Great place for a true Virginia coast experience. Relaxing. Fun. Authentic sea food offerings (had to try the oysters!) & full bar. I loved the way they pastel-painted boardwalks and picnic tables to match and created seating areas with retired sea vessels. They also have a grouping of inviting hammock chairs for "adult swingers only." Very memorable. read more

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What's not to love about Dockside? An incredibly fun beach set up, complete with beautiful white sand. Live entertainment is a regular feature and the service is always friendly and efficient. The menu is unremarkable, but has plenty of tried-and-true favorites, all executed pretty well. Was stunned to find the house wine selections are actually decent and I think them from the bottom of my heart for not stocking gross Barefoot wine, which a lot of the more casual bars do. Could use a few more kinds of beer on tap. BUT - the reason you go to Dockside is that IT'S GOT SUCH a FUN VIBE. It's next to impossible not to feel happy there. #PRICELESS read more

Very nice atmosphere. There was a live band playing. We sat outside. Not sure if service is different inside. You order at the bar and then they buzz you. They were out of a bunch of items. So we settled for the shrimp po boy Not the best I've ever had but it was good and I'd eat here again read more

7/24/2020: Four stars for our server, the food and the location. The Dockside sits on a sort of peninsula in Colonial Beach offering a great view of "The Rivah" and the houses that share the waterfront. The vantage point also lets you watch watercraft of all sizes heading into the adjacent marina. From kayaks and small fishing dinghys to luxury mini yachts and sailboats, the waters here beckon adventurers. We arrived about 15 minutes shy of their 10 am opening time on a Friday morning. The smell of bacon wafted through the parking lot as we walked up to the hostess stand out back. Due to COVID-19, entry was relegated to the rear of the restaurant and were only seating folks outside. That was fine by us because while it was already quite warm (86 degrees), there was plenty of seating in the shade. The staff was prepping for the day but made no moves toward the growing line of patrons before EXACTLY 10 am. As my husband and I waited, more golf carts driven by locals and vacationers made their way to the parking lot. Folks can even beach their boat or dock at the adjacent marina and walk up to Dockside. There is a covered deck with fans overhead and umbrellas at every picnic table in the sand. Unique seating for groups include a "beached" pontoon boat and small runabout boat, both with Bimini tops. Our server (who's name escapes me I'm sorry) was a sweet young lady with wavy blonde hair that made sure to check on us often and smile (despite her mask, you could see the smile crinkle at the corners of her eyes) each time she approached. The menu for breakfast offered about eight items but fell short in not advertising sides like bacon or toast. No drink menu was offered either, which we found odd given that the Tiki Bar was open. They were popping a LOT of corks, so we verified with out server that there were mimosas. She also said their "orange crush" drink is very popular. Being self-proclaimed "Crush Experts" due to our annual summer trips to Virginia Beach, we opted for the orange crush. Sadly, it fell short of expectations. It tasted like it was made with SunnyD or Tang instead of fresh-squeezed OJ. It was also made with full ice cubes, not crushed ones... obviously a faux pas because that's how these drinks got their name. No hint of alcohol (either by taste or by "light buzz" meters) which may or may not be a good thing. At $8 each, these definitely weren't up to par for us. Maybe we'll try the mimosas or Bloody Marys next time. There were a LOT of corks popping during our hour there! Luckily, the food was delicious... I ordered the breakfast tacos and my husband ordered the breakfast burrito. We also added on a side of bacon. We noticed a nearby table getting a short stack of takeout containers which I questioned because the couple was seated right before us. Turns out the food is served this way, likely due to COVID-19. This was confirmed when our sever brought us individually plastic-wrapped serving wear packets (utensils, napkin, salt and pepper packets). We overlooked the unfortunate presentation when we opened our containers because the portions are VERY generous! Luckily too, the taste was great. My breakfast burritos were chock full of eggs and chorizo. I diced the small avocado slices that topped them, added the pick from the condiment container and enjoyed. Neither the server nor the kitchen runner knew what the other container held: maybe a ranch-type dressing?? I dipped my fork in it but wasn't moved to use it. Some picante would have been nice but the lack of it didn't detract too much from my meal. Tater tots came on the side but weren't seasoned at all. This fed needs to be addressed because I had to use ketchup and really prefer not to. Many waterside restaurants will do garlic Parmesan tots, cheesy tots or at least salted ones! Note: due to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, folks were supposed to be wearing masks unless seated at their table. Sadly, several patrons were allowed to dine here without wearing a mask. We also noted several employees wearing their masks on their chin or only covering their mouth, not their nose. THIS needs to be addressed. While we understand that young folks working for probably $8/hour should not put themselves at harm if a guest refuses to wear a mask and becomes aggressive, someone needs to be enforcing this for the safety of ALL patrons (lots of retired-age folks come here, among others!). Employees should be wearing their mask appropriately, especially when working at the Tiki Bar, prepping drinks for patrons. But to end on a good note: Again, our server was friendly and attentive; the ambience was relaxing and beautiful and the food was good. We will definitely come back and try lunch or dinner here. The lunch specials on the board mentioned scallops, calamari and other typical waterside fare. There was a stage (see pics), so we'd love to come back when musicians are scheduled. read more

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Fresh seafood= great ! Service = wonderful ! Prices = very reasonable. Family friendly environment - a community favorite !

