Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Sanibel Island
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7,331 reviews
#1 of 36 Restaurants in Sanibel Island$$ - $$$, American, Caribbean, Vegetarian friendly+1 239-472-8311+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Mon
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tue
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Grill
Details
About
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is the place to find the best Caribbean flavors on Sanibel Island and surrounding areas! It is named after the character from author Randy Wayne White's best-selling book series and is a favorite dining spot for travelers from all over the world as well as a favorite for the locals looking for great food and atmosphere!
CUISINES
American, Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Grill
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach
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4.5
7,331 reviews
Excellent
4,504
Very good
1,884
Average
645
Poor
197
Terrible
103
dennislee52
Dayton122 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Always a busy place to get into eat. One of the most popular places on the west end to eat at. Great atmosphere but having eaten there several times it’s 50/50 if you get a waitstaff person who actually has a personality and gives you good service. Food is always good but portions can be meager at times for the price you pay. You won’t go wrong eating here but it’s not the best west end eatery.restaurant.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
We appreciate you taking the time to write us a review of our restaurant! We will take these comments and review them with our management team. We do apologize for the inconvenience and we hope you will give us another chance.
Written 20 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John Haugner Jr
Miami6 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We stopped by Doc Ford's yesterday to have a little lunch. We ordered clam chowder (very very thick, good clams) and 2 aps for lunch. Fish fingers rival in taste and crunch the best fried fish dinners on the island, but it was the mussels we loved best. Make sure you ask for a soup spoon to get all the sauce! And try the Doc Ford sauces on the table. A variety of heat levels and interesting flavors. Good service. Cool (temperature) surroundings. I am a fan of Randy Wayne White's books. We'll eat there again, soon!
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
John Haugner Jr., thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review! We are really glad you enjoyed yourself and look forward to hearing from you again in the future. We hope to see you at Randy's Book Signing Event coming up in February 2020. Check online for dates!
Written 31 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John K
Hopkins32 contributions
Mar 2020 • friends
Casey is her name and you need to go out of your way to visit Doc Fords on Sanibel Island and request (insist) that you get Casey for your server. Bright, energetic, friendly, she's everything you'd envision for the perfect server. Food was awesome too.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
We are so happy Casey had such an impact on your visit to our restaurant, and we will make sure your kind words are pass along to her. Thank you for taking the time to write this amazing review! Hope to hear from you again soon, John K!
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
orlandotraveler2018
Florida101 contributions
July 2020 • couples
We are here in Sanibel Island for the July 4, 2020 week and selected Doc Ford's from all the great reviews. So, it was the first dinner restaurant we went to. We loved it so much that we've come back 2 more times - once for lunch and our July 4th dinner (Margaux, made our celebration special and was delightful, provided answers to our questions and gave excellent service). Food is high quality and freshly prepared. We felt it was reasonably priced with some higher priced items and many lower priced selections. The menu was large with a wide variety including fish, burgers, chicken, salads (homemade dressings), sandwiches, ... We tried many things during our visits and all were great. Drinks were good, too. The atmosphere is fun, family friendly with beautiful landscaping which creates a tropical vibe. Parking was easy. We were so comfortable eating there during the Corona virus as all staff wore masks and plenty of staff waiting to thoroughly clean as a table emptied. Tables and booths inside and outside were comfortably spaced. I suggest you make reservations as it is a popular place. Our favorite place in Sanibel!
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
par72mn
Minnesota44 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Arrived about 6:00 pm as the Kansas City/Tennessee game was ending. The 4 of us only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated. Jim was our waiter - attentive, but not overly so. Drinks we good - my house Merlot was warmer that I prefer hated to, but an ice cube fixed it..
My companions selected the more popular items on the menu and were well satisfied. I opted for the Stone Crab claws (a full pound) and I was elated at the taste (didn't hurt that they were $12 less that at the restaurant from the previous night).
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
par72mn, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review! We are really glad you enjoyed yourself and look forward to hearing from you again in the future. We will pass along your kind words over to Jim.
Written 31 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe O
60 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
A local novelist has franchised the name of his picaresque main character to the restaurant and the place does well at creating an authentic air. That said, all the furnishings are modern and upscale, so it's a slick and pleasant experience. The author himself was at the bar that evening (he's there a LOT, we hear) and he signed one of his books for us. So, plenty of fun.
The place is typical of vacation eating -- lots of seatng, fast service, large menu. The food is pub upscale, which is to say, not fine dining, but it's done very well. If you want decent food at reasonable (for a resort area) prices, you won't be disappointed.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Thank you, Joe O. We appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback from your experience at our restaurant. Glad to hear our food, as well as, service was up to par. Hope to hear from you again in the future.
Written 14 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna L
Woodbury1 contribution
Oct 2020 • family
Great food and great service. Highly recommend the Yucatán shrimp- my husband would have asked for a spoon to finish the sauce. The kids meals were reasonably priced with large portions and a dessert to top it off. Go see Margaux, she will take great care of you.
