Fort Myers Beach Lament

What happened to the beach area restaurants? Maybe there were toooo many waterfront watering holes and restaurants but to lose sooo many is spooky. I know the beach road had a little to do with the decline of one or two.

Boot Kicken' view!

Okay, I'll give you Boot Kicken's at the Channel Mark because they never had a clue as most operators of that hard luck joint haven't. Who'd name a waterfront Bar; Boot Kicken's and it not be a country place? Who can forget the 4X8 sheet of plywood with one word sprayed painted on it,  'OPEN' and the sign was propped up in the back of a pick-up truck. Makes you want to eat, drink and ride a Bull, huh?

So, just before the end,  I asked the owner the one question everyone was asking me, why would someone with so little experience open a 'high nut' restaurant where no one else had made it. She hung her head and said, "I couldn't believe I could lose with that view." She didn't hire locals or advertise in the local fish wrappers.

After she went broke and lost the Pabst Blue Ribbon draft beer, I proved to be as loyal as the rest of the non-existent customers. Closed!!!

Skip One / Beach Seafood seemed to have it together but the 'nut' on that huge fancy building across from the bowling alley on San Carlos, must have done them in. Half of the building used to be a high end grocery started by the 'founders' of the concept. Despite good food and drinks the building never seemed full. Closed. 

Then there is the Fish Monger,  which is a true tragedy for us fresh fish, local aficionados. The Monger's owners, Mary and Nick Ruland leased out the business and the building and the new operators came in with a high degree of enthusiasm and made some innovative changes to the front of the house. Some said it was high time for a change after 25 years...but not me.

The  new operators were well liked and a bit of fresh air! The snow bird old timers liked the special happy hour drink prices and appetizer menu and they were packed...just as long as the deals were flowing. It's hard to build up a loyal following when most of the ppl are only in town for 3 to four months or less.

Problems arose? A leaking roof but maybe it was just the air conditioner pan leaking but the new operators walked away from my favorite place. To everyone's surprise, It hasn't reopened. Mary and Nick, the Mongers, have moved over to St. James City on the south end of Pine Island to a quaint spot named the 'Ragged Ass Saloon!' Only 33 miles or a very optimistic 55 minutes away according to Google Earth. I applaud any of the Monger's customers who make the trip but the only way my crowd will be there is if we get lost.

 And then there are the two places at Faulty Scam's Marina. BBQ shoe leather and what used to be a great restaurant and waterfront bar but is slowly sinking in the restaurant reviews. (See TripAdvisor)

Only the Pukin' Pelican, that old Brigadoon style waterfront dive is making it's way in the still crowded field.

Last but not the least disappointing are the restaurants associated with the old Bridge and Dixie Fish. They are very 'UNFRIENDLY' to year 'round residents. You won't see me this summer or anytime else!!! As far as I'm concerned they can go back to Sanibel!

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