Best value, great food, laid back dining: Pelican Bend on the Isles of Capri

A place we have been enjoying for the past three years is Pelican Bend on the Isles of Capri, just over the bridge from Marco Island.  They don't take reservations, so you have to go and wait.  This year they are starting to put you on the wait list if you call a little ahead. There's a charming bar in the back that's screened in and serves beer or wine.  There's always a decent beer on tap and KJ wine, nothing extravagant.  There are lots of boating people hanging out as well as vacationers in the know.  It's off the beaten path, but well worth seeking out.

If you wear shorts and a tanks top or t-shirt, you'll fit right in.  Also flip flops are the shoe of choice.

Gulf oysters, nicely shucked and fresh. 

A dozen for $11.95.  (Take that New York)

A generous wedge with homemade dressings.  Blue cheese for me, house garlic for Barb.  How much?  Included with your entree.

A pound of boneless prime rib that they slow cook, but still keep rare enough for me to truly enjoy.  Comes with a perfectly baked potato. ($19.95).

Barb always gets the White Roughy.  They accommodate her with steamed squash.  Not sure of the price...probably about $20.

They have nice Key Lime pie which is served frozen, but I seldom have room for dessert there.

Since I love prime rib and keep good wines around, I bring my own wine for dinner.  They have a $9.95 corkage.

The people who work there are as nice as can be, many of them family, and have mostly been there for a very long time.

One of my favorite places on earth.  And the reason I never go to any steakhouses.