. And lastly, but certainly not the least, Rachael was great. She was engaged, interested and efficient. If and when I return to Sanibel, I will go to Doc Ford's for the Yucatan Shrimp and not the name, but sure am glad I went because of the name this time.

    (5)

  • Micki R.

    Great Yucatan Shrimp Tacos! We stopped here on our way to the beach. Rum drinks were tasty.... You can taste the rum! We had the bean dip... Which was good... Plenty of chips. We shared the shrimp tacos... Plenty for two. Good atmosphere and great service. Definitely recommend!

    (4)

  • Kayleen R.

    The food was excellent and our server Allyson was FANTASTIC! All of her recommendations were spot on from the run flight to entree.

    (5)

  • Russ B.

    This is our second visit in a four day stay. Always a little busy (a good sign) but never too busy to seat us right away (but I'm sure there are times when you would have too wait). My wife had the Chicken Taco Salad but times, it was that good! I had the Yucatan Shrimp tacos (very good) and Shrimp and Grits (I'll update after they're gone). Bottom line - we really like this place and will be back.

    (5)

  • Mike D.

    Wow. All five of us fell in love with the food here. I had the tropical salad and for $5 extra had local fish on the side. A very generous fish and salad emerged so good the carmalized nuts were fan. Wife had fish sand which was great we all tried it. Son had shrimp Al penne solid meal he loves it and 16 its rare something fills him. Older daughter had quinoa salad with shrimp and mangos and avacado also great I finished it. Younger daughter had the shrimp tacos they were spicy but really good. Also had local beer on tap gotta give them extra high marks for that. A local on the island told us to come here. He steered us right.

    (5)

  • Luis T.

    Local brewed ale was very good, yucatan shrimp are superb... And yes, excellent key lime pie!! Great service. You will not be disappointed... Be aware that it gets very busy!

    (5)

  • Alex M.

    Great good, great service, great hot sauces. Had the grouper sandwich it was fantastic. My wife had the tropical salad it was good, very good, interesting.

    (5)

  • Bob J.

    Four different dishes into four reviews: 1) Steamed oysters: pretty bad, honestly. Some of them were ripped or torn, giving it an awful presentation. 2) Lobster roll: looked delicious and had a ton of meat - more than you'd get in Cape Cod for the same amount. 3) Lime panko crusted fish sandwich (ordered twice): mine was outstanding - I loved everything about it. The other asked for everything on the side and that was not how it happened. The menu does not specify which white fish was used. 4) Tropical salad: the flavor and portion was good, but the fried onion rings were depressingly cold and limp. There's no reason to put that on a salad. I'm glad they had craft beer on tap; too bad Fort Myers Brewery produces crappy beer.

    (3)

  • Jon G.

    Update July 2014. Doc Ford's (Sanibel, Rabbit Rd.) has got its groove back! Didn't visit in 2012 (because of the 2011 experiences) but 2013 & 2014 are back to what I always loved & expected. In fact I believe this year is the best it's ever been. Consistent service, consistent & delicious food. Great staff from the hostess stand to the bar to the servers. It's back on my must do often list and that makes me happy.

    (4)

  • Jim W.

    Tried the jerked chicken tostadas. Very good, could have used a little more jerk seasoning. Had clam chowder and it was good. Went for the panko crusted lime fish sandwich. Loved it. Then, dessert. Double decker brownie was awesome. Definitely would return the next time I'm in the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Mary D.

    First time here. On vacation. Food was good and reasonably priced. Service was good too.

    (4)

  • Peg B.

    Calamari was great rum choices good. Did not care for fish tacos but the manager was sweet. And offered pie to make up for it. The staff is awesome and quick. Great light dinner and informal atmosphere. Drive on Sanibel a little longer than I thought.

    (3)

  • Julianna S.

    My fiancé and I ate here twice on our short 4 day vacation--that's how much we loved it. We didn't try any entrees but the appetizers and salads we got were all amazing! The chowder is super yummy and p.s the salads are huge. We will be making a point to visit this place on our next visit to Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Will H.

    Highly recommend, great place to watch a game, good tap options, peel and eat shrimp never disappoints

    (5)

  • MattKat O.

    Yucatan Shrimp with a Sanibel Sunset (cocktail not the view) = Glorious! Also had the signature fish sandwich which was very good. A fun stop on the island, buzzing atmosphere, good rum drinks, friendly service.

    (4)

  • Cara M.

    Yum! The gigantic restaurant of Doc Fords is always a treat in Sanibel. With practically two huge sides to the restaurant you are guaranteed a seat with little to no wait time. The food always comes out piping hot. Had the shrimp tacos and they were to die for.....shrimp was hot, pink and plump. YUMM!

    (5)

  • David M.

    Everyone in our party had an nice dinner at Doc Ford's. The food was really good, but the service was lacking probably because of the busy dinner crowd. We started with a dozen oysters. The size varied on the oysters from gigantic to tiny. The shrimp and grits were better than any others that I have had in Charleston (its a big thing in SC). The fish tacos and seafood paella were both really good as well. The key lime pie was homemade and creamy without being too tart or sweet - excellent end to a good meal.

    (4)

  • Joy B.

    Once again Yelp didn't let us down! We sourced for a "local" place; decided to try Doc Ford's. We were bar flies served by Sam and had a great experience! The banana leaf wrapped snapper was light, flakey and absolutely delicious! We saved room for the carrot cake and jeepers! It was a meal in itself. We highly recommend Doc's!

    (4)

  • Arthur C.

    Meeting friends on Sanibel Island was the purpose and Doc Ford's was the place. Eating outside on their deck is lovely. No view but very pleasant. We started with the Beach Bread which is similar to bruschetta but with baked with cheese-it was very good.The mussels were enjoyed by all who partook. Fish, chicken and Grouper sandwiches were all good. Service was very professional. Certainly this place deserves its success.

    (4)

  • David A.

    The burgers are not bad, but the meat could be of better quality and a little more tender. The French fries are delicious, fried to perfection. The broccoli is very good, steamed very well, very healthy, good stuff to eat. The service is excellent, with veteran waiters and waitresses, and the food is made quickly. Books are for sale at the restaurant, and is in the beautiful Sanibel Island. They have a huge menu, and very delightful desserts.

    (4)

  • P D.

    Yucatan shrimp had fresh shrimp and was delicious! Fried grouper app was bland. Back deck was nice for a January afternoon pit stop from biking the island.

    (4)

  • Jeanne C.

    We didn't realize that it was based off a character in a book. It was decent, some of the entrees seemed a bit over priced, however, the drinks were cheaper than most places we've been. The black bean appetizer was delicious. I had a Calamari Salad which was a bit too sour for my taste, they really do mean super sour of the "sweet and sour." My husband had fish tacos that was good. The best part of the meal was the hot sauce! We might be back, but it won't be a "must go" every time.

    (3)

  • Morgan M.

    Ate a quick lunch here, Here's the run down: Caribbean Jerk Tostados - a decent quesadilla-esque creation based around spicy / tangy Jerk chicken, fresh cabbage, black bean and a few other fresh veggies. Tasty and full of flavor but I was busy using this dish as a conveyance for trying the assortment of house hot sauces that are provided on every table. Tried the lunch - special seared tuna tacos - very fresh tuna, seared & sliced thin, served on a soft taco with guacamole and cilantro. The nicely seared nearly sushi grade tuna made this dish shine. Lastly, had a 1/2 lb of their Yucatan peel & eat shrimp. These are steamed & tossed in a mix of chili, cilantro, garlic and what seems to be several pounds of clarified butter / oil. It's a bit decadent, with tons of flavor, so long as you're willing to take on the substantial oil content. Rounding out the menu is a daunting selection of rums, and even a few micro - brews to wash everything down. Will definitely attend again.

    (3)

  • Heather G.

    Stopped into Doc's for lunch today after biking around Sanibel. I had the fish sandwich with the spicy remoulade sauce- the kitchen was nice enough to put it on 2 tortillas instead of a roll for me. Essentially I turned it into a fish taco with the sauce and coleslaw, and it was delicious. My man had 1/2 lb. Yucatan shrimp and he loved it. Rum cocktails for both of us!

    (4)

  • Tyler R.

    Been here twice, both times enticed by the promise of many rum based drinks selected from a lineup of enticing rum options. Oh rum, why are you so good? I was a little bummed that they were out of Cruzan (how is that possible!?) but they had plenty of Sailor Jerry which was a good second choice. Around 6pm, the place was pretty dead - which was surprising. But - off season. We downed a few SJ's and coke, extra lime, and they were delicious, refreshing, and only $6.50, no happy hour required. Sometimes I forget that a $13 rum and coke in Manhattan isn't the industry standard. We also had the fish ceviche, and it was delicious, fresh, and not heavy - just what we were looking for. The rest of the food, as was the case the first time we were here, looked really good. If we were staying for dinner, I had a pretty good list of what I would have eaten. Nice staff, cool decor, lots of rum, and a really sweet parking lot. Is that weird? I love the pavers - I want my driveway to be made of them....when I have a driveway.

    (3)

  • Tara J.

    I was a little apprehensive about this place, as it appeared to be a typical American touristy place to eat with not much of a local vibe. I had the vision of Margaritaville in my head. So not true! Stopped here when we first got to Sanibel, and glad we did! The Mango Mojito is a MUST if you like Mojitos. I tried the Island Mojito (their signature drink, I believe) and the Pineapple Mojito, but the Mango version wins! Drink pricing was fair at $6.75 per mojito (compared to other bars on the island), as was the food. We spit a couple of menu items and both offered HUGE portions! Food was really good, and service was attentive and friendly. This is a must-stop not just for a drink or two or three, but also for the big menu of good food!

    (4)

  • Rory L.

    This was my first time here and I really enjoyed it. I got the crab cakes appetizer and they melted in my mouth and was amazing. The fried calamari is so really great and I never liked it before. I do think they need to add in a lot more vegetarian options though. If you love seafood (which I do) then this place is a 5. One of my aunts got a vegetarian meal she did not like however they did not make us pay for it which was very nice. Apple crisp is amazing, brownie Sunday not so much.

    (4)

  • R W.

    From the Cevechie app, to the gumbo soup to the banana wrapped snapper everything was awesome. And that is rare opportunity our picky outings.

    (5)

  • Jeff M.

    Probably one of the better places in Sanibel if you know what to order. You can't go wrong with the Yuctan shrimp

    (3)

  • Nathan C.

    Far and above the best dining experience we had on Sanibel. The place is very busy; call ahead especially if you have a large party. They have an extensive and thorough cocktail menu, as you might expect from a place that has "Rum" in the name. The mojito in particular was a standout. The food, all around, was top notch - from the appetizers to the main courses and even dessert. More on dessert later. I had what basically amounted to a red snapper tamale - which was one of the best fish preparations I've ever had. The soft masa flour coupled with the fish and the spicy sauce came together superbly, without masking the flavor of the fish. Pretty much every piece of seafood that hit our table was fresh and well prepared - all the dishes let you taste what you ordered, and didn't drown it in sauce or hide it behind spices. More places on the island could take a lesson from this. Don't skip dessert. You may be tempted by the key lime pie, because you're in Florida. But trust me on this - get the carrot cake. And bring a friend to help you.

    (5)

  • Joseph J.

    had dinner with friends. the place was packed for a good number of hours. Service was excellent. Raw oysters were small but we got eight for the price of six. Cuban was outstanding. I ate half of mine and stopped but five minutes later I finished it. - no will-power on the Cuban. Wine and beer were good and cold. JJ Ft Myers

    (5)

  • David F.

    I don't see reason for all the positive reviews. We've stayed on Sanibel 5 or 6 times, and have never been to this chain restaurant. Tonight, we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a nice dinner. Since we have two small kids, we went early - 5:15 on a Monday night. A 25 minute wait to sit outside, and no wait for indoor. We decided to not wait. Atmosphere is nothing to write home about. Cement floor, plastic fish on the walls, and TVs everywhere. Service was poor. I hate it when I ask the server what's good, and they say that everything is good. This provides me with absolutely no useful information. I had the blackened grouper sandwich. When I asked to substitute the fries with something more healthy, like fruit, our waitress curtly told me they didn't have fruit. The food was delivered by a different server, who just dropped off the plates. The grouper was bland and not blackened. Our waitress never came by to ask about our meals, and we had waited so long for them initially, I just ate it. My daughter's fish fingers were good, and my son's hot dog was sizable. This earns the 2-stars. My wife's fish sandwich was ok. All food was warm, not hot. The icing on the cake was when our waitress brought the kids' ice cream sandwiches for desert. She just tossed them on the table, as if it was an imposition. The bill came quickly afterwards, without prompting. In summary, the food was marginal, and service poor. Somewhat expected in a tourist town. Not sure why others like it...

    (2)

  • Jack F.

    This was probably my favorite place to eat during my trip to Sanibel. LOVED the Cedar Plank Salmon. The rum, of course, is a must. They've got a lot of interesting drinks -- and strong too! They don't skimp out here. Loved it and can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Brian O.

    Stopped here twice during our stay in Captiva. The food was great both times. Staff service was also good. The burger was delicious but the shrimp and grits have me dreaming about coming back!

    (4)

  • Zelda P.

    I wanted to like this place because it was close to where we're staying, the menu sounded great, and outside looked inviting. It was OK, but did not impress us enough that we would return. It's a vibrant atmosphere and the service was fine, but the food was just so-so. Burgers were OK, the Cuban was not very good. Meat didn't seem that high quality and the mustard/pickle taste just didn't come through. I do have to say the carrot cake was very good.

    (2)

  • Jocelyn K.

    Had a very nice lunch here with a group of friends. I read the reviews before I came, and already knew that I would be ordering the Yucatan Shrimp. They were as everyone said, delicious! My partner had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries, also yummy!! Good value on alcoholic beverages as well!! Will definitely return!

    (4)

  • Katy T.

    Went with my parents when they came to visit swfl from NY. My fish tacos were wonderful, with grouper inside and my husband loved his paella. Service was super friendly and the story behind the place is cool. Would definitely recommend.

