We had visited Sanible/Captive in July of this year and did not get to the Mucky Duck then. We returned for a pre Xmas visit and hit it just right. It was about 10 minutes to 5 and found that the dining room opened at 5pm. We were asked when we would like to be seated. We asked for 5 and bought some drinks to watch the sunset until called. However before we even got all of our drinks we were called to be seated. We were seated at the first table on the left at the window. This was perfect for the view of the sunset from our seats. My wife and daughter went outside to shot the sunset. I sat in my seat and got some great shots with the palm trees in them. The atmosphere was great,(be sure to have someone ask for catsup). The food was good and decent portions. The drink prices were fairly reasonable considering this is Captiva. I would return again but since everything was just perfect due to the timing it may not be the same again (one of those planets all in alignment things that happens once in a lifetime). Did pick up a couple of shirts to commemorate the visit (again reasonable prices). I think the first reviewer missed out on the whole "gotta visit" thing because they were there before sunset. This is the best place to eat and see the sunset on either Sanibel or Captiva (making note that in December the sunset is around 5:00 - 5:30pm and just when the dining room is opening up).

We loved The Mucky Duck. The food and atmosphere were great. I had salmon with some kind of fruit salsa, and it was very tasty. I guess the only downside here is that there is always quite a wait. We put our names on the list and waited an hour, but they give you a little beeper, so you can take a stroll and come back when they're ready for you.

Also, they don't have a liquor license here, apparently. Maybe it's because they are right on the beach. But they have beer and some kind of wine-based margaritas. The waiters were really funny and nice. Actually, a funny story--another customer was having a birthday, so the waiters got the whole restaurant to sing happy birthday to them and then shoved a pie in this girl's face. I couldn't believe it! They must've asked if it was okay beforehand. I have no idea. It was the funniest thing.

The Mucky Duck has acquired a reputation as a "must-do" on Captiva. So, we dutifully went there for lunch on our first day on the island. In retrospect, I can't say how it became so famous. It's right on the beach, but you really can't see the beach from the restaurant. It's ostensibly a "British Pub", but the decor looks more like a rural Midwestern supper club with pine paneling and lots of beer signs.

The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't fantastic either. The menu is divided between American-style food with some seafood specialties, and British items such as steak pies. We tried the fried oyster sandwich and the grouper sandwich. A large selection of beer (British and American) is available. Prices are reasonable.

We walked by the Mucky Duck at Happy Hour and noticed that they have live entertainment (a Jimmy Buffett soundalike) on the beachfront patio.

I would go back for a quick, inexpensive lunch, but I certainly wouldn't call this a "destination" restaurant.