Pinchers Seafood Restaurant at the Marina at Edison Ford Estates, Fort Myers
A family-owned seafood restaurant on the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers.
No reservations. Call up to 30 minutes ahead for call-ahead seating.
Hours, location and contact
See the menuHours
Open every day, 11am to 10pmGetting here
Parking on siteFresh from our own boats
Fresh is everything at Pinchers. The Phelan family runs its own fishing fleet, with about 10,000 stone crab traps, and local fishermen and crabbers head into the Gulf for Pinchers every day. The catch comes in through Island Crab Company in St. James City on Pine Island, the fish house the family has co-owned since 1998, so blue crab, stone crab and grouper reach the Marina at Edison Ford fresh. As we say at Pinchers, you can't fake fresh.
On the Caloosahatchee River
Pinchers opened here in March 2014, on the upper floor of the former Royal Palm Yacht Club building, above The Marina at Edison Ford. A covered outdoor area looks out over the marina, and it's a favorite spot for sunset.
Early in his career, waiting on guests at Steak and Ale, Tony Phelan learned that you can't judge a guest by what they're wearing. At Pinchers that means you can come in straight from a day on the water, in shorts, and get the same welcome as everyone else.
Next door, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates preserve the winter homes of Thomas Edison, who bought his riverside estate in 1886, and Henry Ford, whose neighboring bungalow opened to the public in 1990. Downtown's River District is a short drive east.
Why people choose Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford
Regulars who have been coming for years, families and visitors all find a seat at Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford.
Family owned, not a chain
Owned and run by the Phelan family since the first Pinchers opened in 1997.
Casual and good value
Come as you are. A gluten-free menu is available.
On the river
A covered outdoor area over the marina on the Caloosahatchee River.
Stone crab in season
October 15 to May 1, from the family's own traps on the Gulf.
In the press
"Pull up to the popular Southwest Florida Pincher's Crab Shack by boat or car."
"Located on the historic Caloosahatchee River and offering the best riverfront dining experience and sunset views"
"At Pinchers, seafood is sourced from the Island Crab Company on Pine Island"
"Best known for their stone crab"
Reviews
Reviewers praise the stone crab and fresh seafood, the river views, the quick, friendly service and the Key lime pie.
Fresh seafood
"These were some of the best Stone Crabs we have had."
"Fresh and tasty seafood galore."
"The food here is very good. I had some stone crab claws and crab stuffed shrimp."
"The shrimp is great and is our go-to."
"The key lime pie for dessert is amazing."
Service
"Great location, over the harbor near Edison house. Great food great service."
"Great service and our food was delivered very quickly."
On the water
"It has a covered outdoor area that has a beautiful view of the water."
"And the view of the waterfront is fantastic."
"The inside was large and had a fun, beachy atmosphere."
Family and groups
"We were a party of four and everyone loved their dishes."
Questions
Does Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford take reservations?
No. Call up to 30 minutes ahead for call-ahead seating.
How are the stone crab claws at Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford harvested?
Fishermen keep only the claws that meet Florida's legal size and return the crab to the water, where it can grow the claw back. Claws are priced at market.
Can you get to Pinchers at the Marina at Edison Ford by boat?
The marina is reachable by water at Marker 54. Call the marina ahead to check day docking before you come by boat.
Is Pinchers a chain?
No. Pinchers is family owned and operated by the Phelan family, who opened the first one in Bonita Springs in 1997. There are ten Pinchers on Florida's Gulf Coast.