Came here on a beautiful spring Sunday around dinner time for a drink before dinner. Sitting on the waters edge is really fun. We were able to find a seat in the shade right away. I know it can get busy and sometimes they have live music which is fun. This isn't a fancy cocktail lounge, it's a fun place to come and grab a drink and enjoy the river. The prices aren't the best for cocktails but not the worst. I've had some of their food in the past and it's typical bar food. Nothing I crave but something to eat while drinking. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Be prepared to sweat your ass off but have a good time! I didn't try any food so this is strictly a review of vibe/drinks A must for boating season! This area is HUGE & you can't miss all those yellow umbrellas. There's a swap meet/marketplace inside, an indoorish bar area with a large bar with seats and a huge outdoor patio with a stage. The live music is what really brings in the crowd so get there at a reasonable time if you want to guarantee a spot. We stuck to ordering our drinks at the bar in order to walk around & hang out. The music was great with the band playing a lot of popular covers and they have a large alcohol selection so there's something for everyone. This place is a no frills establishment made for drinking on the water and enjoying yourself. I'll definitely be back read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Outside - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

I saw this place on social media and wanted to try. A group of us came to dine before we did other activities. We came around 2pm on a Saturday and it's wasn't too crowded. You find a seat yourself and a server so come take your drink order. You can pay as your order or start a tab. Once you are ready to order, you go to the food area to order. Nachos area available within minutes so they'll ask you to wait there. If you just anything else, they'll give you a number for your table and a runner will bring it to you. You just tell them the area you are sitting. The drinks were good and the food was just ok. Very Bland. I didn't care for the fries, the nachos and fish nuggets were ok (bland). Burger was not good. The location is very nice as you are sitting off the dock and see boats floating past. Just a lot of bugs flying around so you area constantly swatting. This would be better to come during a breezy fall day with less bugs, for me anyway. The server was fine. She came quick with drinks. No refill on fountain drinks and it's about $3 per cup. A friend in the group had hair in her drink but they quickly assisted to resolve. I don't see myself returning but at least I tried it out. read more

See all

We've been to The Loading Dock several times while visiting friends, and it's always a great time. It's one of those perfect hangout spots--laid-back, social, and right on the water with unbeatable views. The food is genuinely delicious, and we always enjoy grabbing a cocktail to sip while watching the boats go by. The live music on weekends adds a fun vibe without being too loud or overwhelming. Most of the seating is outdoors, but they have umbrellas to help with the sun. Just a heads-up: you can only order certain items like drinks and nachos through your server--everything else you'll need to order inside. But they do bring it out to you, which is nice. They have a salsa that is unique, comprised of a rough chop pico with cheese and beans. It's a must order! It can get busy, especially on nice days, but parking is plentiful, and the whole area is super walkable with lots to explore nearby. Definitely a favorite stop when we're in Grafton! read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Wrap and fries - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

See all

We came here for a day trip out with the pups. They had a huge open patio deck dock lol. It was first come first serve seating so we had to circle a few times to find a spot. Once we did, we were greeted by a server that took our drink order. She informed us that we have to go place our order for food at the separate bar. The line moved fast and the nachos were good! It was fun to soak up the sunshine and vibes while watching the boats on the river. Highly recommend!! read more

See all

Went on a nice day in December expecting it to be packed and it wasn't so we were able to order food and drinks and received them rather quickly. The chicken wrap is always delicious and the chips and queso are a good app to share! Good service today and good music playing read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Gorgeous View, delicious drinks, and yummy food! What could be better?! The service can be slow depending on time of day and crowd. I suggest getting there around 2 if you want to see the live music to get a seat. If you don't care about a seat show up at any time. Tables become hard to get after 2 on the weekends. We enjoy a Saturday afternoon before the crowds with our kids. They do have a little came area set up, and usually have sidewalk chalk out. Love music usually starts around 4. read more

See all

The Loading dock is always a great place to hangout and have food and drinks. You can always count on them to have live music as well. Plenty of seating and fun games to play to keep you busy. read more

