If you are planning a trip and searching for Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach restaurants, this is the complete version. The resort opened in December 2023 — the first brand-new build on Fort Myers Beach after Hurricane Ian — and the dining lineup includes five venues ranging from an upscale steakhouse to a beachfront sports bar on the sand.
This guide covers every restaurant, bar, and coffee shop on the property with current hours, real pricing, and the smartest picks for your group.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our local content.
For broader planning, pair this guide with Things to Do in Fort Myers, Best Hotels in Fort Myers, and Best Restaurants in Fort Myers.
Margaritaville Restaurants Open Now (2026)
As of March 2026, the active restaurant and bar lineup includes:
- JWB Grill — signature steakhouse and seafood (named after James William Buffett)
- License to Chill Bar & Grill — Sunset Terrace rooftop bar with all-day dining
- Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill — beachfront sports bar on the sand
- 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill — pool bar at the Fins Up! Beach Club
- Coconut Telegraph Coffee Shop — coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go
| Venue | Best For | Price Range | Hours | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JWB Grill | Upscale dinner, date night | $24–$59 entrees | Mon–Thu 4–9 PM, Fri–Sat 4–10 PM, Sun 10 AM–9 PM | Yes (OpenTable) |
| License to Chill | Sunset drinks, all-day casual | $15–$28 | Daily 7 AM–11 PM | Walk-up seating |
| Lah De Dah Beach Bar | Beachfront drinks, trivia, karaoke | $19–$34 entrees | Daily 11 AM–11 PM | Walk-in |
| 5 o'Clock Somewhere | Poolside drinks and bites | $12–$22 | Daily 9 AM–9 PM | Guests/day pass only |
| Coconut Telegraph | Morning coffee, pastries | $5–$12 | Daily 6 AM–8 PM | Walk-in |
Planning a Stay at Margaritaville?
Compare rates and see current availability — most restaurants are open to both hotel guests and visitors.
Quick Picks by Situation
If you only want a fast decision, use this:
- Best one-night splurge: JWB Grill — signature steaks, seafood, and an excellent happy hour.
- Best sunset spot: License to Chill on the Sunset Terrace — 43,000 square feet of elevated Gulf views with fire pits and lounge seating.
- Best for a beach day meal: Lah De Dah Beach Bar — sit on the sand with cocktails and a lobster roll.
- Best for families at the pool: 5 o'Clock Somewhere — casual bites at the lagoon pool (resort guests or day pass).
- Best for breakfast: License to Chill opens at 7 AM with a full breakfast menu. Coconut Telegraph opens at 6 AM for coffee and pastries.
- Best value: Lah De Dah happy hour — tapas plates at $9.95, $5 drafts, $7 well drinks, daily 5–8 PM.
- Best for entertainment: Lah De Dah — trivia Tuesday, karaoke Wednesday, live music regularly.
A simple two-stop date-night flow is sunset cocktails at License to Chill first, then dinner at JWB Grill. A simple beach-day flow is Lah De Dah for lunch, 5 o'Clock Somewhere for afternoon pool drinks, and JWB Grill for dinner.
Margaritaville Restaurant Guide by Venue
JWB Grill
JWB Grill is the signature dining experience at Margaritaville and the most polished restaurant on property. Named after James William Buffett — Jimmy Buffett's full legal name — this second-floor restaurant delivers Gulf views alongside steaks, seafood, and globally inspired dishes.
The menu runs broader than a typical steakhouse. Expect wood-grilled steaks alongside dishes like paella, coconut curry shrimp, and lomo saltado. The wine list is curated to match the coastal-meets-global menu, and the bar program features craft cocktails that go beyond the standard resort pours.
If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday, reserve early. JWB Grill is the hardest table to get on property.
- Hours: Mon–Thu 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Fri–Sat 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Sun 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (brunch service starts at 10 AM)
- Price range: Entrees $24–$59. Expect $70–$100+ per person with drinks
- Dress code: Resort casual. No bathing suits or poolside attire
- Reservations: Strongly recommended. Book through OpenTable or call (239) 899-4094
- Happy hour: Mon–Thu 4 PM to close (bar only) — $4 off cocktails and wines by the glass, $5 draft beers, all small plates $12 each
Menu highlights: 14 oz Ribeye ($59), Filet Mignon ($56), Paella ($38), Short Rib Pasta ($38), Coconut Curry Shrimp ($34), Wagyu Meatballs ($22), Tuna Tartare ($26). Sunday brunch starting at 10 AM.
