3,310 reviews
#3 of 25 Restaurants in Longboat Key₹₹ - ₹₹₹, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options+1 941-383-0102+ Add websiteImprove this listing
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 - 10:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Reserve a table
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Menu
Appetizers
Grouper Bites
crispy Florida Gulf grouper bites served with our sweet chili sauce
$22.00
Crispy Calamari
served with sweet chili & tomato basil sauce
$18.00
Coconut Shrimp
served with our pina colada sauce
$18.00
Lobster Bites
Fried Maine Lobster tail served with our pina colada sauce
$22.00
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
crispy sea scallops & bacon drizzled with maple syrup
$23.00
Peel & Eat Shrimp
Large chilled domestic shrimp
$18.00
Is this a Central American restaurant?
Details
About
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill features casual indoor & outdoor dining overlooking Sarasota Bay. Known for having one of the freshest grouper sandwiches on Florida 's West Coast. The Dry Dock is popular with locals and visitors to Longboat. From the dockside patio,and the upstairs overlooking the view of Sarasota Bay the Dry Dock is conveniently located at the south end of Longboat Key at the Boathouse Marina.
PRICE RANGE
₹1,007.00 – ₹2,852.00
CUISINES
Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront
Contribute
4.5
3,310 reviews
Excellent
2,178
Very good
864
Average
185
Poor
50
Terrible
33
Anita M
Nassau252 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We were going to Longboat Key for a 7:15 PM event and wanted to dine somewhere nearby. We called to make reservations at the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill partially because they open at about 11 and stay open until closing, whereas other restaurants only opened for dinner at about 6 PM, which would have been too late for us. They were totally booked, even for an early hour, but they permit walk-ins. We chose that route and were given a buzzer to notify us when a table opened up, which was after about 25 minutes. Everything is done efficiently but warmly. We had a table with a great view of the water, our order was taken and delivered promptly, and the prices are quite reasonable. Is it a fancy place to go for a special occasion? No, but it's really good for what it is.They even had stone crab on the menu, and the wines by the glass were of a good quality and moderately priced. For example, a 6 oz. pour was $11. The desserts were disappointing, though. They were basically tasteless.
Written 27 January 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.
c0415hernandez
Miami547 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I googled trying to find a good, water view spot for dinner and I'm glad I found this place. I think this is the best Grouper Tacos I have ever had. Service was fast and amazing. We ordered the Calamari, Fish and Chips and Grouper Tacos with the Spicy Lobster and corn soup. Every single item was amazing. Reservation is a must as I was hearing them say walk ins had a 90 min wait but we waiting only 15 mins. Our waitress forgot my salad but the food was soooo good that I didn't mind. Our table was waterfront and very romantic as we saw both sunset and how lights come on at night. Food was hot, fresh and very tasty. I will be back! I highly recommend this restaurant.
Written 15 February 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.
michelle r
Lake Worth765 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
This was the best restaurant we went to in Longboat Key. Amazing menu and reasonable prices. You can get 2 lobster rolls for the price of 1 compared to other restaurants. I mistakenly made reservations for the day before and when we got there, they told me my reservation was yesterday. They were more than accommodating to get us a table for 6 outside. the bartender was awesome and had some delicious drinks like the Killah Nilla! Lunch was amazing. Our whole party loved it with the bay views and delicious food. Lobster roll and bisque combo, i thought was a great deal! Definitely get the grouper bites and the lobster bites as well! A definite recommendation from me!
Written 25 June 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.
Patricia B
Cromwell43 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
We had to wait 45 minutes as we didn’t have a reservation, but it was worth the wait. We enjoyed a cocktail while we waited and once we were seated and ordered, our food came in a timely manner. It was delicious! The seafood pasta dishes were wonderful as well as the twin lobster tails. Great views of the bay and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Written 24 February 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.
Kevin
Willoughby3 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
This experience exceeded expectations. Although we had to wait an hour and fifteen minutes for a table for walk-in, it was well worth the wait! The citrus grouper was delicious, and had an abudence of flavor. This restaurant was beyond accommodating to specific needs of our party. I will definately make sure that we come back next time we are visiting!
Written 2 January 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.
Spicey
Sarasota3 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The Dry Dock used to be our favorite restaurant by far! We've recommended this place to numerous people. Unfortunately ever since the new owners took it over a couple years ago it has been going down hill. We never recommend it anymore. We literally used to dine there 2 times per week as we live within walking distance. We now only go there 2 times a year. The food is now average where the food used to be extraordinary. Once they decided to water down the soup that was the last call for us. Too bad as we've enjoyed this place for 35 years but sadly no longer.
Written 6 March 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.
Jmo79
Saint Cloud10 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
My biggest concern was social distancing which Dry Dock exceeded expectations by requiring masks of all guest entering the restaurant before being seated and upon leaving from table. Only one person per party was able to go to the bar to order drinks while we waited. Our waiter Jeremy was exceptional. We were seated outside by the marina. Beautiful views with adequate spacing between tables. I would highly recommend the Lobster Bites and Chilean Sea Bass. The Chilean Sea Bass sealed the 5-stars for me. It was cooked to perfection, each bite was more delectable than the last. My husband ordered the Filet Mignon which was good while my daughter enjoyed the Linguini with Clams and my son gave their Seafood Chowder two thumbs up. Dry Dock will now be added to our family’s top 3 restaurants to go to when visiting Anna Maria Island.
