We were excited to try Dubuque"s new upscale restaurant by the river. We were skeptical about the advertised view, but it was spectacular and would be a nice for out of towners to see. We enjoyed our meals, although the crab cake had more stuffing than crab. What would keep me from going back is that, in spite of a dress code on the website, men were wearing ball caps and shorts. Maybe shorts aren't so bad but ballcaps are for sports bars not fine dining. read more

We tried Lock 11 and had a great experience!You'll need to make a reservation online, but the process is very easy. The restaurant is beautiful and very clean, the service was amazing, and the food was excellent. Even the bathrooms were beautiful, and the rooftop was really cool to see. For an upscale restaurant, I honestly didn't think the prices were too bad. They definitely exceeded our expectations. It's a really nice addition to the city of Dubuque, and we'll definitely be coming back! read more

We were excited to try Lock 11 after hearing about the new rooftop restaurant in Dubuque. The view is absolutely stunning and is easily the highlight of the experience. Unfortunately, everything else was a bit underwhelming. We had a 5:00 p.m. reservation and arrived about 10 minutes early. We were told they normally wouldn't seat guests before their reservation time, but since they were open they would make an exception. It felt like an unnecessary conversation when a simple "your table will be ready shortly" or "feel free to grab a drink at the bar" would have been a warmer welcome--especially since the restaurant was nearly empty. The service throughout the evening was excellent. Our server was attentive, friendly, and did a great job. For dinner, my wife and I both ordered the fish (Branzino). Mine was very good, but hers was so heavily salted that it was almost inedible. We also ordered several sides; mashed potatoes, the sweet corn with sausage, and spinach. The portions were surprisingly small, served in little containers that barely felt like a single serving, and unfortunately they arrived cold. The dessert menu was also pretty limited and didn't offer much that stood out. I asked for an espresso, and while the restaurant didn't have one, the staff went downstairs to the hotel to get one for me. That was a thoughtful gesture and definitely appreciated. Overall, Lock Eleven has an incredible rooftop setting and excellent service, but the food and overall dining experience don't justify the price point. The menu feels very safe, the execution was inconsistent, and nothing besides the view really stood out. It's not a bad restaurant by any means, just an average one with premium pricing. I don't regret trying it, but I don't see myself making a return visit. read more

We decided to give this new restaurant a try for our anniversary. Open Table takes their reservations so be sure to do so before going. Walking in, we were greeted and seated immediately in a plush booth by the window. I will say the view is spectacular! The design is an open space and very bright inside. There is a lot of space between tables so it has a very open and roomy atmosphere. Looking at the menu, there is a huge variety available for GF or vegetarians. Our server did say the chef is gluten free so that's why so many items are available that way. A few items had changed a bit, changing up ingredients, so they are still working on their menu. Unfortunately, I did neglect to get a picture of the menu or of our food when it arrived. Maddie did a great job as our server, being attentive to our needs. My husband tried the Mai Tai from the cocktail menu and said it was just okay. He ordered the 16 oz Ribeye, which took 15 minutes longer to eat than my 6 oz Filet, leaving me just sitting and watching him eat. That was a little awkward. Both steaks were perfectly cooked to order and were quite tender and flavorful. The filet comes with a mashed cauliflower side, which was a texture a bit strange for my liking. The sauce took a little getting used to for my pallet. We ordered a side of asparagus, with an interesting yellow sauce on it. There were 6 long spears, a bit crunchy for my liking, and maybe enough for 2 to share. Dessert is where they shine! Maddie told us the crème brûlée comes complimentary for birthday or anniversary celebrations. We ordered that and the chocolate mousse dessert. Wow, wow, wow!!!! Absolutely scrumptious! Both desserts had so much delicious flavor! Overall, the views and desserts were impressive. The service was decent as well. For special occasions, this is probably not our place to go as a couple of other local establishments shine a bit more. read more

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Fun bar- great service good drinks and wine- very nice setting modern and new if you are here at garden inn or the key come up to the top floor and enjoy the ambiance. read more

Restaurant was extremely noisy! Food was expensive but good but portions were small for the price...We had a lovely view of the parking lot and highway. So many better restaurants at that price point..Will not be back again read more

Recently checked out Lock 11! The vibe is fun, the rooftop gives a good view of downtown Dubuque! The food was good. I ordered the Wood Grilled Caesar Salad, and I am not completely sure it was grilled although still enjoyed. The corn and truffle Arancini was very good. I also ordered the burrata and peaches. I was disappointed as the peaches were very hard and the burrata did not come with bread. But happy accident I ordered the focaccia and the whipped feta was delish! The ribeye was also very good. I was very confused about the service and would say that ruined the experience. Our waiter said it was a concept of "team service" where we may have multiple waiters. You would think this is good as the multiple people would check on you. We waited 10+ minutes to be greeted and order a drink once we arrived. We then had drinks coming to the table that were not ours. We then had multiple waiters try to take our dinner order, even though we already ordered. It was honestly just odd. To note, they did not love seating us until our full party was there. Overall, the food was very good but service was weird. Maybe sit at the bar? read more

Great food and service and the view straight fire and a post dinner patio for drinks and relaxing read more

Lock 11 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

Amazing place! The food was delicious, the view was beautiful, and the staff was excellent. The cocktails and desserts were nice as well, but the food was definitely the highlight! Highly recommended! read more