Happy hour small plates (all $12 each): Ceviche, Wagyu Meatballs & Polenta, Fried Calamari, Short Rib Empanada, Burger Sliders, Peel & Eat Shrimp. This is one of the best happy hour values on Fort Myers Beach — $12 wagyu meatballs with $5 draft beers is hard to beat.
License to Chill Bar & Grill
License to Chill sits on the 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace — an elevated rooftop-level outdoor space with panoramic Gulf of Mexico views. This is the venue that makes Margaritaville feel most like a Jimmy Buffett song. Fire pits, lounge seating, live entertainment, and some of the best sunset views on Fort Myers Beach.
Unlike the pool venues, the Sunset Terrace is open to the public — you do not need to be a hotel guest. This makes License to Chill the most accessible venue for visitors and the natural starting point for a Margaritaville evening.
The menu is broader than most rooftop bars. Full breakfast, lunch, and dinner service with everything from fish tacos to half BBQ chicken to a solid burger.
- Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Breakfast 7:00–11:00 AM. Lunch/dinner 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Bar until 11:00 PM
- Price range: Entrees $15–$28. Cocktails $12–$16
- Happy hour: Mon–Fri 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Access: Open to the public. No resort stay or day pass required
- Reservations: Walk-up seating only — no reservations
Menu highlights: Chill Burger, Coconut Shrimp Platter, Fish Tacos, Tropical Steak Tacos, Half BBQ Chicken, Flatbread Caprese. Desserts include Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Lava Cake, and Creme Brulee Cheesecake.
Signature margaritas: License to Chill Margarita (Silver Tequila & Blue Curacao), Last Mango in Paris, Perfect Margarita, Floridays, 7 Miles of Heaven.
📋 View License to Chill Menu →
Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill
Lah De Dah is the highest-rated venue on property and the one that captures the Fort Myers Beach experience most directly. This is a full-service sports bar and grill sitting directly on the sand with open-air seating and Gulf views. It earns a 4.7/5 rating across nearly 900 reviews — the best numbers at the resort.
The menu runs heavier than a typical beach bar. Beyond burgers and fish tacos, you will find jerk chicken, crab cakes, a 12 oz New York Strip, and a wagyu steak sandwich. The happy hour is the best value on property.
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (food until 10:00 PM, bar until 11:00 PM)
- Price range: Entrees $19–$34. Happy hour tapas $9.95
- Happy hour: Daily 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM — tapas plates $9.95 (Taco Nachos, Shrimp Beach Bread, BBQ Burger, Tuna Poke, Burger Sliders, Peel & Eat Shrimp), $5 drafts, $6 wines, $7 well drinks and Fins Up Margaritas
- Access: Open to the public
- Reservations: Walk-in only
Menu highlights: Lobster Roll ($32), Crab Cakes ($34), New York Strip ($34), Jerk Chicken ($29), Wagyu Steak Sandwich ($26), Blackened Fish Tacos ($22), Beach Burger ($20).
Weekly entertainment:
- Tuesday: Trivia night at 7 PM
- Wednesday: Karaoke 8 PM – 11 PM
- Regular live entertainment — check the resort calendar for current lineup
Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort
Book directly to get access to all resort amenities including the Fins Up! Beach Club, lagoon pool, and Sunset Terrace.
5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill
Named after the Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett hit, 5 o'Clock Somewhere is the pool bar at the heart of the Fins Up! Beach Club. The 15,000-square-foot heated lagoon-style pool is the centerpiece, and 5 o'Clock Somewhere serves the drinks and food to match.
The menu focuses on bar bites — burgers, quesadillas, salads, and tropical cocktails. This is not a full dinner destination, but it is the best option for an afternoon pool day without leaving the water.
