Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Fort Myers Beach: Waterfront Dining, Caribbean Flavors & H&M Group Restaurants

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Fort Myers Beach is a Southwest Florida favorite where fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired flavors, waterfront views, and live music come together to create one of the region’s most memorable dining experiences. Perched on Estero Bay near Matanzas Pass, this eatery is part of the H & M Restaurant Group family — a locally rooted hospitality company that’s built multiple beloved restaurant concepts with strong Peninsula and Gulf Coast flavor and casual, people-first service.

Doc Ford’s brings fun, flavor, and water views to life through a menu that blends Floribbean influence with seafood classics and comfort favorites. Whether you arrive for lunch, dinner, or sunset drinks, the vibe is casual and lively — perfect for families, couples, and boaters alike.

What Makes Doc Ford’s Special

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille owes much of its popularity to its sunny waterfront location and menu that celebrates fresh ingredients and Caribbean-rim influences. Signature items include:

• Yucatan Shrimp and shrimp tacos

• Grouper Sandwich grilled, blackened, or fried

• Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper

• Dry Rubbed Ribeye

• Creative appetizers like fried calamari and crab cakes

• Light salads, soups, and island-inspired specials

The restaurant also boasts a full bar with classic cocktails, ice-cold beers, and its famous Island Mojito, attracting guests who come for drinks, sunsets, and a relaxed waterfront vibe.

With indoor and outdoor seating available, Doc Ford’s is always a destination for people looking to pair delicious food with scenic water views and occasional live music under the Fort Myers Beach sky.

H & M Restaurant Group and Its Local Dining Concepts

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is part of the H & M Restaurant Group (HMRG), a family-oriented company with deep Florida hospitality roots. The group operates several standout brands that locals and visitors love:

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

A waterfront favorite with Caribbean-inspired seafood, live music, and outdoor dining at multiple locations including Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.

Dixie Fish Company

A casual seafood spot on Fort Myers Beach with an open-air atmosphere that reflects Old Florida fishing heritage and laid-back social dining.

Bonita Fish Company (Opening Fall 2025)

A new addition next to Dixie Fish Company, built to capture classic “old Florida” charm with fresh seafood offerings and a welcoming waterfront scene.

Gloria’s Sauce

Not a restaurant but an extension of the group’s culinary reach: a line of hot sauces rooted in bold Latin flavor, representing yet another way HMRG shares regional taste with guests.

Together, these concepts contribute to a strong, regionally flavored restaurant portfolio that celebrates fresh seafood, casual coastal dining, and community culture across Southwest Florida and beyond.

Location: Fort Myers Beach Waterfront

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – Fort Myers Beach
📍 708 Fishermans Wharf
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
📞 (239) 765-9660

Nestled on the back bay of Estero Bay, near the mouth of Matanzas Pass, Doc Ford’s offers panoramic water views and the chance to watch shrimp boats and pleasure craft glide by while you dine.

Marine Coordinates

For visitors arriving by boat or planning a waterside stop:

📍 26° 27.537′ N | 81° 57.134′ W

These coordinates place you near the entrance to Doc Ford’s waterfront seating area and adjacent marina walkways on Estero Bay — making it easy to navigate by water before tying up and heading ashore.

What to Expect

Doc Ford’s attracts a wide range of diners — from families enjoying casual lunches to sunset-seekers raising glasses with friends. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with outdoor patio seating, lively conversation, and often live music that enhances the experience.

Boaters often stop here mid-cruise to grab lunch or dinner while taking in the expansive bay views. From balconies and open patios to shaded areas by the water, the restaurant’s layout makes it easy to enjoy Florida’s breezes and aquatic scenery.

A Go-To Spot for Visitors and Locals

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille stands out for more than its menu — it’s a place where memories are made. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning guest, its combination of fresh seafood, waterfront setting, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit while exploring Fort Myers Beach or nearby islands.