Fresh seafood tastes even better with a breeze coming off Matanzas Pass. At Dixie Fish Co., the open-air dining room, weathered Old Florida character and waterfront views are every bit as memorable as the food.
Located at 714 Fisherman's Wharf, Dixie Fish Co. is approximately 0.6 miles from the Key West Express Fort Myers Beach terminal. That makes it an easy dining choice after returning from Key West or anytime you want a casual waterfront meal close to the terminal.
A Fort Myers Beach Fish House Since 1937
Dixie Fish Co. began as a working fish house in 1937, when commercial fishing shaped daily life around Estero Bay. Local fishermen brought in mullet, snapper, oysters, clams and other catches to sell along the waterfront. By the 1950s, Southwest Florida's booming shrimp industry—often called the era of “pink gold”—brought even more activity to Matanzas Pass.
The building has survived decades of island weather while holding on to the features that give it so much personality. Its tin roof and open, windowless design create the relaxed fish-house atmosphere visitors hope to find on Fort Myers Beach.
Read more about the building and the local fishing industry on the official Dixie Fish Co. history page.
Fresh Seafood and Dixie Fish Favorites
Seafood is the star here. Dixie Fish Co. says its food is made from scratch and cooked to order, with ingredients sourced through produce farms, cattle ranches and fisheries. The result is a menu that feels casual enough for lunch in flip-flops while still giving seafood lovers plenty to explore.
Popular starters include Yucatan Shrimp, grouper cheek bites, smoked fish dip, ceviche and Moonshine Mussels prepared with apple moonshine, white wine, fennel, tomatoes and chorizo. Sandwich choices include the grouper sandwich, crab cake sandwich, shrimp burger and Grouper Reuben.
One of the signature dishes is the Whole Fried Fish, made with the fresh catch of the day, buttermilk-battered and served “The Dixie Way” with garlic butter sauce. Guests can also choose grouper, snapper, shrimp or the catch of the day and select a preparation such as blackened, seared, coconut-crusted or cornmeal-fried.
There are options beyond seafood, including burgers, chicken, wings, soups and salads. Menus and prices can change, so review the current Dixie Fish Co. menu before visiting if you have a particular dish in mind.
Open-Air Dining, Waterfront Views and Live Music
Dixie Fish Co. sits directly on Matanzas Pass, giving diners views of the back bay, passing boats and the working waterfront. The covered, open-air setting keeps the experience casual and unmistakably Fort Myers Beach.
Live music is featured most nights, generally with island-inspired and acoustic performers. The schedule changes, so check the restaurant's official live music calendar when planning your meal.
The restaurant currently lists daily hours from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hours may change for holidays, weather or special circumstances. For the latest operating information, visit the Dixie Fish Co. contact page or call 239-233-8837.
Minutes From the Key West Express Terminal
Dixie Fish Co. is about 0.6 miles from the Key West Express terminal at 1200 Main Street. Just a few minutes and around the corner from the terminal.
If you are dining in the evening, you may even see Key West Express returning across the water after its trip from Key West.
Find more places nearby in our Fort Myers Beach restaurant guide.
Explore Southwest Florida and Beyond With Key West Express
A meal at Dixie Fish Co. is a flavorful way to enjoy Fort Myers Beach before or after your ferry journey. When you are ready to add another island experience to your plans, book your Key West Express trip and travel from Fort Myers Beach to Key West across the Gulf.
