Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Fancy's Southern Cafe

    4.1 (1.1k reviews)
    ModerateSouthern
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Fancy's Southern Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Fancy's Southern Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    FANCY'S SOUTHERN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Fancy's Southern Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    traditional breakfast
    Tiffany D.

    This place is so popular but I just can't get on board. The menu is amazing and boiled peanuts are my absolute favorite. Those were delicious and we ordered the donuts which were also superstars. However, the tradional breakfast was served lukewarm and it was less than appetizing. The hash browns were tough and tastes less and scrambled eggs watery. The biscuits were ok.. This place definitely has potential if they can increase the quality of food.

    Inside restaurant
    Marci N.

    Casual vibe that I adore. Unfortunately they were out of many dishes because they opened a new down town location. The bartender was adorable and did the best she could for an understaffed Monday night. Food was spectacular and so was the service., Catfish and Mac and cheese were stellar Mimosa on the house for long wait times. Really pretty perfect for a low maintenance girl like me.

    Angela R.

    We have been here several times over the years. This was probably our favorite sit down restaurant of all time before we moved out to Orlando and Las Vegas. We have always been a fan of the food but always felt the service has room for improvement. We have only come during dinner and we always have loved the country fried steak and chicken and waffles. We ordered this upon our recent visit after not coming for several years and the food is just as good as we remembered. The waffles stood out highly this time especially topped with the sweet potato shreds. 4 large waffles in the dish make for a huge plate super filling. The chicken fried steak was good also, one side seemed to be mostly all breading and minimal steak, but was still good. I love the gravy it comes with. Our servers, Ian and his trainee Joel, did a phenomenal job serving. They were extremely friendly and were great with natural conversation. I did knock off a couple stars, since we did see the hosts and some servers sitting around in the front while it wasn't too busy, it's a lazy look and when you look around, you easily see a bunch of dusty items that definitely could use a wipe down.. Overall this place has been pretty consistent with their food at least. Drinks are good too. Just some ambiance things that I feel can use a bit of improvement.

    Restroom photos
    Sara G.

    Absolutely LOVELY ambiance. I can't wait to come back here and get a cocktail at the bar. As much as I want to love everything about this place, the food isn't great :/ it's bland, and the veggies are grey. Thankfully they don't charge outrageous prices, so it's less disappointing. Servers and hostesses are very friendly.

    Banana pudding
    Pam P.

    It is very attractive inside and well lit . There are two rooms. One has the bar in it and the other is a dining area. I sat in the bar area. The waitress was very friendly and very helpful in ordering. I decided on the pot pie. It was delicious. I decided to order a banana pudding for dessert. He came in a soup bowl! I shared it with the people surrounding me. The price is reasonable and the ambience is great. I highly recommend it.

    Country fried steak should have been named country fried charcoal.

    We came to Fancy's Southern Cafe expecting southern hospitality, but unfortunately, that's the one thing that never showed up. After waiting over 10 minutes at the front door with no employee in sight, we should have taken it as a sign. Once seated, our server seemed annoyed that we were there and made us feel more like a burden than guests. The food didn't help. My husband's country fried steak was so burned it could have doubled as breaded charcoal, and my chicken pot pie was as bland as a rainy Monday. Neither of us ate more than a few bites. (pictures attached are our plates when we left) To top it all off, our server added a 20% gratuity to the bill himself--which was far more generous than I would have been based on the service we received. Bad food is disappointing. Bad service makes it unforgettable. We left hungry, frustrated, and wishing we'd chosen just about anywhere else.

    Lamp chops $65 removed from ticket cold and unseasoned
    Rebecca R.

    Fancy FAILURE How do I begin, we walk in with no reservation.... 7:32 PM The restaurant has lots of seating. Keep reading you'll see why. We wait 15 mins. To get water. A waiter approaches the table next to us and totally ignores us. After 15 more mins Liz walks past and offers help says she is not our waitress but saw us sitting there.... She Takes our order we wait another 20 mins chicken and waffles come out. So not the entire order just chicken and waffles. 15 more mins my dinner date literally goes to find the waitress to ask where my food is at this point his food is rock cold. Liz finds my food lamb chops they were completely Unseasoned! * no sour cream no salt no pepper YUCK!!!! She offered to bring both but only provided sour cream. I eat one of the horrible chops then ask for the bill! She sends over the manager Lucious the inexperienced and overwhelmed manger... guess what guys. He waited on the table next to us.... But walked past my table like we were invisible.....Lucious provided an insincere apology and says he will see what he can do billing wise. Says he will be back in a minute.... He walks past us 4 times no eye contact. Finally Liz comes with the bill. See attached**** I call Lucious and ask why didn't come back to address our concern "I got busy". Ummmm this place is empty and he is reason why! Moving on I pay the bill but can't help but wonder why they wouldn't provide service to our table. See the bill!! They planned on charging me $65 for these nasty chops... OMG!!! In the case Fancy's restaurant downtown Fort Myers is an absolute FAILURE of a restaurant. SEATED. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RESTAURANT... IGNORED NO SERVICE NO FOOD***Sorry to deliver this news Dear owners the staff has no idea how to deliver food service. Please evaluate P&L with Lucious as the manager this location will be closed in no time. THIS IS LITERALLY ONE OF THE WORST RESTAURANTS I HAVE EVER VISITED !!! Guess what leadership people do not care about your attempt to get settled or in your grove we are paying for dinner!!

