Your next great meal is just a boat ride away.
There’s nothing better than pulling up to a dock, hopping off your boat, and diving fork-first into some of the best food Southwest Florida has to offer. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, or just that laid-back Old Florida vibe, these five spots deliver big time. So grab your flip-flops, toss a line on a cleat, and let’s eat!
It's so hard to pick just five, but these five our some of our favorites. Ones we find ourselves going back to time and time again.
1. Mainstay’s & Barnacles Bar – North Captiva Island
Vibe: Island casual with toes-in-the-sand charm
Must-Try: Grouper tacos and a frozen rum runner
Docking Tip: The right hand side docks are still out of commission due to hurricanes, but the left side is open.
Mainstay’s is the gem of North Captiva, tucked into a no-car, all-golf-cart island paradise. You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Bahamas without ever leaving Lee County. Think picnic tables, sea breezes, and the occasional manatee swimming by as you sip your drink. Barnacles Bar brings the island energy up a notch with a great atmosphere and frozen concoctions that go down way too easy.
2. Low Key Tiki – St. James City, Pine Island
Vibe: Funky, colorful, and full of character
Must-Try: Smoked fish dip and the Philly Cheesesteak
Docking Tip: Pull up to the canal right behind the restaurant. They’ve got dedicated boat slips—super easy in and out.
If Jimmy Buffett had a backyard bar, it’d probably look like Low Key Tiki. This place is pure Pine Island personality with friendly faces, no-frills seafood, and live music most weekends. It’s the perfect stop after cruising Matlacha Pass or fishing all morning in the backwaters. You’ll find yourself staying longer than you planned—especially after a couple of cold beers under the tiki hut.
3. Cabbage Key
Vibe: Classic Old Florida with legendary history
Must-Try: The cheeseburger (rumored to have inspired Cheeseburger in Paradise) and their signature key lime pie
Docking Tip: Limited dock space—get there early or plan to raft off. Depth is usually fine for boats under 40'.
Cabbage Key is a must-do for every boater in Southwest Florida. Nestled in the heart of Pine Island Sound, this historic island getaway is accessible only by boat. The restaurant, perched on a hill, is famous for its walls lined with signed dollar bills and a menu packed with Florida classics. Grab a table outside for panoramic water views and maybe spot an osprey overhead.
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$6.99
Dock and Dine Google Map For Southwest Florida
Looking for waterfront dining you can boat to in southwest Florida? This integrative Google map will give you all the... Read more |
4. Jug Creek Marina – Bokeelia, Pine Island
Vibe: Quiet, tucked-away local spot
Must-Try: Grouper sandwich or peel-and-eat shrimp
Docking Tip: Watch depth and stay in the Jug Creek Channel—deeper water to the left as you enter then go towards marina. Limited docking on both the canal side and seawall side.
Jug Creek Marina flies a bit under the radar, which is exactly why it’s perfect. If you're looking for a peaceful place to unwind with great views of Charlotte Harbor, this is your spot. It’s not a huge commercial operation—it’s more about the simplicity: good food, friendly folks, and a slice of Old Florida that’s getting harder to find. There’s even a little ship store if you need to restock on ice or sunscreen.
5. Snug Harbor – Fort Myers Beach
Vibe: Nautical and relaxed, right in the heart of the action
Must-Try: Crab-stuffed flounder and tropical mojitos
Docking Tip: Tie up at Snug Harbor Marina or nearby slips—easy walk-in from the dock to your table.
Back open and better than ever, Snug Harbor is a Fort Myers Beach favorite for boaters who want great views and even better seafood. You’re right near the Matanzas Pass Bridge, so it’s a great place to stop in after a day on the Gulf. The atmosphere is casual, the menu is loaded with fresh catches, and the waterfront sunsets? Next level.
Wrap it Up & Cast Off
Southwest Florida is loaded with dock-and-dine gems, but these five are our personal go-tos when Crystal and I are craving great food and good vibes after a day on the water.
Grab our Dock & Dine Map for Southwest Florida. It's an interative Google Map that will show you every Dock and Dine spot in SWFL.
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$6.99
Dock and Dine Google Map For Southwest Florida
Looking for waterfront dining you can boat to in southwest Florida? This integrative Google map will give you all the... Read more |