Food was cold and a cheap overcooked hamburger. My friend they brought him a plain cold hamburger with nothing on it. Could not get anyone to come check on you. It was overpriced 12.50 for cheese burger and fries. Never again read more

Came on a busy busy Saturday mid day not really dinner or lunch time, had a really hard time finding a table since it was set yourself. The vibes are definitely giving vacation or lake of the ozarks. The food was a bit overpriced for what it was and the portion size. $14 chicken strips with 5 french fries. The servers were frazzled and nowhere to be found. The bathroom... two stalls for probably 200 people. Definitely a cool experience, but I do not think I will be back. read more

Food - Limited menu, food well suited for fun loving customers Service - efficient but not fast. Polite Ambiance - Perfection for fun loving customers Service. Excellent view of River t read more

Awesome spot I've been coming to for years. Right on the Mississippi, the garage door open air warehouse atmosphere is awesome. Tons of outdoor seating and a giant bar area if it is raining (like today). Our server was fantastic! The drinks were phenomenal and they have an amazing salsa made from scratch. Will not be my last trip here! read more

See all

I came here on what seemed like was the hottest day of the summer and mid-day, mind you. Despite the weather, the fans were on full blast and it was packed. We sat just on the outside and were attended to by one of the servers. I went with the lemonade 8 to start and got a water on the side. While we only stayed for drinks, service was great and it made a world of a difference knowing we had a server. This place has ample space and is great for groups. I'll def be back but hope it'll be when it's not so hot out. read more

See all

We took advantage of perfect weather and a friend's birthday to make the always worthwhile trip to The Loading Dock in Grafton. It's a go-to spot for kicking off the good-weather season, and it never disappoints. The outdoor atmosphere is what makes this place shine. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi with a great view, live music on the outdoor stage, and plenty of seating to relax with a cold beer or a summery cocktail. The people-watching is as eclectic as it is entertaining, and the pub-style food hits the spot. Add in the scenic drive down the Great River Road and you've got the makings of a perfect day. Looking forward to more good weather so we can make plenty of visits! read more

There's plenty of seating indoors and outdoors! They have a stage with various performers during the weekend and a small outdoor games area. The food can be a hit or miss. If you do not want to pay a convenience fee, be sure to bring cash. read more

See all

Came to the Loading Dock after visiting Aerie's winery. We took advantage of the outdoor seating. Nice views of the water. Plenty of parking in their big lots. Since we have entered Fall they do have several fire pits that you can sit by to knock the chill off. I enjoyed a nice strawberry daiquiri/pina colada mix. It was delicious. It was $10.00 - no tax! Love it. We enjoyed the scenic view of the water and the amazing sunset. They also have an area with games such as cornhole. It's a great place to go relax and hangout with friends. They have a large indoor bar area as well. Service was good. read more

See all

Came here for a couple of drinks after a day out in Grafton at the winery. It was a nice chill and relaxing place for drinks at the end of the day. They're not too expensive. I got the Miami Vice and we also tried the pretzel sticks, which were pretty good with a little queso. The staff were pretty friendly and the service was very fast. Plenty of space to sit indoor and outdoor and some nice bonfire spots. This is a great place to see the water and see the sunset. Plenty of parking out front as well. read more

See all

This was a Farmers Market event. Plenty of vendors, open space, plenty of direction to go towards. Parking was plentiful. Beautiful weather, friendly ppl. Items of all varieties. Apparel, pictures, plants, jewelry, furniture, footwear, outdoor items etc. this could be an all day event. Lunch and music is available in the loading dock restaurant area. Great fun , I will definitely attend again . read more

See all

Been there many times gonna have to give the place a five good drinks good food good service. Nice view of the river

I enjoyed the vibe of this restaurant/bar area. It is really great for just sitting and having a night out with your friends. We visited after visiting the winery. I got a strawberry margarita as well as the bae berry drink. I think it was overall a really good experience and it was fast service. I know it can get busy here sometime so I'm not sure what the service looks like then, but it was pretty empty when we went. I also got the barbarian pretzels which came out fresh and hot with some queso and they were really good. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Small, but good menu. I had the crispy chicken wrap and subbed in ceasar dressing. Lettuce tasted fresh. Very friendly outdoor setting with some games out. Looked very much like a bar that you'd see at the Lake of the Ozarks. Service was a little slow, it took a bit on our drinks and checks. read more

