NOTE: Doc Ford’s Captiva Island Location is permanently closed. The Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach locations are open.
One of the most popular Ft. Myers-area restaurants has a location on Captiva Island: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is located at the entrance to South Seas Island Resort. The fun fish decor and upbeat atmosphere of Doc Ford’s Captiva paves the way to appetizers, a raw bar, sandwiches and entrees to satisfy a wide variety of cravings.
There are plenty of seats indoors but our favorite spot is outside on the large patio. Back home it’s a balmy zero degrees when we visit so any chance we get to eat outdoors, we’ll take! Dotted with heat lamps and white string lights, the glowing patio offers respite for visitors looking to unwind from a long day at the beach! (It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!)
Doc’s offers a huge menu. My only issue? Too many options to choose from! How can I decide between Yucatán shrimp, plank salmon and shrimp and grits? I usually recruit our server to help me decide.
Related: New menu items debut at Doc Fords
Doc Ford’s: From Books To Restaurant
Who is Doc Ford? He’s the main character in a series of books by local author Randy Wayne White. He published his first Doc Ford book, Sanibel Flats, in 1990. In White’s books, Doc Ford is a former NSA operative, turned marine biologist seeking a quieter life on Sanibel. Trouble and adventure seem to always find Doc Ford.
For White, the creation of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille brought his professional career full circle. During his days as a charter fishing guide in the 70s and 80s, White would sell the extra fish not wanted by vacationers to a Sanibel restaurant. Years later, this restaurant would become the original location for Doc Ford’s on Sanibel Island.
Fans of the Doc Ford book series will notice connections to the characters and books woven throughout the restaurant and menu.
Doc Ford’s: Captiva Island’s Rum Bar and Grille
Sure the food is good but let’s talk about their best asset: rum. If you go to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille without trying any rum, did you really go to Doc Ford’s? The list of cocktails featuring their fine selection of rum is about as long as the dinner menu. But our favorite way to enjoy their delectable rum selection? The rum flight. I can still taste the zing of the caramel flavored alcohol hitting my lips. So THIS is what my vacation was missing!
To be honest, I’m not much of a drinker. But sipping rum in the middle of a beautiful island, with palm trees overhead, is like a taste of the tropics on my lips.
I’m a sucker for sweet flavors so Bumbu is my favorite. I bought a bottle of the buttery, caramel flavored rum back home so I can enjoy a taste of vacation when I miss Captiva the most.
If you prefer your rum served in a cocktail, we highly suggest the popular Sanibel Sunset (think rum punch, heavy on the rum) or the visually stunning Mojito. My husband’s favorite is their Blind Pass Mai Tai, aptly named for the channel that separates Sanibel and Captiva islands.
Not only does Doc Ford’s have an incredible selection of rum, they also make and sell their own line of hot sauces. We always bring a bottle (or two) home with us.
The one food you MUST order from Doc Ford’s Captiva
If you order only one thing to eat at Doc Ford’s, it has to be the made-from-scratch, Bayamo black bean dip. I nearly licked the bowl, it was so good. The secret to these black beans is in the sauce because whatever seasonings they mix in, deliver a burst of mouthwatering flavor. Topped with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, tomatoes, jalapeños and served with tortilla chips, these Cuban black beans are one of the most flavorful foods I’ve tasted on the island.
Our waiter told us they simmer the beans all day to get the texture just right. I was prepared to battle my husband for more than my fair share of this delicious appetizer. I’m ordering it as a meal on our next visit – and I’m not sharing!
Dessert anyone?
We’re usually too full to have room for dessert but made an exception for the double decker brownie.
Dining with kids? Not only do they offer kids meals, but the youngest diners get a free dessert with their meal. (Giving me enough time to finishing sipping my rum flight)
A Don’t-Miss Dinner Option
Our family tradition is to spend our last night on the island at Doc Ford’s, reflecting on our memorable trip, over dinner. But don’t wait until your last night to try it; there’s plenty to eat and drink your way through vacation.
Doc Ford’s has three locations in the Ft. Myers area; Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. A fourth location was recently added in St. Pete.
What: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille (website)
Where: 5400 South Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL and 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily (Both the Sanibel and Captiva locations.)
