From seafood platters and wings to frozen drinks and desserts, at PierSide Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar, it all comes served with a side of waterfront views. 

Celebrating 25 years on Fort Myers Beach, PierSide Grill is best known for family-friendly dining and amazing sunset views.  

Nestled in the heart of Times Square, right at the entrance to the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier, the restaurant is a popular destination for locals and visitors to grab lunch or dinner, and enjoy the scenic view of the waves alongside fellow beachgoers.  

Since the restaurant opened its doors in 1996, PierSide Grill has become a magnet for tourists wanting to experience the famed Fort Myers Beach vacation spirit, says managing partner Martin York, who has run the restaurant for the past 25 years. “Our restaurant’s name tells the story: Guests love dining beside the pier with direct views of the Gulf of Mexico, as seafood platters and award-winning ribs come piping hot from the grill,” York says. 

PierSide Grill prides itself on its relaxed and fun atmosphere that caters to multiple generations—mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, kids and babies. “With live music and happy hour daily, a children’s menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and the sandy beach just steps away, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” York says. 

Chef Dave Chetwin has been a staple throughout the restaurant’s history, finetuning a menu that pleases the palates of beachgoers.  

Among the vast selection on its popular menu is the Original World Famous Beach Bread. Chetwin brings his own twist to this Floridian favorite with three types of cheeses, artfully blended with garlic butter, onion, vine-ripened tomatoes, and chopped green olives. “With fresh, crispy artisan French bread topped with a mouthwatering spread and served with house-made marinara dipping sauce, our Beach Bread has been a longtime customer favorite,” Chetwin shares. In fact, he adds, this popular dish has been ordered more than 200,000 times over the restaurant’s history. 

Other menu favorites include the Crispy Crunch Shrimp served with a red pepper cherry dipping sauce, the Fish Taco Wrap with pineapple coleslaw, and the Shrimp Burger Deluxe made with fresh gulf shrimp. These and more can be enjoyed either indoors or under the Florida sunshine from the outdoor patio, which seats more than 150.  

And from the Famous Blowfish Bar comes a tasty drink menu featuring the PierSide Parrot, Blowfish Tropical Storm, and Razzleberry Sunslider. 

PierSide Grill has continued to evolve over its 25 years, yet the restaurant remains rooted in its family-friendly values. “It’s all about great food for all ages and unforgettable views,” York says. 

Emily Benson is a native Southwest Floridian and enjoys writing about the people and organizations who call this region home.