Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - St. Pete Pier

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#2 of 785 Restaurants in St. Petersburg₹₹ - ₹₹₹, Caribbean, Latin, Vegan options

+1 727-857-8118+ Add website

Write a Review

Hours

Sun

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Mon

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Tue

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Wed

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thu

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sat

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Improve this listing

Reserve a table

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

5.0

3,197 reviews

#2 of 785 Restaurants in St. Petersburg

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

Learn More

CUISINES

Caribbean, Latin, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

features

Location and contact

610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3582

+1 727-857-8118

Improve this listing

Is this a wine bar?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

Located at the base of the downtown St. Pete Pier! Doc Ford’s St. Pete is as stunning as it is delicious. With inside and outside views of both downtown St. Pete, and Tampa bay, there’s a seat in the house for everybody. Enjoy the sea-breeze on the seawall while enjoying a couple Doc Ford’s Mojitos and Yucatan Shrimp!

CUISINES

Caribbean, Latin, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available

Contribute

Write a review

Upload a photo

Ask a question

5.0

3,197 reviews

Excellent

2,886

Very good

186

Average

Poor

Terrible

Robyn Campos

Valrico9 contributions

Lunch

Oct 2020 • none

We waited for 45 min for a table and then unfortunately were seated indoors, obviously based on availability but disappointing none-the-less with how gorgeous the day was-water views are everything. We ordered the shrimp ceviche (delicious), the banana leaf snapper which was very tasty but too much masa, the lime panko encrusted grouper sandwich which was a good, typical grouper sandwich and the chocolate banana pudding which was to die for. The very best part of our visit was our server Dustyy!! He had a fun, upbeat personality and easily answered all of our menu questions. His service was impeccable and he is a huge asset to Doc Ford's! We will definitely come back and try to snag an outdoor table!

Written 13 October 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bob D

3 contributions

Nice new place on the water front

Aug 2020 • couples

The New Pier in St Pete is such a great place to explore, made even better by a new location for a wonderful restaurant. Doc Ford’s is perfect match for the pier. It is casual and classy. Indoor and outdoor seating with charming views of the bay and waterfront. This was a simple lunch visit for a couple of locals. So we kept it simple with a shared Ceviche, a pair of fish Sandwiches and a few local IPA's, very reasonably priced too. We spotted several other items on the menu that will require return trips in the near future. Our server Jared was a delight and very helpful with suggestions and advice. Despite being a bit busy the ceviche came out promptly and perfectly chilled, the sandwiches, right on time as we finished and piping hot. We are both looking forward to our next visit.

Written 14 August 2020

Arnieonthego

Sea Isle City185 contributions

Great experience on the Pier

Oct 2020 • none

We have been trying to get to Doc Ford's for some time but couldn't work out our time. We finally had time for an early lunch and it was excellent. There is a good deal of parking but there are only two kiosks for paying the parking fee. The setting is beautiful. The view of the Bay on may and the skyline the other. We ate on the covered porch and but there is also an inside dining area and an area with table on the ground so you could bring your dog. We were in a slight rush so we ordered quickly and our food came in 20 minutes. We each had the grouper sandwich and they were great. The service was very good. We had been to the Doc Ford's in Sanabel and this was just as good. We will be back.

Written 9 October 2020

Ryco

Wimauma191 contributions

Poor experience

Jan 2021 • none

Asked for seating outside. Atmosphere was fun with boat races going on and small planes doing some trick flying and a sail regatta going on. Food was good and menu had a nice selection for everyone. Unfortunately once the food was delivered we discovered we needed some condiments which, during COVID, are not usually kept on the table as in the past. After asking two different people for mayonnaise we finally got a small cup of it about ten minutes into our meal. By then the "hot" chicken sandwich was ice cold. What really did not make our day was that we used a gift card to pay for part of our meal. We understood that when using a gift card in restaurants, for some reason, they are not able to use the total value of the card. The waiter said he would use $40.00 of the $50.00 card which was OK with us. There should have been $10.00 left on the card but when we verified the balance with the card company, there was only $2.00 left. It appeared that the other $8.00 went to the waiter as a tip...without out authorization. We then l wrote in a tip on the charge receipt of our credit card with which we paid the remaining balance. It took us some time to figure out what had happened when we got home and certainly was too complicated to figure out at the restaurant without making a scene in front of our guests. Lesson learned!

