Named for the fictional marine biologist hero of Randy Wayne White’s bestselling Florida mystery novels, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar on Fort Myers Beach delivers some of the best waterfront dining on the island. Situated on Estero Bay at Matanzas Pass, where you can watch the largest shrimp boat fleet in the U.S. come in and out on the tide: the Caribbean Rim menu features Yucatan Shrimp, banana leaf snapper, fish fingers that regulars call life-changing, and a rum list worthy of the bar’s name. Come by car or boat; live music most evenings. The macadamia nut crusted grouper has its own following.
Thirsty for more? Dive into the Bum’s full guide to the best beach bars in Florida.