    (5)

  • Lisa V.

    We went based on the reviews. We had a great and friendly waitress. We had the Yucatan shrimp and the raw oysters as appetizers. They were amazing. The oysters were fresh. The Yucatan shrimp were big. The sauce that it comes with is a big spicy, which I love. They give you bread to dip in the Yucatan sauce, sooo good! I ordered the shrimp and grits which was very good. My husband order the chef special with sea scallops and vegetable hash with crab. His food was way better. The scallops were seared to perfection. We had dessert. My son had the brownie which was ok. My husband had the carrot cake, not impressed. I had the key lime pie. I didn't like it too much because it tasted a lot like mint but my husband loved it.

    (5)

  • Chris V.

    After a lovely afternoon on the island, she and I decided it was time fora cocktail and some grub. We had read of Doc Fords on our past trips out on the island but had yet to stop in ... great place, great place indeed. Mojitos, Dr. Key West, Havana Punch, Dark & Stormy ... all of which were full of flavor and most importantly, alcohol! Most fitting for the locale and occasion were oysters ... and their was plenty of them! After the first dozen we went back for another ... and probably could have done another one. We coupled the oysters with some tuna poke ... a little heavy on the mango but refreshing none the less. What would a meal in south florida be without Key Lime Pie ? It was quite nice ... the best we had had for sure ... We will certainly be making the trip back to Doc's ....a perfect spot on the island.

    (4)

  • Dan D.

    I eat there a few times every year. Must have been lucky, always had good food and decent service. 2nd best clam chowder I've had. The best is Casey's In New Buffalo MI. True it's pricey but hey it's Sanibel. The unknown diner digs it!

    (4)

  • Brian H.

    This is my "go to" place in Sanibel. Most reliable while on the Island, where good service and the freshest of the fresh seafood pleases the palate whether it is in the 5 star fish sandwich, on a cedar plank or grilled and sitting atop a wonderful collection of sides. A wide selection of apps from a varied menu where you could eat light, heavy, or somewhere in between. It has a one-step above a sports bar atmosphere, but that translates to a place where one can have fun with friends, chat with a local, and lighten up, you're away from the daily grind. SIt back and relax, eat some food and have a drink.

    (4)

  • Kurt S.

    Stayed on Captiva for a week in January. Went to a lot of the restaurants on Captiva and Sanibel and we had the best meal at Doc Ford's. One of the few restaurants that serves liquor on the islands. The beach bread for appetizer was good and my roasted half chicken was the best chicken I've had at a restaurant. My wife enjoyed her fish tacos.

    (4)

  • S And B D.

    A really friendly place, amazing service (Amanda and team were lightening fast) and better food than we had a right to expect after a day in paradise in the sun. Yucatan shrimp are - as advertised - yummy and rich. 1/2 lb. for two of us was perfect appetizer. Salad and beer were good too. Go in hungry, come out happy!

    (4)

  • Amit S.

    We had the buffalo chicken tenders, some smashed potatoes, and french fries for lunch. The food wasn't strikingly good, but it was good enough. The prices were pretty reasonable, though. The atmosphere was casual and comfortable.

    (3)

  • Joe G.

    On spring break on the island we decided to do an early supper 4:40 at this very busy place to avoid the crowd. We were told it would be awhile if we wanted to sit outdoors so we took a place inside. The sports bar theme was so so - as early as it was, it was sort of loud. Our server was polite and got our drinks soon. The menu was varied enough everybody found something they liked. It took quite awhile before our food came. I chose the fish tacos to compare against last nights fare. My wife's pulled pork was good and generously served. The youngest order fish fingers that she finished off! The fish tacos were interesting - now I liked the papaya salsa... The choice of grilled whitefish was ok in fact my son really liked it - but he wouldn't touch the papaya. They're hit or miss. The tacos only side of black beans and rice likewise were so so - just a little spicy and generously served. My son wouldn't eat them. Too bad another side wasn't offered. I probably wouldn't eat here again. Had better fish tacos last night on the island elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Laura R.

    Great prices for great food. Friendly staff. Busy but worth the wait. My first experience w/ raw oysters. I will be ordering them again. Don't pass up the Yucatan Shrimp.

    (4)

  • Alden G.

    Another popular and busy island restaurant. Enjoyed the banana leaf snapper with masa and spicy green topping. Be prepare to wait for a table, though the line moves fairly quickly. The feel here was less family, more sports bar, and a bit more expensive.

    (4)

  • Mary S.

    Wonderful service, delicious food and great drinks! Only place in Sanibel and Captiva that we found that made margaritas using hard liquor not wine.

    (5)

  • Jape D.

    Wow...now I know why Islanders hate tourists. Beware of reviews from IL and GA. Stopped in because my fiancée and I were hungry and needed a quick meal and drink. Sat at the bar and met Greg. Nice guy, friendly, and competent a plus. Status as a Red Sox fan a negative, but hey, I'm a Yanks fan, and as far as I know our meals were saliva-free. Food was excellent (Yucatan shrimp a MUST) and everyone there could not have been nicer. We were looking for a place to get married, and we left with a slight buzz, a few great recommendations, and full stomachs. Very pleasant surprised, a must try for a solid casual meal.

    (4)

  • Heidi P.

    WOW!!! By far the best food I've had on the island, and I've been coming to Sanibel/Captiva for the last 12 years. This was the first time I didn't feel as if I was paying astronomical prices for mediocre food. The first thing that I loved was the beer selection. All of the restaurants I've been to on Sanibel/Captiva have been very limited and are all light beers. They actually had a delicious Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale on tap. I would describe it more as a brown oatmeal stout. It was soo good! It was a nice change from the lagers I've had at all other places. Onto the food!! We tried three appetizers, the Buffalo Shrimp, Caribbean Jerk Tostados, and the Cartagena Shrimp Sausage Quesadillas. They were all the bomb!! I will say that the quesadilla and tostado both had a bit of curry seasoning, that was not listed in the description, but I really enjoyed it. The buffalo shrimp were to die for. They were lightly dusted in flour, fried, and then tossed in buffalo sauce. Basically just as the name of it describes, it's exactly like buffalo wings but made with sweet, fat shrimp. The other thing I liked was that they had three hot sauces sitting at the table, one of which was a sweet mango chile sauce, which was so tasty on top of the tostada. The ambiance is great, as it's a good size place with many large flat screens for game watching. The service was also great, and the waitress very friendly and was really gave us great suggestions for things to try. I wish i had not waited so long to come here. Doc Ford's will be on my return list every time I come back to the island.

    (5)

  • Frank A.

    Simply the best food on Captiva! Thank you for opening on Captiva, we surely needed you. The baby back ribs are awesome and the yucatan shrimp are delicious. Everything, from the ambiance to the service to the food is terrific. Even the bread is house made and great!

    (5)

  • Michael P.

    Banana wrapped snapper was fantastic. Nice beer selection. Service was great. Definitely coming back. (in fact did come back on Friday and it was just as good. We ate all over the island and this was the best meal out we had).....

    (5)

  • M B.

    Oh mojito how I missed you. My first and best, Doc Fords' in 2004. Doc Fords has grown in 10 years, adding patio seating and a bungalow. It has also become a "sports bar", or as close as they come on Sanibel, but with a more sophisticated menu ( and prices to match). $100.00 tab for 2 mojitos each, shared app, and 2 entrees. Food was very good, but I have a hard time reconciling the tv s and bright lighting, high tops, and fine dining. Maybe next time I ask for the patio. Very busy on a Monday night at 6:30pm, but cleared out by 7:30. Server was pleasant and made great suggestions. Go for shrimp, fish, and mojitos!

    (4)

  • Wood W.

    Great food. Stumbled on Doc Ford's this year during our 9th visit to Sanibel. Had gone once several years back and was not impressed, but were delighted during our two visits this year. Would have come more but ran out of days. :) Best oyster value on the island with 13 for $10! Service was good both times from Olga.

    (5)

  • Shannon J.

    What a terrific place! I ordered the Blackened Grouper sandwich and it was juicy, flakey, thick and tasty! Did I say juicy? Yes, I'll say it again because my sandwich was so juicy that my hands were drippy and messy and my bottom bun was a completely saturated soggy wetish mess. I still LOVED this sandwich but would have been a little happier yet had I not had to request extra napkins. I went with the black beans and rice instead of fries. Go with that when given the choice! Fries are everywhere all day every day, but fantastic black beans and rice are less common. Theirs have great flavor! My husband got the pork sandwich, which he thought was very good. He didn't elaborate beyond that other than it was a pleasant sweet sauce they used. AND, we loved the key lime pie! Good stuff! Nice enough ambiance, but you're in quite a beautiful place where I'm sure you'd rather be outside! We should have sat outside.

    (4)

  • Scott B.

    Stayed on Sanibel for a week and Doc Ford's was by far the best meal we had on the island. Easy going, unpretentious and the drinks were also good. Strongly recommended; particularly when compared with most of the competition on the island.

    (4)

  • Erika S.

    It's a bar with bar food but the most amazing dish here was Docs Beach Bread (warning this is fat people food). I had the bread and a tomato mozzarella salad. Unfortunately, my choices weren't that amazing so Ill just focus on the bread .. cheese and bread.. lots of cheese on the bread. How can you go wrong? It was very good. The ambience is exactly what you would expect for the island.. laid back, sandals and shorts kinda place. Friendly people and lots of tourists. There's not much to do on the island but this place seems to usually be packed with people having drinks, chatting or watching a football game.

    (4)

  • Wayne M.

    We were staying at a beach cottage nearby and had take out for dinner two days in a row. Like everyone has said, the Yucatan Shrimp is OMG good! The first day, I had key lime pie for dessert and my wife opted for her usual carrot cake. I am not one for carrot cake but she had me try it and I am now a true believer. Their carrot cake is so divine. I went ahead and got one for myself the next day along with another order of Yucatan Shrimp. We also tried the Caribbean Jerk Tostados, The Mussels from the Appetizer section, and the sweet chili island chicken wings. Everything was so good and we will definitely be back. When I got home, I researched and found a recipe for Yucatan Shrimp. I altered it to be even more like the restaurants and I now make it about once a week at home. My wife can't get enough of it.

    (5)

  • Ron C.

    Had dinner here a couple of weeks ago. Waited 30 minutes for a table, but it was worth it as we got to sit outside which was real nice. Had the Conch chowder as a starter and then the ribs. Biggest slab that I've ever seen. I have a big appetite and needed help from my 20 year old grandson to finish them off. Both the chowder and ribs were great as was the service. This place is a real winner!

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    My parents have talked about how much they love Doc Ford's for a few years. Last year when we stopped by, they were closed for cleaning. Luckily, they were open this year and I got to taste what my family has been raving about. Doc Ford's looks like your typical bar and grill, but the food is so much better. I ordered their panko crusted fish sandwich and it was probably the best thing I ate all week. The fish was moist and flaky and the panko crust added the perfect amount of crunch. I also loved the creamy sauce on the sandwich. Everyone at our table loved their meal. I'm only knocking off one star because of our server, he was a real dud and not at all personable.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    Great food, inconsistent service. Yucatan shrimp is the best, clam chowder as good as we get in new england

    (4)

  • Natasha G.

    If you are in the Sanibel/Captiva or Ft. Meyers area, you cannot pass up Doc's. delicious and generous rum drinks. My friend and I shared the Yucatan shrimp as an appetizer and it was so delicious! It is peel and eat so be prepared to get your hands messy, but it is worth it. The sauce was just incredible. We also shared the soy glazed mahi mahi as our entree. The stir fried vegetables were very fresh. The fish was done to perfection. I will definitely go back and try the shrimp with grits and key lime pie on my next visit. I believe everything on this menu is probably delicious. Excellent service as well.

    (5)

  • Krystal B.

    Great menu with some unique items. Nice location. Service was fast and attentive. Drinks were strong!

    (4)

  • Bryn D.

    Could quite possibly be my favorite bar on the planet. I was met with an amazing bartender that not only served me the best Mojito I have ever had... but his customer service was spot on. Not only did he break down all of the 'ins and outs' of Sanibel- but when I mentioned that my parents were considering coming down a few weeks later to look at properties, he sent them his name and contact information to be their tour guide. Our server Nate was amazing- and made the experience. Mr. Bentley the manager was also 'the man'. When I mentioned an interest in rum, he quickly poured me a small sample of his favorite distillery. He was equally nice, and made for great conversation. The Peel and Eat Shrimp was the best I have ever had around the Gulf... and priced very fairly for the amount and quality. If I could give more than 5 Stars... I would!

    (5)

  • Matthew O.

    First time eating here after bypassing some really popular places reviewed on Yelp. I'm glad there was a line at Island Cow cause we never would have found this place. Excellent! Oysters , soup, shrimp and grits and the signature Yucatan Shrimp. Great beer and service. Will definitely be back there again.

    (5)

  • Katya T.

    The best restaurant on the island - food is fresh and tasty. Carrot cake is a must try item. Olga is the best server, we always try to be seated in her area when she is working.

    (5)

  • Wayne S.

    Had the pulled pork sandwich and the black bean/rice. Very good. It is a bar & grill, so the noise level is high. Lots of flat screens around for us football fans. Like most everything on Sanibel, kinda pricey...

    (4)

  • Lisa H.