The Loading Dock is a fun place. The drinks are refreshing, especially the frozen ones. The menu is limited bar grub, but with burgers, tacos and nachos, you are sure to find something to satisfy your hunger pains. My most recent visit was during Epic Taco Week. It was two flour tortillas loaded with seasoned tilapia. The tilapia was covered with cabbage, corn and black bean salsa and drizzled with Chipotle mayo. For me, the mayo made it a little too messy, but it did add a lot of flavor. They have a good variety of bottled and can beers, but the only draft beer they offer is, Blue Moon. Their frozen drinks are refreshing. I've enjoyed a Pina Colada and the Dock Lemonade. Sip slowly, or you'll get a brain freeze. The bar and wait staff are friendly and they really hustle. The patio is huge and they have a lot of territory to cover. What's cool about the patio is that it is dog friendly. So if your doggie is well behaved and doesn't bark endlessly, bring them along. That way you can stay longer and your dog can have fun, too. read more

See all

Awesome day here this Labor Day weekend!! Live music, food, beverages, waitresses, great rum runners, very relaxing! Went on a motorcycle ride up the Great River Road and we came here!! It was dog friendly, also!! Their homemade salsa is the bomb!!! Not too spicy for my tender taste buds! A great place to relax!! read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Chips with Homemade Salsa!!! - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Beautiful day by the water w lots of tables w shade and games for under age. Connect four and corn hole of course. Drinks were fast service and lots of choices. Food this is what you get and that's a shame. Catfish fritters are heavy on the breading and missing the taste and texture. Fish tacos are a miss as well. Chips and dips are standard bar fare. My basic suggestion is to not be hungry when you come here. I grew up catching catfish down south and watching what can be done so my expectations are high. Loading Dock is great for drinks and sun and scenery but missing by a mile what can be accomplished w a creative mem read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Catfish nuggets and French fries - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

We went to the Loading Dock this past Sunday. The food was not good...my stomach has been hurting since along with trips to the restroom...The portions were small and over priced. However the service was good. read more

There isn't much better than spending a beautifully sunny, warm, Spring Saturday in Grafton, IL at the Loading Dock while listening to St. Louis' premiere Grateful Dead cover band, Jake's Leg. I haven't come across anything else like it in the Midwest. Arrived just after 4pm and it was packed! We found parking fairly easily, but finding an available table was tough. I suggest arriving early before the main bad takes the stage. Eventually finding an open table on the deck, we settled in and enjoyed ourselves. Wait staff came by frequently to keep our drinks flowing. You have to order food from a counter near the main bar. They will hand you a number to place at the table. On this very busy Saturday, it only took 10 minutes. We liked the cheeseburger and the chicken strips, dredged in the Jamaican sauce. The burger was a thick, hand formed burger. It tasted like it had been seasoned on the grill. It's served with some LTO and a dill pickle. The burger was decent (3.5 out of 5). The chicken strips with the Jamaican sauce was sweet and a bit tangy. Dipped in ranch, it was terrific. While the flavor was there, I could tell the fingers had been cooked a while before they were served. The outdoor patio is dog friendly. We brought our two and they were able to avoid interacting with others. We purchased an extra burger patty to keep their interest high All in, this place is a gem. Make it a priority to get here. read more

See all

Really beautiful spot! Lots of visitors on a gorgeous Saturday but fortunately people move in and out enough for my friend and I to grab a table and enjoy our food sitting down. Service was fast and friendly. There was a yacht rock club band playing and they were AWESOME. Would definitely recommend seeing them live to others. French fries were great--catfish fritters & chicken tenders were good. I'd return! read more