Written 14 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen H
The Cincinnati Region37 contributions
Dec 2019 • family
We have been coming to Sanibel for almost 30 years, and Doc Ford’s has been one of our regular stops for big family dinners (at both their old and new locations on the island). They have historically had terrific food and service year after year. But we had back to back hiccups this year. The first dinner was a reserved group of twelve with disappointing service. One of our son’s dinner was never placed in the kitchen when the rest of ours were (he got it when the rest of us finished), and two other orders had mixed up additions and omissions. We tried a second time with a smaller group and were seated upstairs. We could not hear what others were saying at our own table over the hundred decibel yells of other tables watching a Philadelphia Eagles game. Doc Ford’s Deep Water Mahi-Mahi has always been a favorite of mine, but I think I’ll let them sort out their service and boisterous noise issues before returning.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Sorry to hear this! Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our food as well as our service, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We hope you're willing to give us another chance!
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gms58
Sanibel Island47 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The food here is always very good quality, very good value and served with very good service. We frequent all of the restaurants on the island but our go to place is consistently Doc Ford's on Sanibel. This location is only a few years old, very large and accommodating, indoor and outdoor dining, good menu selections for fish lovers, steak lovers or vegetarians great selection of cocktails and beers, awesome place for a family outing that won't break the bank for most. We love this place!
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shanec
Calgary2059 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Very nice restaurant in a relaxing location. We stopped in mid afternoon and it was still very busy. Great atmosphere and the service from our waiter was excellent. He made some suggestions for cocktails and dinners and we enjoyed everything. The portions were good and although a little pricey, we felt we received our monies worth.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Shane C, thank you for leaving us this amazing review. We are glad to hear you had a great time and that you enjoyed our restaurant atmosphere. We hope to hear from you again in the future. Stay safe!
Written 22 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
31CurtB
41 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
my other half order a chicken salad it was good. I ordered the special it was good, however i had to ask my [server] Lori to return it because it was luke warm, I got the mahi-mahi, with sweet potatoes, with grilled Brussel sprouts, I've been going here about 2 to 3 times a year and the food is average, especially for the prices. The rum selection is extensive, they make good drinks maybe I'll just order appetizers and drinks from now on, Lori our waitress provided excellent service !!
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We do apologize for the inconvenience and we hope you are willing to give us another chance.
Written 4 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarsprdoc
Saratoga Springs1273 contributions
May 2021 • none
we ate here without any reservation; 45 minute wait but were seated within 30 minutes; one of our party has special dietary issues and they cooked her meal to her perfection without spices or sauce as she requested without blinking an eye. Terrific service; I had an excellent Panko crusted grouper with a papaya rum drizzle; Very tasty. My wife had the Shrimp Penne; Everyone loved their meals; $120 with one appetizer, 4 drinks and no dessert
Written 17 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli Stavitski
2 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The best food we had on our Sanibel vacation in Dec 2019. Platter of oysters, Yucatan shrimp, and the local fish (Snapper in Banana leaves?) is what I could have every day.
**Our waiters on both nights failed to mention the specials - which include the soft shell crab which are off season where I live - and I love it. I overheard it from the table nearby and ordered it - and it was very good.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Thank you, Eli Stavitski! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! Hope to see you again soon!
Written 17 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patty S
6 contributions
July 2020 • none
During the 1st week of July 2020:
Don't try the fried "grouper" sandwich.
I frequently visit Sanibel, but Jerry's restaurant is where I always go for my grouper sandwich. They were temporarily closed for construction so we thought we'd try Doc Ford's. We started with frozen drinks and asked for top liquor to be added. As a bartender, I know it was the lesser quality liquor that was added. When the meal came, the grouper tasted like it was previously frozen, even after the server presented it being "caught fresh from their waters". It didn't even taste like grouper. Customers should never be lied to... especially twice.
The atmosphere is very nice and clean, but we will never return. It's a shame because we'd wanted to try this place for a while now.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Sorry to hear this! We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our service, as well as, our food and we are sorry that wasn't the case this time. Doc Ford's can promise our selection of seafood is delivered fresh and not frozen. We hope you are willing to give us a second chance.
Written 11 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
8788donna
Mechanicsburg65 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We are visiting Cape Coral and decided to take a drive to Sanibel and Captiva. I read about Doc Fords and decided it would be a nice place for an outdoor lunch. After ten minutes, I realized it was a mistake. The server, Natalia, was very enthusiastic when we first arrived, describing the menu in great detail. Then she disappeared. It took another 5-10 minutes to get our water, then a while before she took our drink orders. The two beers ordered didn't arrive, then one did, and the other did not. I finally chased her down, and it took a few more minutes for the second beer. At that point, I asked if we could order before she disappeared again. When the food did arrive, delivered by a very pleasant young man, we all enjoyed it. I will also note that all of her tables seemed to suffer some kind of delay. Whether she was having a bad day or maybe she was new/inexperienced, but during high season, that kind of service just doesn't cut it. I would not come back to this location just because of the service.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d0cf
Sorry to hear this! We understand that our employees are a representation of our company and these actions will be addressed. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of service, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We hope you're willing to give us another chance!
Written 11 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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