    I love Doc Fords, it is my favorite restaurant on the island. It looks like a typical sports bar with multiple TVs with a variety of sports programming but the food here is anything but typical. We usually go multiple times during out stay on Sanibel and this year was no exception. My husband and I had a rare evening out alone this year and of course I chose Docs as the place I wanted to go even though I knew we were going there the next evening for my birthday dinner. Normally I have the Sanibel Sunset to drink but this time I decided to try a Bull on the Beach and it was delicious, every bit as good as the Sunset but it seemed very similar to me. The next night at Doc 2 on Ft. Myers Beach I had a Rowdy Razorback and I have to say that it is now my favorite fruity rum drink at Docs. This evening we ordered the fish fingers appetizer and it was hot, crunchy and delicious. I think there were six in all and they were much larger than I anticipated which was the first surprise of the evening. My husband ordered a 1/2 pound of Yucatan shrimp for his entree and I tried the "new" 1/2 chicken. First let me say that even though we have been here many times for some reason we had never tried the Yucatan shrimp before. Big mistake!!! I hate that we've missed so many chances to eat something so delicious. Yes, they are messy, peel your own shrimp but all of that work is worth it. The sauce they come in is hot, spicy, and rich, made with real butter, cilantro, chilies, and lime juice. My husband liked it so much that he ordered it again the next night! My chicken was a juicy, roasted 1/2 chicken with a tangy chimichurri sauce and corn black bean salsa over a roasted potato, onion, chorizo hash. Also something I would definitely have again. After dinner as we were finishing our drinks and waiting on the check a woman named Brenda stopped by our table to ask how we liked our dinners. We told her it was wonderful as always and how much we enjoyed eating there on each of our yearly trips to Sanibel. I also told her I was disappointed that I would again miss a book signing by co-owner Randy Wayne White. He is scheduled to be there on Sept 2 & 3 about week & half after we would be leaving. We also told her that Docs was my choice each year for my birthday dinner. Brenda told us that we "needed" one of their new shirts and off she went to get them for both my husband and myself. When I told her that I already had the shirt that she had brought for me and the one for my husband would be fine she told me to follow her to the front to pick out one that I didn't already own. She also introduced us to the manager explaining to him that we were frequent diners at Docs. It was a pleasure to meet them both and we can't thank Brenda enough for the gifts. We will wear them proudly. Once again Doc Fords exceeded all of my expectations. See you again next year!!!

    (5)

  • Julie W.

    I hate to say it but I'm with Kimberly J on this one...food was not great. My husband and I were staying at the Blue Dolphin for our honeymoon and we decided to go out for some seafood but we didn't want to go too far from our location. Doc Ford's was very close by so we decided to head there for a late lunch, early dinner. The restaurant itself was nice, it was a Sunday in October 2012 so football was on giving it a lively atmosphere. The service was great and the drinks were very good! We both got rum concoctions...when in Rome... Now to the food. We had mussels and crab cakes to start. The only good part about our meal were the crab cakes. They were tasty and surprisingly large. Then it went downhill. I had the seafood paella and it was disgusting. I studied in Spain and whenever I have the chance to eat some paella, I get excited. It's one of my favorite foods. I'm no stranger to mussels, clams, and the like but this dish tasting like badly burnt, fish. Not the most appetizing. Like Emo F said, not a lot of rice and there were only about 3 shrimp in the entire thing, the rest was mostly scallops and some mussels. For $24 you would think they would not skimp on the shrimp. My husband had the dry rubbed rib eye and he said it was okay, nothing spectacular. Overall we spent over $90 at Doc Ford's. Definitely not a cheap place. I would expect they would take more pride in their food with those prices. But hey, it's a touristy place. What do we know, right?

    (2)

  • Dana T.

    Seriously, try the Yucatan shrimp! We had the crab cakes for an appetizer, and the key lime sauce that they came with was delicious and very refreshing. For dinner, it was the Yucatan shrimp and quinoa shrimp salad. The salad was good, but I wish I would have ordered the Yucatan shrimp, too! The recipe is online, for those of you who want it at home, too (we do!!).

    (4)

  • John L.

    Ate here twice on our last trip to Sanibel, dinner one night and lunch another day. Great service, Island Mojitos are excellent - not too sweet. Bean dip should not be missed nor should the shrimp tacos.

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    -Good parking -Got there on a Friday night at 530. Told it would be 25-30 min. We were seated in 10min. -Server came by quickly, cold drinks on the table within 5 min. -Ordered ceviche and Yucatan shrimp apps. ceviche was loaded with shrimp, scallops, and

    (4)

  • Kevin S.

    Good food and drinks. Wasn't crowded and we got a table immediately. The seared ahi tuna appetizer was delicious. The scallops in linguine was very good also. Rum drinks are spot on and were mixed well Good place for a quick dinner.

    (4)

  • Carrie B.

    We went today and had a great experience! Great food and great service! Thank you to our server Mitch!

    (5)

  • Ralph G.

    Yuck. Fish tacos disgusting. Couldn't get past the overly fishy smell. Wife's spinach over salted. Everything too salty. Ginger ale was good. The 5 star ratings of this place look faked to me. All have same happy, stepford voice.

    (1)

  • Caitriona T.

    Fantastic Peel and Eat Shrimps.... Gulf shrimps steamed in Amazon spices then chilled and served with their very special tangy cocktail sauce and lemon. A must to eat. We travelled to Doc Ford's Sanibel not realising new Doc Ford now opened nearly a year at South Seas Resort. Well worth trip to eat the tastiest shrimps. Our first taste of these were 4 years ago and well worth finding the restaurant. Thank you for such a treat.

    (5)

  • Jennifer S.

    Yes, it's true. I'm a big fan of Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford books so when I was planning my road trip to Florida, I had to include a trip to Doc Ford's Rum Bar on Sanibel Island. I'm SO happy that I did. It was out of the way, but a great experience. The restaurant is actually not that big of deal. When you walk inside it's pretty much like any other restaurant you might go in, except for the Randy Wayne White goods everywhere! When we got there it was very quiet, with only a few other guests. We arrived around 2pm on a Sunday afternoon, so maybe it was just an off time. But, it was perfect timing for us because we got there in time to watch the Nascar race, they have televisions with sports going, and the drinks and food were really good. I started my visit with a signature Sanibel Sunset. This drink had Blackbeard Spiced Rum and Coconut Jack Rum with a splash of Amaretto, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. YUMMY. For lunch I ordered a signature dish, MARTINIQUE-JERKED PORK CHOP, a Caribbean spiced pork chop with caramelized plantains, steamed snow peas, covered with Cuban citrus mojo sauce, then topped with grilled pineapple and wilted cabbage slaw. I was a little embarrassed because I kept "yumming" while I ate. It is something I would normally not order, but it was so delicious I literally scraped my plate clean, which I NEVER do. My husband had the burger which he really enjoyed, but really, a burger? He's crazy. That menu had too many amazing dishes. I wish I could go back and try some others! The prices were reasonable and I did do a little shopping and came away with a Randy Wayne White cookbook. After we left the restaurant, we explored the island and hit a couple of beaches, including the lighthouse. If you like seashells, THIS is the island for you. The beaches are littered with them and it was a wonderful afternoon. I recommend a visit to the island and don't miss this restaurant for some classic Florida cuisine... and RUM.

    (4)

  • gabrielle o.

    Oh, Doc Ford's.....I really do love your food, shame that we found a push pin in the shrimp and grits! Spoke with the manager, she got us a new plate of food, offered us drinks (we already had) and then promised to take the dish off of our bill. The waitress, who had been hanging out at the bar with a customer while all of this was going on, didn't really seem to be bothered, brought us the check (with the dish still on there) and then rolled her eyes and sighed when we told her the manager said the dish would be comped. When she brought the bill back, a line item had been added FOREIGN OBJECT, with the cost of the dish deducted. Sort of makes me think this is not the time something weird/gross was found in their food. Would have been nice to have free drink or dessert for the ordeal. Food = 5, Customer Service = 0

    (2)

  • V B.

    Tried the new Captiva location of Doc Fords and it's as amazing as the Sanibel location for their food and service. The location is lovely with lots of space. We enjoyed sitting outside the weather was fantastic. Doc Fords bread and the Yucatan shrimp are a must have. Try the specials. We have never been let down by them. I love the chicken with chimichuri sauce. For desert we had one of everything and liked it all.

    (5)

  • sally s.

    I always get their dinner special. It's usually to die for. Start off with yucatan shrimp which is the best around. Then finish off with one of their yummy desserts. It's a must stop every trip to Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Bob K.

    My wife and I were touring Florida in our motorhome in March 2013 and were referred to Doc Ford's for a good seafood dinner. We were so pleased with our meal that I was compelled to write this review. At our server's recommendation, we both had the Snapper Special and were both very pleased. One of our best seafood dinners ever. We go to Roy's in Newport Beach, Ca. frequently and love the place. Doc Ford's was equally good, though no place can match Roy's Chocolate Souffle Desert for sheer chocolaty delight. Wish we had a Doc Ford's in Southern Calif.

    (5)

  • Bobby H.

    Got the mussels as an appetizer and the yucatan shrimp as my meal. Both were great, get the shrimp if your not afraid of getting a little messy. My only problem was with how they told us it would be a half hour wait and it ended up being over 45 minutes. Other than that it was good food but a loud family oriented sports bar atmosphere if that's what your looking for - 4 stars

    (4)

  • Tammy A.

    Best meal we had on the island! Love the local fish, shrimp and key lime pie, and the ability to sit outside on the patio surrounded by tropical flora. Had to wait for outdoor seating for 20 mins but worth it. Service was attentive. This was our second time at Doc Fords, hoping for a third next year.

    (4)

  • sara s.

    This was my most favorite meal on sanibel, my friend and I has drinks, peel and eat shrimp and the fish tacos. All were delicious! Make sure to add some of their hot sauce to your meal to round it out. Will definitely come back here next visit.

    (4)

  • Jamie L.

    If you know who Tomlinson, Doc, Jeth, Mack, Rhonda, and Janet are, then you have probably already heard of Doc Ford's, and will try it out regardless. If you've never heard of Randy Wayne White... Yu're probably wondering what I'm talking about. (He is a local author who co-owns this place. Good books. Recommended) But about Doc Ford's... It's a chill, laid back bar and grill with an island feel to it, good local eats, and enough atmosphere that you'll be amused while spending time here. There are some TVs, some people watching, and some libations, too. (odddly enough, being that it's a rum bar!) The seafood selections are fresh and varied, with some beefs and chickens thrown in for you landlubbers. Myself, I just can't resist fresh Florida grouper, conch salad, smoked fish, or anything along those lines. With a nice cool beer. If you agree, this is the place for you, too.

    (4)

  • LB G.

    The costumer service wasn't good at all. We had a party of 9 and they made things very difficult for everyone. We ended up leaving.

    (1)

  • Paul K.

    I came here by dumb luck. Hey let's eat here type of thing. I am searching for the best grouper sandwich in all of the Naples's Ft. Meyers area. I have found it. For $13.94 I received a huge fillet of grouper fries and slaw. The fillet of grouper was so big it was hanging outside the bun and the bun was huge. I had the fried grouper and it was breaded in a very nice panko type of breading. Mrs K. ordered the fish sticks. I was waiting for a Mrs Paul's type stick to come out. No it was a fish fillet cut into big slices. She ordered a side of fries with it and was unable to even touch the fries. The other couple that was with us had the fish taco's and noted they were very good. The amount of grouper on the sandwich was so much I was not even close to eating supper nor did I. I guess I will have to come back and try them. Darn the bad luck of having to come back.

    (5)

  • JA A.

    Lots of menu options -- ask for extra bread when you order the Yucatan shrimp. Waitstaff friendly and helpful (despite efficient, brusque greeting by hostess).

    (4)

  • Pamela M.

    Place was great! We had the Yucatan Shrimp, awesome!!! The fish sticks were great! The lime Panko grouper sandwich was very good!! The service was awesome, our waitress Milly was very accommodating and nice! She even took our 1 year old to see the fish tank so we could finishing eating! Oh yeah and the rum drinks were awesome too!

    (4)

  • Daniel K.

    Yeah it's ok. I would probably go back but not before I check out several more restaurants in the area. This is a family style restaurant; and as much as I love kids and families this place was too loud. Second, I showed up on a rainy night so the outdoor seating area was closed, this meant we were all stuck together inisde. And worse it's captiva island so sitting outside is mandatory. Service was so-so, looked like lots of college kids home for the summer. Now the food: Had the clam chowder: was NOT impressed, recommended by the waiter, he must be used to cafeteria food or canned. Very disappointing. Had the Yucatan shrimp, yes these are quite good. I would order them again. Had the Paella, it was fresh, but amount of seafood was a bit disappointing, couple that with almost no flavor and I was a bit disappointed. Then dessert: I had the apple crisp....pfffft I could get marie calendars in a box, from the freezer section of the grocery store and it would be as good. So overall the food wasn't bad, but it wasn't worth the wait either. Yeah, holiday weekend, go early, raining, go early, got time, go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Matt S.

    Went there with my wife and 2 girls. Food and service was great. Try the fresh gulf shrimp and jerk chicken tostadas! Amazing. Can't go wrong.

    (5)

  • Stephanie V.

    First time here & I was excited because the pictures of the food looked amazing ! My mom had the crab cakes ( one of her favorite dishes) they serve you two but she ended up eating half of one .. They were mostly stuffing with no crab .. Very greasy** however my entree the fish & grits was amazing ! Really enjoyed it ! My husband had the tuna with noodles it was VERY spicy and the water or menu didn't mention this .. My father had the grouper sandwiche and they gave him the tiniest slice of grouper .. We def. not going back .. There is way better restaurants *mucky duck* .. This place was a waste of a meal for everyone in the fam except for me :)

    (2)

  • alice s.

    The food doesn't taste bad, that's the nicest thing I can say. However, my "panko crusted" fish sandwich did not have one flake of panko on it. The mixed drinks don't have one drop of alcohol in them. My "mango margarita" was a $6 mouthful of nasty sour mix. What's really wrong with this place is it has no soul. Even an Applebees would embrace it's Applebee-ness, but this place is just a wanna-be void. Do me a favor and go to Fresh Taqueria, Rosie's, or get a sandwich from Jerry's Market.

    (2)

  • Matt K.

    Was here while visiting family at the end of March. The food was good and so was the service. Our server was a Boston native. I don't remember our her name, but she was very helpful. Had the Yucatan shrimp appetizer, and it was awesome! My main meal was the shrimp and grits, and I would definitely recommend the dish! Hopefully I can make it back for another visit!

    (4)

  • Cristina C.

