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Unforgettable Waterfront Dining at Nervous Nellies and Ugly’s Bar

Whether you arrive by car, bicycle or boat, Nervous Nellies is always bustling with happy diners. This casual family restaurant with its unforgettable name has been a fixture of Fort Myers Beach for years and is definitely a favorite hangout with locals and visitors alike.

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey.

Despite its timid-sounding name, this eatery is anything but shy and retiring! The bold Key West color palette of the décor and seating brighten the otherwise dull boardwalk, making Nervous Nellies unforgettable, in more ways than one!

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey.

Once it’s got your attention, Nervous Nellies goes on to wow you with generous portions of delicious food. They are sticklers for detail, using home baked artisan breads and the freshest seafood and quality cut meats to load up their subs and sandwiches. Come hungry or plan on taking half your lunch with you when you leave.

Nervous Nellies Menu

The menu covers most categories from Florida gator bites, shrimps or hot crabmeat and artichoke dip for appetizers followed by soups or award-winning black beans and rice dishes which are soooo good. There’s a good choice of salads, paninis and sandwiches (turkey BLT, Cuban, haddock, and mile-high meatball for example) all served with plank fries. We haven’t got to the burgers and baskets yet and we’re drooling!

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey.

Mexican specialties, seafood, skillets, steaks and pasta along with oceans of seafood choices makes you wonder just how big their kitchens are! Kids are also well catered for with their own well-priced menu.

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

Due to its popularity, Nervous Nellies does not take reservations but you can take advantage of their call ahead priority seating so you don’t have to wait too long for a table.

Ugly’s Bar – Where Everyone Gets Prettier!

Turning to the drinks menu, there are beers, smoothies, spirits, wines, cocktails and sodas which all taste twice as good when you’re sat out on the outdoor deck, or listening to live music in Ugly’s Bar. Happy Hour is easy catch – it’s all day everyday!

Whoever they named the bar after, their catchphrase is “the place where everyone gets prettier!” A steady lineup of live music and entertainment make this a great place to hang out after dining, or come here to socialize and enjoy good times. Friendly staff and a stunning location right on the water are just two of the reasons why people keep coming back for more.

Jazz, country and easy listening played against the backdrop of Fort Myers Beach provide all the ingredients you need for a relaxed evening with friends – along with the great food, of course.

As well as the daily music and entertainment, other events to watch out for include their baseball events when teams gather around the adjacent Town Fountain Park for a BBQ and concert. Special events include a huge Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Spectacular, Pig Roast, Launch Parties, St Patty’s Day and of course New Year’s Eve Parties.

Written by: Gillian Birch | Author Website

Gillian Birch is a freelance travel writer and, whenever possible between trips, she enjoys life in Florida. As the wife of a Master Mariner, she has traveled extensively and lived in some exotic locations all over the world, including the Far East and the Republic of Panama. Describing herself as having "endless itchy feet and an insatiable wanderlust", she continues to explore Florida and further afield, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and attention to detail. With a diploma in Journalism from the BCJ, she has published several travel books and ebooks, all available on Amazon under her name. Formerly the Florida Editor for BellaOnline from 2011-13, Gillian is an active member of the International Travel Writers' Alliance and the Gulf Coast Writers' Association, and an enthusiastic guest blogger for MustDo.com Visitor Guides. Learn more about her writing as YourTravelGirl at: www.gillianbirch.com and follow her blog around the world at https://gillianbirch.wordpress.com/