Skip One

"Getting its name from a fishing boat Skip One has been in the Ft Myers are since the late 1960's. Originally opened as a meat market, Skip one has seen  changes in the last half century. You old timers may remember Garland and then "Buddy" from the mid 80's. Under Buddy's ownership the restaurant was added service the finest of seafood dishes anywhere"

I can attest to that being the absolute truth. What was once of the best kept secrets in the area, word of mouth had created a brisk business of people gladly waiting as long as they have to, to be seated for dinner.

"This tradition still holds true with the present owner, Dennis Henderson who has been in the shrimping industry most of his life. 

With an outside partner he operates the largest shrimp fleet on the west coast and unloads a large portion of the "Gulf Shrimp" at their Ft Myers Beach based packing house. 

With this relationship, Skip One can serve the freshest seafood possible. Straight from the docks to your table.

Great things come to those who wait. Each meal is made to order. No microwaves to reheat prepared foods spooned out from large tubs. Every Shrimp platter served has been peeled and de-vained by hand and served that same day."  

 Now all that being said, I have to tell you they are not kidding when they say that it is the freshest seafood you are going to find anywhere, bar none, at any price.

We started out the meal with an order of fried Gator tail. If you have never had Gator tail before you have to try it here. If it is not prepared properly alligator tail can be tough and chewing, but here at Skip One it will come to your table hot, flavorful and tender. I do not usually eat fried foods anymore, but there was no way I was going to pass on these. Granted I only had one, and savored every single bite. If I had anymore it would not have left room for my grilled shrimp.

Now the owner of the restaurant has a fleet of shrimp boats, so you know the shrimp are as fresh as they can be. Six Large succulent shrimp lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection. I really do love this place.

I have told you how amazing the food is now I want to talk to you about the place.

Going to Skip One is like going back into time. As you can see from the building it really is not a fancy place, After all it did start out as a fish and meat market, and is still one of the best places off the beach to get fresh sea food.  It feels like old Florida when you are there. While you are waiting for a table to become available, often you strike up conversations with other discerning sea food lovers who are usually from "away". They have heard about from a friend or a friend of a friend that it is a great place to eat and are there to find out if its as good as everyone says, (and its better)... Its a comfortable, casual atmosphere that brings back that old timey feeling of hanging out in front of the Barber shop and chatting. You hear interesting stories, meet fascinating people, and you just leave there having eaten a truly great meal, and feeling all is right with the world.

For the bariatric patient, there is a wonderful appetiser selection, Buffalo Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Smoked Salmon (which I can not wait to try the next time I go) Shrimp Cocktail, Conch fritters, Teriyaki Tuna Bites, as well as New England Clam Chowder, and I really have to recommend the Bahamian Conch Chowder. Though I do try to stay away from fried foods for the most part I just could not resist snatching one of my dates fried oysters, OMG they are like butta... they literally melt in your mouth.

From the awesome food, to the wonderful atmosphere, to the great service, and decent prices Skip One is some place that you really need to try out if you are ever in the are... I promise you will not be disappointed.

You can find Skip One at

15820 S Tamiami Trail

Ft.Myers. Fl 33908