If there’s one thing you need to know that Captiva insiders do, it’s watching sunsets at The Mucky Duck Captiva. It’s the best place to watch sunset on Captiva Island. Nearly every person on or near the island gathers here to oooo and ahhh at the stunning sky as a collective group. I’ve yet to see a happier crowd than the one that gathers at The Mucky Duck, Captiva.
It’s also a great restaurant.
The Mucky Duck, Captiva Island’s Beachfront Pub
You’ll find The Mucky Duck at the end of the village main street (Andy Rosse Lane), smack dab in front of the beach. The iconic restaurant offers an entire wall of windows facing the beach. If you want to have dinner by sunset, you’ll need to get your name on the list around 4 p.m. (during peak season). Any later than that and you may not have a table until after dark.
Never fear if there’s a long wait to dine inside. Hang out on the large, beachfront patio as you sip a cocktail from the patio bar. Listen or dance to live music and order appetizers to enjoy al fresco.
If you dine inside, you’ll know when it’s time to watch the sunset. The entire restaurant stops eating to soak in the moment; the staff rings a large bell on the wall to mark the occasion. You’ll get swept up in the celebration as the restaurant erupts in applause.
Island Icon
The Mucky Duck restaurant opened in 1976 but the building itself is much older. Built in 1924, the structure served as the dining room for the Gulf View Inn during the 1930’s and 1940’s. In the 1990’s, this island landmark was recognized as a historic site.
Wondering about the name? The restaurant’s founders were inspired by English pubs, where people tend to gather in England. “The Black Swan” is a popular name for pubs in England and the informal term for The Black Swan is – you guessed it – “The Mucky Duck.”
Dining at The Mucky Duck
The Mucky Duck menu is best described as vacation fine dining. They serve an array of seafood including local grouper, crab cakes, and scallops. Seafood not your thing? You’ll also find steak, chicken, pork chops and a pasta of the day. True to its namesake, you can even get duck, including the roasted duck a l’orange and the deep dried duck fingers appetizer. (And a kids menu for picky little palettes.)
Every table in the bustling restaurant is treated to a view of the water. I’d show you the food but I was too busy taking in the fun energy around me and the flair on the walls.
The crunchy grouper was tasty and a generous portion nearly hanging off the plate. The grouper “Cafe de Paris” is tempting and on my list to try for our next visit.
Sunset at The Mucky Duck
If you want to watch the sunset in the fresh air, you’re in luck. The Mucky Duck has a huge outdoor patio facing the water. Show up in flip flops and casual beach clothes; anything goes. The best thing about the patio besides the view? The outdoor bar attached to it. There’s a selection of tropical drinks, beer and wine and even a coronarita that gives a unique meaning to “bottoms up” (a margarita with a corona beer bottle sticking out of it!).
Shortly before sunset, vacationers flock to this hot spot to catch a seat and a glimpse of the show in the sky. It’s truly a rite of passage on the island.
Be sure to get there early; outdoor seating fills up quickly. Grab a rum punch, share a table with some strangers and prepare for some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. If the patio seating doesn’t feel close enough to the action, walk a few feet down the sandy path to the beach. Plenty of people grab their drinks and settle in on the sand.
It’s a great place to capture the memory with a picture of your group, backlit by the sunset. It doesn’t get better than a great meal with a great view and even greater company.
What: The Mucky Duck, Captiva Island (website)
Where: 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island FL 33924
Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 9p.m. daily
