This place was really nice and is definitely a gem. Looks can be very deceiving because the outside did NOT match the inside. It wasn't dirty or anything, but I expected a crab house with the picnic tables and brown paper. However, when we walked in, it looked like a 5 star restaurant. Food - we prefer the roiled seafood platter (everything was HUGE) and really good and fresh, 1/2 dozen raw oysters which we demolished, crab cake sandwich which I couldn't even eat, it was so big I asked for a box, crab pretzel which tasted sooooo good and the crab egg roll which wasn't bad, but I expected more out of it. The children with us had the kids menus pizza and spaghetti and meatballs which, like kids, they messed over but said it was good lol Service - I hate I cannot recall our server name but he was really efficient and really nice. You can tell he liked people and enjoyed his job. We never had to ask for anything, he just brought it right out. I will DEFINITELY be back. read more

We had the crab cakes and were very disappointed. Tasteless mush that left me wondering why people were recommending this place. The side of fries were very starchy and cold. The "coleslaw" served in a small plastic cup was also tasteless and Ive have better coleslaw from Walmart! The raw oyster appetizer were also a disappointment, because they had a bitter aftertaste that was a little disturbing. The service was good though, but that is the best I can give to this disappointing meal. read more

The crab cakes and hand-cut Obay fries are good. I'm a seafood lover and enthusiast. My friends and family members ask me where to go for seafood. On my mother's birthday hair was in her food. The manager did not come over to apologize but instructed the waiter, Kimberly (great waitress) to deduct 20% off the check. Great customer service is quick, easy, personalized, and empathetic......they missed the "empathetic" part. Will NOT recommend or return. The Interior needs a make-over, dirty bathrooms, and dirty black cloth napkins with food stains. Disgusting!!! read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Crab cake and shrimp salad BLT WITH A PIECE OF HAIR!!!!! Disgusting! - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

So good! Crab cake sandwich was delicious. Gratin potatoes look better than they taste but they don't taste bad - just like normal potatoes prepared differently. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Crab cake sandwich with gratin potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

So a reservation was made for a Friday night at 6 for 3. Not at all busy, yet we were seated in the bar area without being asked if that was where we would be happy. (It only mattered to me). So here's the low down on the food. Octopus appetizer- the octopus was cut in pieces rather than being served whole which was a nice touch. Too many capers and a bit high on the vinegar for my taste. Rockfish dinner- fish was cooked perfectly. Came with roasted potatoes but a sauce was put on them and didn't appreciate that. There was also capers used on my fish and was once again too much of a good thing. The rolls were "pedestrian" - food service quality and not what I would expect of a better restaurant. The portions are generous and if I go back I'll know to ask them to limit their capers on my meal. read more

Omg! I have good news about this gem in Essex. So on this cold Saturday the family wanted to go out to eat and somewhere different. Since we live about 35 mins away we were hoping this spot was a good choice. Was it ever! We were a party of 7 and everyone enjoyed their food. Let me just say if chemo didn't slow my appetite I would have devoured my food. The food was A1. Now can I speak about my server? I hope I get his name right ( chemo brain) . Brandon was excellent ! I'm sure the rest of the severs are great but he was on top of everything. Our cups were never empty. He made our whole experience wonderful. Give that man a raise! I can't wait to go back. Oh and the crab cakes were some of the best I've tasted. We will be back. So many of my co workers told me about this great place but I'm so glad we came in today. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

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Long wait food over cooked management delay to even speak about the reservation at 6 PM and we are still sitting here at 8:10 PM. Just getting our food. read more

On Friday 31 January Restaurant week, made reservations thru open table at 5:30. Went immediately to table and seated, waiter was at our table within minutes, we reviewed menu, both Dailey diner menus and the Restaurant week. After reviewing both the Restaurant Week was selected, the seafood and crab cakes were very good accompanied by salad, appetizer, and dessert. We could not eat all of the order at "$45.00 each". We have visited the restaurant before and haven't been disappointed but this restaurant week was very very good and i would recommend it. read more

Service is good. Food is mediocre. The crab cake is a lot of crab, not much filler. So that's very good. Most places are up charging especially during covid and they have kept their prices competitive. They have specials during the week from rib night to pasta night. Drinks are very good and decent priced. Plenty of parking. Negative thing is the sides suck especially the creamed spinach. Horrible. Baked potato is always dry and brown. But whatever! I don't go for the side dishes. Sorry for the crab cake pic. I was hungry! LOL read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Crab cake and a peek of the fried shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

