From lounging on the white sand of Sanibel’s best beaches to indulging in fresh seafood to finding the perfect souvenir at a local market, there are plenty of enjoyable activities in the area. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or anything in between, Sanibel Island truly has it all. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, you might be looking to relax with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious drink. Luckily, there are several great bars and restaurants to quench your thirst near our Sanibel Island rentals.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
This establishment is the brainchild of Randy Wayne White, a fishing guide-turned-writer who brought one of his characters to life with the name of his restaurant. Together with business partners Marty, Brenda, and Mark, Randy has attracted locals and visitors alike for years with incredible food, a casual atmosphere, and friendly staff that greets everyone as they walk through the door.
The menu provides a taste of Caribbean flavors using the freshest seafood. Get an appetizer to split with your group, pick something from the raw bar, or grab a quick sandwich to hold you over. Of course, you can also just come in for a drink. They have an extensive cocktail menu, as well as wine and beer selections that will give everyone tons of choices.
Cip’s Place
Cip’s Place is named for long-time islander Jimmy Cipriani. Jimmy was the former owner of the property and was known for being a welcoming and caring guy that share a smile with everyone who walked in. Today, it still stands in Jimmy’s memory and is one of the most popular restaurants on Sanibel Island for locals and visitors alike.
You can stop in to try some of the best seafood in town, with appetizers like the crispy calamari to entrees like fish tacos or crab cake brioche. They have a much more expansive menu if you want to come in for dinner, and kids have their own menu as well! Of course, there is a great happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Try a specialty drink like The Islander Iced Tea or the Watermelon Martini, and enjoy daily food specials to go along with your drink.
The Jac
Founded in 2018, this restaurant puts an emphasis on seasonally inspired meals that are made with local, sustainable ingredients. The scratch kitchen dining concept offers a wide range of burgers and sandwiches, entrees, and bar food, making it the perfect place to be in no matter what you’re in the mood to eat.
The menu is the perfect combination of comfort food and fine dining, with options like beer-battered fish and chips and creamy alfredo with jerk chicken or shrimp. But we know you’re curious about the drinks! Enjoy a sample from their wide selection of wine and specialty cocktails. You can also head to The Back Bar, The Jac’s “crazy little brother,” for happy hour all day, live music, scratch-made food, and exciting games.
Cielo
Cielo is your destination for farm-to-table cuisine on Sanibel Island. This restaurant features the best locally sourced ingredients in every piece of their menu, from the entrees and dessert to the carefully crafted cocktails. Executive chef Melissa Akin and mixologist Greg Baldia come together to create an exquisite menu that your whole family is sure to enjoy.
The menu features a variety of cuisines from classic American to Japanese, allowing you to adjust your meal to your preferences. There are tons of beers and wines to choose from, as well as specialty cocktails and after-dinner drinks. Go for something sweet with the Love and Tonic, or pick a unique selection like the Havana 2099. No matter what you select, it will go perfectly with the fresh food on the menu.
Anyone of these Sanibel Island bars is perfect for enjoying a delicious beverage with the ones you love most. Best of all, they’re all easy to reach from our Sanibel Island condo rentals. Contact us today to learn more about our properties!
