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Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen

3.5 (220 reviews)
ModerateBars, American
Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen Photos

Business Info

ZEF’S DOCKSIDE BAR & KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen

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Cameron N.

My aunt and I ate here Thursday evening. We started with the pretzel bites and really enjoyed them. For entrees, my aunt got the Greek salad and added chicken. It was a nice size and had plenty of toppings. I got the bourbon glazed salmon and brussels sprouts. It was on the menu with a side of rice, but I asked if I could sub it for a side of veggies and they were fine with that. The veggies were listed on the menu literally as VEGGIES, so I did have to ask the server which veggies ones specifically they were (broccoli & cauliflower) The side was decently sized and seasoned well but 90% broccoli (which I didn't mind) and HEAVY on the stems. There were more stems than actual florets. Things I didn't like: The table was visibly dirty when we were seated. I feel like as a restaurant a clean table is the bare minimum and should've been noticed. When I asked for it to be cleaned, the young server pointed to a spot that had a lot of crumbs and asked "Just here?? Or do you want me to wipe the whole thing." ...UHHHH. Yes?? Also, my aunt and I were seated at a four top, directly across from each other. Every time the servers brought food, they placed it at the *opposite* end of the table and walked away, and we'd have to reach down and grab the plates. I've never experienced that before and I didn't like it at all.

Pretzel bites
Alla M.

Zef's left me with mixed feeling. Some things were good like pretzel bites, and fishs tacos. Lobster tacos missed their mark just strange combination. Cevapi dinner was good. Aperol spritz was good as well. Ambience was off floors were dirty, tables were not cleaned not sure if they were short staffed or just busy. Couldnt sit outside upstairs not enough shade for all the tables. Our waitress was super.

Calamari app
Lorraine F.

Love this place right in my town. I love our Lake St Clair and the view of the boats and the lake is the perfect way to enjoy an outdoor lunch on a nice day. You can also sit inside, of course. Service is great. I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and my friend has the BLT. Both came fresh and hot. Their fries are delicious!!! Some kind of yummy seasoning on them but not overpowering. We also had the Calamari appetizer. Very well done...Will always order that!!

Shrimp po boy
Janey P.

Second time coming here and tried something new. The service was nice and kind and attentive. We came on a Sunday and were glad that they had football on the tv's. My husband had their slap on the wrist burger and he enjoyed it! I had their shrimp po boy and it was a bit too salty for me. They gave a big portion but next time I order I think I would request no salt. Their truffle fries are delicious. And they do give a good portion for the price. But the only thing is saltiness. Two other people in our party ordered the same thing and said the same as well. But all in all, we would come back to try different things. The views during the day are beautiful as well because you see the boats and the docks on the water.

Lobster roll
Laura B.

We've been a few times before but this time for the lobster roll for me and wrap for the hubs . The lobster roll is served on a proper New England style hot dog bun and toasted, there was a decent amount of lobster neat as well. Our server was friendly and prompt and we got seated quickly upstairs on a Saturday around 3:30 . Good views of the boats and water

Fish tacos
Matt B.

I love Zefs in the summer. Great views food the lake from the outdoor patio upstairs. I will say, parking can be a real pain here, especially during brunch service or in Friday/Saturday nights. The service is good and the prices are what you'd expect on the Nautical Mile. Looking forward to having some nights out there during the summer of 2025!

Lobster Mac and cheese
Maranda L.

Came here last minute right before the dinner traffic hit and we were easily able to be seated for 3 people. We had the option of going up to the second level (which had a condensed menu compared to the main level), staying on the main level, out on the patio, or rooftop. We chose to stay on the main level since it was my first time there and I didn't want to be limited to options. The place was very spacious while decorated beautifully. It perfectly fit a nice dinner setting with a view while also functioning as a sports bar. They had garage windows that opened up on nice days that I really liked. There were so many things on the menu that I wanted to try and I couldn't narrow it down so I had our server pick for me. I ended up getting the fish tacos that weren't too bad. The filling tasted great but the fish was a little too big for the taco and ended up being too soggy after eating the first one (of three). We also ordered the Bang Bang shrimp and the flavoring tasted good, but the shrimp was just a bit too chewy. The Lobster Mac & Cheese was good and so was the burger. Overall it wasn't too bad but I just think I ordered the wrong items on the menu. I would love to come back and try something else that looked good. The only other thing is that for such a large building that can seat a lot of people, the parking sucks. There is not much parking available at all and half of what is available is reserved for valet. The restaurant is dockside and located by the marina so it's hidden all the way in the back from the road as well.