    Shrimp and grits
    Tracy D.

    Cute spot. Came for dinner with a friend while in town. We had chicken and waffles, Shrimp and grits and a side of mashed potatoes. Our server was so helpful, funny and kind. She encouraged to get whatever we wanted to eat, no restrictions and how we wanted it served. I'll come back here next time I'm in town!

    Weekend menu
    Jeff W.

    I liked this place. Went on a Sunday, so it was the weekend menu. Brunch and dinner. They close at 2:30 (until 3:30) for the changeover. Food was very good and service was very attentive. Place isn't huge but it's big enough. I understand they are opening a new location downtown - can't wait.

    Country fried steak 6oz tons of batter
    Bob M.

    1/28/2026 Beware maybe just pay cash. Fraudulent. If you leave a 22% tip you will be charged more on your credit card statement. Tab was $38.46 tipped $8.46 charges on my card $50. That girl training the new hire working the bar should be ashamed for stealing. Party of two paying separately a coworker and I both charged more. Food was low grade bland. Lacked any spice or flavor. Looked good but just lacked taste. Baked Mac n cheese was big let down. Sweet potato soufflé was good. I don't drink alcohol but coworker does. He said his old fashion was made wrong. Also for only 10 people in the place the service was slow for two bar people. I let my staff of a 100+ know while we're in town to avoid the place. Hope the entitlement and theft was worth it. I have never left a bad review but theft will not be tolerated.

    Brita R.

    I went to Fancy's Southern Cafe one day to meet a friend for lunch. I was shocked to see Frog Legs with Hot Honey Sauce on the menu, so I decided why not try it. My friend and I both tried their frog legs and both agreed that the hot honey sauce made the frog legs much more palatable. I also ordered their Fried Chicken & Waffles dish which was incredibly delicious (both taste and appearance). My friend ordered the same and we both licked our plates clean. Our server was great and very personable. The atmosphere inside was upscale but comfortable. Overall, great experience!!

    Liver and onions (lunch)
    Julie F.

    We had a very good lunch here. And if you like old-fashioned southern cooking, you would as well. Service was friendly but a bit slow. The kitchen staff, however, is most talented so any wait is well worth it. As we were traveling, it was nice that this restaurant was not a far detour off the highway. And it was easy parking right out front. The restaurant has a couple sections -- a bar area and a separate dining room. We chose to dine in the regular dining room as it was quieter. They had a number of appealing lunch specials. It was hard to choose. Each special came with the addition of two sides. And the portions are big enough to share. My husband selected the liver and onions. For sides, he chose the collard greens and mashed potatoes with gravy. He said it was very good. I opted for their chicken pot pie and got green beans and sweet potato casserole as my sides. The pot pie was creamy with a large amount of white meat shredded chicken, peas, and carrots, in the rich sauce. All was topped with a very delicious puff pastry topping. Both portions were huge, and we both took half our meals home. My husband did save some room for his (absolute) favorite dessert -- banana pudding. Again, a huge portion, with fresh bananas and crunchy vanilla wafers added to the pudding. There were also some small dollops of whipped cream, as well. We had the leftovers for a couple days... I'm sure we will be coming back here when we next pass by this area. This place is a keeper.

    Kevin K.

    Came here after work, I was surprise the place wasn't pack. Sat down at the bar and order my drinks and food. For appetizer I had the deviled eggs. Main course had the Shrimp and Grits and dessert peach cobbler. The deviled eggs was good, but it need more flavor & a kick to it. The star of the nite was the Shrimp & Grits, shrimp was cooked perfectly, and the grits has goof flavor, especially I love how it has a kick to it. Love it so much still thinking about that dishe. Lastly the dessert, peach cobblers it was warm and it was perfect. I was so full after the dinner. The server server is very attentive. Overall I love everything that I ordered. Highly recommend this place. I would definitely go back again.

    country fried steak

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Barb R.
    56
    50
    56

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 5
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam P.
    0
    23
    3

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bo F.
    130
    86
    87

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jeff W.
    213
    686
    2852

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Bob M.
    0
    11
    10

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J H.
    0
    18
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Lauren M.

