Rum Bay — Restaurant in Florida

My son and his family came to visit us while in Florida. We only see them about 4 occasions a year. I reserved a 5:00 dinner reservation 24 hours ahead. Called the day of to confirm if we needed to take the 4:30 taxi for a 5:00 reservation for dinner at the Rum Bay. Hostess confirmed we were on 5:00 taxi! 4 adults 3 children. (My grandchildren are 6,4 and 16 months.) We arrived early , first actually, and we had to pace on the ramp with railings with these small darlings. Taxi arrives at 4:57....people come on board. My husband, grandson and myself get on taxi. Then the driver raised his hand and said that’s all I can take. The rest of my family is about to board and he said you have to take next taxi. I announced but I made a reservation. He then looks at his book and asked our name, sure enough, you did. Well then squish in, but know I don’t have this many life jackets. People on board all looked with blank stares. Lady next to me and her husband told me she’d just picked up her sister from airport and didn’t have a reservation. Couple next to us told me the same. We were in back of taxi, with young children who couldn’t see the dolphins. Dinner was nothing to rave about. Kids had pizza and hamburgers. Myself and daughter in law, seafood (dried fish, 4 baby shrimp). My husband paid over 150.00 for dinner, I paid 36.00 for water taxi. After dinner, 6:10pm. I took my grandchildren down to gift shop. Closes even while seasonal people are still coming. Then we walked down to look around, cannot do that unless you are staying at the resort. So we go to take taxi back - no room again. The woman waved and said she would have gotten off in order to make room for us. So we wait for next taxi. Bugs we’re starting to bite, darkness sets in, and after dark-no dolphins. Sadly I have to post this, but calling the restaurant twice and leaving messages for hotel quality hostess has failed. My point is, Mr Water Taxi captain. Announce with loud voice, anyone with pre exiting RESERVATIONS, please board first. That step alone, would have made our experience a pleasant one. Please have a discussion with this captain/boat driver that you cannot expect a TIP after your un-business like actions.

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Rum Bay is a tropical-themed restaurant and bar located in the heart of Englewood, Florida. With its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Rum Bay is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy some delicious food and drinks in a beautiful setting.

One of the standout features of Rum Bay is its menu, which offers a wide range of Caribbean-inspired dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. From the spicy jerk chicken to the succulent seafood, the food is fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. There are also plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available, making this a great spot for groups with diverse dietary needs.

The bar at Rum Bay is equally impressive, with an extensive selection of tropical cocktails, beers, and wines that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Whether you're in the mood for a classic rum punch or something a little more adventurous, the skilled bartenders at Rum Bay have got you covered.

The atmosphere at Rum Bay is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options to choose from. The restaurant's decor is inspired by the laid-back vibe of the Caribbean, with colorful murals, tropical plants, and plenty of beachy accents to set the mood.

The service at Rum Bay is friendly and attentive, with staff who go out of their way to make sure that every guest feels welcome and satisfied. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you can count on the staff at Rum Bay to make you feel right at home.

Overall, Rum Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a taste of the tropics in the heart of Englewood. With its delicious food, refreshing drinks, and welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant and bar is sure to become a favorite spot for locals and...

My husband and I called the restaurant to make a reservation for 8 which at that time we were told we would have a reservation. We were told we had a reservation for 5pm for the water taxi and once we arrived at the restaurant we would be seated. We arrived at the pier way before 5pm and before the majority of other people. When the water taxi arrived, even though we had a reservation, people who knew we were there ahead of them passed us and boarded the taxi. Then the taxi driver said he could not take our 8 because of the people already on the taxi and we would have to catch the next one. The driver was very rude as were all the people that boarded ahead of us. The driver said they all had reservations but the woman from restaurant said you couldn't make a reservation unless you had 8 people. He also said once we got there it would be an hour wait and the next driver said they were running out of food. It was all very confusing. Why does anyone need a reservation if they take parties of less than 8 ahead of a group with a reservation?? The water taxi and restaurant definitely need a better system because this one is obviously not working. Needless to say, I can't rate our restaurant experience because the second driver told us it was so packed at the restaurant that we would be waiting over an hour to be seated and with a shortage of food, he basically thought we should reconsider going. He was much nicer than the first driver. So Rum Bay lost 8 customers which I'm sure they could care less about. We took our business elsewhere and will not...