Great service and delicious food!!! I have been wanting to come here for years based off of the reviews and food photos. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint. read more

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Lobster was great. Server was very attentive. Just wish they had twisted teas. Nice and clean. read more

Traveling from NY! A great quick lunch, our waitress Sharon T was wonderful, very attentive! The fish tacos were ! Crab cake- 7/10 Calamari- 7/10 Crab soup- 10/10 read more

The food was mediocre, didn't have much flavor and was quite plain. We all left unsatisfied. Staff was not as attentive as I would have liked. Ambiance was blegh. Walking in there were a bunch of dead spiders on the walls. For all the hype on this restaurant, it was quite a let down, especially for the price! read more

My friend introduced my to By the Docks about a year ago. I just went and it was freshly remodeled. The restaurant is unassuming on the outside. It's nice on the inside and the service is great. The menu is really good and so it the food. The cocktail options are fantastic. My partner got a smoked old fashion (pictured) and I'm obsessed with their gin mule. This place always serves a good meal, with good service, and at a good price. I will be back. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - The Sunken Treasure - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

i just had my lunch,a crab cake platter from By the Docks .. The presentation was very nice,i had my carry out.Sandwich on toasted white bread,tartar sauce,mayonnaise n ketchup were in small containers,also homemade chips n large pickle sticks..& small salad..$32..Bad news the crab cake was full of lump crabmeat,but to my taste (eating seafood of every type for 79 yrs) it tasted like imported crab meat,not much flavor at all.I would prefer a smaller Crab Cake from Schultzs,full of flavor,to an over size Crabcake lacking the "Maryland flavor!".i do love this restaurant,but just not the "Crab cakes!" read more

The food is to die for. I had crab cakes and salad with fries My crab cake was very flavorful and grilled just right. Nice place for a family dinner. It can get crowded but we had a reservation. The service was on point. read more

Great food, served great by people at great prices. Simply the best at everything on the menu. The octopus and the dolmades are the bomb! We have been patrons for years. Highly recommend for a great meal! read more

Has some of the best sea food and still at an affordable price. They have different specials each night but we went on lobster night. It was so delicious. Nice big space with a cool nautical vibe. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Stuffed Lobster Tail - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

These were the best oysters we've had in quite some time. The brunch Buffett options were hot and fresh. And the servers were all very friendly, overall a wonderful experience. read more

First of all - this place is well known for their crab cakes - so, of course, that's what I ordered. What did you do to this crab cake? I took 2 bites and there was so much filler, I couldn't even continue. Thank God I had shrimp and scallops to eat. The crab cake was a disappointment since I traveled 30 miles to go there for that crab cake. Service was not great - I don't think the waitress ever came back to our table without us waving her down first. Then she seemed irritated that we asked for something (sauce, drinks, ketchup, bread). I was shocked that even when the bread was brought to the table, there were four rolls, and there were five of us sitting at the table. Also, 18% was automatically added to the check despite the poor service - we weren't given a choice to lower what WE wanted to give. So, mediocre food and poor service = 18% tip. 2 stars for the shrimp, scallops and dessert. Not sure if I will ever return. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - a person holding a piece of bread - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

I actually came here years ago for a birthday dinner and forgot about it. I didn't remember how good the food was. My boyfriend, who had never been before, kept seeing By the Docks photos on his IG explore and had been dying to go so we came during Restaurant week yesterday for lunch. They have their own private lot for parking. We were seated swiftly. We looked at the 3 course lunch menu for restaurant week. Our server was very friendly and energetic. She helped my indecisive boyfriend make his decision by giving their crab cake high praise. He was not disappointed either. He ended up getting a crab cake sandwich and I got the Captain's Club, which came with a crab cake, shrimp salad, and bacon. Before that, we started off with a cup of Maryland Crab Soup. The soup was ok. It had big chunks of crabmeat, not shredded up like in other crab soups. It wasn't as warm as I hoped and it needed a little more Old Bay seasoning which is available in a shaker at the tables. The entrees were massive! So much food for lunch. My sandwich was soooooo worth breaking my keto diet for. So much flavor in every bite. The fries that came with it were great too. The sandwich was so big that I could only eat one half and I took the other half to go. My boyfriend enjoyed his crab cake sandwich as well. He couldn't even eat it as a sandwich because it was so big so he ate with a fork and ate the bread as a side. Dessert came with it but we got them boxed to go since we were so stuffed. I ordered the Chocolate Cake and he got the cannoli. I enjoyed the cake but it was very sweet so I had to save half of it. My boyfriend was not really a fan of the cannoli. I tried a bite and didn't care for it much either. Overall, I'm very happy with our experience. The amount of food we received for about $20 each was not bad at all. He's excited to come back. I'm glad I finally brought him here. read more

