How did it all begin? On the 24th of October,1978, a one hundred and fifty-seat steakhouse (Timbers Sanibel Florida) opened its doors on Sanibel Island in Florida.
Timbers Sanibel Florida whose name is a reflection of the beautiful wooden beams and ceiling is the restaurant child of Jim Keiser of Naples, Florida, and brothers Jim and Kipp Foster of Pittsford, New York.
The restaurant partners had decided to mainly serve steaks, shrimp, and red snapper as the only fish item.
However, it didn’t take them long to see that customers wanted to fish, and they wanted it fresh!
Then, guests wanted to buy fish they could take home with them, and a retail fish market was born from a former six-seat waiting room.
In 1990, they purchased a vacant lot at 703 Tarpon Bay Road, and construction began on a 12,000-square-foot building that then became Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market.
This wood-filled Restaurant has since served locals and tourists in Sanibel, Florida, with the warmest hospitality.
The Timbers Restaurant is known for the best seafood Sanibel has to offer. As they say at The Timbers, “Fish happens!”
What do you get at Timbers?
The Restaurant offers a large selection of tasty seafood.
They serve delicious sushi and sashimi available on Thursday through Saturday.
Although entrée options may vary according to season, customers have many options, like Captiva crab cakes, sea scallops, and lobster tail. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, not to worry, you can have steak.
Customers can choose to dine in, or order take out. Timbers ‘1001’ Oyster Bar boasts the largest selection of oysters in South West Florida and is open Thursday through Saturday.
At the bar, customers can enjoy happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm at just $1.25 for local oysters and $1 off on house liquor and wine.
Their drink menu includes cocktails, martinis, bourbon, scotch, and whiskey. You’ll often find locals sitting right next to the crowds of tourists enjoying drinks.
The Restaurant is open every day from 5 pm to 9 pm. The early bird hours are before 6 pm.
Does the Restaurant have a kid’s menu?
Yes, they have a kid’s menu with choices for even the pickiest eaters! The kid’s menu is for children 12 years old and younger.
The menu features chicken fingers, chicken shrimp, hamburger, penne pasta, grilled cheese, and drinks like coke, lemonade, milk, and apple juice.
Are there any special diets? Yes, there are.
The Restaurant does offer vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options.
What about the retail fish market?
The fish market is open from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Sundays. Here, customers can choose from a selection of freshly caught fish.
You see, when the Restaurant first opened, the manager would drive his Toyota Hatchback to the docks and buy whole fish from the boat docking.
Guided by old salts, he learned how to gut and fillet fish.
There’s an interesting story about him filleting a 100-pound swordfish in the back of his truck. Located in the lobby of the Restaurant, the fish market sells shrimp, Alaskan King Crab legs, clams, crab meat, lobster tail, mussels, oysters, and scallops.
All fresh!
On rare occasions, they might sell out of a product, although 99% of the time, most of the products are in stock.
The Restaurant has outdoor seating and a porch where customers can enjoy the cool tropical breeze as they dine.
The seats are set up so that there is a sense of privacy.
The Timbers Restaurant does not have a dress code.
Customers can show up in what they like and enjoy a tasty meal.
There is a parking space underneath with direct access to the elevators, where customers can safely park their cars for free if they decide to drive out to the Restaurant.
Bikers can lock their bikes safely outside.
For large parties of more than seven, you can call ahead to make a reservation.
Does Timber Sanibel Florida offer delivery services?
Unfortunately, they do not. They do, however, offer curbside delivery. Customers can also still dine in, or order take out.
What about live music at Timbers?
There’s nothing better than having a meal while listening to music hot enough to turn a fantastic night into a fever night.
Sadly, Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market do not have a live band. However, they bring out a band on special occasions like their anniversary.
Nevertheless, the absence of music is not a deterrent to enjoying a night at the Restaurant.
Sanibel Grill, a chill sports bar, is housed within the same building as Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market.
This authentic sports eatery offers both indoor and outdoor dining.
The Sanibel Grill features 14 Large flat-screen TVs with Direct TV sports packages like NFL, NBA, NCAA sports, NHL, and MLB, practically nirvana for sports fans.
You can enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, quesadillas, BBQ ribs, and meatloaf while they sip a bottle of beer and cheer for their favorite sports team.
What are the Restaurant’s ratings?
According to Tripadvisor Travelers, The Timber Restaurant and Fish Market are rated at 4 for food, 5 for service, 4 for value, and 4 for atmosphere.
Are dogs allowed into the establishment?
Regrettably, your furry companion is not permitted into the Restaurant.
Slip out of your work attire, slide into your sandals and summer clothes and unwind at The Timber restaurant with delicious food and your favorite glass of wine.
There’s nowhere as laid-back and relaxed as Sanibel Island.
What else can you do on Sanibel Island?
There are plenty of fun things to do, like visiting the breathtaking beaches. In addition, there are also fascinating historical sites to visit.
Of course, treating yourself to fresh, delicious seafood is a must-do!
With thirty-nine years of serving fresh fish, Timbers Sanibel Florida Restaurant is the perfect place to have seafood.
The meals are affordable, the service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is warm. When visiting Sanibel Island, The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market is a must-visit spot!
Final Thoughts
Timbers Sanibel Florida is a great place to get a delicious seafood dinner.
The staff is friendly and the food is high quality, especially the lobster and shrimp dishes.
Prices are on par with what you would expect from a waterfront restaurant near the Gulf of Mexico.
