Discover Backwater Jacks—Bonita Springs’ best-kept secret for dockside dining. Tucked inside the gates of Bonita Bay and fully open to the public, we’re a hidden gem where fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated coastal cuisine meet unbeatable waterfront views. Come by boat, jetski, or car and escape the ordinary with vibrant flavors, seasonal live music, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a laid-back lunch, Backwater Jacks is the ultimate destination for locals, visitors, and boaters alike—just minutes from Estero and Naples.
Laura Eder
Found this place on Google looking for waterside restaurants in Bonita Springs. Went on Valentine’s Day. Booked with Open Table for 3:15 pm for a party of 8. Didn’t know it’s in a gated community and you will be asked for your drivers license to enter. Gorgeous grounds leading up to the restaurant which overlooks the marina. The place was pretty empty when we arrived but we got seated at a high top in the bar. Still a nice view though we would have preferred the restaurant side. Didn’t seem like the hostess was interested in moving us when I hinted that it was prettier on the other side. There was live entertainment at 6 pm – good songs and not so loud we couldn’t still have a conversation nearby. Server was okay. Not super attentive but happy to accommodate us on a few drinks that were pretty strong (Jamaican Me Crazy) – he brought extra juice. We weren’t told there was a time limit on the table until almost 5 pm. We hadn’t ordered our main meals yet (had drinks and apps first) and needed to be out by 6:15 pm. The food was very good, especially the calamari, Caprese flatbread app, seared grouper and shrimp tetrazzini. Pretty pricey if you’re getting multiple drinks, apps and entrees.
… morePamela A
I love this place. The food, service and cocktails were amazing. My sisters and I ordered a variety of drinks and entrees and everything was good. There were great gluten free options for those needing that. The five of us shared a large house salad as we enjoyed are cocktails. The servings were generous and the drinks were perfect. Pip waited on us and was fantastic. She was there when we needed her but never felt rushed
… moreMerelyn Mendez
An absolutely phenomenal, five-star dining experience from start to finish. Cory delivered a masterful meal where every course—from the impeccably composed salad and soup to the exquisite main dish and the perfectly curated after-dinner drinks and dessert—left absolutely nothing to be desired. Every bite was indulgent, refined, and undeniably delicious, reflecting true culinary excellence. The entire experience felt high-end and thoughtfully executed in every detail. Elevating the evening even further was our server, Jeremy, whose elite tableside service was polished, attentive, and effortlessly sophisticated. The food was exceptional, the service truly one of a kind, and the experience nothing short of unforgettable.
… moreDolores Wisecarver
Backwater Jacks is located inside a private country club development, and let me tell you — reservations are not just recommended, they’re basically your passport to entry. The restaurant is technically open to the public, but first you must survive the gates. And by gates, I mean a security process that feels like you’re trying to enter a top-secret military base. Possibly more complicated.
As you approach, you must immediately merge into the far left lane — hesitation is not advised. ID must be presented. Retina scan optional (kidding… I think). Pro tip: call the restaurant while you’re creeping toward the guard shack so they can alert the gatekeeper that you are, in fact, worthy of entry. Once approved, the gates part dramatically and you are allowed into civilization.
The restaurant itself is upscale dining nestled in a marina — boats bobbing, sunset glowing, and you feeling slightly victorious for making it through security.
I ordered the red snapper with black beans, rice, and andouille sausage. It arrived looking like it belonged in a food magazine, delicately topped with cilantro micro-sprouts (because regular cilantro just wouldn’t do). It was absolutely delicious.
I briefly considered the black grouper… until I saw the market price was $59. At that point, I decided I liked red snapper very much.
My husband ordered the shrimp and grits. His official review: “Too many grits. Not enough shrimp.” But he did admit it was very tasty — so apparently shrimp quantity is his only complaint.
Jeremy was our server and did an excellent job explaining everything and taking great care of us — including, presumably, ensuring we made it back out of the gates safely.
Overall: great food, lovely setting, and an adventure just getting to dinner.
… moreJen Dykstra
I enjoyed the spring salad with a pancetta vinaigrette that was absolutely delicious! It was a spring mix with apple, pecans, feta and normally includes onion(which I held) – well balanced and the perfect size!
I also enjoyed the Blackened Grouper ( as did 2 others in the party). The grouper was amazing and the bun is a perfect compliment!
The shrimp pasta looked amazing and my mom really enjoyed it! Even the peas had a snap
To them!
I would suggest requesting an outside seating and if you want outside – make a reservation!
… moreNatalie Crist – Vandetti
setting for our early Valentine’s Day family dinner, and the entire evening felt like something special from the moment we walked in. The interior is stunning — rich wood walls, warm ambient lighting, layered nautical and vintage coastal details, and a lively bar scene that somehow still feels intimate. Between the glowing string lights, the aquarium, the suspended model planes, and the thoughtful textures everywhere you look, it has the feel of an elegant old-Florida waterfront hideaway — upscale, full of character, and incredibly inviting.
We brought our 13-year-old daughter with us, and it struck that rare balance of feeling like a true night out while still being completely comfortable and welcoming for a family celebration.
Jeremy, our server, was outstanding. Warm, attentive, and genuinely kind, he made us feel cared for the entire time. He anticipated what we needed before we had to ask and checked in at just the right moments without ever interrupting our conversation. Service like that makes an evening memorable.
The live music was the finishing touch that took everything to another level. The song selections were perfect, and the volume was exactly right — present enough to create a beautiful, romantic energy in the room, yet soft enough that we could enjoy an easy, uninterrupted conversation at the table. It added so much to the atmosphere without overpowering it.
And the food — absolutely phenomenal. Every dish that came out was an explosion of flavor. You could taste the freshness, the care, and the creativity in every bite. It was the kind of meal where everyone keeps sharing with each other because every plate is too good not to experience.
Between the rich, elegant coastal ambiance, the incredible service, the perfectly curated live music, and the unforgettable food, the entire night felt like a celebration. Backwater Jack’s is the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit.
… moreBobby Miller
Jeremy was our server and he was outstanding. As it was our first time, he met us with a warm welcome, well versed on the menu and was very attentive throughout our visit. We will definitely go back.
… moreJoe Jones
Backwater Jacks at the marina in Bonita Bay is a true hidden gem! The relaxed atmosphere and incredible food make it a must-visit. Head Chef Cory Bass crafts dishes that showcase fresh, locally caught fish, prepared to perfection. The flavors are unmatched, and the commitment to quality is evident in every bite. Whether you’re stopping by for the seafood, creative cocktails, or the welcoming service, this spot delivers an unforgettable dining experience. If you’re near the marina, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal at Backwater Jacks—it’s a standout!
… moreBrenda Hagen
Went Sunday Feb 1 evening. There was no heat! Very cold- never took off our coats. Shrug and a slight apology- “working on it.” Never got warmer. My chicken pasta served lukewarm. My white wine was warm! Automatic 20% tip-post taxes – plain rude. Had to correct check as the “happy hour price” wasn’t noted. Appetizer grouper nuggets=3- overpriced. Won’t come back! Overpriced and very underwhelmed. There with others or I’d left with the cold interior.
… moreMason Miller
Out of town couple celebrating an engagement. Staff very helpful and accommodating. Our server Jeremy may have been the hardest working person in the building amazing guy. Only drawback on the atmosphere is if you’re not part of the community then it does feel a bit foreign in the bar area. Otherwise it’s great food, drinks, and staff.
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