    Best quinoa salad and fish tacos EVER! Ask for Katie the waitress - fast and friendly service!

    (5)

  • Christopher J.

    Okay. This is DEFINITELY the best restaurant on the island! The Yucatan Shrimp is a little spicy but it is really really good! The Island Wings were very good. The wings are a good size, and the sauce (medium) had just the right amount of heat. The Ribeye is one of the best cuts of meat I have EVER had (even comparing to high end restaurants like Ruth's Chris) and the sauce is to die for. The chef here is really amazing and that should be recognized. Pricing is about right for this restaurant as well. I didn't get the rum bar thing at first, but they had some unique selections there. Premium rums are not my forte as I usually try to expand my experience with premium tequilas but this was a great place to start with rum. The Sanibel Sunset is actually relatively dangerous as you CANNOT tell you're drinking alcohol, but it is packed with premium rum. This restaurant is an experience you MUST have if you come visit Sanibel or Captiva island. There is none better in my opinion here.

    (5)

  • Darci S.

    Solid meal and experience for our last meal on the island. Two of us had the lime panko fish sandwich, and the other two the fried grouper sandwich. Everyone liked their sandwiches. Fries were average. The calamari app was really good, even the two year old liked it! Kids meals are expensive (6.95 with no drink!)...but came with carrots/celery with ranch dip (brought out first, nice touch) and an ice cream sandwich at the end, and he devoured the entire meal. Nice enough atmosphere although we got shuffled to the secondary dining room and the main room looked more fun. Only real negative was they never brought the soup I ordered, but didn't charge for it either so I guess no harm.

    (4)

  • Bronson B.

    A fun restaurant with good island food at reasonable prices. If you are on Sanibel a few days...eat here at least once. Good for families and a big bar area with lots of TVs for sports.

    (4)

  • Ed T.

    Overall a good place, it can get crazy busy so make sure you have a reservations. Parking can also get tight at times. The fish is fresh although sometimes dishes make it past the expediter when they shouldn't have. Not raw but can be overcooked for some. Simple dishes are best although they do sear a good scallop. Drinks are strong, mojitos are a bit too sweet for my taste. Better than most places on the island, so worth a shot, during the week.

    (3)

  • Tom H.

    Doc Ford's is a safe and fun bet for a vacation night out. I had a half pound yucatan shrimp which was good, spicy and plenty for one person. They also have a 1/4 pound portion and 1 pound portion. My wife had the fish tacos which were also good. We had a ceviche appetizer and that was good too. The seafood selection was also extensive and the bartender recommended Mahi Mahi, grouper and ribs. The place is busy and unless you sit at the bar you will most likely experience a wait.

    (4)

  • Amy G.

    Loved the Yucatan Shrimp. The outdoor seating was perfect for lunch. Would love to go there without the kids to try the rums and the dinner entrees. I'm feeling inspired to read one of the mystery novels written by Randy Wayne White. Definitely worth a visit at least once during a one week stay.

    (4)

  • Chuck S.

    Good appetizers but a little pricy, friendly service.

    (3)

  • karen f.

    We had read the yelp reviews and were not disappointed in the food or service. The yucatan shrimp was delish. I shared the tropical salad with my daughter - and that was ok. My husband had the rib eye and thought it excellent along with my daughter who had baby back ribs that were tasty and moist. The beer selection is very weak but FLA doesn't seem to be on board with the craft brews other states have. The bathrooms could have been a bit cleaner. I would come back again.

    (4)

  • Jeff S.

    Best meal we had while on the island. Went once at 6PM, too crowded, made a reservation for 5:30 the next night. Lots of people have talked about the shrimp appy, which was amazing, but I had the mussels which were every bit as good. All loved their drinks and entrees; I had the scallop and black linguini special which may have been one of the best meals I've ever eaten.

    (5)

  • Duane J.

    Doc Ford's is a pretty nice place. I've been here twice both times as part of a group of eight. The servers have been friendly and helpful and the food served in a reasonable amount of time. The food quality has been above average with most of the people in my group saying they really liked the food with only one exception. Doc Ford's ambiance is fitting for the type of place that it is and it's big with lots of seating. Their bar is appealing and big and your typical restaurant type bar. I did find it odd that during my two visits I didn't see anyone sitting at the bar. Both my visits were later at night and you'd think you would see some people at the bar ??? So, why three stars? That's because on both our visits to Doc Ford's we were treated rudely by the hostesses. It was a different person on each visit and both of them made us feel like we were a bother rather than a guest. I mean these hostesses were so out of character compared to the rest of the staff we encountered. We're a pretty laid back group of people and I certainly don't think we did anything to warrant being made to feel unwelcome. With many other good choices on the Island, I don't think we're going to give Doc Ford's any more of our money.

    (3)

  • Laura R.

    Try the spicy Yucatan shrimp, you can order different amounts. It's spicy, comes with huge pieces of bread, and is absolutely wonderful. They accommodated our large group on a Friday with a reservation and were very friendly and helpful.

    (5)

  • Teresa C.

    Doc Ford's Sanibel - stopped on our way out of town and so glad we did! The Yucatan shrimp is phenomenal. Other posters said not to question it so we didn't and you shouldn't either! I also got the Sanibel sunset that not only tasted great but made me feel great! The waitress recommended a featured draft for my husband and it was really good too (cant remember the flavor but it was maybe a nut wheat beer or something) highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Sara G.

    Doc Fords is our go to when we are on Sanibel, but we were really disappointed this time. They are always packed so if you don't have reservations for 6 or more you will be waiting for a while. Also the food used to be delicious and now it's still good but you can just tell they are just churning food out without any thought. Hopefully they will learn how to handle the crowds better so the quality of service and food improves.

    (3)

  • Jim M.

    Not bad. Happenin place on Sanibel - we arrived at 8:45 and still had to wait at the bar for 20 minutes before a table was ready, which we didn't mind. Service was very good. The rum was better than the food, which was typical bar food. If you like appetizers and a good drinks, its a good spot to hang out.

    (4)

  • Tim B.

    Our low expectations for a quick lunch were met. Good place to watch a game, but the food is fair and the atmosphere too loud. The "best" fish sandwich on the island means stay away from fish sandwiches on this island.

    (2)

  • Lamar G.

    About 9 coworkers dropped in for lunch this week and I loved my meal. I had the blackened grouper sandwich, which was cooked perfectly and tasted great. I noticed that anyone who had the fish loved their meal, those who had chicken were so so. The salads seemed to go down very fast too. I would definitely recommend the fish here though.

    (4)

  • Talmadge M.

    From the appetizers to the main courses, we enjoyed our experience at this dining establishment. Our server Joey was very attentive and accessible during our visit.

    (5)

  • Jason C.

    Great atmosphere, good service, very good selection of food, and how can you go wrong with a Rum Bar! Named after the character in the Randy Wayne White novels (which the books are available there), Doc Ford's is large with indoor seating, outdoor seating, high-tops, bar stools, and traditional booths and tables. The staff is attentive and friendly and the food and drink menus have a lot to offer and they even have a kids menu. The food is reasonably priced for this type of dining on Sanibel (which is of course higher than a similar place inland), the drinks are priced like any other bar (mixed rum drinks $7), and it's a casual atmosphere. For our family (2 adults, 2 kids) our bill was around $80 which was for 2 adult meals and 4 rum drinks, and two kids meals with soda. We went there after being at the beach and doing a quick change into dry clothes at the beach restroom, while others had on nice evening wear. My wife doesn't like seafood so she always orders the Blackened Chicken Salad and she said it is very good. I have had the Roasted Half-Chicken with a Cuban Chimichurri Sauce and the Martinique-Jerked Pork Chop which are pretty good but nothing exceptional. Over all the food was pretty good, the drinks were great, and the kids seemed to enjoy their food from the children's menu. We visit Sanibel at least once a year and always stop in Doc Ford's for some food and drinks.

    (4)

  • Emo F.

    visited last month. the decor and atmosphere were nice, and it was located close to where we were staying. service was also good. the food was not up to par. i had high expectations for the seafood paella, but there was hardly and rice in it and wayyyy too much halfcooked onions. and the salt! the salt! my wife had the salmon wrapped in banana leaf, which was overcooked and had a salty salty sauce all over it.

    (1)

  • Heather D.

    Ok...what was I thinking giving this place 3 stars. On this trip to Sanibel we've eaten at this location twice, Captiva once, and are planning to come back one more time before the vacation is over. This really is a great place. The food is some of the best on Sanibel. Our favorites include Yucatan Shrimp, Captiva Crab Cakes ( the key lime butter sauce is awesome), Lime Panko Fish Sandwich, and the Silver Glider drink. I you have room for dessert we recommend the Drunkin Carrot Cake or Key Lime Pie. (If they wanted to better the pie they should add meringue. More places should serve it that way... I detest whipped cream on my pie.). Note that we recommend the Sanibel location over Captiva. As of this writing the Captiva restaurant is just a couple of months old and it would seem they are still perfecting. The crab cakes there were smaller and falling apart when served. Shrimp seemed smaller as well. We highly recommend Doc Ford's Sanibel. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Xar D.

    Fantastic Menu. The Banana Leaf Wrapped Snapper was perfect. Yucatan Shrimp (followed the hype, glad I did) they were awesome. Very Rich in taste tho. Prepare yourself. They dont make a Miami Mojito, but they try and come close. The noise level can really get up there. Imagine a family reunion at one table with everyone trying to talk over one another. Its about like that. We were very happy with everything. Server staff was very efficient and checked on us throughout the night. Had our 19 month with us and they were very accomodating. I was pleasantly surprised that we were not rushed out in any way, as we were taking awhile feeding our little guy after we finished eating. We will venture back to Sanibel for all of its treasures, Doc Fords included.

    (4)

  • Dante F.

    Great food, great service!

    (4)

  • J C.

    Good food and good atmosphere. Family loved it. Caribbean spiced half chicken was absolutely the best meal I ate the entire week we were on the island. Kids fish sticks not so good.

    (4)

  • Bill C.

    Finally ate here after driving past it for years. Couldn't believe how good everything was. Menu features numerous Carribean inspired dishes. We tried four different things and each was unique and delicious. Service couldn't have been better, our waitress had perfect timing on every little thing. We were there a little early, so it didn't fill up until we were about ready to go and it got a little loud by then; but there is what looked like a quiet outside area if you don't like the upscale sports bar motif and noise level.

    (5)

  • Don P.

    The patio is heated..take a seat there and dive into the calamarie, sip on a happy gator, and over indulge on yucatan shrimp!

    (5)

  • Lisa J.

    Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is one of our all time top fave places to stop for a teeth-curlingly cold beverage and some delightful eats. We first stopped in last year when we visited Sanibel, on a fiction-fueled pilgrimage to see the restaurant owned by Randy Wayne White and eponymously named after his main book character, Doc Ford. That visit didn't disappoint, nor did this one. To start, the back patio is just ideally positioned for several solid hours of afternoon sun. The oysters from the raw bar are surigcally clean and have a crisp, mineral finish that is perfectly complemented by a splash of one of RWW's own hot sauces. The ceviche at Doc's is outstanding: chunks of grouper and snapper, bay scallops, and shrimp tossed with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomato and jalapenos. Honestly, it if weren't impossibly tacky (and I thought my mother wouldn't find out), I'd pick up the bowl and drink the lime marinade, after the good fishy-bits were gone. The same is true of the Yucatan Shrimp, lovely perfect shrimp swimming in a buttery cliantro-spiked and pepper-and-garlic studded sauce. Thankfully, it comes with bread you can use to soak up the sauce, so you don't have to drink it from the bowl. For entrees, we had a Cuban sandwich and a panko-crusted fish sandwich -- which used a fish called basa (which is, as I now know, also called bocourti and is related to the catfish). I'd never even heard of it, much less eaten it, but it was really nice piece of fish -- firm, white, clean, and perfectly prepared -- not a thing like what you expect from anything related to a catfish. The perfectly cooked sandwich is topped with slaw and some spicy sauce, all of which combines for a smooshy, messy yummy delight. Don't get me wrong: the Cuban was good, but the Fish Sandwich was the winner, easily! For your choices of sides, go with the fries. The rice and beans are always a little dry and are way too over-cumined -- and their fries are darned good. If you're feeling zany, as for some of their house-made blue cheese dressing to dip them in...it's addictive and amazing. Did I mention the drinks? Yes. We had some. Many rummy concoctions, including a few mojitos and a Sanibel Sunset. Always good. Can't' recommend it enough. Even if you're not a fan of his books, you should definitely become a fan of his restaurant!

    (5)

  • Christina D.

    Went there for dinner while in town recently and it was soooooo good we went back for lunch the next day on the way to the airport. Fast friendly service. It has a fun eclectic menu.

    (5)

  • Robert J.

    We've been going down to Sanibel for several years now, and Doc Ford's has been an island staple for us. We both are Randy W. W. readers and fans, so the first trip was a natural. Menu items - we have had most, and the Shrimp and Grits is a southern classic, the Dinkins Bay Boil and its spicier cousin are fabulous. But NEVER miss the rum on the menu fora a real treat. This is where we found out that 22 year-old Appleton is nice but not as superior as the featured selection on the menu. I fished with Capt. Randy back in the 80's, and it was nice to renew a friendship. Randy had said he wanted a "sports bar with great food". He got it! We have not been to the Ft. Myers beach location - because when we are on Sanibel for three weeks each year, we almost NEVER leave the island. Bend Elbow, breath deeply, and inhale!

    (5)

  • Tanya M.

    First time. Went for an early dinner (right before it got super busy) we were seated inside right away. Started with Mojitos. Yucatan shrimp appetizer amazing. No joke, I LICKED the plate. Have dreamt of eating them on a bed of pasta. Husband had the roast chicken with chimichurri and chorizo, it was enough for both of us and delicious times ten. I had the tostada appetizer as an entree which I enjoyed but it was overpowered by the amazing dish next to me. My 7yr old son who doesn't eat kids meals ordered the mahi with sweet soy sauce and jasmine rice. It had way, way too much sauce that was all mixed in the rice so he ate half of the fish and avoided the rice. The service was top notch and relaxed at the same time- we will go back when we are in Sanibel.