Dockside is right up there with any of the best tiki bar restaurants on the Chesapeake. Even in the heart of the winter on a Saturday night, live music brings a crowd and every table on the patio was filled. The wings were pricey but with the live music and ambience, well worth it. Here's the kicker- my wife is 28 weeks pregnant and wanted dessert but we found out they had sold out. Our young waitress comes back 3 minutes later with this ginormous cupcake that her boss had brought in but she took the customer first approach and made our night. We'll be back for that gesture alone! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Cake - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

Everything you'd expect from a sleepy beach town eatery and more! From the moment you walk in the place, you get that neighborhood cozy beachy feeling. To the left is the main dining room, to the right is the intimate pub, and thru the back is the porch dining which leads out to the tiki bar. Lovely waterfront view of sand and surf to enjoy your surf & turf. My hubby had the fish tacos and raved about them! My friend ordered the crabmeat & scallops in white wine combo and she was in seafood heaven! I had the burger and it was hefty and juicy! The loaded baked potato that I substituted for fries was fluffy and delicious! Our server had a charming English accent and was so personable and sweet. She was accommodating and efficient. She let us know about the live Music they have and told us to check out the line up on their Facebook page! Will do! I'd like to see tidier restrooms, but other than that, this place is sure to give you some great food and wonderful memories! Get ready to party! (But no throwing your pork chops... uuummmkay!) read more

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This place is a lot of fun for casual outdoor eating and drinking. My margarita was very good as we sat at picnic tables watching the sunset over the water meeting other travelers who also had a black Lab with them. Dog friendly outdoor casual dining was perfect for us. It's pretty much order and serve yourself. The menu is a variety of fried seafood nothing quite gourmet category. You're there for the relaxing casual atmosphere and dog and kid friendly scene. It's a happy place! read more

Went for happy hour and stayed for dinner and the sunset. The staff was very nice and the bartenders were fun. The mini buckets of drinks hit the spot. The food was good- I had the fried shrimp basket and it was nice that they weren't heavily coated in batter. The hush puppies were also yummy. There was live music and the atmosphere was fun! read more

Amazing place to boat to and dine. We snacked on baskets of oysters, scallops, soft shell crabs, and shrimp! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Afternoon on the waterfront - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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Great vibe and great times. The cheesesteak was nice and service...top notch. Went out of their way to deliver great service

Love this place, food is wonderful, staff is really friendly, drinks are great. Dockside has a great beach vibe with old boats that have been converted to serving spaces, and easy access to the beach. Very kid friendly. read more

Nice cold drinks. On the water. Sand. Lots of seating. Live music. So far, so good. Foods a little pricey and just okay. Got the three tuna tacos which comes out to just over $6 each. Of the three, two had burnt sections of the flour tortilla giving a disagreeable acrid taste. They were a bit bland otherwise. Spouse got shrimp tacos and liked them much. Everyone seems very friendly. One of the bartenders just humorously requested a bar fight start. Pretty nice place to spend a sunny afternoon. Update: I read a review of someone else's tuna taco. Evidently the green sauce is supposed to be wasabi. Wouldn't have guessed that, thought it was a creamy verde. read more

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Went there this weekend. It was a beautiful day and the view outside is amazing. As far as the food - we had wings for an appetizer and the were very good. A bit expensive but glad we got them. We had a cheeseburger - with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles. They charge 50 cents for pickles. A bit ridiculous but your stuck if you like pickles on your burger. Burger was just ok. read more

Service and food were horrible. Crab cake was tasteless, scallops were mushy, and oysters were bland. They were also out of tacos, mozzarella, and limes! So not waste your time or money here. read more

Great food , fun environment, great entertainment On the water What's not to like read more

Thursday evening, 6/20/24, easy parking. As a party of 10 we were pleased with the service. Everyone here is always so friendly when we come. Hubby enjoyed his steak, but OMG those French fries that came with his steak topped with crab & sauce were to die for. Several of us shared them at the table. My burger was perfectly cooked. Grandson's Steak Sandwich was enjoyed. Cousin enjoyed his Fish & Chips, and I can't remember what everyone else got. We never felt rushed at this family gathering, and the littles took to the beach and played & had fun. We love the beach area, so quaint, and you can see they have put a lot of hard work into it. Great memories were made here. - Thanks read more

