The Whale is back on Fort Myers Beach. -COURTESY PHOTO
An icon of Fort Myers Beach is now back open. The Whale, one of the beach’s most popular local spots, is open for business for the first time since being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. It opened to the public Nov. 14.
Co-owner Dawn Miller is thrilled to be able to breathe life back into this beloved bar and restaurant in the heart of the beach she grew up coming to.
The Whale offers a beachside view to watch the sunset as customers sip on a margarita or enjoy an appetizer. -COURTESY PHOTO
“The Whale is iconic. I’ve been coming here since the 80’s and I love the old school places on Ft. Myers Beach. I love that I’m able to be that person to help bring it back,” said Miller.
As with many places on the island, Hurricane Ian reduced The Whale to nothing but bones after the category four storm wreaked havoc on Southwest Florida in 2022. Miller says at times she wasn’t sure what the future would hold, but seeing the doors finally back open was worth the wait.
“It’s been a long road,” said Miller. “A lot of arguments and missed nights sleeps, but I couldn’t be happier than to be where I’m at today. I joke that if I was told back then it would be three years, I wouldn’t do it…but I still would.”
Dawn’s husband and co-owner, Mike Miller, is excited to reestablish their business in the heart of the island and welcome locals and visitors alike. He says the community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with hundreds of people flocking to the restaurant’s soft opening events during the first half of November. He expects even more customers now that the Whale is open to the public.
“This is what the community needs,” said Mike Miller. “The people are ready. They’re ready to be here.”
The Whale offers three floors of seating. Each level has a different atmosphere and caters to different kinds of crowds, but patrons can get the same food and drinks on any floor they choose. The first and third floors are open-air, and the second floor has glass exteriors. All three allow for beautiful views of Ft. Myers Beach, especially during sunset.
“Each floor is different,” said Mike Miller. “The first floor is the old school Whale that people remember. The second floor is going to be more upscale dining. The third floor is going to have live music and incredible views of the water.”
The third floor, especially, has a tiki hut atmosphere, and that’s exactly what co-owner Mike Miller was going for. He pointed out the steel beams holding up the roof, painted like giant wood planks to mimic a tiki hut roof. He says the third floor will be the party floor and you’ll be able to hear the fun while walking down Estero Boulevard because there will be live music almost every night. A giant wrap-around bar serves as the center of the top floor with smaller tables along the windows for an elevated view of Fort Myers Beach. In the back of the bar is space for live music and a small dance floor.
There are men’s and women’s restrooms on each floor and two elevators, one for customers and one for the staff, to ensure quick and seamless delivery of food and drinks between the kitchen and all three floors.
The Whale on Fort Myers Beach offers a view while attendees enjoy a meal. -COURTESY PHOTO
The Whale is a larger building. And though it’s been three years in the making, it’s the first new commercial rebuild on Fort Myers Beach since Hurricane Ian. Each hallway, stairwell and bathroom showcases hand-painted works of art with an underwater theme. Expect to see lots of painted mermaids, sea turtles and of course, a giant whale, all with special nods to Fort Myers Beach. Holding 340 seats among its three floors, The Whale is sure to be busy, especially once the season hits full swing in Southwest Florida over the next few months.
General Manager Greg VonKrumreig says he’s hired a great and experienced staff and is working tirelessly to make sure customer service at The Whale is top-notch.
“I will absolutely make sure this is the best place on For. Myers Beach to go to,” said VonKrumreig. “This place is stunning and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back.”
The Whale will start out with a smaller menu but plans to expand as the business gets into its rhythm. VonKrumreig says the menu features old favorites that many will recognize with some exciting new additions, too.
“We are using a lot of our old staples like garlic mussels and smoked pork belly,” said VonKrumreig, “And then we plan to keep adding and adding and adding. We have a watermelon basil margarita that’s delicious. We have a Buckeye Blitz martini, peanut butter and chocolate, that’s absolutely fantastic.”
The Whale’s nachos are covered in toppings of choice. -COURTESY PHOTO
Other popular menu items include a double smash burger, smoked wings, and ahi tuna nachos. Sides include French fries, roasted garlic sprouts, and black beans with coconut rice, among others. Key lime pie, New York cheesecake, and chocolate mousse cake round out the dessert side of the menu.
The Whale has a full bar on each of its three floors with bartenders serving up several beers on tap, wine, and signature hand-made cocktails like the Lavender Lemonade and the Skinny Diamond Margarita. And for a quick caffeine fix to extend your night out, The Whale has espresso martinis on tap, guaranteed to pour ice cold and frothy.
The Whale is planning on hosting happy hours, live music, and other special events like college football watch parties (especially Ohio State), holiday events and a New Year’s Eve bash. The restaurant will also be available to host private parties like birthdays, baby showers, or work events.
Co-owner Dawn Miller says if you’ve been to the old Whale, expect the same great food, customer service, and beachy vibes, but be ready for some surprises, too.
“If you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more to come, we’re not done!” said Dawn Miller.
The Whale is located at 1249 Estero Blvd. on Fort Myers Beach. Check out the business’s website at www.thewhalefmb.com for updated business hours, the full menu and an event calendar.