stopped by on the way home from the beach to grab a drink, saturday afternoon, a cute little bustling pub. hostess was so sweet. but then a man named chris came up to serve us at the bar and said "so what are you doing." at the first moment, the bluntness seemed like a joke, but we quickly realized it wasn't. he said "THAT has to disappear" pointing out a water bottle we had brought (very hot day out and had it out of our bag for a sip of water before we could get some from the establishment). he offered no kindness or politeness, and barely any respect. and when one of us ordered a mudslide (which apparently this place is KNOWN for), he scoffed. he spoke extremely quietly and when my friend didn't hear his question about if she wanted a cup for her cider, he very rudely repeated it as if to belittle. to everyone else at the bar, he was friendly. i'm not sure if it was because we were young girls, out of towners, or what, but it was extremely unnecessary and angering. i'm not sure if it made him feel big, but it certainly didn't make us feel small. if anything, it is just a testament to his horrible attitude and possible prejudice. he left at about 4:30pm and the hostess i previously mentioned closed us out kindly. i know this wont do much but it was SO unnecessary that i had to note it. i hope he changes his ways. read more

The food, drinks, atmosphere are all fantastic. But the reason I'm leaving a review is the people that run the show. I'm visiting town for work and Brandon (Manager) took the time to chat and make sure I had a great experience. You will only go as far as your leaders take you, and this place is in great hands. Kira is a nice bartender too and makes a mean espresso martini (order it dark for extra flavor). 10/10 all day long for me. I will return and I hope that I see the same people there in the future! -Eric (Minnesota) read more

We came here for lunch on a weekend. The entire staff was kind, and our server was just the right level of attentive. Food was also delicious! Would come again. read more

This place is absolutely amazing, the food is great (the sea food especially). Everything was fresh and service nice and quick. The restaurant is on the smaller side, but they make it work. My family loves the smash burgers and my favorite is the salmon Caesar salad. One of my top go to restaurants! read more

Dockside Pub - Salmon Caesar Salad - Bars Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

What a rollercoaster... - the guy (manager?) who took us to our table was very disconnected or simply had zero personality, but easy to let that go - atmosphere was laid back and casual - our young waiter was very pleasant and promptly took drink, app and food orders - drinks were just ok - food (smashburgers and chipothe chicken sandwiches with chips) were very good - after we were done eating it took over 30 minutes to get our check. The waiter was struggling with a dispute issue with a check for one of the other dining groups that totally consumed him. All of the people at his other tables were abandoned. The waiter continually was seeking support from his manager, who didnt help him at all, and seemed irritated that he was being disturbed during his social media surfing at the bar. Good food - horrible management. read more

went here yesterday first time we ordered calamari and onion rings calamari was very tough no flavor and greasy onion rings very salty and greasy Bartender never asked us how everything was We won't be going back Better choice Three Cods in Marble read more

Spent the weekend in Swampscott, MA and had a delicious dinner at Dockside Pub. The Scallops and Risotto are a must to try. I could not stop eating the Risotto. It was light, fluffy, cheesy with flavor that exploded with every bite! (Agreeably Risotto is the Adult Mac and Cheese told to me by a food server in Phoenix Arizona). Oh and this wasn't even my entree! The Haddock Sandwich and Cheeseburger with Bacon were both a hit with our tastebuds as well. Thank you Dockside for your fabulous food and service too! read more

Although the Dockside Pub has only been open for a couple of weeks, it seems to be getting extremely popular with the community. We visited at around 4 PM and by 5 there was already a wait for a table. Be warned: the Dockside doesn't offer reservations, first come, first served. We were seated and our server Jessica was extremely attentive and helpful. I wanted a mixed drink that they didn't have all the ingredients for, and she was extremely helpful in suggesting an alternative. For an appetizer I had a cup of the clam chowder. I can honestly say this was hands down the second best chowder I've ever had! For the entrees I had the steak tips and my wife had the baked haddock. Both were delicious and cooked to perfection. The only thing of note is they don't start serving dinner until 5; we were there before 5 and didn't get mashed potatoes with our dinners, we had small roasted potatoes instead. They were equally delicious. As far as ambiance: I would suggest not sitting by the bar if you'd like to carry on a conversation. Otherwise, it's a great place with good food and drinks and the nautical motif works well with the ocean right across the street. I look forward to adding the Dockside to our dinners out rotation. read more

It was just what Swampscott needed. A good family friendly restaurant with excellent service.

Food was great, bar was awesome. Manager was a bit snarky when asked about taking reservations in the future. Made an arrogant comment that they are doing "just fine, and people always cancel". With that said, seating is limited but there's a good vibe. Service was really good. read more

Love this place! Food is great, atomosphere is awesome and service is spectacular! Try the haddock, wings, burgers, and caesar salad.

Very nice little spot. Food was great along with the service. The only reason it didn't give 5 stars, it was very loud to the point where I could not hear my friends across the table. read more

The service was great! The spicey cauliflower appetizer was really good. But everything else a rather average. The fish taco was pretty tasteless, the fish was good but the rest didn't have much flavor. The coleslaw that came with the fried clams was swimming in mayo. Would like to see fresh coleslaw. This tasted more processed. The clams were decent and the fries were good. Didn't really meet our expectations. Will give them another try and let you know! read more

I've been coming in this establishment for a few months, great service, excellent atmosphere, but I just recently ordered a cheeseburger Togo. That prompted me to leave a review. Solid burger, great price, I'm definitely getting lunch here more often. Simple burger: cheddar, grilled onions, lettuce. The sauce is incredible. I took this order Togo from 30 minutes away and didn't touch it until I was sitting down in my dining room, I bet it was better right at the table but I was blown away by how good it was, especially for the price. 10 stars out of 10, I will come again. read more

Went there twice last month, both times the waiter ran my credit card through with the wrong check, a more expensive check. Food has become just ok, expect more from a seafood restaurant on the water. read more

This is our new "go to" place when we want a good feed of fish. Love the haddock especially

A new restaurant on the North Shore and my wife and I decided to try it last evening on a whim. It has instantly been elevated to our favorite local restaurant. The quality of the dinners was outstanding. As good as it gets in more expensive restaurants. We will be back and I recommend you try it as well read more

Dockside Pub - Bottom is Mediterranean Haddock on parmesan risotto--top is fried shrimp & scallops - Bars Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

Excellent food and service. Always seems busy in there, which is a good sign. Fish sandwich was great! Can't wait to go back!