Written 28 January 2021

IJK01

Sarasota72 contributions

Beautiful Setting/Lousy Food

Feb 2021 • none

This newest member of the SW Florida Doc Ford’s chain is located on the new St. Pete Pier and the setting is simply beautiful. unfortunately the food is terrible. More like poorly prepared fast food than a good dining experience. For apps our party shared: Tuna over Thai noodles which was decent; chicken wings with hot sauce which were simply fried wings with hot sauced dumped over them; and fried calamari which were over breaded. My spouse had a grouper sandwich which is a staple on the gulf coast and she said it was the worst one she ever was served. i had the 1/2 chicken with chimichurri sauce, it was over cooked as the skin had a tough leathery consistency and the meat was dry as were the accompaniments. While our two compatriots had salads, neither looked very good and neither was finished by the diners. I cannot fathom why it is the #1 rated restaurant on this site for St. Pete, other than it is tourists who are enthralled by the stunning views of the location and care not a whit about the quality of the food and service. As for the service, while it was pleasant, after the waiter took our order and the server brought our apps I had to ask both for utensils as neither had deemed to bring any to the table. We obviously will not be dining here again, though I might go for a drink, just for the views.

Written 7 February 2021

Doc Ford

We do apologize for the inconvenience you endured while visiting our restaurant and these actions will be addressed. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our food as well as our service, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We hope you're willing to give us another chance!

Written 10 February 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

George R

1 contribution

Best Meal of 2020

Oct 2020 • none

My wife and I planned on going to the pier and having some lunch...got to the end and they said they needed reservations to eat in the concrete structure. We walked back and stopped midway on the pier at Doc Ford's to eat. All I can say is WOW! We started with Yucatan Shrimp suggested by our server Kris. Best JUMBO shrimp I've ever had my entire life, no kidding. You must order it if you don't mind a little spice in your life. My wife ordered the Banana Leaf Snapper and I got a South Western salad. The presentation and above all, the taste of everything was superb. My 2 year had broccoli and chicken strips...and even these two simple things were done top notch. Not your normal kids fare of frozen food thrown on a kids plate. The selection of Coladas and other drinks were just as delicious as they sounded on the menu. I had a banana Colada with a weird name. Hand's down the best Colada I've ever had as well. By far the best meal all around we have had in 2020 and we eat out once to two times a week, trying to explore new restaurants. Price wise, I wouldn't eat here everyday, but it is the perfect date spot with a water view and to take relatives from out of town to impress. Can't wait to eat here again. I'm salivating right now just thinking about it. George

Written 15 November 2020

Paganlover

Tampa172 contributions

Better than the typical tourist traps!

Aug 2020 • none

St Pete pier is finally opened up after a million years of debate, construction and COVID. This lunch was worth the wait. On our 21st wedding anniversary we wanted a nice lunch date. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar delivered. The atmosphere is great with panoramic views of the bay and cold ac. The menu reads well. Stephanie our server who used to work at the Ft.Myers location helped us pick out the perfect rum flight (Black barrel was the best) and “Pier pressure” drinks. Amazing, we ordered the shrimp ceviche full of flavor, aromatics and spice. Lunch was the Seared Tuna over Sobe’ noodles with peanut sauce. I had the deconstructed shrimp and grits. Grits were firm but the side sauce brought the texture and flavor alive. All in all, for a place that has to pump out food like a Disney franchise Doc Ford’s keeps the quality, presentation, and flavor top notch.

