Had some friends from out of town visiting and they wanted to go to Docks. As a friend I didn't voice my opinion and went along with their request. As I remember and was hoping had changed did not. Docks was a waste of time and money. Dinnng room was a disaster. One server for an entire dinning room. Families letting kids run free while the manager stands by. Loudest place one been since I was much younger. Food was tasteless. Don't waste your time. There are many great places in Wauconda that would love your business. read more

Horribly slow service Over-cooked everything Waiter (Brian) said fish fry would have to be lunch portion because it wasn't 4pm (we said fine... at 3:30) Burned fish came AFTER 4 The view is pretty, the drinks are cold but the food and service makes this a BYE FELICIA read more

Great drinks! Great Service! I really enjoyed the chicken nachos and buffalo style calamari. The view is great day or night. We took our friends from out of town and they totally enjoyed themselves and loved their food. read more

This is an awesome place to come to especially if it is during the summer. The outside patio area is enormous. It is a giant deck with a bar & plenty of tables to sit all of the customers in the summer. It is a great place to come for lunch or at night as well. As far as the food goes I was surprised at how good it was. The appetizers were good but the entree was the real winner. I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich & it was the first Philly Cheese Steak I have ever had. For the cheese they used Velveeta. It was ridiculously good. It was covered in cheese & the portion size was huge. My wife had fish & it was good but not great. I was a huge fan of my meal though. The service here was very friendly & fairly quick for how busy it was. The place was clean as well & they did a good job of clearing tables quickly once the occupants left. Overall it was a fun atmosphere & the sitting on the patio looking at the lake while eating made the atmosphere fun. The service was good & the place was clean. The Philly Cheese Steak was amazing & I would definitely eat here again. read more

Docks Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

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I'd like to counter some of these harsh reviews... something about preferring Taco Bell in a sweaty sock? Not quite. First, before I get to the food, this is the #1 spot for patio dining/drinking in the NW suburbs. Great view. I ordered the Prime Rib Sandwich and subbed in onion rings instead of fries and WOW. AMAZING lunch. They have Revolution Brewery's Anti-Hero on tap, the sun was shining, and both the sandwich and the onion rings were stellar. I'm sitting here at work right now really kicking myself for forgetting my leftovers at home. I want to devour the other half of that beast. Generous piles of tender prime rib on soft garlic bread with a side of au jus and a smokey chipotle/horseradsish dipping sauce oh my. .... I have to stop now I'm getting hungry. read more

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Awesome place, great happy hour, excellent views. The calamari is awesome The views of the lake are awesome read more

1 star for the view, which is beautiful scenic water views. The food? Absolutely awful and overpriced. Spinach Artichoke Dip was disgusting.

I really dig this place!!! I came here for a lunch date with a girlfriend this week, and it was my first time! There was no parking on the upper level, and I really didnt feel like driving my car to the lower level, so I did the "free" valet parking. They have a very nice and spacious outdoor seating area...it was super hot outsie, but at least they had plenty of umbrellas and our adorable and awesome waiter Ethan kept our waters coming. They have a pretty solid menu and all reasonably priced. My friend and I both ordred the veggie panini...very tastey...I do wish they put it on different bread though because it was getting soggy from all the grilled veggies...we just used our knife and fork to eat it instead! :) Very yummy! The fries (with ranch of course) were awsesome as well. The service is good and the food is very good as well! I plan on coming on more lunch dates here in the near future!! read more

Docks Bar & Grill - Outdoor seating - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

Wow, what a disappointment. I had been wanting to go to docks for years as I drove by. I got my chance last night. We started out with a special that they were offering. $5.00 vodka drinks. It didn't taste like vodka or cranberry juice. My brother in law guessed it was just watered down. Drink delivering was off the hook. The waitress not only managed to spill the drink, but also spilled it on my wife. The burger was unimpressive, McDonalds is a better burger. My wife had the cob salad that she liked until the waitress came along and spilled the drink on her jacket, down her back and on her thigh. Except for the view, I can't see any reason to go back. read more

First time at docks for a coworkers birthday. Didn't go inside, so this review covers our experience on the deck. Good atmosphere, relatively busy for a Wednesday evening. Because we heard the deck was pet friendly we brought our pup, which was cool. The hostess could use some help with her people skills. She asked if one of the available high top tables would be ok, but we had our dog and felt that would leave him down and out of our reach. When my fiancée asked if we could wait for one of the un bused regular tables, she literally rolled her eyes. She was visibly perturbed that she had to bus the table herself so we could sit down. We didn't order meals, instead we settled on a couple appetizers. We ordered the chips and salsa and added guacamole and the $15 shrimp cocktail. Both tasted fine, but the shrimp were quite small and there were only five, so hardly enough to share. In the end it cost $55, for two Bloody Marys, the two appetizers, tax and tips...Kind of pricey! We may come back to try a full meal, we'll see. read more

