We're going to be in Ft. Myers for one night, getting in about 8 or 8:30, and staying near the airport. I don't want to venture too far afield for food at that hour, but want to do better than Burger King. Any recommendations?

Not sure what you will find close to the airport. I can't think of anything...what I do know is about places further up 41/tamiami trail. For Japanese - Origami, for upbeat open feel, Bahama Breeze. Or in the Bell Tower shops there are several places whose names escape me now. If you prefer chain there is a Macaroni Grill along there too. Check tripadvisor for Ft. M restaurants for reviews.

Have good flight.

Ask at the desk when you check in... there's a PF Changs, lots of chains and a ton of places on 41 and off 75...

When we visit my great aunt/uncle in FM we go to the same place evvveeery tiiiime: Perkins!

But hey they love it!!

OK - thanks. Funny about your great aunt/uncle and Perkins - my Dad was stuck on Appllebee's. After my mom died, we went there once a week for three plus years. I won't be looking for an Applebee's in Ft. Myers!

Hey, you're in luck. Head out of the airport drive and then head south. Just past Alico Road on the right you will see the huge Town Center Shopping Center. There are some 30 or so restaurants there, PF Chaings, Carrabbas, Outback, Firepit City Grill, Red Robin, Islamarada Fish Company, and many more.
This whole thing is less than 5 or 10 minutes from the airport entrance.

NeoPatrick: I think it's called the Gulf Coast Town Centre.

Well, yes, officially. But since it's the only "Town Center" Mall within a hundred miles, I think everyone here just says "Town Center" and we manage not to confuse it with the one in Boca. In any case it's huge, so it would be hard to miss.

Ah- thanks!

Has anyone been to Mr. Mee's?

Bellhouse I bet that weekly applebees trip meant a lot to him

My uncle is having surgery today. Hes very old. Im sad now b/c I feel Id give anything to "have" to go to perkins with him again.

NatureGirl - hope your great-uncle is doing ok. I know how you feel - I'd happily go to Applebees two or three times a week, or every day, if I could go with my dad. Every couple of months I would suggest we try another restaurant - he would go and enjoy it, but the next week we were back at Applebees at our regular table and the waitress who knew what he would order.

Thank you bellhouse for the thought re my uncle.

And thanks for sharing your special applebees memories. I love stories like that, just love them.