    Lauren M.

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S L.
    1
    53
    58

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa N.
    58
    10
    9

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    This meal was excellent!!! Hot, flavorful!! I'm from out of town, and it was a great choice!!!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Thank you! We’re happy you enjoyed the food and atmosphere!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of TJ M.
    179
    40
    13

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Izzy M.

    Izzy M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 29

    Ask the Community - Fancy's Southern Cafe

    Is there a dress code?

    Not that I'm aware of. I've seen some very casual dress at this restaurant. As long as you have a charge card or cash, you should be good to go.

    Do you allow dogs outside?

    I have seen dogs with their owners at the outside tables. County ordinance does require a leash not exceeding 6 feet long. Personally I love dogs and the more, the merrier!

    Are you open on Thanksgiving Day?

    No.

    Do you take reservations for outside seating?

    Outside dinning is first come first serve, but they will try their best to reserve.

    Are you open on Sun night?

    M-F: 11:00AM-9:00PM Lunch and Dinner. Sat- Sun: Breakfast 8:00AM-11:30AM.… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Buckingham Farms - Buckingham Cuban.

    Buckingham Farms

    4.7(407 reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $$

    I've visited here many times, and I always find the food delicious…read more The fresh collard greens are huge, but absolutely fantastic! I really recommend you try it. Thank you so much for your wonderful service!

    While visiting Fort Meyers for the first time, it was recommended that we go to Buckingham Farms…read morefor breakfast. We were excited to try it based on their website, reviews, and the recommendation. Upon entering you can pick up a menu or look at the menu board. There is no table service. Once you place your order you can sit down at a table and wait for your pager to go off. When your pager goes off you have to go to the back of the restaurant to get your utensils. The utensils are plastic that are dispensed. The coffee cups are made of Styrofoam, surprising since this is promoted as a"farm to table" restaurant. You can dispense your own coffee and pick up non refrigerated packaged creamers. No fresh milk or creamer offered. Again surprising. My wife asked a food preparer if she could have some fresh milk for her coffee. It was provided in a plastic container. I ordered an egg, cheese, and bacon on a biscuit. I didn't see any other type of bread offered. My wife ordered the waffle making a point for it to be prepared plain. Our pagers went off and we went to pick up our food. The waffles my wife ordered plain had some kind of cream on it. The server said she didn't see any note about it being prepared plain. She took it back to remake it and brought it out to our table. The coffee was very weak and not very good. My wife threw hers out. Her waffle was tasteless. She took a couple of bites and threw it out as well. My biscuit sandwich was also very disappointing. The biscuit was dry and hard, the texture of the bacon was like shoe leather. We could not understand why this restaurant was as busy as it was. The only thing we could think of, was that it's the only place around. We left and drove 20 minutes to a Bakery/Cafe where they served good coffee, bread, and pastries.

    Photos
    Buckingham Farms
    Buckingham Farms - Green tomatoes for my fried green tomato recipe. Their red tomatoes are also delicious!

    Green tomatoes for my fried green tomato recipe. Their red tomatoes are also delicious!

    Buckingham Farms

    See all

    Salty Papa's Shrimp House - Charleston Chicken & Grits Extra Spicy Ghost Pepper

    Salty Papa's Shrimp House

    4.3(681 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    $$

    Once again, I came here to meet with Mrs. K.'s friends. I did one thing before I got here. I…read morelooked at my previous review and made sure I didn't order the same again. OOPS, I did it again. I ordered the oysters. Darn fine oysters. For my main, I ordered their Gumbo. The Gumbo is unusual in that there was no shrimp or fish, just sausage. It was delicious. Mrs. K. ordered a fish sandwich; she did not eat it. She said it had an extreme fishy taste. I was asked to taste it; I declined. I did smell it; it smelled fishy. Cod should not present a problem.

    Over an ok experience allow me to do a deep dive on why such a bad review. I went to the…read moreestablishment for a late lunch w/ mom she ordered fried oysters no problem I ordered fresh 1/2 dozen no problem. I also ordered hog fish * a Fl delicacy described as follows: Considered superior in taste and texture, often marketed as the "filet mignon of the sea". Well folks I was served tilapia and charged $28 for a $7 dollar dish. I hope the owner is reading this because you know it's dead wrong. I questioned the waitress Staci because I know this was bogus. Not her fault she does not run the kitchen. I did tell her I planned on reviewing the experience...... after 2 bites I took the food to go so I could prove that they knowingly price gouge customers. I was shocked to learn that misrepresenting fish in FL is considered a food violation and a finable offense....now i have evidence so let's see where this goes. Anyway guys when you go to Salty Papa order chicken wings and cheap drinks others they will try to scam you. See pics of tilapia vs their hogfish *same cheap fish. Also adding pics of real delicacy. This place is a fraud. Owner left a very aggressive response. Not sure why when you got your $28 and I left my phone number. No need to be Sassy if you are really customer satisfaction tag you're it. Enjoy your weekend!