My gf and I have been here on a few occasssions... all for weekend lunch. First time, we just stopped in because we've never been there. The next was a complete surprise, as we went for breakfast to find they had an all you can eat buffet/brunch. This final time was on Memorial Day. Incredible weather and a beautiful view while overlooking Bangs Lake. Food and drinks have always been GREAT and service usually pretty good, but on this day... not so much. I don't know if our waitress was new or ready to end her shift, but she seemed irritated. My gf usually gives me a hard time about leaving an "appropriate" tip (I'm pretty hard on the service industry)... but with this waitress, my gf was the one saying she shouldn't get anything. Dock's is a great casual place to dine (only been outside on the deck). Great food and drinks and usually good service. I WILL give them a chance to redeem their 5 star rating... Note: You must try the Strawberry Spinach Salad (comes with chicken, but should substitute grilled shrimp) read more

Docks Bar & Grill - Strawberry Spinach Salad w/ Shrimp (substituted for chicken, extra charge) - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

We used to love this place last 2 times the food was cold and the fries appeared to be from the day before. Super expensive for what you get. The only thing this place has going for it now is the outdoor atmosphere. read more

An awesome outside bar to hangout on a cool summer evening while listening to a live band and having a few beers with your friends. Typical bar food but decent. I'm guessing the crowd here doesn't hangout at Lindy's Landing and vice-versa. No big deal but parking at Dock's can be challenging at times. read more

Food was great. Sat on dock with great views of bang lake. There was 5 of is and we got our order fast and the clam chowder soup was very good. read more

The employees and valet drivers weren't wearing masks or gloves, soap in the bathroom was watered down, the one bottle of hand sanitizer was also watered down. Very disappointing because we enjoy coming here to eat by the lake. Immediately left after we didn't feel comfortable dining in an establishment that doesn't protect their employees or customers. read more

Great view and very good food. I had the Reuben egg rolls which is a appetizer but was wonderful as a main course for lunch. We had a party of 10 people and everyone was happy with the food. EXCEPT, one person in our party did not get his fish tacos until everyone else was finished eating. They did take that off the check which was fair. However the bill was not itemized so we asked for an itemized bill and realized that the gratuity had been added due to our parties size and had we not asked for an itemized bill we would have tipped twice. Overall we did have a good experience and I would recommend it. Just check you bill! read more

Came in tonight and the service, food and drinks were terrible. Ordered beer battered fish fry and received basically cafeteria quality fish fry that was NOT beer battered or even fresh made. I would guess it was frozen fish that came already battered like a fish stick. The adult and kids macaroni and cheese uses Velvetta cheese food and not cheese... or even instant quality, just gross. The coffee was so weak it looked like a light tea. After two tries the coffee was still as weak as ever and undrinkable. It took two tries to get a dirty martini. Things were forgotten like our salad which we had to ask for after our dinner came out. Drinks were left empty. Only about 3-4 tables filled on a Friday night. Just bad all around, we won't be back. read more

Dock's has a beautiful view, and with the addition of the new deck, it's going to be a big hit for the summer. It's location in the heart of Wauconda on Bangs Lake is very easy to get to. For a sports bar type place, Dock's has a very nice menu. You will find your traditional burgers, but they also had an interesting seafood section. I was feeling a bit adventurous, so I ordered the glazed salmon. The server did recommend the dijon salmon, but said both were good. The salmon was done very well, especially considering it is a sports bar. Our server was very attentive, and there wasn't that long of a wait for food. Price was moderate, but not outside of the normal for the area. Definitely worth many return visits! read more

Docks Bar & Grill - Outside of Docks - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

Been there twice this month and it's not as good as it used to be. Despite the nice deck and view, the service is poor and the food marginal. Salads came after our food and the walleye was only fair, my boyfriend said his was bad and barely ate any of it. read more

This is in response to the awful review posted by "Peter C" about his June 25 visit. My husband and I were seated on the other side of the bar when this incident occurred. We love Docks. It is our go-to summer spot and we go at least weekly. We - as well as other customers around the bar - witnessed this particular group and their demonstration of rude and disrespectful behavior with the bar staff. Mistakes and issues happen in any business. This is unavoidable. However, there is a way for a customer to express an issue in a polite, respectful and non-confrontational manner. If that had been done in this case, most likely the scenario would have transpired quite differently. When someone is verbally attacked, they are going to naturally respond on the defensive. Other customers present witnessed this incident and were as horrified as we were. We know all the servers that work behind the bar at Docks. Each and every one of them works very hard and under often very busy and stressful shifts. We think they are the greatest crew around! As well, the owner, who is always on sight overseeing the operation, is a good businessman and in this case, was supporting his team. This is commendable. The customer is not always right when the customer is rude and obnoxious. read more