I recently hosted a lunch for my mother's 81 birthday at Dockside Pub. There were 5 of us total. It was one of the best restaurant experiences all around. I have spent a lifetime in the food service industry myself and we are all experienced "foodies" in the family so I was hopeful for just decent as my "eating out" experiences have been way less than memorable. Especially since Covid, as sad as it may be. All I can say is 5 starts out of 5 across the board. This little GEM is well thought out from the menu to the staff - our waitress Jessica was beyond fabulous- I can't recall feeling so cared for and comfortable, the food is amazing and fresh, even the other diners were friendly and seemed just happy to be there. Like the old days in a good way. I almost don't want the word to get out as it's hard to get a table during busy times, but I am also grateful for this place. They have renewed my faith that a restaurant can be warm and welcoming without being pretentious and a thought less money grab. These guys are appreciated and my hope is that they stay around for a long time to come. Sincerely, Dawn from Salem read more

Food was and drinks were awesome. Very crowded at 5:45 but thinned out shortly thereafter. Totally recommend this place!

so i have made some reviews but I need to update, I have been here for the last 3 weeks and man, Kerri really helped me out. As a new single woman, I am glad to have a place to go and feel safe. Lucas who I call Iceman works hard and always gets things done, love him and Anna is a gem love her. Dockside has been a blessing for me, and Kerri's unamed fishbowl made my night, it is my go to read more

My husband and I went here as I was craving a burger and we were not disappointed!! DELICIOUS clam chowder (best I've ever had) - amazing dockside smash burger with homemade chips. My husband got the chipotle chicken sandwich and loved it! Our waitress Susan was amazing and we will definitely be back!! Love the location, right across from the water! read more

Dockside Pub - Dockside smash burger - Bars Near Me - Swampscott, Massachusetts

I've been wanting to take my family there for months now since we live in the area. We were waiting to be attended by a host for at least 5 minutes. Granted it was busy but an employee ( could have been the manager) walks by us and rather than saying, "someone will be right with you." Instead he tells my wife to move and close the door. Needless to say, we immediately left, vowing never to return. Such a shame as we frequent this area quite often. Their loss, not ours. read more

This place is really great, and was a very needed spot for this area. From the host to our server we had a great experience with service- but most importantly the food was just really good. pretzel bites were amazingly delicious, highly recommend with cheese dip, I'll go back just for those. I had the fried shrimp plate which was 5 stars, fresh and not greasy. my daughter had a cheeseburger, simple but good- bun was yummy in particular and the chips it came with were really great. read more

Everything was great, food, service, atmosphere, love this place!! will definitely be back, lobster roll to die for!!

Average to below average foods. Overpriced! Waitstaff are inexperienced and a bit on the shady side. $14 martinis? Why? This place lacks class. read more

I went to DP this past week for lunch with my wife. Loved it. The place looks like it's been there for years, so it gives that homey feel. I had a cup of chowder and a fish dish. Delicious. Staff was great. This is definitely a great place to go and have a nice meal, a glass of wine or beer, and watch the ocean. Well done DP. read more

the waiter was nice And service was great. nachos - TERRIBLE. who uses potato chips and drops some chopped tomatoes and a swirl of some yellow creamy stuff on top? caesar salad looks ample and fresh fish tacos - the fish and toppings were good enough but the tortillas were COLD!!! as in right from the fridge. won't be back read more

My wife and I have been here 4 times and we have found the staff very friendly and the food is excellent. It has what I call a good vibe, everyone seems happy and it shows when you get dining service. It has become our go to place when we plan to go out for a bite. The only negative that I have for the place are the small pours of wine. I am not looking for a gallon container...lol But they have been consistently short. That's the only fix that I can say about this new restaurant. read more

For a Thursday evening there were too many thigh high children and very crowded as you first walk in. Very awkward trying to dodge people as they were trying to leave. The food was good (average), had a cezar with steak tips. Asked for pepper mill 2x to only receive a pepper shaker. Sort of funny that two different servers did not know what I were asking for. read more

My friend was visiting from out of town and was craving some really good steak tips. I myself have been visited the restaurant before decided on something new and got the shrimp tacos. Unfortunately my friend's steak tips were extremely chewy and my shrimp had the black string, and it also known as the digestive track which some people refuse to eat because they consider this poop. My friend paid $ 27.95, for her meal, which was steak tips and a side of salty vegetables. The manager said she would comp the meal but when we got the bill, she took 20% off, which really came to about five dollars. Honestly I have eaten at many restaurants and usually a whole entrée is comped. I do realize that she was offered french fries and chicken nuggets, but being an adult neither of those really excited her needless to say. I would go back and have what I have got before but I think these two entrées are probably better to not get. read more

Went here once on Sunday and had a great experience! Jessica was our server and was very attentive and knowledgeable. Food came out quickly especially for a table of 7! We loved the fish and chips, fried clams, shrimp, calamari, scallops. Will definitely go back! read more