Don’t let the alligator scare you. The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, a.k.a. SOB’s is a very friendly and welcoming establishment. The fun loving and open air atmosphere draws you in with every step. SOB’s has been a fixture on the island since 1997. The bar & grill came into existence after renovating a old Florida home.
Once you enter SOB’s, you will feel like you entered an island styled Cheers! They serve up a friendly smile right along with your favorite beverage and food. Your fellow patriots are a mixture of locals, vacationers and snowbirds who call this quaint little island home, for several months of the year. They all have the same feeling as you do.
The front dining and bar area provides a view of Old San Carlos Boulevard with its swaying palm trees and unique old town feeling. 
They offer live entertainment throughout the week. They also have a Happy Hour that has discounted appetizers and beverages. They always have specials posted on their daily feature board.
Their menu is filled with a variety of appetizers, seafood, salads and special entrees. It has something for everyone’s favorite taste. Their claim to local fame is their Garlic Crab. I have personally tried this dish and it is extremely delicious. It is a bit messy, but what isn’t that taste this good. Part of their namesake oysters, aren’t to shabby either.
SOB’s also has an inside dining area and a long-bar that offers plenty of seating. The décor is very island traditional and blends well with your favorite sports team on their flat screen TVs.
The Smokin Oyster Brewery dishes up plenty of fun and entertainment for friends, family and couples. Their island service and laid back setting provides a must visit for anyone’s list of things to do when visiting Fort Myers Beach.
Is this the face of a happy camper? You bet! The Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill is a great place to stop in and have a bite to eat and enjoy, as they claim the Coldest Beer on the beach. I know that my favorite brews are always chilled to the bone.
The Yucatan Beach Stand always offers a great time. Its carved wooden poles, woven wicker ceilings, fresh air dining and spirited décor provides a lively ambience for all to enjoy.
The Yucatan Beach Stand offers an outdoor patio, open air dining and a tiki hut style inside dining area as well. They have plenty of room to accommodate larger groups and at the same time, can create a special place for couples and smaller groups who want a place to visit amongst themselves .
The front dining area allows you a panoramic view of Old San Carlos with all its daily and nightly activities. The inverted, in-line fans create not only a subtle breeze, but also offer an island 
atmosphere. The long horseshoe shape bar offers padded seating. There are plenty of flat screen TVs to enjoy your favorite sports from open to close.
The menu has a variety of appetizers and signature entrees. There is seafood, pastas, sandwiches and salads fixed with your favorite meat or seafood. The Yucatan is also very proud of their St. Louis Style BBQ Ribs.
The Yucatan Beach Stand has a great breakfast menu. They also have Bloody Mary and Screw Driver drink specials every morning until 11am. 
Live entertainment is provided throughout the week.
It is well worth your time to stop in and enjoy the Yucatan’s food and spirits. And on your way out, don’t forget to take a photo opportunity with my outside friend. He loves his picture taken with happy people!
The Beached Whale Barbeque & seafood House or the Whale as the locals call it, is located on the main street – close to downtown. It is known for its upper deck views of the Gulf waters and observing Estero Boulevard’s heavy pedestrian and motoring activity. This inner island establishment fairs well with vacationers and island locals alike. It offers its own free parking lot, which is not so common on the island’s main drag.
It is not hard to miss the blue toned building with its bright sky blue umbrellas perched on its roof deck. The Beached Whale represents one of the inner island’s optional eateries very respectfully. With most of its competition straight across the street and on the beach, they never lack for customers.
The front door leads into the air conditioned first floor dining and inside bar area. Its nautical theme blends perfectly with the outside island life (picture was taken on Halloween eve). There is always a friendly smile that greets you as you enter. This is also where the nightly entertainment is provided by some of the island’s most talented musicians.
If you approach The Beach Whale from the north, there is an outside stairway that leads directly to the upper deck. The elevated patio offers plenty of shaded seating, views and lots of fresh ocean air. It has a full service bar that provides plenty of seating for people who like to watch one of the many flat screen TVs. They pride themselves as being one of the premier spots on the island to watch your favorite sporting event(s).
The Beached Whale has a Happy Hour during the week that offers beverage and appetizer specials. One of their appetizers that makes them an island favorite are the mussels. They are a must try item when you visit the Whale.
Their menu is full of delectable dishes that include flat breads, seafood, salads and sandwiches. The staff is very personable and dishes up plenty of island hospitality. The Beached Whale Barbeque and Seafood House is a perfect place for family, friends and couples to enjoy a refreshing beverage and great meal. Don’t forget to try the mussels!
Never discard or ignored any establishments that aren’t always in the most ideal spots. You just might be missing out on some of the best times, food and/or entertainment offered at your particularly selected destination. I have found this to be try throughout all our travels.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Maureen & Anthony Scopel
Publisher: YMATD