Been stopping in more regularly here and Erica has always been rocking the service. Just loaded up with a huge nacho order.... read more

Docks Bar & Grill - Chicken Docks Mega Nachos - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

We ordered an appetizer when we ordered our drinks and our server forgot to put them in. After waiting about 30 min we reminded him and he put the order in but the cheese curds were very disappointing. I had the goat cheese flat bread and it was horrible. My boyfriend had the buffalo chicken wrap which was also a big let down. read more

Last night (June 15, 2023) my husband and I went to Dock's for the first time as out of town visitors (we have a ton of family who moved to the area). It was around 9:45PM and we wanted to sit on the patio because it was a nice night. The outside bar was closing, and so we politely asked the bartender if we could just order inside and then sit out on the patio. We didn't want to bother him with drinks while he was trying to go home. He was pretty rude and had an attitude, but said that was fine. My husband went inside to grab drinks, and the indoor bartender let him know that Dock's was going to close early, but didn't specify when. Ordinarily, it would have closed at midnight, over two hours later. We assumed they'd come and give us a courtesy heads up once they decided what time they were closing. Instead, about halfway through our drinks the bartender looked directly at us and literally shut the lights off on us while we were sitting on the patio. No heads up, no one had told us what time the place was closing, nothing. We were just sitting there in the pitch dark completely confused as to what the heck just happened. It was the most appalling experience I've ever had at a restaurant establishment. Since we'd never been there, we had no idea that once the patio bar closes we couldn't keep sitting out there - and the guy never said a word or told us how it works except to say, yes, you can sit on the patio. I was a bartender and worked in the service industry for years - I can't imagine treating people like this. We were just two quiet folks on a date night. These people are truly beyond horrible. We have let all the family in the area know to stay away, and to tell their friends to stay away. Disgusting. read more

AMAZING view! very AVERAGE food! AWFUL service! By request because of location, I recently hosted a longtime local school district teacher retirement luncheon party here. While the location was great w/ pretty lake views & easily accessible, the food was merely adequate: very weirdly served, including green beans mixed w/ huge broccoli heads & a "salad" which was merely cut up (kinda brown) lettuce w/ a few unripe tomato quarters & cucumbers thrown on top. Most shocking was a $110.00 FRUIT "platter" which consisted of tiny chunks of cut up fruit served WITH TONGS in way too much liquid (buyer's regret here: purchased a MUCH nicer, 1/3 larger, tastier & half as expensive one @ Sunset Foods/Libertyville for Easter.) There was one inappropriately dressed, unsmiling server for bar/food who seemed to always be nowhere in sight, so people had to wait around for drinks, served in plastic cups, until she showed up. There was one pitcher on the bar for water. I asked for an unlit sterno can under the beans to be replaced & she snipply replied they were "warm & would be fine". Also asked for small bowls/plates for sloppy fruit "salad" & she gave me just one plate, saying she needed the others for desserts. And, although she had a guaranteed $240.00 gratuity she still placed a huge jar on the bar for tips. Tiny cheesecake bits smelled like a dirty refrigerator; they, tiramisu and chocolate covered strawberries tasted old. According to all attending, mashed potatoes were okay, yet only really tasty food item was the roasted chicken, which while slightly overdone still was decently spiced. NEVER AGAIN, not even for the view. read more

Great place for a casual summer meal. Docks has a large deck providing plenty of seating with views of Bangs Lake. They offer plenty of drink and food options. The food is standard bar food. It's decent but you go to Docks for the view and the environment which will appeal to classic rock fans. I appreciate the free valet service which makes parking a breeze. Give them a try if you want to dine outside. read more

Very disappointed! Service was nonexistent and food and drinks were horrible. We will stick to Lindy's

Great food, amazing atmosphere. Service at the bar can be a bit frustrating sometimes. but overall great summer place!!

Disgusting human beings. Hey girls, if some scumbag tries to follow you into the woman's bathroom, don't complain! The manager and bartender will pin it on you and stick up for the scum bag. I am a woman and was in the woman's bathroom and a guy tried to open the women's bathroom door while I was in there. I could see his jacket through the door and when I came out asked if he was trying to come in there. I was pissed. No way he "didn't know" it was the woman's bathroom. He said he wanted to see me again and be alone with me. What?! This is apparently acceptable to the management. The manager and bartender went off... on me! While the sleeze ball sat there silently. And they're women. I will never go there again. Not looking to get raped. Disappointed in the lack of humanity. Just talked to the owner for the second time and he said his employees denied it and he stuck up for the guy as well. And the guys is a regular / in there every day!! Nice way to run a business. Watch out ladies. No one will have your back here. read more