See all

We decided to visit the Loading Dock after visiting another establishment that didn't appear to be open. (Or at least we couldn't figure out how to enter?) Had heard lots about TLD from friends and coworkers. Our visit was on a slow, December night. No one was able to enjoy the outside river views or sit outside. Our waitress was kind and attentive. The menu is typical bar food; nothing fancy. We both opted for burgers and fries. Hubby ordered lemonade and I selected a "River Water" (coconut rum, melon liquor, blue curaçao and pineapple juice). It was tasty; not overly sweet nor potent. Burger were sooo overdone they were almost burnt; fries cooked well done and ultra crispy. After the waitress saw I was nearing the end of my beverage, she brought me a water. How nice! Giving them 4 stars (actually 3.75). Will need to return when the weather is warm and can sit outside to admire the river. read more

See all

The view was amazing. I got a cheeseburger and it was an average burger. Nothing special, but good. We had to stand in line to place order but they bring food to table, it was fast and fresh. Would eat there again. read more

See all

Upon walking into this place it didn't look like much but once inside I was like okay, alright cool!!! It was decorated with Christmas Trees making me even more excited to be there. The place was busy with many birthday parties for kids and adults both and there was an ice skating rink that made I am guessing for the winter season. I saw the firepit table and made a beeline to grab a seat to keep warm and a menu to order food and drinks. The waitress came to take our orders The menu it a small menu, the usual burgers, fries, hot dogs, wraps etc I ordered Jamaican chicken straps and fries and loved them both, along with a Miami Vice and a Pina Colada drink and they were equally as yummy. I will definitely be back to the Loading Dock. read more

See all

This is a fun place that offers yard games, good bar food and a fabulous view of the Mississippi River. Service is just okay and sometimes slow but the view and atmosphere makes up for it. read more

See all

Always great food and excellent service. The prices are reasonable, the view is relaxing and scenic. Best on a mild temperature day, but there is almost always a breeze to help with the heat of warmer days. Highly recommend! read more

The environment is perfect here in the summer. I am always excited when plans are announced at the loading dock. Food is yummy.

First time coming and the food was great and hot. The service was also great considering how busy they were. The ambiance of this place by the water at night is something you have to experience for yourself. Had a great time! read more

Great place to go to have a fun time. Great band, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Must visit place

On a perfect fall day this place did not disappoint. The atmosphere is the best part about this spot. If you can sit on the patio close to the water it makes a difference. I would like to see some cocktails that are not so sweet. They do have a decent beer selection. read more

My boss and I were in Grafton for training and decided to stop into the Loading Dock for lunch. It was a beautiful Wednesday in October. It was a little windy so we sat inside, but the doors were open and we faced the river. I ordered the Cheeseburger and Fries. our server was friendly and the restaurant was clean orderly. It took 10-15 minutes to get our food. The hamburger patty appeared to be hand made, but it was quite small and overcooked. The patty also had a seasoned flavor I just couldn't put together. The fries were golden and crispy with the right amount of salt. I haven't been to the Loading Dock in years, so I cannot related if the food was better or worse than the last time, but there was definitely room for improvement. Still, this a place perfect for a seasonal trip to enjoy everything Grafton has to offer. read more

Take a short 1 hour drive from St. Louis and be transported to a bar that feels like you're on the Gulf Coast! The frozen drinks are especially tasty on a hot day. For food, I recommend the Dock salsa and Catfish Fritters. In the winter, the event space turns into an ice rink. Loading Dock is family friendly and biker friendly at the same time. Great live music too. Drink service from friendly waitresses. Order food at the food counter. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to hang and really enjoy the vibes! read more

See all

The Loading Dock is a fun day time spot on a nice day to grab some food/drinks and catch up with friends. Huge patio area as well as plenty of seating inside. Offer typical "lake" food. read more

I'm from this riverbend and there's a lot of great restaurants in Grafton, but I will say that The Loading Dock has become my favorite place! I just love the beach feel with the yellow umbrellas, enormous patio, and of course the food & drinks. I opted for the catfish nuggets and a frozen strawberry drink. It was so good. I highly recommend checking them out. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

See all