Dockside Waterfront Grill

Someone from this business manages this listing.

700 reviews

#9 of 201 Restaurants in Venice$$ - $$$, American, Bar, Seafood

+1 941-218-6418+ Add website

Hours

Sun

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Mon

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tue

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wed

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thu

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Fri

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sat

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.0

700 reviews

#9 of 201 Restaurants in Venice

Travelers' Choice 2023

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, American, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options

“Fantastic salmon - cooked to perfection.”

“You get two sides and soup.”

Special occasions, Scenic view, Large groups, Bar scene

“... staff was attentive, the restrooms were clean and we had a great water view.”

“Great service, great views and best scallops ever!!! Great service and views...”

Location and contact

509 North Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285-6071

+1 941-218-6418

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Is this restaurant good for scenic view?

Yes

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Details

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About

Casual Waterfront Dining & Authentic Florida Charm. Located at US 41 bypass in the historic Fisherman‘s Wharf Marina. Seasonal, locally sourced produce & seafood; a menu with something for everyone, and the daily show of memorable Florida sunsets. Happiest Hours all day & all night & fresh-fruit frozen cocktails! Live music under our Tiki Hut during the weekends & the Gecko's Hospitality Group family of restaurant's exceptional hospitality. A favorite of Locals and visitors alike.

CUISINES

American, Bar, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront

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4.0

700 reviews

Excellent

365

Very good

213

Average

Poor

Terrible

Bob P

Sarasota158 contributions

Don't miss the one

Jul 2020 • none

Excellent..Excellent, Excellent The food, the seating, the service, the prices. I'd say a MUST TRY. Located in Venice, but very easy drive from Sarasota it's a challenge to go anywhere else. All our visits have been Excellent (or did I make that clear earlier !!!) You have a water view on the enclosed porch or since we prefer separation during covid virus, there are tables inside. A nice bar between the porch and inside dinning. On this trip we had bloody mary's $7; stella draft $6 Chicken dinner $17 and dockside burger (yummy) $11. Parking has never been an issue and the staff is excellent - gosh I've used that word alot !!

Written September 26, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GHospitality

Bob, we think you are Excellent! Thank you for the glowing review and we are thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful visit with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Written September 28, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeremy L

Grapevine614 contributions

Overpriced average food.

Jul 2020 • couples

Overpriced average food. Not our favorite restaurant on the trip. Food was just average and nothing stood out as being really good enough to bring us back. Caesar salad was ok flavor, but under dressed and dry. Combination of “cake” and shrimp platter was underwhelming to say the least. The Cake is the house version of a crab cake that is a blend of crab and shrimp. For 29 a plate, you should be getting the full crab version but not here. Different “cake” in a bad way. Blackened shrimp were grilled and good. Honestly couldn’t tell if I got just grilled served by accident or just very light on blackened. Good but again not great. Wife ordered fried shrimp dinner and the shrimp were big and good. Side of corn salad was really tasty. We asked our server if the Key lime pie was good and she said she’d never had it. Well she didn’t lie so I’ll give her that but No it isn’t good. Tasted very store bought. You can do much better seafood all around the area than this restaurant. Good very but disappointed with food, our experience and the price paid.

Written July 26, 2020

GHospitality

Hello Jeremy, we apologize about your recent experience with us and thank you for the feedback. We always strive to offer outstanding food, service and hospitality. I am sorry that we missed the mark with you. If you would like to discuss further, please e-mail us at reviews@geckoshospitality.com to address privately. We would love the opportunity to gain back your trust as a guest. Thank you, Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written July 27, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anita R

Sugar Land175 contributions

Outstanding Late Lunch

Jan 2020 • couples

Grabbed a late lunch with great friends & couldn’t have been moreimpressed. Our waiter, Josh, was superb! We had no idea until we left it was only his 3rd day because his serbice was spot on! He started us with drinks that arrived on time and exactly as ordered. He brought a sample of the waterfront chowder- just as I anticipated. We ordered lunch; arriving to perfection were 2 orders of juicy fried shrimp, an order of grouper bites, a cup of the aforementioned ted chowder, a Cobb salad and a Caesar’s salad. Lots of deliciousness and we finished it all. Thank you Josh for making a return trip better than anticipated. Can’t wait to return.