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Dined here on a Saturday afternoon with my 3 siblings. We were seated immediately and Blaine, our waiter, took our drink order. While looking over the menu, Blaine came to our table and made recommendations. Crab cakes of course, soup, salad, Prime rib and Babyback ribs. While finishing up our soups and salad, our entrees came out. What a beautiful sight!! Everything looked delicious!! Blaine was an excellent server. He was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu selections and how they tasted. As per his recommendation, the baby backs were delicious, as was everything else. Thank you for a great afternoon of good food and excellent customer service. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Baby back ribs, crabcake and fries - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

By The Docks was very accommodating to my family when we called last minute to secure seating for 17 people in between viewing services. We were seated at 6 max per table and spread out in the dining room due to COVID precautions. No big deal, it was nice to see this restaurant taking the virus seriously. We also wore masks when entering/leaving the restaurant. We had two servers who were very attentive and friendly. Our drink glasses were never empty and they kept our bread baskets full. The food portions are large! My boyfriend ordered the crab cake sandwich and brother ordered a burger. Both the burger and crab cake were larger than the buns. I ordered the New York strip with mashed potatoes and Caesar salad. The salad was very filling, I ended up taking half of my entree home. Others in our party ordered seafood entrees, steak, pasta, and "homemade" chicken tenders. The pasta and tenders were just meh but the rest of the food was good. You will be sure to have a good, filling meal when ordering any seafood or steak entree. read more

Fantastic food and great service!! Really nice restaurant. Not too fancy, yet not too casual. I ordered the salmon and it was so good. The crab dip was also really great! Our server was really sweet too. I can't wait to come back here again. read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Asian style salmon with potato salad and roasted vegetables. Fish was AMAZING! - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

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Service: was extremely slow, they seemed disorganized. Servers moving between tables continuously bumped into customers while eating, including myself and my date, with no acknowledgement. They didn't bring waters - had to ask for them. We ordered drinks, they only brought one and forgot the other - took 15 mins to get the forgotten drink only after reminding them. Positives- staff was friendly and welcoming. Food: I hate to admit it because this place has a cult following, but the Cream of Crab soup was god awful. You could find better Cream of Crab soup at a homeless shelter soup kitchen. The other two appetizers were just okay. The steak we ordered medium-rare, came out super rare - had to send back. Positives - the crab cake was very good. Conclusion - other than a crab cake only for carry out - we won't be back and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone other than just for that. read more

We went to By the Docks for restaurant week and were truly expecting small portions of the regular menu items. When I say for 40 dollars I got a 3 course meal with dessert and the food was so good. The portions were very large and I had to bring half of my dinner and my desert home. The place was super busy but even with the amount of people the staff was wonderful and we got our food quickly. Highly recommend. read more

Excellent local establishment with great seafood. Their managers and staff are all professional and attentive to you from the time you come in the door until you leave. They serve you a lot of food for a great price! Happy Easter! read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Saturday/Sunday Brunch - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

Drinks are pricey but food is always consistent and delicious, service is a lil slow but there always nice, Tuesday crab cake night is the best ! read more