    (4)

  • R R.

    This restaurant was packed so we figured it would be a safe bet for food. OMG! I ordered the Mahi-mahi and it was terrible drowned in Ken's rasperry vinegareet...the rice wasn't jasmine it was more like rice-a-roni and was crunchy ...I could hardly eat the mahi-mahi Actually, I didn't really eat much of it 2 or 3 bites and left the rest...I just went hungry. My partner ordered the seafood paella and it was mushy and most of the mussels were bad....(i.e. half opened and spoiled yet they served them to her). I tried one and it tasted like dead fish). I spit it out). Worst food ever. The drinks were ok....I did send back a mojito because it was not to my liking but hey that happens. I was bitter over the 2 dinners and 2 drinks we had.....plus the appetizer which was Yucatan peel and eat shrimp...which were good....for $100 I expected better quality food. Bottom line...if there is a 4 star review for this place yelp has become too mainstream and people employed there are getting on here and giving positive reviews.....the place has horrible food.

    (1)

  • F L.

    The Yucatan shrimp was fabulous. The Ahi tuna app. Wonderful! The ceviche was very good. Service stellar! Very comfy atmosphere. Not too noisy. Loved every moment. Will definitely return. This is the kind of place you hope to find on vacation! Has gluten free suggestions.

    (5)

  • Jack J.

    Staff was awesome. They seated us in a booth by the fish tank. Grouper sandwich for my wife. Grouper fingers for my daughter who normally eats chicken fingers. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a Kalik beer. Very good for bar food. We will return.

    (4)

  • Ryan G.

    Excellent food, atmosphere, service, pricing. This was our first stop on the island after reading reviews online. We were all very satisfied with your meal selections and everything was very tasty. The service was fast and polite, the outdoor dining was a nice touch. I had a blackened mahi-mahi sandwich and it was simply divine. I would eat here again in a heartbeat and plan to visit again the next time we are down this way.

    (4)

  • PathGeek G.

    below average. Positives: got in w relatively no wait. The fish in our main courses was amazing. Waitress was nice and tried to please Negs: Loud crowd. Boat diesel from the marina. Bad tap beer selection (the bar is probably fine if you like sweet cocktails or rum). Besides the fish, food was meh-- neither good nor terrible. The server needed more help-- she was running but had too many tables-- and needed more education about the food and its' prep (one diner with food allergies had trouble knowing what was safe to eat). Return? No.

    (2)

  • Ryan P.

    .......I just wrote a review for Doc Ford's in Fort Myers (Cool 'Boater' Setting) - Sanibel location is more tropical paradise - especially at night. We had a long day and decided to go for some homemade carrot cake and 'sipping' rum! What a treat - I love carrot cake and Doc Ford's is among the very best! A Must for ALL! We sat outside....Nice Night!

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    We love the waterfront location of the other store, this location felt like we were sitting in someones back yard not on an island. we tried the black bean dip app, it was ok, not great. She had the mahi sand she loved it, fry's were pretty good. I had the famous fish sand which was very good. But I have had that sand at the other location and it was served with more slaw and sauce on it. It looked better and tasted better with more toppings. The fish was great. My side of slaw was just ok. Service was pretty good, but as for atmosphere no comparison to the waterfront Ft. Myers beach location. If you want good food without a view or ambiance it will do.

    (3)

  • Monica B.

    Delicious! One member of our party said the snapper was the best fish he had eaten in his whole life. Shrimp both steamed and fried were huge and yummy. It is a rum bar, so the drinks are not to be missed! Key lime pie and carrot cake are a must.

    (5)

  • Jody R.

    This was the best restaurant experience we had on the island. Loved the atmosphere. Very laid back Caribbean, Margaritaville feeling. There are two dining areas, and I think I'd prefer to be in the main area. We ate in the overflow dining area which was still good, but I think it caused the service to be slower. Once the initial greeting by the waitress came, after 10 minutes, we received our drinks and food quick enough, just could have been a little better. We ordered mango mojitos, which could have been a lot stronger, but were tasty. We ordered a ton of food. We had calamari and Cuban black bean dip for appetizers. I had shrimp and grits which were excellent. She had fish taco's, very good. A Cuban sandwich, ribs, and a kids chicken strips was also ordered. All very good. We then finished with an excellent key lime pie and double dark chocolate brownie sunday...Yummy!

    (5)

  • Josh M.

    A great place for delicious seafood and boat parking. Before heading to the beach, we usually bring the boat over to Doc Ford's for lunch and sit outside on the patio, watching the boat traffic. Sometimes they have live music outside too.

    (5)

  • Jenny B.

    Great food, great service. A little pricey, but the quality shows. We got panko shrimp, clam chowder and ceviche. All were awesome!

    (5)

  • Chris C.

    All of our food was delicious. The band on Wed night was country and very good. Sit outside and enjoy the view of the harbor.

    (5)

  • David S.

    Good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Anthony T.

    Zagat has awarded a rating to Doc Fords for 2009. I believe that it is the only restaurant in Lee county to be recognized. We were absolutely delighted by the servic,the food, and the ambiance. The Grouper sandwich I had, was quite possibly, the best fish sandwich I have ever had. Check this place out as a "MUST GO" if you are in tehe area.

    (5)

  • Lee S.

    Low season. For several nights, we have been able to just walk in and have our choice of tables. We understand that later they'll be a two hour wait. Excellent salads and clam chowder. Excellent crabcakes and salmon on a plank. Keylime pie to top it off.

    (5)

  • Mark H.

    Great shrimp and grits and key lime pie, service ok.

    (4)

  • Adam M.

    Doc Ford's has the best Grouper sandwich in Fort Myers. I like it blackened, and they do it perfectly. A generous amount of grouper with sexy spices and fresh veggies are just what the doctor ordered. They also have many rum options, which is nice if you don't mind paying the markup. Their calamari is an excellent appetizer, and the atmosphere is very nice. A solid 4 star restaurant.

    (4)

  • Karen D.

    Yucatan shrimp was amazing. Next time we are back in Sanibel, we will be back for more. Friendly wait staff, good drinks, reasonable prices.

    (4)

  • Heather M.

    Hostess nice. Beer food. Go somewhere else for food. Wrong order given to us. Service took forever. Watch out for bees.

    (2)

  • Kevin M.

    We went for lunch. Awesome fresh fish sandwiches and tacos. Go there and eat fish! FISH!!!!! Looks like fun sports bar and night spot too.

    (4)

  • Ron B.

    We dropped in at 9:00pm on a Sunday night and were seated immediately. We order two appetizers, the Shrimp Quesadilla's and the Jerk Chicken Tostada's. The Quesadilla's were outstanding and the Tostada's were ok. I ordered a Lemon drop as my drink, it wasn't a true San Fran Lemon drop but it had plenty of alcohol. Of course we ordered the Key Lime Pie, it was terrific, the best on the Island. Service was good, friendly and the food came out quickly. They were very accommodating about putting the sunday night football game on a near by screen.

    (5)

  • Sentient Snacker S.

    Reading some of the other reviews, I agree that pricing is not Doc Ford's strong suit, yet that is also true of most other Sanibel/Captiva venues. Having dined there on a few occasions, I would also concur that service isn't always superlative. Yet some of the dishes are, indeed, marvelous and a good value as well! For instance, definitely give the Yucatan Shrimp appetizer a try and liberally dip the fresh bread into the savory, spicy sauce that the shrimp is, proverbially, swimming in. It is a deliciously addictive and hearty treat! While you're at it, order up some raw oysters. They're competitively priced, fresh, and delicious. As far as entrees go, the fish tacos, Island Style Shrimp & Grits, and pork chops have, repeatedly, proven to be tasty and worth the trip. The atmosphere is suited for small or large parties and accomodates ages from young to old. And, before you go, pick up one of Randy Wayne White's books that feature Sanibel and Captiva locations. They hit the spot, too!

    (4)

  • Foodie E.

    Went on a Sunday to watch NFL and eat lunch. We were given a restaurant beeper and told 30 minute wait. After 45 mins I went to check on the wait and found out the beeper was broken. Once we got seated, our waitress could have passed as it being her first day. Clueless and missing for 20 minutes at a time. We had to ask her four times if the kids food was ready. Food makes Applebee's and TGI Fridays look gourmet. There are many other bar/restaurants on the island that have figured out how to balance crowds and good service. Don't waste your time or money.

    (1)

  • Kevin R.

    My wife and I were waited on by Shawn out on the patio. I ordered one of their amazing rum drinks, the clam chowder, ribs, and key lime pie. My wife ordered a hamburger. Everything was just simply amazing, and we loved the atmosphere! Shawn had to be one of the best waiters we have ever had! Very attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. If we ever get to Sanibel again we are definitely going back to Doc Ford's.

    (5)

  • Alison F.

    This place was solidly good. I enjoyed their tropical salad and cheese bread. This seems like a reasonable restaurant to enjoy while on Sanibel.

    (3)

  • Don G.

    Food was great and service was extremely attentive. Had the black bean dip for an appetizer and found it to be phenomenal. My wife had the doc fords fish sandwich and she said it was the best fish sandwich she ever had. I had the Cuban sandwich and thought it was great. Nice atmosphere, music was not loud. I would definitely return.

    (4)

  • Steve B.

    Enjoyed our visit to Doc's. Lots of seafood enjoyed by the whole family. Shrimp and Grits were delicious, Cheesy Grits and Spicy Shrimp. Calamari were fresh and crisp for an appetizer, and those who like black beans loved the black bean and queso dip. I had the paella and really enjoyed it. It would have been nice to have some crust on the paella, but neither of us who ordered it had any. Still quite good. Service was friendly and prompt. Key Lime Pie was an excellent finish. A bit pricey, but the meal was quite good.

    (4)

  • Scott C.

    Went on a Sunday night after doing a Dolphin Cruise from Captiva and have eaten here before. They got our business tonight because The Mucky Duck is closed on Sundays. I'm from Chicago and while we certainly have access to great seafood, one of the things I love about Florida is that by and large, if you're looking for fish on the menu on Sanibel it may have been yanked out of water within several miles of where you were sitting that morning and it just makes for the freshest taste you can come up with. I had the banana wrapped snapper tonight with a cilantro-based pesto and a side of steamed vegetables and black beans and rice. It was really more like a Chimichurri sauce but served over the steamed fish which was perfectly cooked, it added a very complimentary brightness. Doc Ford's is the kind of place you can wander in solo and sit at the bar and make a friend watching sports on the big televisions or come in with the whole family for a great dining experience. There's something for everybody on the menu as well which makes it all the more accessible. Salads, sandwiches, burgers and seafood give a multitude of options for everybody's tastes in a larger party.

    (4)

  • David G.

    This is what a well-done tourist restaurant should be like. Casual, loud Florida atmosphere with solid food and a fun vibe. The Yucatan Shrimp deserve six stars. The rest of the menu holds up very well. I find myself deciding between the Fish Tacos and the Cuban as defaults, but more often than not we will just load up on the App section and share.

    (4)

  • Todd S.

    Always one of our favorites on Sanibel. Fun tropical experience with good assortment of rum-based drinks to help complete the island atmosphere. My wife and I shared the shrimp and grits on our most recent visit, a southern classic that Doc's has mastered. Others in our group had shrimp entrees and everyone agreed the food was fresh, somewhat creative, and prepared as should be expected. Our waitress was friendly and attentive (as well as cute, which never hurts) and went out of her way to make our kids happy. We will definitely go back and would recommend Doc Fords as one of the better experiences on Sanibel.

    (4)

  • Amanda Z.

    Caribbean jerk nachos = super yums and different Banana leaf snapper = O M G heaven in my mouth Huge slice of carrot cake = gorge yourself in deliciousness Mango Tango drink = gross, too sweet Banana Slamma drink = please see the above Atmosphere and service = good Will I return = I hope so!

    (4)

  • Joel S.

    Great outdoor deck (although it's surrounded by shrubbery)' food was good, mojito was better. This place was too close to being a chain like restaurant for my taste.

    (3)

  • B. W. P.

    OK, I would really give this a 4.5 stars, as I think 5 should be reserved for truly outstanding restaurants, but it was better than a 4, and the 4 star ranking seems to be pervasive on yelp, so I wanted Doc Fords to be set apart from other choices. My wife and I were looking for a place that had tasty drinks and good food. Doc Fords delivered on both counts. We dined out on a Thursday, and the wait looked quite long, but when inquiring about the wait for two people, we were told that we could dine outside under the patio heaters immediately, and that is exactly what we did. The rum drinks were very tasty and reasonably priced considering the tourist locale. The food that we had was nicely prepared and well seasoned. The service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't extend a full 5 star rating is that I felt the food was good, but not excellent. The desert, a double brownie sundae, was excellent. If you are visiting Sanibel and looking for a nice and reasonably priced place to dine out, you will not go wrong with Doc Fords.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    The atmosphere was nice (there was a live band playing last night) and the service was good, but the food was much too overpriced for how mediocre it was.

    (3)

  • Les P.

    Nice decor, good food and good service.

    (4)

  • Jennifer S.

    My family went here during our vacation on the island....some of the best food and service we had! I got the lime crusted panko fish sandwich, which was so flaky and delicious. My husband had the Cuban, which he loved. We also shared a cup of the Southwest Beer Cheddar soup, which was one of the best beer cheddar soups I've tasted. Our kids loved their kids meals, which came with an ice cream sandwich for dessert. The restaurant wasn't very busy, even though we went during the noon lunch hour. Our waitresses were attentive and helpful and took the time to talk to our boys (always a plus in my book). Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Kathleen H.

    Good menu. Order the mussels. Save room for dessert for sure. Lots of drink options. Huge seating area including a patio.

    (4)

  • John L.

    Yukatan Shrimp the best

    (5)

  • Sarah B.

