On our tenth wedding anniversary, we headed to Sanibel Island, staying at The Island Inn Sanibel. Our kids were back home in Minnesota with their grandparents. We went for a nightcap at the resort’s restaurant, Traditions on the Beach, to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
Traditions on the Beach is the oldest dining establishment on Sanibel Island. Operating since 1895, it’s highly recommended so we had to check it out. Our dinner reservations for the weekend were already booked so we stopped in for cocktails.
Traditions on the Beach Atmosphere
Like many of the area’s finer restaurants, the decor is vacation-style fine dining. Where sophistication meets relaxation. As a beachside restaurant, the focus of the restaurant is toward the beach.
The bar is warm and features rich mahogany tones, dark stained wood, and a back bar stocked with higher-end spirits. The bar/lounge reminds me of my favorite classic restaurants back home.
We were treated to live music, courtesy of ‘Marvillous’ Marvilla Marzan and pianist Jerry Stawski, the usual Friday night entertainment at Traditions on the Beach.
Mini-Museum
One of the highlights, at least for me, is the mini-museum. Two large display cases are filled with all kinds of seashells native to the area. Look closely and you’ll even see dried fish and plant life.
Memorabilia from Sanibel is scattered throughout the restaurant. Photos from decades past, reproduced copies of vintage posters advertising the area are near the bar and in the lounge. There’s even replica models of the ferry that transported cars to the island before the opening of the Sanibel Causeway and the “Island Inn Barracks,” one of the resort’s long-gone buildings.
Cocktails
We walked in about 30 minutes before last call. A handful of people were still singing and dancing to the music. After looking over the drink menu and a little inside information, we quickly knew what to order.
Rum Punch
Traditions has, hands down, the best rum punch we’ve ever tasted. Ever. But here’s the catch: this amazing rum punch isn’t listed on their menu. You have to request it. We first tried it as a complimentary cocktail, which came with our stay. The half glass of punch left us wanting more.
It’s hard to say what’s in this rum punch, but it’s fruity and refreshing without a heavy rum taste. Unlike almost every other rum punch, it appears to lack orange juice as an ingredient. And we didn’t even miss it. The secret, aside from the mix, appears to be the cherry rum float on top. This gives it a sweet and inviting, unique flavor.
Remember, you won’t find it on their menu. But if you’re lucky enough, they’ll have enough mix on hand to make you the cocktail.
Sanibel Sunset
The Sanibel Sunset is a simple cocktail made with unique ingredients. While this falls under the umbrella category of “rum punch” it’s something else entirely. The base is pineapple juice with coconut rum and Licor 43, a Spanish vanilla liqueur with 43 ingredients (hence the name). A cherry rum float tops the drink. Dark in color, it’s fruit-forward without being too sweet.
The cherry rum and Licor 43 were new to me, but they combine to make the perfect after dinner cocktail.
Overall Impression
We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Traditions on the Beach. Our only regret is not staying for a meal. The menu is filled with items that we love. As with our stay at the Island Inn, we’ll be back next time we’re on Sanibel Island.
What: Traditions on the Beach
Location: 3111 West Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: Varies by season.