Written 14 August 2020

Amy

1 contribution

Beware: Tourist Trap: Great view, fast food quality

Apr 2021 • none

Waited over 1.5 hours as this is the most highly rated restaurant in St Petersburg, After being seated, waited for extremely long time for server to take our orders. No social distancing guidelines in place at all, not to mention it was the noisiest dining room that I've ever experienced, Ordered black bean dip, which was decent. Husband ordered a Caesar salad with mahi. It was bagged caesar salad with frozen fish filet, not fresh for $18. My entree was fish taco. I've ordered a lot of fish tacos, & I can honestly say this was the worst. If Taco Bell had a fish taco, it would be better than this... 1 oz maybe of some wet gooey fish with a bag of shredded purple cabbage & some flavorless weird salsa. I picked the oz of fish out and left the rest, Side was what tasted like prepackaged yellow rice & beans. My son had the grouper sandwich & it was the only item that may have been fresh, nothing special. I'm glad I didn't waste more money on drinks or dessert. My husband spoke to manager when we were done eating & the manager had not much to say except"Did you tell your server?" No manager, we didn't. Our server was very sweet & we did not want to complain in front of our teenage son. Its not her fault that your food quality is lacking. After waiting 2 hours total, we were starving, so yes we ate what were could. I have no problem paying for good food, but I don't like getting ripped off. If you want to pay for the atmosphere of sitting on the water, then go for it. Food quality is terrible & I'm shocked by all of these 5 star reviews. Also, I think it is interesting that there is no corporate contact email available. I was going to send email rather than leaving negative review. Don't get suckered. There are too many excellent local options. Had lunch at the Lure downtown today. It was excellent.

Written 7 April 2021

Doc Ford

We do apologize for the inconvenience you endured while visiting our restaurant. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our food, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We can assure you our selection of seafood is delivered fresh and never frozen. We hope you are willing to give us a second chance. If you would like to reach us, you may message us on any one of our social platforms or email us at social@docfords.com.

Written 9 April 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alex Z

Tampa17 contributions

Awesome view of pier and Tampa Bay

May 2021 • couples

We have been to Doc Ford’s on Sanibel several times and this location on Tampa Bay is great. Food was amazing. Crab cakes and Yucatán shrimp will not disappoint. I got the spinach salad and for an extra $5 I got 5 huge grilled shrimp. Well worth the price. Dessert was the banana bread pudding which was really good. Our waiter Cornealous was very friendly and attentive. All in all it was worth the hour drive.

Written 16 May 2021

sizzlelene

Wesley Chapel3 contributions

Less than expected

May 2021 • none

We were two couples excited to visit the St. Pete pier downtown for the first time. Stopped to have dinner before walking around. The ambience of the restaurant was wonderful. We were unable to sit outside and overlook the water because the wait would have been over 45 mins. Okay, we sat inside. Had a very pleasant waiter who spoke very highly of the food. We had not even ordered yet. The drinks barely had any alcohol, tasted more like weak lemonade. One person ordered oysters. No clarification as to whether raw or steamed. They came raw. Had to send them back. The half chicken was rubbery and overcooked with no sauce. The grouper came out without the panko crust and was very little serving for the price. The snapper in banana leaf was atrocious. Thank God, the banana bread pudding dessert was fabulous! Would not return to that restaurant. It might be too busy for the kitchen to maintain quality control of the dishes.

Written 15 May 2021

phmokda

St. Petersburg311 contributions

Over-salted, bad drinks, slow service

Dec 2020 • none

We had heard great things about this place and were excited to try it out. I made a reservation for 6:45 on Thursday December 4 for outside. We were seated promptly. The table was unstable, music loud, and kids were running around. We ordered our drinks and did not get them for 20 minutes. Our sever apologized. The skinny Margaritas were order without salt and arrived with salt. My draft beer had no carbonation. I then ordered a can of beer. The conch chowder had minute pieces of conch that I had to search for and was way over salted, a harbinger of things to come. The spinach and artichoke flatbread was okay. The crab cakes were ok but had more bread than crab. My pork "ribeye" was cooked well but everything on the plate was seasoned with too much salt...again. That included the glaze, potatoes and spinach. My wife and step daughter said their shrimp tacos were too salty and the shrimp over cooked and rubbery. My wife insisted on dessert. We shared a carrot cake slice which was not salty but dry. All of this for $145 is inexcusable. We won't be back.

