by SC Publisher Shannen Hayes
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – St. Pete Pier has earned Tripadvisor’s highest honor, a Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Restaurants. It was ranked No. 1 among millions of restaurants nationwide for “Everyday Eats,” a category won in 2021 by its sister location on Fort Myers Beach, which placed second last year.
“I think (the repeated recognition) has to do with our customer’s experiences, and how they leave wanting to tell their friends about the great time they had,” said Joe Harrity, a partner in the Sanibel-based HM Restaurant Group, which owns the four Doc Ford’s locations and Dixie Fish Co.
Nestled at the base of the downtown St. Pete Pier, Doc Ford’s has outstanding views of the city and Tampa bay. The ample menu includes a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as its signature Yucatan Shrimp, and bar cuisines inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean. And don’t forget the rum-based drinks that speak vacation.
Tripadvisor reviewers consistently praise Doc Ford’s for its delicious food, outstanding service and enjoyable atmosphere. Those positive reviews earned the restaurant best in the country for “Everyday Eats,” laid-back fare that goes above and beyond, without breaking the bank.
What makes Doc Ford’s the best? “It’s absolutely without a doubt our people,” Harrity said. “The success of our restaurants is a direct result of the teams that we put together, and the way our management staff operates each of their stores.”
Harrity said they take great pride in being more than just a place to eat and drink. “Our staff works hard to make sure our guests are given an experience that they won’t forget.”
Traveler’s Choice is earned by less than 1 percent of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings nationwide, putting Doc Ford’s in the top for diner satisfaction. “That means a lot,” Harrity said. “It’s quite humbling to be mentioned as top in the whole country.”
Doc Ford’s has two locations in St. Petersburg, downtown at the pier and in Jungle Terrace, the original location on Sanibel Island, plus the Fort Myers Beach location – each with their own quirky personality, but the same menu and great service.
And Doc Ford’s – St. Pete Pier was one of only three restaurants in the state to make the Top 25 Best of the Best “Everyday Eats.” For a complete list, go to tripadvisor.com.
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