Where to Eat Outside in Bonita Springs, Wear Your Flip Flops Edition

Cheers to the day when it’s finally nice enough to eat outside

Behold the beauty of fall in Southwest Florida: The license plates are changing colors. Florida’s state birds — the snowbirds — are making their annual migration south. Everything smells and tastes like pumpkin (although I’m told this is unrelated to the snowbirds).

And though it's technically fall, it's still hot as here in Bonita. (Cries for temperature and humidity mercy.)

All my dramatics and current weather aside, experience tells me that the relentless heat will end soon. Meaning, it will be 75 degrees, which simultaneously heralds in boot season and outdoor dining in SWFL.

And my friend, when that day arrives, you will want to be prepared. Because, like you, everyone else is also gonna be all, “It’s so nice out! Where can we sit outside and eat?! Let’s goooooo!”

But unlike them, you’ll already know where to go. And you’ll be there, sipping your drink, eating your meal and basking in the glory of being prepared for this exact moment. (Finger claps for self.)

Now, there are quite a few places you can eat outside. For our current purposes, I’ve narrowed it down to places where you can sit outside, wear flip flops (see: casual), and where the view isn’t a parking lot or street (nature rules!).

So, let’s dig into some Bonita Springs’s priceless (and not very well hidden tbh) outdoor dining gems.

Beachside (right on the Gulf)

#1 Doc’s Beach House

This beachside restaurant has been around for nearly 40 years … in fact, my mom and dad used to go on dates there before I was born. [Another fun fact: My mom went into labor with me at The Dock at Crayton Cove in downtown Naples. My attempt to enter the world at an outdoor, waterside restaurant only further validates my qualifications on this subject matter.]

Anyway, back to why we’re here: Doc’s is great for sunset, or anytime you want to grab a meal on the beach. The menu is simple and exactly the type of fare you’d expect from a beach bar with sandwiches, salads, fish platters and fried baskets galore.

Don’t expect frills, or to pay with a credit card (they have an ATM on-site). But do expect good times: Come straight from the beach and sit downstairs, or class it up a notch (this means you have to wear a shirt and shoes) and sit upstairs. This is also a great place to get a taste of the beach if you have limited mobility, or if you just hate sand.

#2 Barefoot Oasis

Barefoot Oasis is brand new and located inside Barefoot Beach Preserve. (To find it: Drive past all the ginormous mansions on Barefoot Beach that no one seems to live in, enter the County Park, and park in the first lot with the big building/bathrooms).

Now, yours truly was out of town for their recent grand opening (mourns in foodie) so I must admit I have not tried the cuisine yet. Though they are serving perfect beach food: hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, other snacky bits and a full bar.

What I can tell you though, is they’ve got lots of tables outside, some covered, some along the beach walkway itself — so heaps of opportunities to find a slice of shade and a snack. I am personally teeing this up as one of my next must-trys. (And if you’ve already been, I’d love to hear your thoughts!)

Note: It’s $10 to park Barefoot Beach Preserve so expect to pay unless you have a Collier County beach parking permit.

Waterside (not on the Gulf)

#3 Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille

Are you new here? On vacation? Have friends or family in town? Local but desperate to feel like you’re on vacation? Let me tell you about a little place called Coconut Jack’s.

The restaurant has big “I’m on vacation in Florida” energy. It’s on the water, and it’s the first place I recommend to anyone visiting. The drinks are tropical, the menu has options for everyone, even those who don’t eat seafood. The restaurant is outdoors, open air — and has a roof, so no sunscreen needed.

One thing to note: It is popular. Okay, really popular. It’s first-come, first-served seating. Parking is complimentary and valet only, so bring cash for tips.

#4 The Fish House

I just covered The Fish House in a previous post, and I hate repeating myself. But it’s on theme and simply has to be included here.

The Fish House is Coconut’s Jack’s slightly less touristy neighbor. And I only say slightly because the tourists know about it, too. But it’s still perhaps more of a local’s spot (it’s one of my faves and we’ve already established my qualifications re: outdoor dining). It reminds me of how the waterfront restaurants used to be in this area before they all got fancy and expensive. It feels like home to this native.

My personal feelings aside: Their fish dip is no joke. They also don’t take reservations, but they do accept call ahead seating. (Definitely call ahead and you’ll feel super smart bypassing the long line of people waiting when it’s busy.) Sit outside, as close to the water as possible. Some tables are under a tiki roof, some under umbrellas, some in direct sun … it’s like Russian roulette but with sunburns. Plan accordingly.

Downtown Bonita

#5 Sugarshack Downtown

Now, Downtown Bonita’s food scene is pretty much all outdoors — but I said no parking lot views, and I don’t intend to start breaking promises at this late hour. So, let me present Sugarshack Downtown, the place you’ve already heard about (unless you’ve been living under a rock or somewhere else completely for the last year).

Known for its live music, Sugarshack is one of the most popular destinations in SWFL. Most of its extensive seating is outside, it serves dressed up bar food (my words not theirs), and has live music every night (and twice on the weekends).

It’s extremely popular, and it can be tough to get a table during season. If there’s a wait? Put your name on the list, and take a stroll through downtown Bonita. Grab a drink at Chartreuse. Check out the artists’ cottages, the historic Liles Hotel and the Imperial River at Riverside Park. Or just hang out and enjoy the music while you wait.

Have a story idea about food or local restaurants? Email bonitafoodie@gmail.com.

Note: All features are my opinion and are not paid editorial unless specified. Photos are mine and poorly taken. All grammar “mistakes” and use of slang is intentional.