Written January 2, 2020

GHospitality

Anita, thank you for joining us for lunch! We're glad Josh and the team provided superb service. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Written January 3, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alex T

Brossard6 contributions

Food was good. Had the experience

Mar 2020 • none

Food was good. Had the experience and service been up to par, I would give 4 stars. Had everything been as expected, I would’ve given 4 stars due to somewhat inflated pricing. Parking is horrendous. It’s a popular destination due to the high google and trip advisor ratings but those ratings are unwarranted. Food is good but not worth the price. Arriving at 5pm and parking lot was already full. No attendant, no parking spaces delineated by lines. We arrived during happy hour where domestic drafts were advertised at $4. Asked the waitress what the special was during happy hour to reconfirm and she said drafts are $4. Ordered local beer and was charged full price ($7 and $6, respectively.) upon settlement, I questioned the charge and was told the happy hour special was Yeungling, Bud and bud light. Why not be that transparent from the beginning?!? Tourist trap! Upon questioning, I was made to feel like I was in the wrong. Even worse, the waitress confirmed that the stated happy hour prices for the cited brands where their regular everyday prices. So basically she admitted that happy hour was not at all happy hour pricing but simply a dishonest marketing ploy. At the end of the day, I was overcharged a mere $5 but the beauty of honest ratings is hopefully I will be able to dissuade at least one of you from eating here!

Written March 5, 2020

GHospitality

Alex, we apologize for your disappointing experience... our goal is to provide you with an excellent dining experience and we fell short of that goal. If you wouldn't mind sending me an email at reviews@geckoshospitality.com, with your contact information - I'd love to contact you and address your concerns directly. Sincerely, Dockside Waterfront Grill

Written March 6, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Issis6

North Port1 contribution

Too crowded, long wait times, and no Covid-19 precautions

Mar 2021 • none

I was appalled at the crowds at the Venice Dockside during a 1:30 pm visit on March 28th, 2021. While the reservation staff was wearing masks, none of the "guests" were, despite crowded lines and interior spaces. We left without eating. Because our Governor has opened the flood gates to such irresponsible behavior it is even more incumbent upon restaurants and other commercial entities to try and create spaces and procedures that provide basic safeguards. I used to eat at Dockside fairly often several years ago but in recent years each visit has required such long waits that I did not stay to eat.

Written March 30, 2021

GHospitality

We're sorry the wait time was a little longer during our 'high season' but hope you'll visit our website to see the serious investment we have made and continue to practice for our enhanced safety protocols. Please consider using our Yelp Waitlist feature to get in line for a table during our busy season or enjoying a cocktail at our bar with a waterfront view of the Marina. We appreciate our guests, Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written September 27, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gretchen D

San Juan Metro Region2 contributions

We were not told about the

Jul 2020 • none

We were not told about the flies hovering around the food once it was served at our table by the water . The server told us that they were bad once we sat down at the table and received our food . So we spent the whole time swatting flies off our food . Drinks were served hot and ice melted quickly . It makes me wonder how the food is handled behind closed doors . I have ate here numerous times in the past 10 years and I’m extremely disappointed in the deception !

Written July 11, 2020

Jeffrey Y

North Port1411 contributions

What An Improvement!!

Mar 2021 • none

We had not been to the old Marker 4 restaurant in several years because after many enjoyable visits in previous years, the last time was a big disappointment, from both service & food and then it was closed for some time afterwards. While in the area again this winter season, we recently noticed a new sign and a fully packed parking lot and decided to come back the next week for lunch and give what appeared to be a new operation another try. What a pleasant experience! We had less than a five minute wait and were fortunate to be seated next to the water along side the transient boat dock. Our food was delicious and piping hot and our server Chrissy was very pleasant and accommodating. Staff was all well masked, seating was spacious to allow comfortable social distancing and patrons seemed to be masked until their orders were taken and their drinks or meals arrived. My wife had the grilled shrimp tacos and I enjoyed fried shrimp tacos and we both throughly enjoyed our meals. We both agreed, these were the best shrimp tacos we've ever had. We wish we had come by earlier during our annual, six-month retreat to the area but will make the a first stop when we return in October. I even bought one of their new t-shirts to take "Back North".

Written April 1, 2021

GHospitality

We are so grateful that you came in to visit with us. Thank you for giving us a try and we are delighted that your experience was so wonderful. We look forward to welcoming you back upon future visit to the area. Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written April 2, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rita Y

Venice121 contributions

Gone downhill

Dec 2020 • none

I ordered the Gulf Shrimp Wrap. It was described as shrimp, onion, celery & mayonaise in either a lettuce or flour wrap. I requested lettuce wrap with French Fries as a side. The French Fries were excellent, hot and crisp. The Shrimp wrap however, had no flavor! I discovered there was no onion and very little celery and mayonaise. I brought this to the wait person's attention and she asked if I would like some onion. I said "yes" so 3 onion rings were given to me. I chopped the onion up myself and this helped, but... In the past, if a client was not happy, some form of compensation was offered. Neither an apology, nor any compensation was offered. My husband and I used to be frequent customers, but this was my first visit recently. In the past, the food and the service was very good.

Written December 16, 2020

GHospitality

Hello Rita Anne, we are very disappointed to read about your experience you had with us. Our goal is always to provide 5-star service and food to all of our guests. We are very sorry that we missed the mark with you. If you would be so kind as to reach out to us at reviews@geckoshospitality.com to connect directly and we would love the opportunity to regain your trust as a guest. Thank you, Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written December 17, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Empress5150

Lakewood Ranch355 contributions

Enjoyed It!