    Decent place but if you go there to watch a game, don't expect any volume even if you're the only table there! Apparently that's only for Super Bowl...

    (3)

  • Tommy H.

    Solid bar and grill... We happened into the place after a fantastic day on the beach. Great drinks, ice cold beers and solid food. Try the black bean dip and chicken tostadas appetizers. Their grilled chicken and fresh seafood mains are great as well.

    (5)

  • Stefanie O.

    The food was decent and the menu was varied enough but not so much that it looked like they were trying too hard. I liked my food more than my husband liked his - I thought the salmon was delicious. I enjoyed the famous key lime pie and my husband enjoyed the rum drinks, so we were both happy. The service could use some improvement as our waiter did not seem happy about the amount of people he had to wait on (which was not a full house). Definitely not a bad place to go if you're on the island, but wouldn't be my first pick.

    (3)

  • Megan R.

    Really mediocre food but nice atmosphere. Mix of locals and tourists. Fish sandwich soggy and way too much sauce. Bun generic and bland. Tropical salad had too much dressing. Pricey for the quality of the food.

    (3)

  • Nicole C.

    Horrible sea food! I order a blacken grouper sandwich and it came out raw, and order a mojito and that was horrible too!! When they told me they would make me a another sandwich , and when it came out a dead fly was on it!' Just horrible!! As a south Floridian every restaurant on a island should know how to cook seafood... And to top it off I got food poison!!!!!!!

    (1)

  • Jim B.

    Was here on a little vacation from Chicago, driving around the island and came across Doc Fords. I stopped here for some lunch, I must say the clam chowder and the yucatan shrimp are VERY, VERY GOOD!!!! I think I could have licked the bowl clean on both dishes!! Hahaha.. I will be back!!

    (5)

  • Jenny S.

    This was our first time visiting Sanibel and we were told there was great food. The service was great and we were seated quickly. Sadly we had hoped for better food there as it came highly recommended, however, the food was so-so and lukewarm, as though it had been sitting out on the counter for some time. The oyster appetizer was extremely disappointing-you could barely even tell there were oysters in the half shells. The seafood quesadilla was really just a tortilla and some cheese, not sure where the seafood was in it. Would not recommend.

    (2)

  • R F.

    Im at the restaurant right now in a party of 12. We all give this place 5 stars. The Yucutan Shrimp is AHHHHMAZING! We ordered it as an appetizer and when we finished, we kept the sauce and dipped everything in it. It was soooo good. The seafood was fresh and delicious. We had an array of food. The Doc Fords cheesy bread was a hit for adults and kids (and that was definitely dipped in the Yucutan Shrimp sauce). We ate seared tuna, crab cakes, grouper sandwich, wedge salad, clam chowder, their special that night which was a coconut crusted snapper and all was delicious. The fish tacos and lobster roll got pretty good but not rave reviews. Kids loved the fish fingers and ice cream sandwiches for dessert. They also took a reservation and we didnt have to wait even 30 seconds to be seated upon arrival. Definitely recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Jonathan M.

    We ate here twice while staying at the South Seas resort and have to say we had two different experiences. The first time we each had a sandwich, take out, and the food was so so. However, we ate in the second time and the lady ordered salmon while I got the steak and boy those were some tasty meals. We both recommend the place. Overall, it's a tasty option.

    (4)

  • Shawn D.

    Stale chips with bean dip. Waiter was funny but very negative. Let us know right away there was no seafood special because it was rank. Actually, he let us know that the management was rank too. Like I said, funny, but just odd for a server to be so honest. He clearly didn't like his job. Fish fingers were just ok. Not sure what the big deal is here. The Doc Fords in Fort Myers is much better and has great outside seating with music. We will stick with that one. The best part of this visit was our drinks made by a cute brunette girl. She also made some fun mock tails for our kids.

    (2)

  • Daniel F.

    Best mahi mahi ever. No kidding. Outside seating in October with no moskitos tops it.

    (4)

  • Kathy S.

    Wasn't too impressed with this place. Atmosphere was cute very key west beachy theme. Server was friendly but seemed too preoccupied with the larger table next to us. Food was way over priced for the quality. My shrimp tacos were ok but the cole slaw was literally thick slices of cabbage with what seemed like nothing on them. My husbands friedm shrimp was just your typical fried shrimp nothing special there either. My daughter had a kids cheeseburger looked like those frozen patties from the grocery store and the fries could definitely have been in the fryer a little longer they were pretty limp and soggy.

    (1)

  • Helen B.

    Friendly service. Waited 30 mins. Had fried grouper tacos. Very filling and tasty. Was reluctant to go there because of some many kids but food and service were great. Will be back.

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    Excellent food and service. Had the grouper dinner and it was perfect. A very nice size piece of fish. My boyfriend had shrimp tacos. He likes a little heat and said they were awesome. Highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Stephanie R.

    Tonight was an amazing experience on a busy Saturday night!!! If you go to this restaurant you need to request the server Josh. He is one of the friendliest and most intuitive servers that I have met in a long time. 5 gold stars!!!!

    (5)

  • J D.

    Great atmosphere for starters. It has a real Caribbean feel. I got the crab cakes for a starter and they were good. It was like a cross between a key lime pie, vinegar favored cucumber and a crab cake. I would definitely get it again. I also got the pulled pork sandwich which was tasty as well. A little on the sweet side but good. And lastly I got their crocodile mojito drink. Awesome!

    (4)

  • Susan C.

    Came back this year and forgot I had ordered bad ribs last year...well, they haven't improved. They are overcooked and meat is scarce. The only good thing was the sauce. Clam chowder came cold and had to be sent back.....I came for the Yucatan Shrimp but didn't know they were just an appetizer, not a dinner, my mistake. And, a FYI, in one of the promotional magazines, there is a coupon for a free Doc Ford's Boater's key chain. Get it!

    (2)

  • Nick P.

    Great restaurant on the island. I went at 8:39 PM after seeing almost an hour wait at the island cow. I was not sad anymore after I tasted that food. I first got the pulled pork sandwich which was excellent. Then the next day I went back and got the cheesesteak, both excellent choices. Service was amazing! It truly made even a tourist feel right at home.

    (5)

  • Roni H.

    We were very disappointed with Doc Ford's Sanibel location with regard to the food & service. They were both sub-par. My husband ordered the Campeche fish tacos. The taste and texture was very mushy. The manager came over to speak with us and we were told the fish was Tilapia. Tilapia inhabit shallow waters & from what we've read not the healthiest of fish choices. Why would this restaurant on Sanibel serve Tilapia when you are surrounded by fresh local amazing fish choices and why does the menu not list Tilapia as the fish used in this recipe?

    (2)

  • Nathaniel B.

    Excellent food and service. The clam chowder was quite good albeit more chunky than one would normally expect. The chunk ones was not a bad thing at all, though, as the potatoes were thoroughly cooked. The half chicken chimichurri was exceptional; crispy skin, excellent flavor and seasoning, and a ton of great food. The yucatan shrimp tacos were also a hit with my wife. Worth the trip!

    (5)

  • Dodi A.

    Waiting time was short and hostes did a great job finding a table for the five of us. I was not blown away with the food flavors. The mahi mahi came over a bed of rice with a sauce to sweet for my taste. I hope the sauce was not from the asian islevof Publix, from a bottle. Pulled pork was underpar on a stale whole wheat bun. About the mojito, I can make a better one at home. Could not taste the sweetness of the sugar cane nor the strong mint needed in mojito. Unimpressed to come on the island and get a rushed service. Ladies should be served first, on the right side always, not passing the plates across to whomever the waiter feels. I ordered a peel and eat shrimp and received something else. I give a four star for the excellent service, food and beverage received in prior years.

    (4)

  • Sandy K.

    My husband and I have dined at Doc Fords for years but we're disappointed tonight. He ordered a grouper dish which was overlooked. I got the salmon special which was good. Also I asked for one of the tvs to be changed to ABC for Dancing With the Stars and they changed a tv but immediately put it back to baseball. No one was even watching that tv! Also the service was very slow; took 45 minutes to get our entree.

    (2)

  • Susan M.

    The wait time for food was abnormally long. Two of my groups' orders got messed up and when we corrected our waitress, she claimed that she didnt mess up and that we were at fault. The second time we corrected her she coldly grabbed the plate and walked away without saying anything. I finished my meal in less than 5 minutes, and we were still waiting for two of our orders by the time most of us were finished. Most people were satisfied with the meals and we didnt have to pay for one messed up meal, but the poor service, small portions and cold attitudes ruined the experience. To top the night off, the change was messsed up and we had to wait 10 minutes for the bill to return. 2.5/5 stars

    (3)

  • Chrissy F.

    Tried the mussels app to start, which was phenomenal and cooked to perfection. followed with the yucatan shrimp (which was amazing, had a nice kick) and the fish tacos (which were mediocre.) the side of black beans and rice were disgusting and had way too much cumin. Overall, very nice experience!

    (4)

  • Bob K.

    I have eaten here many times over the years. It has become a place that needs a "kick-in the pants". I used to really enjoy it. Last week I had the "Doc Ford's Original Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich". Wow. Final straw for me. Not sure which was "mushier" the "bun" or the piece of fish. Eek. Gross. Won't get fooled again.

    (1)

  • Robert W.

    To start off I'm vacationing from Virginia Beach, Va. Staying on Sanabel Island. The yelp reviews looked great and that was good enough for me. Unfortunately the hostesses attitude ended this night out before it got started. We arrived at 6:50pm with a party of 5, the wait was 45 minutes, which is fine due to the fact it was prime time. I approached the hostess to inquire about the situation and to tell her our 11 month old could sit in my lap which would reduce our 5 top to 4 top. She couldn't hold the conversation for 10 seconds without being distracted by everything going on around her. When she came to from being lost in the deadlights and realized I was still standing there with my 2 sons she looked over and said " sir how can I help you?" I replied "I'd like an answer to my original question" she rolled her eyes and stated we'd be seated when we are seated. I placed my table pager on the hostess stand, gathered my family and left. Look, I know how it is in the service industry, I'm an 11 year veteran and I've held every position from barback to GM. But if your first point of contact in a restaurant can't handle a dinner rush and is rude to guests, you've made a terrible hire. Honestly I was excited about the Yucatan shrimp I read about, it's funny that I read about bad reviews due to a hostess, history repeating itself.

    (1)

  • Kohler A.

    It was ok. Our first trip after we arrived. Our server was good but tried to upsell us on everything.

    (3)

  • Ed L.

    Simple food well executed. The clam chowder was a balance of creamy, light, briney and sweet. Fish sandwich was well cooked, flavorful, soft and moist. Pulled pork sandwich was big, tasty, but too salty. My wife and I are careful about salt, so this may just be a personal preference. Service was quick and friendly.

    (4)

  • Ceil S.

    Wonderful lunch outside. Yucatan spice shrimp tacos full of shrimp! Spiced perfectly. Fresh and tasty

    (4)

  • Allison E.

    Loved this place so much that we dined here twice during our vacation to Sanibel. It's a fairly large restaurant so there are plenty of tables... Bar stools at the bar, high tables in the bar area, outside dining plus loads of low dining tables. They don't take reservations, unless you are a party of six or more. Sanibel is a beach town and this place is no different... Casual and chill atmosphere. The menu has several choices, sandwiches, salads, entrees, etc.. definitely something for everyone. The oysters were yum and surprisingly inexpensive... $10 per dozen. The mussels are some if the best have had (tomato based broth.. I could have licked the bowl). The fish was all fresh and all entree choices were well received..the fish sandwich, quinoa salad, and Mahi Mahi. The other items passing by our table also looked good, so I don't think you can go wrong. Oh and get the Key Lime Pie, you are in FL after all. Service was friendly and brisk (but not rushed). They offer a fun cocktail menu, but I found the Mojitos way to sweet. Land shark is offered on draft so I stuck with that choice after I drank the sweet cocktail. Next time you find yourself in Sanibel, definitely stop here.

    (4)

  • Kaleen F.

    Food was average. Black beans and rice, with a lobster roll. The atmosphere and the people are friendly.

    (3)

  • Tom P.

    We love Doc Fords but this last visit... Service was slow...Shrimp taco was terrible iceberg lettuce, diced shrimp and diced tomato-drab, crab cakes were good, seared tuna was good, Cuban sandwich was 10 minutes late to the table, cold, dry(East End Deli is far superior), sweet potato fries were overcooked. Waitress hit me with a knife clearing the table- when I commented- she retorted " oh it never even touched you", tell that to the dry cleaner. Not ready to ever go back- sad was one of our go to places on Sanibel.

    (3)

  • Chris M.

    Great food. The banana leaf wrapped snapper is fantastic and there are many good appetizers to choose from. Our favorite location is the one in sanibel. Been there 3 times and look forward to going again when we return to sanibel.

    (5)

  • Fab F.

    I went to this place due to the good reviews on yelp but was greatly disappointed. The inside ambiance could be anywhere-America so if you want a Florida feeling, this is not your place. We tried seating outside but we were worried about mosquitoes (it was the end if the day) and we were reassured by the waitress that they had citronella candles and fans and we would not have a problem. Well... 5 minutes and 50 mosquitoes bites later we asked to be moved inside. The waiter didn't seem happy about it. Once inside, I order a fish on banana leaves and specifically asked if it was spicy. I even went on to tell the waitress that by spicy I've meant "hot" as in "pepper", not as in the number of condiments. She assured me it wasn't spice at all. Well... Not true. It definitely had pepper. I would qualify as medium hot. Low being no pepper and high being Indian food. My daughter ordered a simple bread battered shrimp from the adult menu and it was overlooked and rubbery. I don't know this deal with the books but when I go to a restaurant, I want good food, not the story. (Unless it is the 3 broomsticks in which case I wouldn't care how bad the butter beer is). ;-)

    (2)

  • Jennifer F.

    Hands down the best food on the island. Service is great, everyone is happy and pleasant. My daughter loved the shrimp and grits, husband had the cheese steak (he's from philly and gave it a thumbs up). I had the taco salad and it exceeded my expectations. The manager, Adam came over to check on us and could not have been any nicer. Can't say enough good things about this place!

