On the way to Sanibel is a unique restaurant that is fun for locals and visitors alike. We visited the Bimini Bait Shack. This location has been other restaurants that did not work out but the owners of Bimini Bait Shack, Pete Cervone and Mike McGuigan, have gotten it right. Great food, fun décor and views you can’t beat and music.
The evening we were there, there was a nice breeze making sitting outdoors very pleasant. They have an aquarium bar with some swings. The band was Jimmy Buffetisque making for a fun and island like atmosphere.
The service was adequate and friendly but nothing memorable. Drinks are served in plastic cups and our coffee was served in paper to go cups. The food however, more than makes up for that.
My dining partner had heard the Baby Back Ribs ($18.99) were excellent so that is what they ordered, and I had the Combo Fried Basket: 4 Shrimp, 6 Oysters, 2 Scallops and 1 Filet of Grouper. Each comes with a choice of a side: Rice and Potato Salad were our choices.
Both entrees were over the top excellent. The quality of the products they use are most noteworthy. The ribs were so tender and oh the flavor was spot on. The fried scallops just melted in your mouth. The shrimp were cooked perfectly, the grouper was perfection and the oysters were delish. The potato salad was excellent. Sometimes the potatoes in other places are not cooked well, not here though.
The Bimini Bait Shack is really a fun place to go, relax, have a truly great meal, enjoy the outdoors and music. Great for locals as well as our seasonal visitors. They do not take reservation but do have call ahead seating. I am not sure why the previous 2 restaurants in this location could not make a go of it but it sure seems like Bimini Bait Shack has and will be around for years to come.
Overall rating: 2 thumbs up
Bimini Bait Shack
17501 Harbour Pointe Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33908
