Restaurants Near Times Square, Fort Myers Beach
Downtown Fort Myers Beach is where the island eats, drinks and listens to live music, and most of it is within walking distance of our place. Restaurants have been reopening steadily since Hurricane Ian, so openings change fast. This is where we send our guests right now; text us and we’ll tell you what’s new this week.
Updated September 24, 2026 by Chris and Jake, your local hosts
Old San Carlos Boulevard
Old San Carlos Boulevard runs from Times Square toward the bay and is the easiest dinner walk from The Loft. Nervous Nellie’s has been a waterfront favorite since 1991; locals go for the grouper tacos and, in season, stone crab. Pinchers is a relaxed, family-friendly seafood spot with a fish-market feel. Near Times Square, Yucatan Beach Stand is a lively open-air bar and grill.
Times Square food trucks
Right in Times Square, food trucks and restaurants are serving while the square rebuilds around them. It’s an easy, casual lunch a few minutes from the beach, often with live music.
On the bayfront
The bay side of downtown has some of the island’s best waterfront seats. Matanzas on the Bay has been a local favorite since 1984, with seafood, pizza and live music every day, and Petey’s Upper Deck bar upstairs. Nervous Nellie’s sits on the water too, with a big deck and live music.
Fisherman’s Wharf, just over the bridge
Across the Matanzas Pass Bridge on San Carlos Island, Fisherman’s Wharf has three waterfront restaurants from the same local group: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (opens in a new tab), Bonita Fish Company and Dixie Fish Co., plus Bonita Bill’s, an open-air waterfront cafe right under the bridge with live music daily. Expect Gulf seafood and docks full of boats. It’s a few minutes by car or a bike ride from The Loft.
Staying downtown? Our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals are a short walk from the beach and Times Square. Check availability
Fort Myers Beach bars and live music
Many downtown bars have live music most nights, especially from winter through spring. Walk down Old San Carlos Boulevard after dinner and follow the music. Because everything is close, nobody in your group has to drive home.
Cook in when you want to
Some nights are better with takeout on the deck. The Octopus Loft and Main House have full kitchens, the Turtle Suite has a kitchenette, and every guest can use the BBQ grill.
Stay within walking distance
The best way to enjoy downtown dining is to stay downtown. The Loft FMB is about five minutes on foot from Times Square and 2 to 3 minutes from the beach. See open dates, or read our Times Square guide.
Questions and answers
What restaurants are near Times Square on Fort Myers Beach?
Food trucks and restaurants are open in Times Square itself. Old San Carlos Boulevard and the bayfront have Nervous Nellie’s, Pinchers and Matanzas on the Bay, and Fisherman’s Wharf, just over the Matanzas Pass Bridge, has Doc Ford’s, Bonita Fish Company, Dixie Fish Co. and Bonita Bill’s.
Is there live music on Fort Myers Beach?
Yes. Many downtown bars and restaurants have live music, most often in the evenings and busiest from winter through spring.
Places to stay
Sleeps 2Octopus Loft
1 queen bed, 1 bath, 3rd floor.
Best for couples who want a big private deck.
From $120 a night See Octopus Loft
Sleeps 2Turtle Suite
1 king bed, 1 bath, 2nd floor.
Best for couples who want a king bed and a spa shower.
From $130 a night See Turtle Suite
Sleeps 4Main House
1 king, 1 queen, 2.5 baths, 2nd floor.
Best for families or two couples.
From $249 a night See Main House
Ready for some island time?
Pick your dates and we’ll show you every place that’s open.