Backwater Jacks Restaurant — Restaurant in Bonita Springs

Five Stars Just Isn’t Enough for Backwater Jacks and Amazing Nessa!

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of waterfront vibes, amazing food, and top-tier service, Backwater Jacks in Bonita Springs is the place to be. I’ve been to countless restaurants in Southwest Florida, but nothing compares to the experience you get here. From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with the laid-back charm of Old Florida, blended seamlessly with modern comfort and incredible hospitality.

Let’s start with the atmosphere: Backwater Jacks is nestled right on the water, giving you those beautiful, breezy coastal views whether you’re inside or out on the deck. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, have a cold drink, and completely unwind. Whether you’re watching boats drift by or enjoying the soft glow of the sunset, every moment here feels like a mini vacation.

Now, the food—wow. Their menu is full of flavor, with fresh seafood, hearty portions, and creative dishes that feel both comforting and refined. The grouper bites are a must-have, and their blackened grouper entree? Out of this world. The key lime pie is dangerously good and hands-down the best I’ve had in the area. Everything is consistently fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. You can tell the kitchen puts real care into every plate.

But what truly sets Backwater Jacks apart from every other restaurant is the service—specifically, Nessa.

If you’re lucky enough to be seated in her section, you’re in for a treat. Nessa is the gold standard when it comes to hospitality. She’s warm, welcoming, and knows the menu inside and out. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does. Her timing is perfect, she checks in just enough without hovering, and she always has the best recommendations. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, she treats you like family.

Nessa has this incredible way of making everyone feel special. She remembers names, favorite drinks, and always adds that personal touch that takes the dining experience to another level. She’s not just a server—she’s a vibe. Honestly, she’s one of the biggest reasons why I keep coming back to Backwater Jacks. She brings a level of energy and authenticity that’s rare to find.

To sum it up: Backwater Jacks is an absolute gem in Bonita Springs. Amazing food, unbeatable views, and a team that clearly cares about delivering a memorable experience. And if you want that experience to be next-level, ask for Nessa. She’s the heart and soul of that place, and she’ll turn your meal into something you’ll be talking about long after the check comes.

10/10 recommend. This is not just a restaurant—it’s a whole vibe, and it’s the...

An updated current online menu would be very helpful. We were excited to hear about the new menu this season, but I personally have been disappointed thus far. The Crab and Corn Chowder is very tasty but is often so thick it can often be eaten with a fork. Adding a little water or milk would make this an easier soup to digest. Since this soup is available on daily basis...A broth type soup might be a better choice vs. 2 creamy soups. The rolls you started with this season were horrible. The biscuits that are served now aren't much better, but are a little more palatable. Warm crusty bread is always a hit! By the texture and taste of the french fries and onion rings, I'm guessing these items are precooked and kept under a heating light, which doesn't work for me. They look done and look fresh & crispy, but they are in fact limp and greasy. The Friday Fish fry and the Coconut Shrimp are the only 2 items I've had so far this season that have been freshly cooked as they have come out hot and crispy. I realize there are times when the kitchen is slammed with orders that come in all at once, but precooking items that should be served hot and fresh can't take that much extra time as there is always a little longer wait for meals to arrive. Occasional pasta, stew, taco salad, etc. specials might also be a big hit...Switching it up to make choices more exciting and different instead of being in a cooking rut like most of us who also cook at home.

We LOVE Backwater Jacks and truly wish the brave investors nothing but success! Every employee we have encountered have been nothing but wonderfully awesome, hard working, accommodating people! We all have so many other choices in great restaurants close by and luckily many of us keep coming back. We will continue to support Backwater Jacks in our weekly place to eat, drink and mingle with friends as it's like our own little neighborhood...

After making a reservation and asking for patio seating; which they said was unavailable, we were seated in a back room that felt like someone’s club basement. Looked like a nice place to eat in the main areas. We were not paying for good food and sit isolated in a restaurant. When we were leaving, I told the hostess that the table was unacceptable when there were others available. She said sorry we can reseat you, wait a few. No were not going to eat where the price didn’t match the atmosphere. Wouldn’t recommend, and I never write bad reviews. Sorry

In response to owner response: we were a party of two. When we were seated we ask not to sit in this room, I do not know the name of the room. There were plenty of tables available. When we were leaving without dining there, she said she could seat us somewhere else. There are many choices for restaurants. First...