University Grill

Good luck finding a seat at University Grill without a reservation on nights when there is a Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall show in Fort Myers. The place is bursting with excitement and people enjoying a pre-show drink or dinner. When the curtain goes up, it’s like the parting of the seas, and those who’ve been waiting swoop in for free seats. It’s all about timing.

October marks 27 years in action for University Grill’s friendly restaurant and bar. Located across the street from Florida SouthWestern State College’s main campus in Fort Myers, it has been the go-to spot for not only theater and concert goers, but also locals who appreciate consistently well-made drinks and well-prepared food.

“The Grill,” as it is affectionately called by regulars, is part of the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group. The group includes the The Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market, Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and The Sanibel Grill, all of which specialize in seafood.

While “The Grill” serves a lot of fresh fish, too, the menu has a wide variety of American favorites. Great attention is put into everything, from impressive entree salads and burgers to hand cut filets and ribeyes.

The menu strongly leans towards New England favorites. According to Mark Blust, marketing and operations manager for the Prawnbroker Restaurant Group, “We probably sell more haddock than anyone around.”

Parker House is one of the ways it’s served. The fish is broiled with a Ritz Cracker topping and served in a lemon beurre blanc sauce. The same preparation can be found on scallops for a popular entrée.

Be sure to try the famous Crab Bisque as a starter. Rich, smooth and velvety, it is hard to put the spoon down in between bites. More patrons ask for the bisque recipe than any other dish on the menu, according to Blust. Spoiler alert – he won’t divulge the details but has been known to confirm some of the ingredients.

Other longtime favorite starters include Sesame Crusted Tuna and Rhode Island Fried Calamari. The tuna is a thick cut of yellowfin, seared and served rare with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.

The calamari have a perfect crunch. Crushed red peppers and banana peppers are tossed in for a friendly kick. The dipping sauce is chipotle mayonnaise.

The Chef’s Burger is anything but ordinary. The juicy meat patty is topped with caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon, but it’s the goat cheese that makes it stand out.

Chef Ron Aguilar leads the kitchen at University Grill. He moved inland four years ago from the former Matzaluna Italian Kitchen on Sanibel. “He does a great job carrying on the tradition of University Grill as well as adding a personal twist to some of the favorite items,” Blust says.

Italian specialties he has added to the menu include chicken parmesan, sausage stuffed mushrooms and a host of rotating specials the likes of linguini, meatballs and more.

Meat lovers have numerous savory choices, such as slow-cooked ribs and a meaty pork chop served with a signature apple plum sauce.

Finally, if you haven’t tried University Grill’s Prime Rib, it’s not to be missed. The ribeye is dry rubbed, slow cooked and melts in your mouth. While it’s on the menu daily, it’s featured on Sundays and sometimes sells out.

In another nostalgic nod, “The Grill” also has Fish Fry Friday. On this day guests enjoy specials on everything from haddock and swordfish to cocktails and wine.

With so much comfort food on the menu, it would be a crime to skip dessert. Choose from longtime favorites, such as Key Lime Pie, Apple Crisp and Flourless Chocolate Cake. In addition, there is a rotating selection of specialties, such as Tiramisu and Turtle Cheesecake.

Early dining specials are a big hit and a great deal. The fixed price includes a large selection of entrees, like Wasabi Salmon or Meatloaf, with the addition of soup or salad.

The bar at University Grill is where you really get that neighborhood feel. Regulars come for the classic cocktails and conversation. They also come for the bar staff – Tina, in particular. She has been tending bar since the restaurant opened and has quite a following. She makes a mean martini. They come with a sidecar.

However, the Old Fashioned is a house specialty. You’ll also find a good selection of local, craft and draft beers. Happy Hour deals on drinks are available throughout the restaurant, but specials on appetizers are exclusive to the bar.

If you have not been to University Grill in a while, the bar has been expanded and now extends into the patio. The tin roof patio overlooks a small lake and is good for large parties. For even bigger parties and celebrations, there is a private room that can accommodate up to 40 people. Holiday parties are booking now.

University Grill is a casual, yet classy, neighborhood bar and grill. There are several reasons why it has stood the test of time. The atmosphere is inviting, the staff is welcoming, the restaurant has a culture of giving back, and best of all, they serve consistently good food and drinks.

University Grill is located at 7790 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. The restaurant is open daily from 4 p.m. to closing. Happy Hour is daily from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to close on Wednesdays. Early dining specials are from 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Private dining and event space are available. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 239-437-4377 or visit TheUGrill.net.