Waterfront Seafood Dining on Longboat Key
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a beloved seafood restaurant in Longboat Key, known for fresh dishes, beautiful waterfront views, and an atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Set right on Gulf of Mexico Dr, this popular spot draws diners who want more than just a great plate of seafood; they want the full coastal experience. Guests consistently mention the warm, friendly service, the clean and comfortable dining room, and those unbeatable sunset views over the water. It’s the kind of place where lunch can turn into a long, relaxing afternoon.
The menu gets high marks for freshness and flavor, with favorites like grouper, coconut shrimp, fish and chips, calamari, grilled scallops, and red snapper linguini earning plenty of praise. Many diners also love the light batter on the fried seafood, the well-seasoned fish, and cocktails that feel just right for a beachside meal. Even when the restaurant is busy, the experience stays memorable thanks to attentive staff and a setting that feels distinctly coastal. With thousands of guests singing its praises, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill has become a standout for fresh seafood, scenic dining, and a true taste of the Gulf Coast in Longboat Key. If you’re looking for a polished but relaxed waterfront restaurant, this one is an easy recommendation.
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Savanah Morgan
2 weeks agoThis place came highly recommended. We visited for dinner and found the service to be friendly, but overall lacking. This is the first place we’ve been that, in all our years of visiting the area, we would choose not to return to.
We tried the Fried Lobster Bites; Florida Grouper (blackened) with a Caesar Salad, Red Potatoes, and Asparagus; the Florida Red Snapper (seasoned), with a Caesar Salad, Mashed Potatoes, and Asparagus. The only reason food got two stars, instead of one, was for the lobster bites - these were something we would happily enjoy again!
The reason for the low rating was the food was bland and, in my opinion, no finesse. I expected much more thoughtful preparation of the meal, specifically the sides. I would have loved to have seen fresh made croutons, creamy mashed potatoes, or any sort of caramelization on the red potatoes. This is not the food I expected for the price point and reputation. The fish was good, but was in desperate need of seasoning.
Again, the server and staff were friendly, but I was not impressed with the overall quality and taste of the dishes (other than the lobster bites). I think you’re more so paying for the view, location, and ambience and not so much the actual quality of service and food.
Important to note, we didn’t have any cocktails or adult beverages so the price is excluding drinks.
Hudson Valley Hangry
4 months agoSo impressed. Heard good things, but exceeded expectations! Absolutely delicious food & excellent service. Everyone we encountered was warm & friendly from the hostess to the bartender & our server. Went for lunch, was escorted upstairs & seated promptly. Beautiful views, great A/C, clean restaurant.
Ordered the Killa Nilla cocktail (fresh, unique & delicious), a bottled beer (served with a cold glass - suggested by our server), Coconut Shrimp appetizer, a Ceasar salad with blackened grouper, & the Fish & Chips - all were outstanding, flavorful, light & so fresh tasting. The grouper was flaky & seasoned perfectly, the batter on the Fish & Chips was the lightest & best we've ever had (second only to Old Naples Pub, RIP), & the Coconut Shrimp were large & fresh, quality shrimp with a real coconut batter. Will 100% be back.
Alexandra On earth
2 months agoGreat experience per a friends recommendation. Me, my brother and SIL went for dinner we got calamari for our app, grilled scallops dinner, lobster and scallops dinner, and the red snapper white wine linguini. We sat on the dock at sunset and the views were beautiful! Service was a little slow but with all due respect they were busy as heck we waited about an hour for a table but the bar area is lovely! Total came out to $160 we were 100% satisfied.
Matt and Jaime G
2 months agoDelicious snapper ceasar salad. The fish was fresh. The lobster roll/bisque combo was tasty. The server offered fresh warm bread with whipped butter. All great food. We had a table along waterfront and they had fans out to help.with a breeze. I will say I didnt think Heidi was too friendly. The interaction from the beginning was a little odd. When I asked her about freshly brewed tea she offered unsweet and I asked if she could ask the bar for a little simple syrup. Her reply was the bar gives a hard time when they ask. Seems a bit odd to say that to a customer instead of just going to go get it (which she did) seemed she acted like it was an inconvenience. Other than that probably wouldve gave 5 stars if we felt more welcome or appreciated. Stopped in to try this restaurant on a whim because it was waterfront and we were passing thru.
Carmen Washington
3 months agoReally enjoyed Dry dock!
Parking was interesting to say the least. We definitely got there at just the right time. If you’ve never been here before and the lot is crowded it could be tricky!
We really lucked out and got a table right by the water. We tried the shark bite first and it most definitely wasn’t for me. None the less the regular margarita made up for it!
We ordered grouper & cocoanut shrimp, and cocoanut shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops. Both were delicious! Not a fan of the pina colada sauce but the sauce for the scallops was amazing!
Our waiter was super attentive and did a great job making sure we were well taken care of.