My family and I came for dinner and we were not disappointed! My daughters ordered from the kids menu and one said the burger was great, the other felt that the grilled cheese was amazing! It was nice to see a restaurant put care into kids food. My husband and I split the Oysters Rockefeller which were delicious as well as the shrimp po'boy. The bread was really good and there were lots of shrimp. Overall dinner was delightful. The ambiance of Dockside is outdoor tiki village. It gave the girls a safe place to play and the parents a safe place to relax. Overall, we'll be back! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Oysters Rockefeller yum!! - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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I have been to this restaurant twice, and the first time was an overall positive experience. Today, we were seated at 11:42 and were told that we could not order food until 12:00 because they were switching from brunch to lunch. At 12:00 we were told we had to wait to order until 12:15. At this point, we paid our tab for drinks and left. Being expected to wait 30+ minutes to just order is unreasonable, especially with a hungry child waiting to eat. I only give it three stars because of the first experience, but I will not be returning after today. read more

This place has a great location hence it's quite popular. The outdoor seating area is big and good to see the sunset. However, the food and drink were just average except the jambalaya was quite nice. Lastly, they had live music and the quality was not enjoyable. read more

New to colonial so this was definitely a good find for us! Looking forward to this boating season to ride by and listen to the bands. Love this spot! read more

We had a great lunch on a rainy Sunday in January. It's winter outside, but the vibe inside was warm and fun! We had a terrific lunch and great service!! There was a cream of crab soup special, and the old bay boiled shrimp was fantastic!! My landlover husband had a great steak sandwich. He was especially happy with the French fries! Skinny and hot! Delish! We were so happy to stumble on this great small town spot! Looking forward to returning in warmer weather! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Cream of Crab Soup - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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I guess they fired all the rude, inattentive staff from before because we had no problems with service. The guy behind the bar kept a genuinely friendly tone the entire time, with us, with new customers, with callers. He was up to his eyeballs in stuff to do but managed to get everything right and out in a decent amount if time, all the while keeping a level head. Anyway, to the food. I had the eggs Orleans - lord have mercy. My eggs were poached hard (the yolks were pretty much cooked through) and I didn't ask for them that way but was secretly grateful they came out on the hard side. The crab cakes were excellent, meaty, hardly any filler, fresh crab. Oh let me explain; the Orleans is two mini crab cakes on top of a toasted English muffin, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise. If you're ever there for brunch, GET THIS DISH. God it was like heaven on a plate. Plus, they add a peppery twist on the breakfast potatoes. They're sautéed in oil (I think) and mixed with peppers and onions. I was pleasantly surprised. My husband had the corned beef hash and eggs and didn't complain so I assume it was good. The only odd thing was in the women's bathroom there was like, a plates worth of bacon in the trash can (that isn't covered by a lid)... So that was.. Weird.. 4 stars, dockside! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Eggs Orleans - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

Service was super slow. Portions are very small. I ordered the shrimp basket and it had 7 small shrimp with fries that were just ok. No hush puppies at all. Expected a lot more for what we paid. We won't be back. read more

Food was good but the mixed drinks were $10.50. Mostly Ice and not really a mixed a drink - poured from a bottle. Outrageous! Never again! Good luck people! Glad you have a lot of money to waste. The owner should be ashamed!!! read more

This pet friendly/kid friendly place is a great spot for food, drinks, and hanging out with friends. Several seating options are available inside and outside. Dockside does adjust for the weather and has covered seating as well. The food options are delicious and you can't go wrong with anything seafood. Take the golf cart or car! read more

Great view and location . Scallops are always delicious and fries are on point. The rest is literally hit or miss. Sometimes the wait staff is great other nights can't be bothered. We come for the view and the Scallops.During the summer season be prepared to wait because they are always packed and hopping. Would recommend this spot. read more

Been here twice in the last month, food is good and service is even better. Staff takes care of you even when it's not their table- which is uncommon these days. read more

Great food and service!! I love the tiki bar and outdoor atmosphere by the water! Also, there was a band playing one time I went!

