Bimini reels in the islands
If you have fond memories of vacations in the Caribbean, you’re bound to enjoy settling in for a cocktail at Bimini Bait Shack, the last watering hole before crossing the causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel. It’s the latest project from avid boater and longtime local restaurateur Mike McGuigan.
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Bimini Bait Shack for Grandeur magazine
“I’ve been to almost every island in the Caribbean, and I’m like other people who want to go back but don’t have the time,” Mike says.
That sentiment was the inspiration to bring the Caribbean to Southwest Florida, recreating the drinks, cuisine and atmosphere from some of his favorite spots.
“I like to take people out of their everyday life, take them somewhere else for an authentic experience,” he says.
Rum is quintessential to island culture, and Bimini Bait Shack has more than 20 varieties for famous drinks, such as the Goombay Smash from Green Turtle Cay, the Bushwhacker from St. Thomas, and Planter’s Punch from Jamaica. The menu even has a map, so you can keep track as you drink around the islands.
In true tropical fashion, any cocktail can be served in fish bowls, coconuts or real pineapples.
The Wicked Fishbowl is a signature. Flavors rotate between different fruity liquors in vibrant colors, with a base of three Wicked Dolphin rums: coconut, spiced and light. Swedish fish are added to the bowl that comes out smoking courtesy of dry ice. Add several straws and enjoy with friends.
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The Reef Cup is colorful and sweet with rum and fruit juice in a take home cup.
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A signature cocktail, perfect for sharing is The Wicked Fishbowl.
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The doors are always open at Bimini Bait Shack, but there is always a cooling breeze.
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The last stop before you head over the Sanibel Causeway, Bimini Bait Shack is a casual, fun stop with live entertainment.
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The infamous Swimming Pig sandwich takes two hands and several bites to get through.
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Almost any cocktail at Bimini Bait Shack can be served in a fresh pineapple.
Craft cocktails such as Cake by the Ocean are also on the menu. Cucumber and mint are muddled then mixed with raspberry mint gin, elderflower liquor and a splash of soda. A spin on the classic mojito, it’s refreshing and almost feels healthful.
Frozen drinks, including a delectable house-made piña colada, are a Bimini staple. Fruit friendly, the cocktail menu is a great assist for the often-spicy Caribbean cuisine, such as the conch ceviche, Bangin’ Shrimp or jerk chicken.
The island of Exuma is known for its pigs that swim. Enter the most popular sandwich on the menu, the Swimming Pig. Piled high with pulled pork swimming in barbecue sauce, it’s layered with smoked sausage, bacon, coleslaw and a jumbo onion ring. Served with crispy fries, it’s a delicious monster.
A casual, open air spot with a view of the water, Bimini’s stage hangs over the bar where live musicians play for both lunch and dinner. The real airboat suspended overhead acts as a curtain, dropping down when the stage is clear, pumping smoke from its exhaust.
The boat is part of the “experience” that Mike likes to create along with the swings at the bar and the giant conch shells for bathroom sinks. However, the most talked about feature is the bar top, a giant aquarium. Watching fish swim under your cocktails and craft beer is one of the most unique bar experiences you’ll find in Southwest Florida.
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