    Photos
    Salty Papa's Shrimp House - Inside of restaurant

    Inside of restaurant

    Salty Papa's Shrimp House - Shrimp po-boy sandwich  with a scoop of palmetto cheese on top.

    Shrimp po-boy sandwich with a scoop of palmetto cheese on top.

    Salty Papa's Shrimp House - Charleston Shrimp & Grits

    See all

    Charleston Shrimp & Grits

    Ella Mae's Diner

    Ella Mae's Diner

    4.3(185 reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$
    Casual dining
    Kid friendly

    We came here as a party of 7 for Mother's Day brunch! We sat outside and even on a 91 degree day,…read moreit wasn't too terribly hot. They were packed and they were doing their best to get people in and out! It would be legit if they added big ceiling fans to the outside seating area for days like this to keep the air circulating. We got a variety of dishes: the chicken fried pork tenderloin, eggs Benedict, chicken & waffles, the kids pancakes, the kids breakfast sandwich, and fried okra to share! Everything was fresh, hot, and fantastic. The only thing I don't recommend is the kids breakfast sandwich. It is just eggs on white bread! My favorite was the chicken & waffles. My kids ate half of it, it was that good! Our service was amazing from both the hostess and our server. I definitely recommend and would come back in a heartbeat. Even though we didn't get to sit inside, we went in to look around and it's super adorable. I love the ambiance of an old fashioned diner, especially the bar that overlooks the busy kitchen!

    Had just checked into hotel and got to the restaurant around 1pm. Had not eaten anything yet and…read morewas surprised that they still offered both breakfast and lunch. Menu was super clean! Love that! Decided on lunch. The order: grilled fish sandwich with extra lettuce; a side of Mac and cheese (how can you not get Mac and cheese at a diner? It is what diners are to be judged on!!); and a piece of banana cream pie Probably one of the best grilled fish sandwiches I've ever had. It had the lettuce, some coleslaw to keep it interesting and a piece of fresh grilled fish. The Mac and cheese was death row meal worthy! Loved the banana cream pie too! My waiter Avery steered me right on the selection. Went back another day for lunch. I had the fish on the Ellie Mae salad and it was good. And the key lime pie. Avery waited on me both times and is a gem! Very pleasant, attentive, and dead in with his suggestions. Wish I could return! Need to try the breakfast!!

    Photos
    Ella Mae's Diner - Pancake breakfast at Ella Mae's Diner

    Pancake breakfast at Ella Mae's Diner

    Ella Mae's Diner - Bloody Mary with bacon at Ella Mae's

    Bloody Mary with bacon at Ella Mae's

    Ella Mae's Diner

    See all

    Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant - Salmon with baked potatoe

    Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant

    3.0(338 reviews)
    8.9 mi
    $$

    We were staying at the Best Western Ft. Myers Waterfront, and this restaurant is on the premises…read morebetween 2 tall hotel buildings. The restaurant also hosts breakfast for the hotel. We were seated promptly on a recent Thursday evening, and scored a table overlooking the water. The restaurant wasn't remotely busy. Service was good, and we didn't feel rushed. I had the blackened salmon (8 oz) with 2 included sides, slaw and a baked potato. While there's a choice of sides, quite a few (including ones I might have chosen) have upcharges. My husband had fish & chips. Beer and house wine are reasonably priced. There are plenty of menu choices, including seafood boils priced by the half pound. My baked potato only came with sour cream; I had to ask for butter. I enjoyed the meal; the portion size was just right. My husband says his fish & chips dinner was among the best he'd ever had. The parking area for the restaurant is also used for hotel occupants. There's a dock leading to the restaurant from the back. This is a nice,casual place to grab a seafood dinner and enjoy the view.

    It's been awhile since we last had been here. We were so looking forward to coming here. We are…read moreso glad that we did. We enjoyed the view of the harbor watching the boats. We both ordered the same lunch. Since Cole slaw is a bit or miss at many restaurants, we both decided to pay extra for a side house salad with thousand island dressing. The rest of the delicious meal was their pub fish & chips. French fries were really good. The fish was very tender and flaky and so delicious. Next time we will try a dessert.

    Photos
    Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant - Inside

    Inside

    Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant - Captain Fry Basket

    Captain Fry Basket

    Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant - Beautiful view of downtown Ft Myers skyline

    See all

    Beautiful view of downtown Ft Myers skyline

    Fancy's Southern Cafe - southern - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...