Stopped in today while in the area. Lunch, service, and cocktails were fantastic! I don't understand the 3.5 stars. We started with the fried mozzarella which was definitely not your everyday cheeses sticks. So good! I had crab cake sandwich and hubby and niece split tuna tacos and cheesesteak sandwich. We all loved our meals. Would love to come back on a sunny day with a band. Such a sweet spot! Server was fantastic! read more

There are two tiki bars in Colonial Beach (you can never have too many tiki bars!) This one is located on The Point, the southern tip of the peninsula on which Colonial Beach is located. Dockside is right next to a marina (hence the name), so for boaters, it is easy access. (Not that it's hard for non-boaters...there is a big parking lot for cars, too.) As you walk into Dockside, there is a dining room (have never gone in there) and straight ahead is a bar and some seating. Here is what I love about this pub area: it's nautically themed (the whole place is), nostalgic, dark with lots of rich wood, mounted fish, etc. Imagine the quintessential boat captain with the graying hair, tightly cropped beard and tobacco pipe hanging from his mouth. Remember the song Brandy by Looking Glass? I expect to see her and her sailor at the bar. Go through the bar and step outside onto a large covered porch, which itself opens up to a Caribbean-colored outdoor area with a boardwalk and bar, a stage (there may be one on the porch too), picnic tables, palm trees, a play area, swings, thatch umbrella tables (tables are spread out so you aren't on top of each other) and a sandy beach area that butts up to the water. Food was good. The husband had oysters which he said were fresh. Prices aren't cheap, but for being in a beach town, on a waterfront restaurant, I don't think they were overpriced either. They have food specials during the week (including home cooking, comfort food entrees) and activities most nights, it seems (live music, trivia, etc.) We had fun. People were friendly and we will certainly be back. read more

Came to this restaurant for a nice dinner with my boyfriend, had a hard time trying to figure out where to go in since we aren't locals. Was seated once finding our way in but I walked away for 10 minutes to use the restroom and they left my boyfriend sitting in the corner and NEVER ONCE came to ask him his drink order until I came back.... BECAUSE HE IS BLACK they wouldn't serve him until they seen a white lady with him.... AND THATS BULLSHIT. Needless to say he ordered a beer and we left. They seemed to be racist in my eyes! read more

Spent Father's day at Dockside, let me say we had an amazing time! The food was SO good, I had the crab cake and it was delish! The seasoned steamed shrimp was great too! Our waiter Tyler was awesome and took real good care of us! They had live music, tables in the sand, corn hole and and amazing viewwwwww! read more

I live next door. For some unknown reason, the blonde bartender is exceedingly rude to us. She will pretend like she doesn't see us even when no one else is there. We've even been turned away because they were at "capacity" when the people behind us who knew her walked right in. I don't know what their deal is but we come a lot of the weekends and we tip really well (25+%). The food is pretty good but the service we have experienced is legitimately embarrassing. read more

Some people are going to ding this place because it's not fancy, you might even call it rustic, but that's probably how the locals want it so everyone doesn't discover it. First, it's crazy kid and pet friendly. I brought my 110 pound lab and he had a ball swimming on their private beach. Half the restaurant came by to give him a pat in the head. Second, the people are all friendly and welcoming. I felt like a local from the minute I walked into the joint. Third, the drinks. Strong and they come out quick, so be prepared. Lastly, the food is good for what it is. I had the wings, extra crispy old bay, and they were excellent. Most of the food is fried, so know that going in. On Wednesday's they have a prime rib special. Thursday is ribs and smoked chicken. I didn't try any of them, but they looked great and all sold out quickly, so the locals know to order early. Go and just have a blast inside or out. read more

Food was good and service was great. They have a system, and it works well. Food comes out hot, and drinks are cold. The atmosphere is awesome too. Right on the water, live music, and many people brought their puppies. The prices are super reasonable here too. Highly recommend going there if you're visiting colonial beach. read more

Decent spot as long as you are cool to eat outside- it was hot but indoor seating with air conditioning is very outdated, clearly used almost exclusively for the bathrooms. Smelled a little like moldy carpets with a lot of Lysol sprayed on top. Food was fairly good for the most part- fried shrimp basket was tasty- kids enjoyed their meals. The outdoor space is very nice and the kids enjoyed spending time by the water after dinner. read more

First time here - great views and outdoor area for kids. Food was okay, a little pricey. Recommending more for overall experience than top notch dining. Note: if have children in diapers, the bathrooms (at least the only ones I could find) do not have changing stations. I ended up laying her down on the dirty bathroom floor as a last resort vs hiking It back to the car. read more

Dockside is the funnest spot in Colonial Beach! The back patio is tiki-themed and opens onto the beach, with live music and cool seating. The margaritas were delicious and dinner was good. I had the tuna tacos, good but not life-changing, and my mom had the crab cakes which were delish. My aunt had the steak, also very good. The nightlife was definitely LIVE. We moved to the beach area after dinner to watch the band and do a little dancing, but the people-watching was the best entertainment. Lots of drinking, dancing, and stumbling. A person or two (not in our party!) may have been kicked out. Great atmosphere, fun decor, good times! read more

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Drinks are premade in jugs. I never thought I would meet a hush puppy that I didn't like but I did today. Bland. The music was too loud and terrible. I would never go back. If want your children to be around drunk people. This might be the place for you. read more