Another of the places we went while in Baltimore visiting our daughter. By the Docks in known for their lump crab cakes, and I can see why. Ate here Monday night for Lobster Night, and again on Tuesday for Crab Cake Special night. So combining 2 visits into one review, since it saves space on the internets. I'll start with Monday, since no great story ever started with "Here, hold my salad"... oh, wait. Wrong site. Anyway, had a reservation, as it's recommended during peak times, but didn't need it. Place was half full at best, but there was a pretty big storm going through the area which might have kept ppl home. Seated right away, and our server arrived for drink and app orders. No beers on draft, but a decent selection of bottles and cans, to include some crafts along with the mainstream regular brands. We did stuffed mushrooms as an app, and they were tremendous. Basically their crab cake mixture stuffed into a portobello cap and baked. For dinner, Mama had the single cake with slaw and asparagus, and I had the a single cake and 3 fried shrimp with potatoes bravas and zucchini. Daughter had the lobster special with potatoes bravas and creamed corn. Everything was absolutely amazing, with 2 exceptions: daughters corn was reported to be "very blah, not even as good as from a can", and my shrimp were very over cooked to the point of being inedible. To their credit, I was only charged for the crab cake and not the shrimp. Tuesday night we all had crab cakes and similar sides, and it was all outstanding. Crab dip with a baguette for an app was delightful. Now on to service. Monday was "not so hot". I don't blame our server so much as management, as our server was also assigned to a large party of around 12 guests in addition to our table and possible one other small party. This overloaded him to the point of not being able to give his attention where it was needed. Fast forward to Tuesday, and Brandon was exemplary. Prompt and attentive, he stopped by numerous time after apps and meals were delivered to check in on us and his other tables. A big thumbs-up for him. They do a 10% military discount on all regular prices menu items minus drinks, and the portions are huge. They also offer their cakes either fried or broiled. If you, like me, are used to the traditional southern fried crab cakes, do them broiled instead. Total game changer, as I may never order another fried cake again. read more

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The best service i've ever gotten!!! Our server, Christian, was so kind, filled our drinks before we asked and made conversation with all of us. Our food came out super quick during dinner rush, which is great considering we were a large party. All of our dishes were amazing, perfectly cooked and hot. We had a birthday at our table and the restaurant gave us a piece of cake on the house!!! Outstanding service, food, and Ambiance. will be coming back soon! read more

Food was good and service was great from the waiter. However, when entering there was no greeting. The young lady that was at the front didn't say anything to me and the gentleman I had to say excuse me just to be seated. Also, I received my bill, which was $57.02, gave the waiter cash, $70.00. He returned with $7.65. Told him he gave me the wrong change he stated someone else was handling the cash. He came back with just $17.00. I just left it at that. They can keep that .98 cents. But it's crazy how they have someone handling money who can't do simple math. Food good but pay with card! And fyi yes I gave the waiter a tip... read more

Not at all by the docks. The food was mediocre at best. The food we ordered was over cooked, the calamari I would swear had shells but I know better, to much breading. Had the tuna steak, cooked well, not to much flavor when had it cooked Asian style. read more

I just love, love, love this place. I haven't been in a while due to my work schedule. We had Sarah as our waitress she was very very nice. She told me to get the grouper, when I say I wanted to slap someone it was the best and my new dish!!!! read more

By The Docks Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Middle River, Maryland

Love the jumbo lump crab cakes(8 oz). They're delicious and I've been there the last three weeks taking advantage of the crab cake special (Tuesday nights, can do carry out). The best crab cakes I've had in years. Expecting to continue to patronize this restaurant for the crab cakes as well as the steaks (steak night is Thursday, can't do carry out). Porterhouse wasn't too bad, not really impressive. Next time I would try the prime rib. I will say, I was not at all impressed with the cream of crab soup. It was somewhat vinegary, not creamy at all. Real disappointment. read more

Food was good. Based on the food I would have given a higher rating, BUT the server we had was so slow and inattentive that it unfortunately overshadowed the whole experience. read more

Came on Sunday for our usual family outing! No wait period which was awesome. David was our server he was very polite and attentive. We started off with an appetizer. The crab nachos were ok. The crab dip wasn't hot and was missing key ingredients. The crab cake was absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! The mashed potatoes needed butter and a pinch of salt and the broccoli wasn't seasoned either. Everyone else enjoyed their food. I will definitely be back for another crab cake that's for sure! Thank you!! read more

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I have dined here multiple times and I have never had a bad experience. The staff is very attentive and their food is always great. Love their crabcakes. read more

Food is amazing! Brunch and dinner are both good. I've never had a bad experience here.

I have been here twice in the past 4 weeks and was not at all satisfied with either meal I had. Do not order the lobster tempura sushi roll. The lobster was so over cooked it was like trying to chew a super ball. read more

The food and service were impeccable. Servings were very large and delicious. Looking forward to returning on our return trip.