Traders Restaurant on Sanibel

highlights of Traders is the best "Chef"- Mike Patnode. He is Superb in his menu selections and has excellent recommendations and the reputation to back it up. Good to see u doing so well, one day I will be there for a stay and I will come to Trader's to see you. Joni

Enjoyed The same great food that they have always had. Incredible seasoned meal. The shopping has only gotten better. The store is a great place to find gifts, clothing and jewelry.

We had dinner at traders on Saturday night, March 29. We have been going there for years. We had a reservation at 6:30 and were given a buzzer and told it would just be a few minutes. We were not seated until almost 715. I agree with the other reviewer, the hostess was horrendous! She never smiled. She seemed like she was annoyed with everyone. When I asked why people who came for their 7 o’clock reservation were seated right away, and we were still waiting, she got defensive and told me to “just calm down”!! She said she didn’t realize we had a reservation but didn’t apologize for the mistake. . she should not be working in hospitality! Also, the food was not very good at all! I think there are many other places, like Rosalita‘s for example, who were so happy to see us, even though we had no reservation! Do not eat at the Traders!

Hostess seemed put out to help us. Handed us a beeper and walked off.
Waitress—horrible! Took our drink order and food order and haven’t seen her for over an hour. She is taking orders but we are noticing she hasn’t been back around to her tables. Would have like another glass of wine or even dessert. I am writing this as we sit and wait for her to return…

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

We had an outstanding meal here the other day while we were on spring break. The short ribs with the augratin and creamed spinach was AMAZING! Best creamed spinach I've had in a long time. I'd come back just for that. The bourbon and fig short ribs sauce was to die for! My husband had the special which was sea bass and it was also fantastic. My mom had the steak and it wasn't cooked to her specifications which was disappointing, our waiter was also not the best he was very inattentive and that was a shame. However he made up for it by taking off two of our drinks since my mom's steak wasn't done correctly and he hadn't checked on us for quite some time. Overall we had a great dinner. The service could be a bit better to though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Reservation system is terrible. We made a reservation and then we had to wait 55 min. after we arrived before being seated. The hostess was rude and disrespectful. Think twice before going here in the busy season!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

We are longtime residents of Sanibel. Just want you to know that there are much better places to dine on the island than Traders.
The food is good, but overpriced. They mark up their wines by more than 4X the retail price. The type of fish featured on the menu is usually not what you are actually served.
The biggest issue is reservations. Over Christmas we waited over an hour past our reservation time for our table. We tried dining there again a few days ago and were seated over 45 minutes past our reservation time. We didn’t have our order taken until after being seated for more than 30 minutes and our dinner was finally served an hour and 40 minutes after our reservation time.
There is never any explanation, compensation or apology. When I politely asked if I could speak to the manager I was instead given a lengthy lecture by the smug hostess regarding improving my patience. I was told that the manager wasn’t there. They have an attitude that they are doing you a favor to serve you. They are very understaffed.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

First visit for lunch for lunch with another couple. Because of the number of unexpected upcharges (extra for onions on a hamburger?, french fries, bread for the table, we most likely will not return.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Our food was average no more.Service was slow but server seemed over worked.dining room was nice more on the casual side.Drinks were overpriced.Last time hete

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Shrimp scampi really lacked flavor and the shrimp were tough and the tail shells were left on, that's a PITA. The dish was just very bland without any seasoning or flavor.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Chef yells when food is ready. So irritating in a nice restaurant with tablecloths.
Not even Bob Evans and others yell food!!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

Burgers were eh for the price! Service was good tho.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

This was a last minute stop that became the best lunch we’ve had down here! The food and service exceeded expectations ❤️

Really good food and drinks!! Don’t Miss the braised short rib !!

Our meal was delicious and the bread I had to ask for was awesome. They should bring that out voluntarily.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pan-Sauteed Crab Cakes