Written 4 December 2020

William H

Dublin35 contributions

Must have been an off night

Feb 2021 • couples

Must have been an off night and under staffed. The staff was hustling but not having fun. Over priced, salty, small portions cause me to question the many prior reviews. This is a place that is trying to be something that it isn’t achieving. Don’t expect good wine or service from a server that drops a screw top bottle off at your table with plastic cups.

Written 25 February 2021

Doc F

We do apologize for the inconvenience you endured while visiting our restaurant. We strive in creating a standard of excellence in the quality of our food as well as our service, we're sorry that wasn't the case for you this time. We hope you're willing to give us another chance!

Written 26 February 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Russell B

Jacksonville236 contributions

We dined at Doc Ford’s last

Aug 2020 • none

We dined at Doc Ford’s last night, August 21, 2020. The place was very busy with a 1.5 hr wait, I gave my name and we strolled to the bar for a drink. They have some very strange Covid 19 rules here. You can not order a drink while standing at the bar even if my friend was seated, I couldn’t have a drink and if I wanted one bad enough I had to go outside and be served through a large opening and stand together with ten other people waiting for a drink, not covid correctness. My takeaway from this was my friend couldn’t contract covid 19 while seated at the bar but I could standing behind her. Fortunately another seat opened and we were able to sit together, without a mask and be served. We chose to eat at the bar rather than wait for a table. We had our drinks prepared perfectly by A.J. who was quite busy. We were hungry for seafood so we ordered several small plates from the Starters section. A dozen oysters to start, mussels in a great wine sauce, shrimp ceviche, the house specialty of peel and eat shrimp and finally a bowl of conch chowder, every item was delicious. Service was great but there is one more strange thing to report. I noticed a bar man, I think the supervisor, was very consistent with the no standing rule, he turned away several couples who were middle aged. However, when a bevy of young attractive women came up to the bar they were promptly served their drinks without any mention of the standing rules, go figure! Bottomline, I would return for the food, service and atmosphere all great, they need to get their act together on implementing the covid rules fairly and consistently.

Written 22 August 2020

Delia P

St. Petersburg4 contributions

Salty salmon

Jun 2021 • couples

Came in later after sunset for a bite to eat with my hubby and ordered mussels to start, they were very tasty and I like that they gave us two pieces of bread to dip in the sauce. The side Caesar was a little dry but average. I ordered the salmon for my meal which was $23 and paired with au grout potatoes and sauteed spinach with a large portion of mushrooms that were lightly cooked. More mushrooms than spinach! The salmon appeared to look delicious with a mango puree they put on top but as soon as I bit into it, it was like eating straight sea salt. I figured I'd scrape around it but the whole thing was like that and had burnt onions on the bottom of it. Wasn't pleased with the over salted salmon and wouldn't necessarily pair it with the two side items it comes with. The presentation on the cedar board was nice and the ultimate margarita on point. Would have liked it if my server had more personality but she did well other than that. Would love to give it another try and possibly try the bean dip and maybe something else.

Written 15 June 2021

JMK

Lake Mills10 contributions

Great Food, Service and Atmosphere

Feb 2021 • none

We really enjoyed dinner there on a rainy Friday night- the atmosphere made it still feel sunny and beachy, the location on the point is beautiful. The food was really good and the service was great! Our waitress Becky was wonderful and didn't even laugh when my husband ordered a wedge salad for "dessert" at the end of our meal! The actual carrot cake dessert was amazing too. LOL We will definitely go again if we are ever back in St. Pete.

Written 25 February 2021

…

Showing results 1-15 of 3,192

Best moderately priced restaurants

See all