    (5)

  • Robert Y.

    We had about 5 meals here during an 8-night stay. Drinks and beer selection are good, food ranges from very good to excellent, and service was consistently great (that's so important!!). We loved eating on their outdoor patio in the evenings in February, looking up at the moon and enjoying the warmth of the propane heaters on these chilly nights. The menu is varied enough that we could have eaten there even more but we wanted to experience some other places too!

    (5)

  • Becky F.

    Came here for drinks and lunch. We had the mojito, horchata with rum and a sanibel sunrise. The rum and horchata cocktail was unique and definitely my favorite. The regular mojito was pretty disappointing. Our waitress was accommodating about swapping the watery mojito for a different drink, but she also randomly brought over a cocktail that nobody had ordered towards the end of the meal and then charged us for it. The cheesy bread appetizer was too heavy for my taste (I think it was cheese AND mayo which is kind of sick) but our group enjoyed the bean dip, which came with a generous serving of chips. I had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries and it was tasty and served quickly. Overall, it's kind of kitchsy, chain style restaurant atmosphere and ok food. That horchata drink is addictive though. I was craving it all day today.

    (3)

  • Rick P.

    Not at all impressed and we will not be back. There are far better options on the island. Was there for lunch. 1. Flys buzzing around... never a good sign. 2. Ordered the fish tacos. They were tasteless and the accoutrements looked and tasted old. 3. Ordered an ice tea... Completely watered down looking. It didn't even taste like tea. The waitress insisted the tea always looks that way. Given the amount of tea I've had in my life, I think I know what tea is supposed to taste and look like. Suffice to say, the tea tasted like water with a splash of lemon. Not recommended.

    (1)

  • Dan S.

    Read a lot of reviews of other restaurants and decided to not be disappointed. Came to Doc's after driving by it for a month this past summer. So glad we came! Met at the door by a smiling host and then happily led to our seat. The server was excellent as well. Started off with the Yucatan Shrimp. AMAZING!!! My wife and I then shared the dry rubbed ribeye and the tropical salad. Both were exceptional. Seriously, don't waste your time, money, and emotional let-downs on the other restaurants on Captiva.

    (5)

  • David B.

    Hmmmmm. Pricey??! Quite affordable for a tourist joint. I'm from Florida and know that their blackened grouper and peel-n-eat shrimp are VERY good compared to most places at this price point. soup du jour was chicken vegetable -- homemade and delicious!!! Nice drink menu with cocktails of great quality, not the premixed sugary sludge you often are served. Friendly and prompt service. Nautical Florida decor. Two thumbs up!!!!

    (4)

  • Kegan M.

    Ugh... food was bland and wait time was RIDICULOUS! The waiter rarely came back and I only had 1 refill. I'm forced to come here by my family because they like it but I don't see how. I would rather have any other place I've reviewed.

    (1)

  • Michelle M.

    No trip to Sanibel is complete without a stop to Doc Ford's! Fellow Yelper Steve E. from Tampa recommended Doc Ford's to me on my last visit and what a great recommendation it was! There are a lot of tourist traps on Sanibel island so finding good food can sometimes be tough. I thought the food at Doc Ford's would be typical pub grub, but the food and drinks were really good. My husband isn't much of a mixed drink guy so he was unimpressed with the rum menu initially. Then he realized his favororite rum was behind the bar and he was a happy camper. I loved the relaxed atmosphere at Doc Ford's. The restaurant carries an extensive rum cocktail menu and great seafood. I loved the Pom Pom Mojito and thought the mason jars they served the drinks in were cute. On our first visit we had the Island Wings and the Seared Tuna. I was suprised how good the tuna was! The tuna was served on a tangy bed of coleslaw with the delicious wasabi dressing. On our second visit we had the Yucatan Shrimp and BBQ Ribs. All of the food was fantastic! I would definitely recommend a stop to Doc Ford's if you are staying in Sanibel.

    (5)

  • Leslie W.

    This place was packed as Randy Wayne White was there for a book signing, but we got right in and were able to eat at the bar. We were there for some food, drink, and to catch a NCAA basketball tournament game, and the bar was the best place to be. The food was great and the place had a great atmosphere. We would definitely come back again.

    (4)

  • Joanne L.

    Fun location! Our waitress and the manager were friendly and very careful with food allergies. The food was good and the menu had a bit of the Doc Ford novels in them. Our party of eight had a great time.

    (5)

  • F G.

    Overpriced mediocre food. Worse ceviche of my life; watery and smelly. Probably old. Iceberg salad was not fresh. Shrimp Yucatan was tasty but the rest ruined our experience at this restaurant. Very disappointed. They didn't even bother to ask if the food was good or not.

    (1)

  • Doc H.

    First the positive: Great atmosphere and decor with a nice bar area, numerous TV's, and several huge fish mounted on the walls. We went on a Sunday evening at around 5:00pm and just beat the crowd. By 6:00pm they were lined up outside. Lots of cool looking t-shirts and other Doc's stuff for sale. Now the rest: Waitress was very hurried even though she wasn't real busy. She didn't seem very excited to be working and couldn't even force herself to be friendly. Not good traits for her job. Mojitos were OK but not great. Ordered the crab cakes for an appetizer. Honestly the most I have ever paid for so little food. $14.00 for two cakes about the size of a quarter. We laughed while trying to split them into four mini bite sized pieces. Other food was just OK. We had Grouper sandwiches. They weren't impressive. The waitress couldn't even muster up a smile while asking about desert and bringing the check so her tip was adjusted accordingly (and I didn't get a t-shirt). Bottom line: Over-priced and over-rated. Won't go back.

    (1)

  • Marc B.

    Dinner here was great! We were seated quickly and had a view overlooking the bay out server was polite and attentive and very knowledgeable of all the different types of dish and there favors. We of corse felt the same as everyone else about the shrimp. And would highly recommend them to anyone! For our main corse we had their special ( breaded triple fin ) served over rice the dish was awesome and flavorful a mild tasting white fish cooked perfectly. And for myself the grouper the fish was delicious and flavorful however the seasoning on top was very storing and did not sit well in my pallet. The bed of rice under the grouper was good a bit to salty for my tastes but it paired well with the fish. Over all 4 stars for this place and we would recommend it to friends! Worth a try!

    (4)

  • Pamela M.

    My husband and I were so pleased with this place. The food was amazing!!! I had the snapper cooked in bandana leaves with fresh veggies, red beans and rice and my husband had the shrimp and grits. The mojito was very refreshing to wash it down with. Would most definitely return.

    (4)

  • Jennifer M.

    Fun restaurant and great food! My husband had the Yucatan Shrimp and I had the Banana Leaf Snapper, both were excellent! I loved their original mojito, although the wait at the bar was ridiculous. Outside seating was nice, except for the biting bugs at sundown (our waitress was terrific and brought us bug spray right away).

    (4)

  • Tim W.

    Why 4 Stars? Great Food, Atmosphere, Service We chose Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille based on the Yelp reviews when we drove by the restaurant. This place seems very popular and probably becomes very crowded on the weekends. I ordered the Mahi-Mahi entree which was very good. Below the Mahi there was a rice and veggie stir fry with a sweet and sour sauce. Excellent. This place has all sorts of high-end rums but I just had a simple captain and coke with my meal. I would recommend this restaurant to a friend for sure and I would go back!

    (4)

  • Amy-Rose M.

    Great casual dining, very 'Sanibel'. They do the best mojitos, really extensive list of rum based cocktails. Food is good, stand out dish every visit is the panko shrimps. Oh and the key lime pie, or the brownies for desert. Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Good place to go for a nice and chilled out meal.

    (4)

  • CORINA C.

    Ate here Christmas Eve. Great cocktail menu. This is one of the few places you can get a real lime daiquiri, on the rocks with fresh lime juice and good, Mount Gay rum. The Yucatan shrimp were definitely the highlight of the meal, but the jerk tostadas, ceviche, and pasta were also really good. Lots of seating, so wait time was not long at all despite the crowds. Service was friendly and quick, but not rushed. The ambiance could use a little fine tuning. Sort of too much like a chain restaurant.

    (4)

  • Meagan W.

    This "rum bar" didn't even have coconut rum. The staff was terrible, we sat at the bar and the bartender was so rude. When he asked if my friend had decided on a drink yet and she said no he literally said "whatever" and walked away. We got calamari and it was greasy and tasteless. I caught a glimpse of the ceviche- unimpressive. The portion may as well have been for a child. Don't bother coming here, we left after the calamari and rude service. Oh, and I'm credible because I worked as a server through college.

    (1)

  • Chris K.

    Great service, great food. From the Half Chicken to the Seafood Paella what great flavors, color, aroma, and eye catching presentation. Nice job Doc.

    (5)

  • David D.

    Went to Doc Fords after a long day at Bowman Beach and we didn't know what to expect. It was close though and the kids were hungry, so good enough! Upon entering the restaurant though, the hostess was very nice and made sure to get us a table by the fish tank for the 3 children to look at and enjoy. The server was great and had a lot of good suggestions. I had the sweet chili buffalo shrimp for an app and it was one of the most delicious styles of shrimp I've ever had. I also tried the yucatan shrimp for main course and it was just as good. The food was so good that my wife and I decided to hit up Doc Ford's in Ft. Myers Beach (where we were staying) for our "big date night" without the kids on vacation. For parents of young kids, you understand! I definitely recommend any of the Doc Ford's locations while in the area, for lunch or dinner - it won't disappoint.

    (5)

  • Kristi H.

    The Yucatan Shrimp Tacos were AH-MAZ-ING! I highly recommend them! I chose sweet potatoes fries as a side and they were ok...will choose a different side in the future. I would have given this restaurant 5 stars had our service been, at the very least, decent. Unfortunately, it was subpar, and I've had better service at McDonald's. Asked for drinks multiple times and when we got our check we still hadn't received them. He may have just been off his game that night, who knows.

    (4)

  • Angie W.

    We had an outstanding meal and drinks. There were 9 of us including 5 kids. They were very accommodating. Everyone found something they liked to eat, even our picky little ones. The Yucatan shrimp are as good as everyone says.

    (5)

  • Jim P.

    All that's it's cracked up to be. Fun bar with good sports on, great bartenders, the patio dining was nice. We had a great waitress and the shrimp (Yucatan and the Shake spice) were both fantastic.

    (5)

  • Sean H.

    Excellent grouper sandwich, great service and very nice outdoor seating. A little annoyed by the umbrellas being taken down while we were eating.

    (5)

  • Bill G.

    Shrimp and Grits were great. Best this side of Savannah. Red Fish daily special was also great. See photos. I think I saw Doc Ford hiding in the corner? As we left the parking lot, I saw Tomlinson coming out the back door with a quart of beer headed for Dinkins Bay?

    (5)

  • Josh Y.

    This place was amazing!!! The food was great the atmosphere is warm and inviting as well as comfortable. The drinks where like no other. The "bull on the beach" drink was very good and smooth. The Mahi Mahi dinner was very delicious. That combination is a perfect pair for a great dinner experience. Definitely worth every penny. We will make it a must do every time we are in the area.

    (5)

  • Nancy E.

    My cousin and I both had dr fords fish sandwich made with luscious perfectly cooked white fish, cole slaw, special sauce and multigrain or whole wheat roll. Delicious. I had superb beans and rice and my cousin had the wonderful cole slaw. We both liked the special dr ford's sauces and I bought a bottle of the green flash slightly hot sauce made with Amazon peppers and great vinegars and flavors. We both also had a cocktail called fords cure which was delightful. Altogether a lovely meal. And waiter was superb. Great service. All cooperated to be sure we had our great meal in timely manner to make our appointment for beautiful evening boat tour of tarpon bay in the ding darling wildlife preserve! N and k

    (5)

  • Rick B.

    My wife and I were on vacation form Orlando and heard about Doc Ford's from friends that also vacation at Sanibel Island. Being proprietors of the Harp and Celt Irish Pub and Restaurant in Orlando we were ready to be spoiled and what a place we chose to be spoiled at. The service was excellent, the ambiance matched our expectations and the drink menu was a rum drinker's paradise. I had the Mozzarella de Marinello Salad with blackened chicken and my wife had the Old School Iceberg Salad. Needless to say we were two very happy and full guests and we both would recommend Doc Fords to our family and friends. Cheers

    (5)

  • Rich H.

    This was the best seafood I had during a visit to Sanibel. Whole family loved it, great prices and great service - Gabby was a delight. Came back the second day for more instead of trying elsewhere, it was so good and is a sure thing!

    (5)

  • Sara H.

    We tried this recently based on reviews and recommendations from area people. It was average. The service was excellent and no complaints there. The restaurant is large, very crowded and noisy. I just felt like we were being rushed through and nothing great to remember. I had clam chowder which was very thick (too thick for me) and very few clams. I had the crab cakes which were bland and not enough texture - you couldn't taste the crab. It was like they had been mixed in the food processor til smooth inside of having some lumps of crab in them. Over all an average place and I would try others in the area.

    (2)

  • Jennifer S.

    Great drinks, and awesome food. I went in December 2012. Don't remember what was ordered each the, but I wasn't disappointed! Over our week vaca we ate here multiple times. I do however remember their carrot cake! Yummy!!

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    One of Florida's best kept secrets. Head Chef Kent Zook's amazing culinary masterpieces are an explosion of colors and distinct tastes. We went to both the Sanibel and new Captiva restaurants. Both had the same high quality menu dishes. At the Captiva Doc Fords we were served by Holly who was warm and funny. Made our meal memorable enough that I still remember her name! Had to drive so I never had the chance to enjoy any rum but the food was amazing. If you are anywhere in the area, don't miss out on this culinary extravaganza hidden where Jimmy Buffet wrote Marguerittaville. Oh yea, an added bonus is that this is the author Randy White's creation who also has authored the Doc Ford series. You can score on all his paper backs and hard back novels, tee shirts and other cool things. If you are a fan like me, it's a wonderful experience!

