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Maria's Backwater Bar & Grill

18500 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
2394374777
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25 reviews from our community

68% Recommend
    8
    9
    1
    2
    5
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Canandaigua
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2013

The bad news is that the restaurant is closing at the end of the season (not sure when this is, so call ahead). The good news is that the cajun menu is moving to Maria's smokehouse just a mile or so down the road. Our meal was great, we both had gumbo, fresh made that day and the best we've... More

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Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2013

This is an extremely casual (read shabby) place, but the food is outstanding. We went at lunchtime after reading about Maria's here on Tripadvisor. Mom Maria does the cooking, while son Lamar waits tables. All you can eat fish fry for $14.99, but we had the 3 piece lunch for $10.99. (American farmed swai) It was more than we could... More

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See 2 more reviews by Adrienne G for Fort Myers Beach
Lansdale, PA
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
52 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2013

We used to love to eat here on vacation. Nice, fresh seafood, well prepared. Last year it was pretty bad (ordered the seafood platter, and when it arrived without oysters, we were THEN told, "oh, we're out of oysters"). We figured it was just an off night, so we went back this year. This time we knew to ask about... More

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See 4 more reviews by TFQ for Fort Myers Beach
Utica, Illinois
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013

This place is not fancy, service not the best,and is hard to find. It is BYOB. If you want excellent smoked fish, one of the best fish fry's you have ever had, and other fresh seafood give it a chance. You will be happy you did.

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Fort Myers Beach, Florida
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 December 2012

Drove by the "All you can Eat Fish Fry" sign numerous times. Checked reviews & gave it a try today - EXCELLENT FOOD! Lamar greeted us immediately, bringing us a sample of the smoked fish spread on crackers. YUM! He also allowed me to sample the Mango Sweet Tea - I ordered it. We both ordered the Fish & Shrimp... More

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Port Jervis, New York
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 October 2012

every time i go to ft. myers beach, i HAVE to go to marias! it's that good... have been to both maria's and they're both good, but the 1st one (small shack like place) is so much better. the all you can eat fish fry is awesome, we had swai and it was so tender and flaky. i'm addicted. they... More

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Fort Myers, Florida
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
57 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 September 2012

I've been driving by the place for years and even stopped a couple of times but either couldn't figure out where to park for it or could not figure out how you got into the place. Well! Friday night I decided that I was going to give it another try. After finally deciding to park next to the sign but... More

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Ft, Myers Fl, United States
1 review
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 August 2012

They need a new cook and a exterminator! Seriously,after a failled attempt on a 18.00 meal,wich was far from fresh. They served me a fillett with ants crawling on it as a bad attempt to rectifie the first. The first and only meal I had ordered.This place realy needs an inspection at BEST.And there food wich is why we stopped... More

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Fort Myers, Florida
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 August 2012

food was awesome. I have stopped by twice before and never could catch them "ready" for customers for one reason of the other but today finally got them "ready" for customers and I tell you it was well worth the weight. You have to be really looking for this one it is on the west side of san carlos blvd,... More

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See 5 more reviews by Deb H for Fort Myers Beach
chicago. ill
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 July 2012

I read about this place from contributors on trip advisor. They were sooo right! The fish is very light and flavorful. Great cole slaw, i don't even like coleslaw! Worth a visit. The shrimp were huge ans tasty. Worth a visit.

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