Written 4 July 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.
JASUSA
Albany51 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Visited the Dry Dock while on vacation. Really nice location overlooking the waterfront. Although there was a wait, we had cocktails and appetizers while relaxing next to the fire pit which is actually located on the dock. Both of us had the surf and turf and were very happy. We will certainly go back on our next visit.
Written 22 February 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.
Rbard48
Sarasota38 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
We stopped in spur of the moment without a reservation and were seated within 5 minutes for an outside table. The patio is right on the water and some is undercover and others had umbrellas. Service was excellent. We shared the Oysters Rockefeller which was exceptional. My wife had the peel and eat shrimp which were humongous and firm. The cocktail sauce was quite spicy with lots of horseradish, just the way I like it. It had the fish and chips and asked for it to be extra crispy. It came with 3 pieces of haddock which were very crispy, fries that were also crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and a small order of slaw. I finished the meal off with a slice of Key Lime Pie which was small but very tasty. Will definitely be back. I would probably make reservations next time for the patio right on the water.
Written 5 March 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.
Jeremy L
Grapevine614 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
Don’t be fooled by the outward appearance. It’s appropriately named Dry Dock for a reason. Interior is very much a quaint little restaurant and we dined outside overlooking the water.
Our waiter wasn’t overly friendly, but very accommodating of all my requests like adding a lobster tail to my blackened redfish entree.
Started our meal with a delightful bowl of the lobster bisque. Highly recommended! Rich and flavorful with pieces of lobster.
Fish was fresh and tasted good. I would have preferred a bit more black on the blackened to make it great. Lobster tail with clarified butter was very good as well. Vegetable side was very underwhelming and tasted like a bag of frozen mixed veg.
The Mrs. enjoyed her crab cake and lobster combo platter.
One thing I loved about the menu is all the combination options! Sometimes it’s tough to decide or you want more than one seafood selection and they had them all available to satisfy anyone.
Overall a solid experience!
Written 23 July 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.
architect1013
Lakewood Ranch134 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
This was our first visit to Dry Dock after a suggestion from a friend. It is tucked backed from the main drag on Longboat Key. Nice, clean fun place with a bar and outside (some covered) and inside seating. Seating was spaced very comfortably and staff wore masks. (this will date this review!) Great views from the second floor inside dining area. Enjoyed the antics of pelicans and heron fishing off the pier.
Started off with a coffee martini and bacon wrapped scallops. Both were perfect and would order again. We tried a special of grouper with special sauce and scallops and a plate of lobster tail with scallops. Both were fantastic! Diner comes with salad, tried both caesar and house, both excellent; starch which we had the red potatoes, fantastic and veggies, very good. Ended with Key Lime Pie that was to die for. Very creamy and full of taste.
The wait staff was tremendous! Very attentive, friendly and helpful. They new the menu as well as each individual selection, would offer suggestions and had answers to every question. No rush, but always available.
Prices are very good, but excellent for the quality, taste and portions provided. A very good deal. We could not be happier with our experience and will be back with friends soon.
Written 11 June 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.
Trish O
Atlanta107 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We got here early on a Saturday evening(they don’t take reservations) & so we beat the crowd. We ended up eating at the bar & it was perfect! Food was delicious- fresh seafood, drinks were marvelous, too. Service was also superior- I highly recommend this for lunch or dinner. You can also sit waterside as it is in a marina. Wonderful experience!
Written 5 January 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.
Kristap
Orlando6 contributions
Nov 2020 • couples
Great hidden gem on longboat key. My husband and I were out exploring and found this tucked away off of the main road. The place is adorned with Artisan canoes and other nautical gear , so looked interesting . So glad we stayed!! Service was attentive but not overbearing, and the food was some of the best I’ve had in years. The calamari was tender and crisp and the house dipping sauce they served it with was perfect. Although my husband rolls his eyes at my boring choice of an entree, I had the ( blackened) salmon Caesar salad- and either I was starving or it was the best I’ve ever had . My husband had the grilled grouper tacos , and loved them too. Will be back next time we are in town .
Written 6 November 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.
Susie W
Dallas32 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We loved our birthday trip to the Dry Dock. Even on a scorching hot August day, it was pleasant outside on the dock with the fans they provided. It was so fun to watch the pelicans as we ate and the food was delicious, grouper was so fresh and light. We had coffee and cocktails inside upstairs which was equally as lovely. The staff were attentive and very pleasant. We will for sure go back, it was a wonderful afternoon.
Written 7 August 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.
Victoria652
Philadelphia141 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
The food was great. The view was great. The staff was great. What else can I say? Both my husband and I ordered the lobster bisque and the lobster roll. It was very fresh. We asked for a table by the water so we could see the boats dock as we ate on a Saturday afternoon. Reservations are recommended as it was at least a 45 minute wait by 1pm. The staff was friendly and helpful and gave us quite a few tips about the menu. I heard that the grouper is fresh and wonderful as well.
Written 20 April 2022
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.
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