Tipsy Tourist: Doc Ford’s

It’s a rum bar right? We had to try a few at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. (We’ll read later.)

Lots of books to choose from in the gift shop.

I like to support local writers. At Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, not only can I get a beer, I can buy the owner’s books. I not only left happy and satisfied, I had a book to read on my flight home. Why can’t all restaurants provide this service?

My Sanibel Stoop was not only refreshing it was philanthropic. Part of the proceeds goes to a local hospital.

I’d heard about Randy Wayne White‘s restaurants on my last visit to Sanibel. I was talking to local author Christine Lemmon about her Sanibel-based books and she recommended Doc Ford’s because, after all, it was owned by a famous author and Sanibel resident. Doc Ford’s was on my must-do list for this visit. The restaurant has three locations, Sanibel and Captiva and the one I visited in Fort Myers.

Wasn’t too cold for some diners who chose dockside tables at Doc Ford’s.

Music most nights turns dinner at Doc Ford’s into a party.

It’s your usual Florida seafood and bar food joint — and that’s what I’m in Florida for so I was happy. They’ve got grouper and conch chowder, even a lobster roll that got a big thumbs up. Don’t look for Old Bay on the shrimp but with these spicy concoctions even diehard Old Bay fans won’t miss it. Salads are fresh as a Florida afternoon and the beer is as cold as Baltimore in January.

Live music livened up the party but there were seats in the bar for those who prefer conversation and dockside dining that must be wonderful in warmer weather.

And then there’s the gift shop, complete with Randy’s books. A book and beer lovers paradise.

ⓒ Text and photos
Mary K. Tilghman

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