First time visit here today as my Mom & I had lunch together. She loves dining overlooking the water. I was happy to see an accessible ramp to dine al fresco as my daughter is in a wheelchair. The host was friendly. I will say that the view although facing the water, the boat-slips are directly in front of you. You're above the water dining outside. They were fairly busy for a weekday lunch, but needed to ask for my waitress. The menu offers a lot of options from appetizers, burgers, chicken, wraps & more. I had the tilapia fish tacos which were very good. And they came with their home made potato chips. So far their hasn't been a chip or fry I've met & didn't like. My mother had the turkey wrap. She said was also good. I think this place has a solid menu. I think they've got a great selection. Prices are fair, not over the top. I see this place more popular as an after hours bar for cocktails & beer outside. The bar furniture is a little dated. Visited the ladies room and that was clean. Overall, a nice lunch. read more

Great vibes. This is a super chill bar, w/ good bar food and better drinks. A nice little pit stop during the summer when you're going through Wauconda. read more

Came here with another couple to have a bite to eat. It was obviously super busy. We came in and found a seat. We were promptly told that table was taken and we needed to put our name on alist. Our other friend said he found a table on the other side of the deck and just wanted to sit because we just got off our bikes after a long ride. A man approached my friend and rudely told him to get up. He responded he was just sitting for a minute. The man literally exploded in a barrage of rude yelling telling us we had no business sitting there. My friend responded that he didnt need to be rude because he worked here and the man screamed "I dont work here, I'm the owner" My friend continued to tell him this was unnecessary and he continued to act like a complete ass. I got between the 2 of them to stop a potential fight and we left without ordering or eating. Unprofessional behavior out of this owner and I definitely will NEVER come back here again. Cant tell you about the food because I would never patronize this place again! read more

Docks Bar & Grill - Thi - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

Steer clear of this one. Server altered tip from 20 percent to 30 percent. Management didnt even care, and refused to refund. Admitted that it happened, but wouldnt give our tip back. Absolutely unacceptable. read more

Nice casual place with a great view in Wauconda. Sufficient choice of Food and drinks

Horrible experience, bad service. Waitress was caught up talking with bar employees and provided very slow and unfriendly service.

2nd time here - again service was deplorable!! We came with a group of 6. We asked for 3 separate checks for the 3 couples. You would have thought we asked for 6 separate checks! Plus the waiter said they were "so busy" but there were more empty tables than full ones. The drinks are good and the food is above average, but the service is terrible! We asked for a table by the window and they insisted that we sit at a table for 6. After we were seated, we saw that there were 2 tables by the window, for 4 that they could put together, but didn't. Disappointing, because we like their drinks and food, but won't be back as often as we'd like to, because their service is so bad. read more

Let me first explain that we are, my girlfriend and I, and pretty much regulars. This past weekend (Sunday) we went with another couple after visiting my mother that lives nearby. I'm alway against going there but to keep my girlfriend happy I cave in. From the ridiculous prices to the non existent service and above all watching the owner sitting there at the hostess station with a solemn face, is pathetic. Hey, get up and mingle with your customers and show you care at least once in awhile. One person in our group complained, righteously so, to her meal only to be belittled by the bartender that happened to be a "manager". She ran to owner sitting in his perch and not once come to approach the problem. We left without finishing our meals of course paying first but leaving a goose egg for a tip, believe it or not, the first time I ever did that. To say that there was a confrontation on part of the 2 bartenders is putting it mildly. We walked out and only then the owner decided to leave his center court hostess station to confront me, who wasn't the one that complained, to yell at me saying I know you are regular but "don't ever come back" and don't bring your German Shepherd here. Well dear sir, yes we did bring our GSD sometimes but that was over a year ago and since then he had passed away. Let me understand, you told us never to come back and in the same breath not to bring our dog with, seriously? If you just told us never to come back then how possibly come back without the dog. I guess sitting on his pathetic hostess chair in the sun did wonders to his cognitive process. I understand now the dwindling crowd. read more

I'm surprised to see the bad reviews. We had a great lunch, good service and a awesomely view of the lake. All in all nothing but good!

Service was sub par. Had to beg to get a drink refill when the place was empty. Turkey Club was Turkey Sandwich for $ 15 w/ o fries. Expensive for what you got. As a bonus they charge 20% automatic gratuity for parties of 6 or more seriously??? Your dining experience and money is better spent elsewhere. read more

I guess I had low expectations based on the reviews- this was better than I thought it would be. Came out late Saturday afternoon with little kids and were sat by lake. Enjoyed good drinks, solid bar food, fine service. Yummy Island worthy Mai Tai's and food was enjoyable. Worth the trip out for sure. read more

Docks Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Wauconda, Illinois

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Would give a zero if i could. Food is way over priced and truly sucks or they need a new cook. All 3 of our burgers were over cooked like a hockey puck. Waitress offered to remake however didn't have enough time to wait it out while others were nearly finished eating by the time i could complain. No manager came over or anything and a full priced bill showed up. That is terrible service. WILL NEVER GO BACK! read more