    (5)

  • John V.

    Back to Sanibel and back to Doc Fords. It is hands down best on the island. Ultra professionally trained servers and perfect food. Try the Conch Chowder (picture the cartoon dog that floated in ecstasy after a dog biscuit). Ditto the Yucatan Shrimp (our favorite). The buffalo shrimp are great. You will ask for extra bread to sop up every drop of the sauce the mussels are served in. The dry-rubbed rib-eye - DAMN! And here is the interesting part: as I perused Yelp on Doc Ford's, I saw where one guy really got it right - wrote the perfect review! His handle was John V and he'd been there two years ago when I was last there. I showed my wife and she pointed out John V. was me and it was MY review from two years ago. Man, do I know what I am talking about or do I know what I am talking about?

    (5)

  • Mary Lou H.

    Good menu, lively atmosphere,prompt, but not quite friendly service.

    (4)

  • Kelly B.

    Had a fantastic lunch last month! We stopped in early, we arrived a little after 11am. and there was plenty of seating available. We chose the outdoor patio, since hey, we're from Michigan and it was February! By the time we left there was a long line under the canopy waiting for tables. After reading review from fellow yelpers, I know we had to get some Yucatan shrimp. You can get them in either 1/4 pound or 1/2 pound servings. My son ordered the 1/2 pound as his lunch (which was MORE than enough for a twelve year old boy - so I'm not sure why some others complained that it was not offered as a dinner??) Hubby had and I both had a fish sandwich - both were really good, especially with the addition of the house made hot sauces. My little guy is a purist and had the peel and eat shrimp which were large and perfectly cooked. But the star of the show is really the Yucatan shrimp - buttery, garlicky, a little spicy with a hint of citrus - they are truly fantastic and worth the trip.

    (4)

  • Chad H.

    I really don't see where the 4 stars came from. My wife had a grilled chicken salad. The chicken was over cooked and had no flavor at all. I had a soggy greasy fish sandwich which was a signature lunch item. It was a grease ball sandwich which had zero crunch and it was sopping with grease. The only thing worth a damn were the drinks. That's about all I'd order here. They'd be better off clearing out the tables and making a stage for some reggae bands to play while you sip on rum drinks. Food sucks.

    (2)

  • Kelly B.

    The Caribbean Jerk Tostadas, delish! The yucatan shrimp, amazing! The stone crab claws, yum! The bartender, could use a smile. Absolutely would eat there again and again.

    (5)

  • Deborah A.

    Had a great meal there. Be sure to try the shrimp and grits! The best. My son loves to read the books by the writer/owner so I bought some books for him there. The newest one was autographed!

    (5)

  • Jordanna E.

    Service was great, staff were all friendly. Atmosphere was nice, but food was average. Plenty of choices and reviews, tips, advertisements, table tents, menus and servers boast about the shrimp dish. I guess we should have tried the expensive shrimp. We just didn't feel like "working." My husband got the panko fish sandwich. He said it was good, but nothing out of this world, and I swear I didn't see any panko, it looked like corn meal. I got the Steak Sandwich which was supposed to have caramelized onions. Someone needs to kindly show them what caramelized onions are. Certainly weren't any on the sandwich. The sandwich was dry and was little piece of roast beef.. I was really hoping for a real Philly...but I'm the idiot who ordered it at a seafood restaurant. The kid's got chicken fingers, they were great. We would have rather ordered the fish fingers, but when I asked the waitress if they were fresh or frozen, she had no clue. I asked if they looked the same or if they were different. She said they looked the same. I wonder if they were fresh or frozen after the fact, because the chicken tenders were definitely fresh and delicious.. and the fish fingers could have been great, too. We would go there again, and definitely ask to sit near the tank if you have kids. :)

    (3)

  • Kimberly L.

    Drove by this and another branch a few times while in the area and it just seemed so inviting. First off, fantastic service from the door to the waitress. They have a great beer selection both on tap and bottled. The Youcatan shrimp was absolutely addictive. I could not stop dipping the bread in the sauce, which was a savory and perfect kick of spice, just full of flavor. I also had a cup of conch chowder, which was delicious and had ample pieces of conch. For the main, I had the fish tacos. I thought they were pretty tasty but a little dry and missing a sauce. Overall, a great casual place to please anyone.

    (4)

  • James H.

    Lives up to the hype. Very crowded but good sports bar and good food and atmosphere. One of several places in Sanibel that have amazing beach - convenient locations, good ingredients, and service that could be better thanks to a shortage of Island service workers. Tip well.

    (4)

  • Gerry H.

    Ghirschstein Excellent Yucatan shrimp & fresh grouper well prepared. Great service too.

    (5)

  • Lou L.

    Had a late lunch/early dinner there on the way to Captiva Island. The meal was definitely one of the high points of our vacation dining experiences. My cedar planked salmon was awesome, as was her shrimp and grits. What looks like lasagna in the photo is actually potatoes au gratin, which was quite yummy. Good rum drinks and excellent service too.

    (5)

  • Kimberly J.

    Yelpers-- I am sorry but you steered me wrong on this one. The location is nice, our service was good, but our food was not impressive. I ordered the fish tacos, they were so drippy and the papaya salsa on it was mushy. I saw where they were going with this one though, I think it had a lot of potential. The fish also had no seasoning on it. Why not? It could have used it. Such a simple fix. The rice and beans that came with it, ugh, rice and beans are such an easy crowd-pleaser, but someone put a layer of cumin on top. I like cumin, but not like a layer of snow on my dish. Again simple fixes that could just be easily controlled in the kitchen! The kicker? The mojito, what the restaurant is known for. It tasted like one of those Bacardi concentrates. Too sugary... barely any lime. I don't even think the mint was muddled.

    (2)

  • Stephen O.

    Decent meal, not really the atmosphere for me.

    (3)

  • Tom K.

    Excellent food, service and comfortable, with fair prices. Really good shrimp and oyster hors doerves. Red Snapper in banana leaves is wonderful.

    (4)

  • Gitana J.

    Great casual place! We stopes to watch World Cup and were presently surprised how great was food. Fish tacos w papaya salsa my favorite .. Had to comeback one more time before leaving ;-)

    (5)

  • J S.

    This is always a go to place for my wife and me. The shrimp and grits are fantastic. Yucatan shrimp and beach bread are great apps. If you don't want seafood the rib eye is delicious.

    (5)

  • Diane S.

    Had the tuna was cooked nicely. My friend had sandwich and we split the calamari. Which was okay. Martinis okay. Small. Good location which is why you go. Always busy. Service was quick this time.

    (3)

  • Robert K.

    Went to docs over xmas break, we loved the high quality seafood, good service great drinks. I love sanibel and this is a great choice for consistent quality meal. Kid friendly too.

    (4)

  • Alexandra D.

    I love Doc Ford's! This is my go-to place for a game and some casual dining with my dad. They DO have vegetarian options, the staff is superb and very experienced, and all of the food and drinks there are very high quality. One of my favorite places to go when I visit Sanibel. -Alexandra Drouhard

    (5)

  • Melinda S.

    We were in Sanibel for the first time and found this place for lunch. Everything was delicious. Cute decor. We liked it so much we came back for dinner and left with the first book in the Doc Ford series. Our only regret is that we didn't try the ribeye. Next time!

    (4)

  • Sterling R.

    Lovely open ambiance and the service was good but there is room for improvement. The biggest disappointment was the mixed drinks from the bar. I ordered a margarita with patron silver and the drink had no flavor at all. I paid $11.00 for A tasteless drink! My wife ordered a mojito and there wasn't any sugar in it. It tasted like a rum and tonic with lime. We added sugar packs to it to get it drinkable. We had the yucatan shrimp as an appetizer. They were ok but they are served in a bowl of melted butter. You will need to leave the table to wash your hands after eating them. The conch soup had a delicious base but there wasn't much conch in it. I had the calamari salad as my entree and it was really good. The squid was crisp yet tender and they put the right amount of dressing on it. The table next to us ordered the special which was shrimp stuffed with crab and it looked awesome. I'll try that next time.

    (3)

  • Victor S.

    We went to Doc Fords during a weekend trip to Sanibel. I remembered the Yucatan shrimp from a previous trip and ordered it again. Excellent! I had to go back the next day to have it once more before we left. My wife had the grouper sandwich (large portions) which she enjoyed. This is a place we will always go to when on the island.

    (5)

  • Guy P.

    Not a bad option on the menu. Agree with everyone on yelp. Yucatan shrimp is a can't miss! Stone crab claws were some of the freshest I've had. Key lime pie also the tops. This is a definite do not pass if you are in the area. Shawn was an excellent server!

    (5)

  • Lauren G.

    Very relaxed atmosphere, incredible food! Doc Ford's offers everything from your basic (huge) burger to the island's obligatory fried grouper sandwich to some really outstanding gourmet dishes. Calamari salad was huge with a generous layer of perfectly battered and fried rings (not many if any tentacles) with just the right amount of dressing. Shrimp and grits are the best I've ever had (don't let the jalapeno in the description scare you-they impart great jalapeno flavor without much heat, and the shrimp are seasoned and lightly battered to perfection). Banana leaf-wrapped Snapper was quite tasty. Paella is also among the best I've had, including at any Spanish or Mediterranean restaurant. Rum drinks (Mojito, Pina colada, Dark & stormy, Sanibel Sunset) are really yummy, reasonable sizes, and not unreasonably priced. Service is friendly and quick! P.S. If you're going out with kids, this place is a winner. As soon as we ordered a kids' meal, they immediately brought out veggies and dip for the little one; the meal was pretty good sized, and they included a little ice cream surprise at the end. This is a must-eat when on Santiva.

    (5)

  • Nancy L.

    This is our second vacation to Sanibel and Doc Fords is our favorite restaurant in the whole world. We fight over the Yucatan Shrimp, jerk chicken tostadas and the clam chowder. The mojitos are absolutely amazing! We LOVE Doc Fords!

    (5)

  • Chris L.

    My very pregnant wife and I sat down for late lunch yesterday. And waited for WELL over 10 minutes after being seated. Not once did a server come to our table that was directly in front of the bar. We just sat there as the bus boy walked by us about 5 times, and a couple of servers stopped by the host booth and chatted for a minute. It was not even busy. I can't review the food because we were never asked if we wanted to order anything! So we left and went over to Lazy Flamingo 2 down the road. And we sure are happy we did!

    (1)

  • debbie a.

    I really enjoyed coming to Doc Ford's while in Sanibel. Not only is it a great location (good halfway point between Sanibel and Captiva), but the food is always good. Decor - Minimal, but that's really all you need considering the beautiful weather and great food. The inside of the restaurant is all dark wood and rather noisy, but the patio (heated when necessary) is like its own oasis .. surrounded by greenery and small enough to feel cozy - complete with plastic chairs and a map of islands as the table. Food - Amazing. we had: Bayaman Black Bean Dip Looks a little like black bean soup when it comes out, but the cheese, fresh jalapenos and savory beans are great together with the thick crunchy (not greasy) tri-colored tortilla chips. Personally, i would have loved to see pickled jalapenos to make it a litlte less firey and add more acid to the mix, but hey.. its not my restaurant. Mussels - WOw.. these are the 2nd best mussels i have had in my life. Not only were they sweet and juicy and very plump, but they did not have that previously frozen texture (gritty/grainy) or a fishy taste at all. The sauce was so flavorful we had to ask for another roll just to mop up all the sauce.. MmmMm.. Taco Salad with chicken - I was a little disappointed with this salad because i think it could have used a little something, but hey... i only ordered it because the Seared Tuna appetizer salad was not an option because the server said the kitchen wouldnt accmodate my request to have the tuna cooked all the way because I'm pregnant.. (i was surprised and disappointed) The salad came with the bean dip spread on the top of it so.. if you decide against the appetizer, don't worry, you get to try it again in the salad. We never had room for a full entree, but everyone else around us seemed to say good things about their food. The man next to us with Paella seemed to enjoy it, but it looked like the rice to protein ratio was kind of ..overkill. anyway SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT. The key lime pie is amazing! Its not this dense, overly cream cheesey taste... it was this light custardy, tart goodness with the PERFECT salty crust to go with it.. (some kind of nut inside the crust just made it amazing!) SERVICE: It really is a hit or miss here. The first server we had, TJ, was amazing. Not only did he accomodate our every want and desire, he was just SO on top of it. the next server - she was kind of inattentive and dismissive. She was the one that when I asked her for the Tuna appetitzer to be cooked a little more bc I am pregnant and can't have raw fish, she just said, "no, they wont do it for you" without any explanation without even attempting to ask.. - i don't even know if it is true because she didnt seem to want to try. even the manner in which she served us it was as if we were the bane of her existence.. it was our second time to Doc Fords and... our last meal out so.. it was kind of disappointing to end our experience that way. anyway, the food is good and the service is like the lottery... try it out just for the food.

    (4)

  • Susie T.

    The Yucatan Shrimp is so good! The garlic butter with the chile/cilantro is delightful. Atmosphere is nice and relaxed. The Patrón margaritas are really good.

    (4)

  • Dru P.

    IT's March Madness....every transplant from the Midwest is in the bar. shit talk abounds and even though it sounds like trash...its just midwest conversation. 20 some screens and every game compliment the variety of grouper and fresh seafood that are slapped down in minutes time. The food is something fresher than any Michigan or Wisconsin fan can put together given the same time frame and far less offensive. Honestly....I am not even sure if the food would taste nearly as prime if there wasnt some obese, drunken Iowa fan losing his ass while I slathered my cole slaw across a fresh fish.

    (5)

  • Zack P.

    This place has great food and a wonderful ambiance indoors and out. I forgot the name if the shrimp dish I ordered, it was a long time ago when I went in vacation here. But, we did make it a point to go here at least twice over our 5 day stay. They have awesome home made cooking sauces and hot sauces! And you cannot beat the fresh seafood from the area!

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Mon, Sat, Sun
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

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