Oxbow Bar & Grill – Riverfront Dining in Downtown Fort Myers

Located along the Caloosahatchee River at the edge of the Fort Myers River District, Oxbow Bar & Grill delivers a true riverfront dining experience just steps from downtown’s historic streets. With panoramic water views, dockside seating, and an upbeat nautical atmosphere, Oxbow blends casual coastal dining with the energy of an urban waterfront setting. Positioned beside the Luminary Hotel & Co., the restaurant has quickly become a centerpiece of downtown Fort Myers’ revitalized riverfront, attracting locals, visitors, and boaters looking for relaxed dining with a view. The concept embraces what the River District does best — combining walkability, waterfront access, and social gathering spaces into one lifestyle-driven destination.

Riverfront Dining with Downtown Energy

Oxbow offers indoor and outdoor seating designed to showcase sweeping views of the Caloosahatchee River. The atmosphere feels distinctly coastal yet urban, where boats pass by while downtown activity unfolds just blocks away. The menu features coastal cuisine alongside approachable favorites including fresh seafood, oysters, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails, making it suitable for both casual lunches and sunset dinners.

Guests often gather on the outdoor patio to watch the river traffic and evening skies, creating one of the few true waterfront dining experiences directly connected to downtown Fort Myers.

A Boater’s Stop in the River District

Oxbow stands out as a dock-and-dine destination within the city center. Boaters traveling the Caloosahatchee River can arrive by water and step directly into the restaurant, reinforcing the connection between boating culture and downtown living. The location places diners at a crossroads between river recreation and urban entertainment — a combination that continues shaping Fort Myers’ evolving waterfront identity.

Part of Downtown’s Waterfront Revival

The River District has undergone significant revitalization, and Oxbow plays a key role in activating the waterfront edge of downtown. The restaurant includes event space overlooking the river and retail elements inspired by outdoor adventure and coastal living, expanding its role beyond traditional dining into a full lifestyle destination.

Its presence highlights how Fort Myers has shifted toward mixed-use waterfront experiences where restaurants, hotels, events, and residential living intersect.

The Real Estate Connection: Downtown Fort Myers Living

Restaurants like Oxbow help buyers visualize the appeal of living in the River District. Nearby real estate options include riverfront condominiums, walkable downtown residences, historic homes, and modern mixed-use developments. Buyers drawn to the area often seek walkability to dining and entertainment, waterfront views and sunset exposure, access to boating and marinas, and an active downtown lifestyle without barrier island traffic. Dining at Oxbow provides a snapshot of everyday life — evening walks along the river, live events downtown, and waterfront dining within minutes of home.

A Unique Waterfront Perspective

Unlike beachside restaurants focused on Gulf views, Oxbow showcases Southwest Florida’s riverfront lifestyle. The Caloosahatchee becomes the centerpiece, offering changing scenery throughout the day and a quieter, scenic alternative to coastal crowds. This river-focused experience adds diversity to the region’s dining landscape while reinforcing Fort Myers’ identity as both a waterfront and cultural destination.

Planning Your Visit

Oxbow Bar & Grill
1300 Hendry Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Phone: (239) 314-3856
Riverfront indoor and outdoor seating
Lunch and dinner daily
Private event space available
Tip: Visit around sunset for sweeping river views and downtown skyline lighting.

Why It Matters to Buyers

Today’s buyers increasingly look for lifestyle convenience alongside waterfront access. Oxbow Bar & Grill demonstrates what living in downtown Fort Myers can feel like — walkable streets, riverfront sunsets, dining by the water, and a vibrant social atmosphere year-round. For many visitors, a meal here becomes the moment the River District shifts from a place to visit into a place they begin considering as home.