Jan 2021 • none

We met some friends here that I haven't seen since the 1970s. We had a lot of catching up to do, and the wait staff were very accommodating and let us sit there almost an hour before we ordered our lunch (we did get our drinks, though!) I had a blackened shrimp BLT and house chips, DH had a French dip with the house chips, and our friends each had a fried grouper sandwich with fried. These were huge! All wait staff had on masks, and most of the patrons would mask up when walking through to their table, getting up for the restroom, etc. Restroom had a sign limiting occupancy to two ladies at a time. Anyway, I agree it was a tad on the pricy but the food was really good, and the service was excellent.

Written January 8, 2021

ozwizard50

Crystal River163 contributions

Hot Day but, cool waterfront dinning.

Mar 2020 • couples

On the first of many 90 degree days, it was serendipitous to find this place. Approaching the hostess, we were seated dockside with a roof overhead and cool breezes keeping it pleasant. Drinks and appetizers came first and whet our appetites. When our meals arrived, it was obvious that we had chosen the right place. I had the French Dip with so much roast beef that you couldn't single hand it. My wife had the Shrimp BLT. I knew it was great when she wouldn't share even a little bite! We both ordered a side of corn salad. What a cool delight it was. This is the place I'm going to whenever I'm in Venice.

Written March 15, 2020

GHospitality

Thank you for your thoughtful review, it's great to hear that our atmosphere and award-winning fare helped make for a perfect dining experience! We look forward to seeing you next time and thanks again. Sincerely, Dockside Waterfront Grill

Written March 16, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

bluegrassbabe

Louisville46 contributions

Food and service were only okay; was expecting better.

Mar 2020 • none

Six of us met for lunch here. The wait for an inside table wasn't too long, however. Our waitress, Bobbie, was johnny-on-the-spot taking drink orders. We felt as though she was rushed when it came to taking our lunch orders, and it appeared they might have been shorthanded the day we were there. We all thought the food was just average....nothing to write home about. The setting was nice looking out onto the marina, even though it was a chilly, windy day. We wouldn't make a special trip to return.

Written March 8, 2020

GHospitality

Thanks for the kind words about our atmosphere and Bobbie's "on-the-spot" service. We do apologize for your disappointment in your lunch orders. If you wouldn't mind sending me an email at reviews@geckoshospitality.com, with your contact information - I'd love to be in direct contact and regain your confidence. Sincerely, Dockside Waterfront Grill

Written March 9, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Happiness7640

2 contributions

Great Lunch Spot

Aug 2020 • friends

Could not have asked for a better lunch spot, this restaurant took al the health precautions necessary, all staff wore masks, tables were wiped down after each meal. The food was excellent(french dip) Our server Kat was excellent, professional and made sure that everything we ordered was exactly how we wanted it. Absolutely no complaints here and will be back again, kudos ,a job well done!!!

Written August 7, 2020

Judy B

Martinsburg35 contributions

Good sandwich

Jan 2020 • couples

We sat outside. It was chilly, but there was a 15 minute wait for an inside table. We chose the loaded french dip with fries. We didn't wait long. It was hot, tasty, and nicely presented. The only suggestion we would have would be some lunch specials, since it was a little pricey. We liked it!

Written January 30, 2020

GHospitality

Judy, thank you for your review - we're glad to hear you enjoyed our warm french dip on a chilly day! One tip to avoid the wait, try the Waitlist APP from Yelp. Please know that our Managers want you to be happy and we will share your suggestion regarding lunch specials with our team. Thank you for being our valued guest and for your input.

Written January 31, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mcriss50

Venice539 contributions

Great food with good service while adhering to new safety measures

Jun 2020 • none

Now that we have started going into restaurants it is very important to find places that the servers wear masks & tables are set apart. The Dockside did this very well. We had in the past gone here quite regularly & are glad we can go again. We both had our usual....my husband had the Cobb Salad with grilled chicken (large enough to take half home) and I had the seafood chowder which is great plus the calamari. We will be back. It also is nice to look at the boats while eating.

Written June 16, 2020

GHospitality

We cannot thank you enough for the glowing review and 5-star rating. It is so important to us that our guests feel safe and secure as they visit our restaurant again. We look forward to seeing you again for your usual dishes. Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written June 18, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JudgeMunch

Bradenton194 contributions

Outstanding Food and Service!

Sep 2020 • couples

We stopped here based upon TA reviews. So glad we did. We had lobster rolls and my husband also had the lobster bisque. He dumped his lobster into the already yummy bisque and used the roll to swop up the residual. He was purring. Debbie was an outstanding server. Knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. The GM stopped by and was delightful. Highly recommend!

Written September 5, 2020

GHospitality

You have put a big smile on our faces with your wonderful review. Thank you for being our guests and we are thrilled you had such a great visit. We look forward to welcoming you back for another Lobster Roll soon. Dockside Waterfront Grill.

Written September 7, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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