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price range: $12–$22
- Access: Resort guests and Fins Up! Beach Club day pass holders only. Day passes available through ResortPass
- Reservations: Walk-up pool seating
Important for non-guests: Unlike JWB Grill, License to Chill, and Lah De Dah, this venue requires either a resort stay or a purchased day pass. If you are visiting Margaritaville for dinner only, plan around the other four venues instead.
Menu highlights: Coastal bar bites, margaritas, frozen cocktails, and tropical rum drinks. The pool atmosphere — palm trees, lagoon water, swim-up access — does most of the selling.
📋 View 5 o'Clock Somewhere Menu →
Coconut Telegraph Coffee Shop
Coconut Telegraph handles the early morning and grab-and-go side of the resort. Located in the main building, this coffee shop opens at 6:00 AM — the earliest food option on property — and serves signature coffee, espresso, fresh fruit smoothies, baked pastries, and boozy milkshakes for the afternoon crowd.
- Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price range: $5–$12
- Access: Open to all guests and visitors
This is the right stop if you need coffee before 7 AM (when License to Chill opens for breakfast) or want a pastry and smoothie without sitting down for a full meal.
Sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and shelling excursions leave from Fort Myers Beach daily. Book a late-afternoon tour and finish with dinner at Margaritaville.
Browse Fort Myers Beach Tours & Activities
Breakfast at Margaritaville
Margaritaville has more morning options than most visitors expect. Three venues serve breakfast:
| Venue | Opens | What to Expect | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Telegraph | 6:00 AM | Coffee, espresso, smoothies, pastries, grab-and-go | $5–$12 |
| License to Chill | 7:00 AM | Full breakfast menu — eggs, pancakes, omelets, tropical bowls | $15–$22 |
| JWB Grill (Sun only) | 10:00 AM | Sunday brunch with upscale plates and mimosas | $24–$40 |
For the earliest start, Coconut Telegraph opens at 6:00 AM for coffee and pastries. For a full sit-down breakfast, License to Chill opens at 7:00 AM on the Sunset Terrace with Gulf views — this is the strongest everyday breakfast option. For a special-occasion brunch, JWB Grill serves Sunday brunch starting at 10:00 AM.
Happy Hour and Daily Specials
Margaritaville runs happy hour at three venues with solid value across the board:
| Venue | Happy Hour Window | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| JWB Grill | Mon–Thu 4 PM to close | $4 off cocktails/wines, $5 drafts, all small plates $12 |
| Lah De Dah | Daily 5–8 PM | Tapas $9.95, $5 drafts, $6 wines, $7 wells/Fins Up Margaritas |
| License to Chill | Mon–Fri 1–5 PM | Discounted cocktails and bar menu |
Best happy hour strategy: Start at License to Chill at 1 PM for early afternoon cocktails with Gulf views. Shift to Lah De Dah at 5 PM for the tapas and $5 drafts on the beach. If you are staying for dinner, walk up to JWB Grill at 7 PM for the full experience.
Weekly entertainment at Lah De Dah:
- Tuesday: Trivia at 7 PM
- Wednesday: Karaoke 8–11 PM
- Nightly: Live music and entertainment (check resort calendar)
Three Easy Dinner Plans That Work
1) Date Night Plan
- 5:00 PM: License to Chill for sunset cocktails on the Sunset Terrace (fire pits and Gulf views)
- 7:00 PM: JWB Grill reservation — ask for a Gulf-view table
- After dinner: Walk the beach under the lights
2) Beach Day Plan
- Late morning: Lah De Dah for beachfront lunch on the sand
- Afternoon: 5 o'Clock Somewhere for pool cocktails (resort guests)
- Sunset: License to Chill on the Sunset Terrace
- Dinner: JWB Grill or order another round at Lah De Dah
3) Casual Night Plan
- Start at Lah De Dah during happy hour (5–8 PM) for $9.95 tapas and $5 drafts
- Stay for trivia (Tuesday) or karaoke (Wednesday)
- Keep JWB Grill as backup if the group wants a more upscale option
Planning Your Dinner
JWB Grill is the only venue that takes reservations and the only one that needs them. For all other venues, walk-up seating is the standard.
