Sanibel Steakhouse letdown
We went to the Sanibel Steakhouse at 5:30 on 9/18. They had early bird specials listed in the local dining guide. We were informed that they had been discontinued the previous month. Someone appearently forgot to notify the magazine. Another couple had come in asking for the same. To the restaurants credit they did (after some discussion) come up with some "abbreviated" dishs we could order, i.e. smaller portions, 3 or 4 selections. Unfortunately my wife wanted the prime rib advertised and it appeared that they do not normally have that on their menu. We had driven by the restaurant for many years and figured we would give it a try anyway. I ordered a T-Bone Steak and garlic mashed potatoes. My wife ordered the stuffed grouper. The grouper dish had nice presentation with large portions; however, the fish was overcooked and she did not finish the meal. She also had asparagus which was excellent. My meal was the big disappointment. The steak came out looking like it had been soaked in liquids for a long time. There were 2 or 3 very faint grill marks, other than that it was a "broiled" brown color. The outside was cooked more than I normally get when I order medium, but there was pink in the center and the steak was moist. I was very disappointed. I am at least accustomed to a "grilled" appearance. This steak appeared to have sat for quite a while before it was served.
We will not be returning and will not recommend this restaurant to any of our friends.    [20 Sep 2002 00:00:23]

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     ­Anonymous   naturalbob at aol dot com

Sanibel Steakhouse Low on Class
I brought my wife to the Sanibel Steakhouse (the one on Sanibel) after she had been talking about it for a few weeks, assuming that it would be a nice night out. For $100, the dinner for two consisted of:

- A poivre au steak (you couldn't taste the steak beneath the pepper sauce, so I decided to switch the name) that was at best mediocre. The steak was not char-grilled... I still think it was boiled, but I would hate to think that I'm right.

- My wife had the filet stuffed with a meager portion of lobster after being told that it was "their specialty". The $15 worth of lobster was barely a mouthful to a filet that was overdone and tasteless.

- Atmosphere? We shared our conversation all night long with the couple sitting next to us because we were so close to their table. The waitress barely had enough room to squeeze between the two tables. The walls were covered with pine bead board (I don't know why I remember it) that had seen its share of years.

We went to Applebees a few weeks ago while we were out Christmas shopping. Sadly enough, the steak was better there and only 20% of the price.

If you're out on Sanibel, I would recommend avoiding the Sanibel Steakhouse. Head into Naples for LongHorn's Steakhouse!    [27 Dec 2002 10:05:42]

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     ­Anonymous   kirkdj at yahoo dot com

Sanibel Steakhouse Sizzles
I can't relate to other reviews here at all! I have been to this restaurant on two occassions, both times as a member of a group of four. The martini list is fabulous and the crystal that it is served in unique. On both occassions all four of us ordered different cuts of steak and all were grilled beautifully to our desired doneness. Side dishes were not overcooked and an excellent wine list accompanies. I will agree with the one reviewer who commented on the cramped quarters in some areas of the restaurant.    [15 May 2003 16:42:43]

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Recommended Dishes: steak, steak, steak

     ­Anonymous   

Sanibel Steakhouse Sassy & Scrumptious
This is our second time to the steak house on the island. We love it. The drinks are great, the food excellent, (each time we have ordered the lobster stuffed filet), although this time the lobster was a bit tough. Wait staff were very attentive, but not intrusive. Deserts were mouth watering! The oysters on the half shell for starters were so good we had to order another 1/2 dozen.    [25 Aug 2003 18:06:15]

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Recommended Dishes: Lobster Stuffed Filet & Oysters on the 1/2 Shell

     ­Ty   

Sanibel Steakhouse : it's all attitude
You can have decent steaks in a noisy, cramped atmosphere for far, far less money at some other restaurant.

Ever complained about your meal and be treated like YOU are the problem? My rib eye steak was full of gristle and when I said something to the manager she informed me that I must have had an end cut and that all their steaks are "prime beef". She finally, very reluctantly, comped my meal. They persist in thinking they are selling food when what they should be selling is hospitality. I will not return to this place. It's the store on Periwinkle.    [01 May 2004 21:42:36]

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Recommended Dishes: grouper, filet mignon

     ­Anonymous   

Sanibel's best fine dining experience
Wife and I ate at the Sanibel Steakhouse just the other night. This was, perhaps, one of the most enjoyable dining experiences I've ever had. Perfectly cooked prime beef, 16oz Lobster Tails, friendly staff, charming atmosphere, located smack dab in the middle of a tropical paradise...I can't wait to go back.

We've been to just about every other restaurant on Sanibel and Captiva, and the Sanibel Steakhouse wins our hearts over hands down.

If you're looking for a romantic dinner and quality food...don't hesitate.

Ask for table number 41, if you want a nice table.    [18 Jan 2006 12:10:39]

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Recommended Dishes: Grande Filet, 16 oz Lobster Tail

     ­Anonymous   

Sanibel Steakhouse has gone downhill
This place is just not what it used to be.

I used to really enjoy my annual trips to the Sanibel Steakhouse...but I guess ownership has changed and the new owner has lowered the bar.

On my recent visit the filet mignon was fatty and tough as beef jerky (and this from a supposedly prime steak...yeah right!!!). I could get a better steak at Applebees.

The management did not care about my complaint and did nothing to rectify an already bad situation.

Needless to say, I will not be going back.    [21 Oct 2007 15:46:39]

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     ­Gerry