Smoky Pesto grilled cheese with sweet potato fries
Katie D.

The portions are huge (everyone had leftovers to bring home) and the holiday specials were all delicious!

Chicken caprese sandwich
Madison D.

The chicken for the the chicken sandwich was so rubbery it was not edible. Service was less than kind. It looked like most people sat at the bar when they came in.

Taco Tuesday menu 2 of 2
Renee J.

Taco Tuesday is a great excuse to visit Zef's. I've attached photos of menu. 2 taco minimum..but take advantage of their 3 taco combo $22, 4 tacosbof your choice, rice and beans....while the rice and beans are underwhelming, the $22 is the least expensive way for 3 tacos. Shout out to our server Kayla, very personable and great suggestions. Our overall favorite was the Surf & Turf, grilled steak, shrimp, peppers and onions, Chipotle sauce and cilantro. Next favorite was the Jerk Chicken, crispy chicken, Caribbean jerk sauce. Pineapple and Pico. 3rd is Chimchurri, grilled steak, Chimchurri, pickled red onion and Cotillard cheese. Last, was the Tropical Heat, smoked brisket, mango habanero sauce, Pico, Pineapple and cotija cheese. The Zef's Margarita $7, house tequila, simple sugar, fresh squeezed lime very good. $3 Beers: Corona, Corona light and Modelo

Spicy margarita
Dawn H.

I went for Sunday brunch for my brother's bday. The windows were open and a great breeze was coming in off the water making a perfect temperature for dining. We started with calamari, bourbon glazed Brussel sprouts and truffle fries. All were delicious and large portions. I ordered the spicy margarita for my drink and I loved the hint of spice. Sometimes the jalapeño is overpowering but this one was great & strong. For my entree I selected the fried green tomato blt with sweet potato waffle fries. The sandwich is huge, I could inky finish 1/2 of it and took the rest home . I wish they had a honey dipping sauce for the sweet potato fries but they were crisp and evenly salted. The service was fast and friendly. Keep in mind 20% gratuity is added on parties of 6 or more.

Burger with waffle fries
Andrea C.

We came here with a large group for a mini-family reunion. Here is how the experience shook out: Great: - I ordered the fish tacos as I saw a lot of great Yelp reviews for them and they were incredible! My uncle who was sitting next to me ordered fish and chips and the tartar sauce looked homemade so I asked the server for some. One of the best tarter sauces ever and I enjoyed it on my fish tacos. - Waffle fries were cooked perfectly as was my husband's burger Not as great: - When I heard we were going to a dockside restaurant, I was excited and expecting to see the lake. No, we saw dock and a lot of marine equipment. Bummer. - Ladies room was out of hand towels. We told the server and the young lady who was doing the greeting when folks entered the restaurant - they seemed to take it seriously but given that I had seen a few women before us leaving the restroom shaking their hands dry, it made me feel like this issue was ignored for some time.

Hostess turning her back to us for 5 mins....
Karen T.

We went in for lunch today. We had the perch dinner and two Ruben sandwiches. All of the food was very good. Our waitress was excellent. She picked us up from the hostess stand, helped us with our orders, and was very friendly and welcoming. The ambiance was great as it was a beautiful day outside and the windows were open. Unfortunately, the hostess was really bad. When we were walking up. She turned her back to us and took a phone call. She was literally on the phone for 5 minutes and never turned around to face us. Thankfully, the waitress acknowledged us and was great.

Bourbon Salmon

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1 year ago

Awesome restaurant. One of the best in SCS. Everything is fresh and portion sizes are great. A true gem. The owners should be proud

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Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen - bars - Updated May 2026

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