- JWB Grill reservations: Book through OpenTable or call (239) 899-4094. Friday and Saturday fill first — reserve 2–3 days ahead for weekend dining
- Best nights for value: Monday through Thursday at JWB Grill when happy hour runs until close
- Best night for entertainment: Tuesday (trivia) or Wednesday (karaoke) at Lah De Dah
- Dress code: JWB Grill is resort casual — no bathing suits or poolside attire. All other venues are casual. Swimwear is fine at 5 o'Clock Somewhere since it is a pool venue
Book Your Margaritaville Stay
Resort guests get access to all five restaurants, the Fins Up! Beach Club, lagoon pool, and Sunset Terrace included with your stay.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Cashless property: The entire resort is cashless. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards only. Cash converter machines are available on property if needed
- Resort fee: $45 per room per night. Includes Fins Up! Beach Club access, welcome beverage, and fitness center
- Valet parking: $35/day for overnight guests. Golf cart valet service available on property
- Non-guest access: JWB Grill, License to Chill, Lah De Dah, and Coconut Telegraph are open to the public. 5 o'Clock Somewhere requires a resort stay or day pass (available through ResortPass)
- Address: 1170 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Reserve JWB Grill first — it is the only restaurant that takes reservations and the hardest table on property, especially Friday and Saturday
- Build around sunset: If License to Chill matters to your group, arrive by 6 PM during peak season for the best Sunset Terrace seats
- Phone for dining: (239) 899-4094 for JWB Grill reservations. (239) 899-4001 for general resort info
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach restaurants open to the public?
Yes, most of them. JWB Grill, License to Chill Bar & Grill, Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill, and Coconut Telegraph Coffee Shop are all open to non-guests. The only exception is 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill at the Fins Up! Beach Club, which requires either a resort stay or a purchased day pass through ResortPass.
What is the best restaurant at Margaritaville for date night?
JWB Grill is the strongest dinner option with Gulf views, craft cocktails, and a menu anchored by steaks and seafood. Start with sunset cocktails at License to Chill on the Sunset Terrace at 5 PM, then walk to JWB Grill for a 7 PM reservation.
What is JWB Grill named after?
JWB stands for James William Buffett — Jimmy Buffett's full legal name. The concept appears across multiple Margaritaville properties.
Is there breakfast at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach?
Yes. Coconut Telegraph opens at 6 AM for coffee, pastries, and smoothies. License to Chill opens at 7 AM with a full breakfast menu on the Sunset Terrace. JWB Grill serves Sunday brunch starting at 10 AM.
Do I need reservations at Margaritaville restaurants?
Only for JWB Grill. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Book through OpenTable or call (239) 899-4094. All other venues operate on walk-up seating only.
What is the happy hour at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach?
Three venues run happy hour. JWB Grill offers $12 small plates, $5 drafts, and $4 off cocktails Monday through Thursday from 4 PM to close. Lah De Dah runs daily 5–8 PM with $9.95 tapas, $5 drafts, and $7 wells. License to Chill has happy hour Monday through Friday 1–5 PM.
Is Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach cashless?
Yes. The entire resort accepts only Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. No cash is accepted at any restaurant, bar, or retail location. Cash converter machines are available on property.
How much does dinner cost at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach?
It depends on the venue. Coconut Telegraph is the cheapest at $5–$12 for coffee and snacks. Lah De Dah and License to Chill run $15–$34 for entrees. JWB Grill is the most expensive at $24–$59 per entree — expect $70–$100+ per person with drinks.
What is the resort fee at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach?
The resort fee is $45 per room per night and includes Fins Up! Beach Club access, a welcome beverage, and fitness center access.
When did Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach open?
The resort opened to guests on December 11, 2023. It was a brand-new construction project that was underway when Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers Beach in September 2022. The building was structurally reinforced and construction continued through 2023.
More Local Guides
- Best Restaurants in Fort Myers
- Things to Do in Fort Myers
- Best Hotels in Fort Myers
- Retiring to Fort Myers
- Best Waterfront Restaurants in Southwest Florida
- Best Boat Tours in Southwest Florida
- Best Fishing in Southwest Florida
Dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and shelling excursions leave from Fort Myers Beach daily — one of the easiest add-ons for a Margaritaville weekend.
Browse Fort Myers Beach Tours & Activities
Resort address: 1170 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 | Phone: (239) 899-4001