We arrived at 6:40 for a 7:30 reservation, assuming we could get drinks prior to our seating (was told at 7:30 our table was not ready because the previous group was still there, actual seating time was around 7:45) We waited 28 mins to get a glass of Prosecco, margarita and mocktail, our water was forgotten, twice. This review is hard for me to write because I know a few of the service staff personally and they were bringing their A games to the environment, but feel it's important to note, that overall, they do not have the 'new restaurant' quirks and kinks ironed out yet. The experience was confusing, off putting and pricey for the quality. From overhearing the manager complaining about the staff to being told our table would only be ready when our guests were all there (we had all been there for 50 mins and checked in already) . Our food was overall dry, and underwhelming. The pasta sauces were dry and tasted as though they came from an aluminum can. The accompanying side of spinach to the ribeye was dry and stuck to the sides of the vessel almost as though it had been in there for hours under a warmer. The ribeye itself was about 1/2 inches thick if that and prepared rare when asked for med rare. We were upcharged for a rail margarita- after confirming rail was fine. The oysters had a fishy smell and were extremely small. This was more than just an 'off' night, this was straight they didn't care attitude. Our dining area was aesthetically nice and clean, our server Hannah was sweet and attentive. I hope they are able to get organized and elevate to the hype. read more

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Outstanding views, attentive staff and a creative menu. They just recently opened and working out a few minor issues however we had a very positive experience and will be back. read more

Congratulations to the Lock 11 restaurant, for having great appetizers, dinner, and cocktails.. We had dinner there last night and it was one of the best experiences we've had in a while. Special shout out to our waitress Cortlynn for making our experience fun and professional. It also has amazing views and the atmosphere was outstanding. read more

Amazing food from appetizers to dessert. Ambiance is good- on the noisy side but you can have a conversation. The price one pays for getting a seat in one of the hottest new place around the area. Our server Ashley was golden. She was busy as any one person I've seen in a while- looked like she was running 10-15 tables. She had a great attitude, very positive and we never waited for anything. This would be a definite do again- would recommend reservations!!! read more

we just ate here and it was excellent!!! from the signature cocktails, great oysters, Cesar salad, steak, mushroom steak and the Pavlova Dessert! All excellent!!! We will definitely be back read more

Lock 11 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Dubuque, Iowa

Reservations are required and limited. We booked a 4:30 reservation on a holiday weekend. We were seated quickly, and introduced to our server Jaylyn. I have to eat gluten free, and Jaylyn was very knowledgeable not just on the entire menu and each ingredient, but also went out of her way to ensure that every ingredient in my dishes were gluten free. She was amazing, very patient and kind! Between my partner and I we had crafted drinks, warm house focaccia (gf), shrimp cocktail, Iowa Porckchop dinner, New York Strip dinner, and Seasonal Pavlova for dessert. Partner loved his pork dish, my steak wasn't fabulous (too fatty, poorly cut, and not to requested temp) but everything else on the plate was delicious. The view is the star of the show, modern ambiance with a mostly elderly dining crowd, although there were younger patrons in the bar area. The outside deck was not open during our visit, where we had hoped to have been seated for the best view. This was a refreshing experience for the relatively stale tri-state food scene. Plan on $100 per person for a drink and three courses. Food was picture perfect, however this was a technology free date night, so no pictures! read more

We were up here from South Carolina and to be completely fair, I have traveled the world and have eaten in the best (and worst) restaurants in the world, all across Europe, Asia, Greece and the Middle East. I saw Lock 11 while staying at The Key Hotel. Arriving found the abiance to be extremely nice, very nice views, absolutly great service! The drinks, in my opinion, were well thought out, well balanced but perhaps a bit mild for the prices. The food was a wonderful selection of ideas with the intent to bring a high level of sophistication. After ordering and receiving our meals, their presentation was wonderful. Unfortunately, this was the end of all things wonderful. My sister ordered the prime rib was very happy and said it was excellent. My wife ordered the Lobster and Sweet Corn Rissoto which she felt the lobster was overcooked and the remainder of the dish was bland and underwhelming. I had the Salmon-Cod Wellington and found the flavor to be very full. The texture and mouth feel of this dish was a downfall. I too felt the fish was over cooked and did not fall apart but needed to be cut. The top of the puff pastry was fantastic, but the seaweed wrap with the purpose of protecting the puff pastry was a failure. Unfortunately, the bottom of the pastry was similar to eating just uncooked dough. The seaweed became a paste with an unfavorable texture. This dish too was underwhelming. I just love this idea for Dubuque and am very hopeful for this adventure as this area needs this "big city" option. In my opinion, the food insists upon itself and may need to have more local feel and more midwestern vibe. The local population needs to experience this variety, and I am super hopeful for Lock 11 to be very successful. read more

I went to Lock 11 with a few women for the first time and we were really excited about trying out a new place. For the price point, we were expecting the best of the best with food, however it was the worst meal I have ever paid for. My $22 'jumbo' crab cake tasted like it came from a can and was swimming in a sauce that mostly just resembled mustard. My $45 lobster risotto dish had MAYBE 1 oz of lobster that was overcooked to the point of not being able to cut properly, on a bed of cold, mushy risotto. It took 20 minutes for 2 glasses of wine and a soda to be delivered, and it honestly felt like us asking for anything was an inconvenience to the server. Not that we were in a rush by any means, but from start to finish, we were there for 2 hours for 1 app and 4 entrees. I understand if you're trying to make this restaurant 'an experience', but the food quality should at least match the price point. read more