Dockside Restaurant is a casual, waterfront, seafood restaurant overlooking the boat docks on the Factory Creek River in Lady's Island, SC.. My wife and I were visiting this area on business. Hungry for some good seafood, we decided to eat at Dockside. We got there and the place was packed. We put our name in on the waiting list. We knew it was worth the wait from the looks of the food coming out from the kitchen. The staff were helpful and cheerful. We realized a couple was leaving the bar so we decided to eat there. That was an awesome experience! The bartender made the evening. He was welcoming and had a good sense of humor. He guided us through the menu, specials we might be interested in, and off we went! The seafood was great! So if you're in this area of Beaufort, SC, and you're hungry for some good seafood and a pleasant environment, we highly recommend Dockside Restaurant. Come with a good. appetite. Enjoy! read more

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Awesome grub when your in the Beaufort area! This had been on my foodie list for sometime so finally...They are always bust so we decided to do a to go order, the receptionist took my order with no issues, everything was perfect & warm. Pricing was reasonable considering its a popular seafood restaurant. Outside was crowed, lots of people waiting, and plenty of parking. The wait was 45min, I was to hungry to wait that long, so good choice to call my order in. I ordered the seafood pasta and the crabmeat stuffed flounder. Yessss everything was seasoned to perfection. The food was presented well, food portions were filling, the cornbread was yummy!!! Hopefully I will get a chance to review the service inside, but the definitely get a A++ and I shall return for more!! read more

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My wife and I both had the scored flounder. It was very overcooked. The meat was actually dry. The coleslaw could have been better. Service was good. For the price we felt like we could have done much better elsewhere. read more

I literally have never done this but almost left me no choice. Absolutely terribly managed. 7 person party with two elderly people.Told us 45-60 minute wait. After 50 plus minutes told us "we were next" ... then proceeded to seat two other larger parties ahead of us. When we pointed this out they said that we weren't skipped but they had called ahead. But when I had called ahead two hours prior for a reservation, they said no reservations. It's now hour and 20 waiting and grandma is melting. No offer of drinks. No place to sit inside. I finally asked why they told us 30 minutes ago we were next, the manager points to a table and says they have been sitting for 30 minutes and won't leave and says there is nothing he can do. So instead of doing his job and helping move the table appropriately. He points me out to the table and says that I need them to leave because they have been waiting so long. So then when the table does leave they make comments to my kids and in laws. I tell manager that it was completely uncool. No apologies. Nothing comped. Forced gratuity on top (even though I would have tipped because wait staff was good). Ultimately just a really really bad manager that set bad expectations. But that happens ... the cowardly putting this on me is why I'm here . Food was meh and overpriced. We come to Fripp a ton and just bought a lot. I will never go back here. An absolute dumpster fire in terms of customer service. read more

The food was very good and the service was impeccable. Our waitress was very attentive and ensured that we enjoyed our meals. Highly recommended and definable return for more. read more

Absolutely the best, freshest seafood I've ever eaten at a restaurant. The platter was insanely large...I actually thought my server was carrying a tray not my plate. Ambiance was clean, respectful....no loud music. Service was fantastic. The crab and scallops were absolutely divine...and I finished my entire platter besides a few spoons of veggies. The drinks were spot on, and you could definitely taste the alcohol. I was utterly stuffed, so no room for dessert. I love the fact that you can see the pier on the other side, The seafood is just that fresh. I would drive 2 hours out of my way just to eat here again. I'm just a tourist but cannot wait to eat here again. The fact that it is close to the Chocolate Tree, well...that's just a bonus. read more

The sunset views behind this place worth 10 STARS. A very " touristy" spot. Loud, a long wait. The margaritas were not good. The cornbread was very sweet and was icing away from being cake, delicious. The food was just basic seafood. Nothing special. Hush puppies are 5 stars! Low country boil was good. Customer service was great. Hostess was nice. read more

Dockside Restaurant - The dock behind the restaurant. This sunset view makes my heart smile. - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

What an amazing restaurant! First the views from the dock are so peaceful and beautiful! Catching the sunset was amazing! I could stop at the views and I would be completely satisfied with this place! But let me tell you about the food! Started of with the fresh oysters, they were just like they are supposed to be nice cool and fresh! I had the lemon butter shrimp scampi (not sure if it's the exact name) and OMG! They were nice and big shrimp, flavored and cooked to perfection! The cocktails were great as well, mixed well and full of flavor! I was on vacation visiting but if I was a local I would eat here all the time! The food is priced appropriate for the quality! Great Great restaurant! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Heated outside dock - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

We were in Beaufort for work and visited 5 times in 7 days. The cornbread appetizer is outstanding, as are the hush puppies and fried green tomatoes. The Shrimp & Grits are outstanding, as is the Ahi Tuna. My friends had fried shrimp and oysters. Service was outstanding. We'll be back! read more

The wife and I had a great experience here. She had the Fish and Chips. I had fried Oysters and Cod. We usually avoid fried food, but temptation thankfully took control. The fish was light and crispy. Oysters were moist despite being fried. Service was excellent. The food came out in minutes despite a packed restaurant. Get to Dockside early. Even on a Tuesday, the joint was jumping! read more

One of our best meals while in Beaufort. The grouper special was amazing, and the seafood boil hit the spot!

Had to sit at the bar since it was so busy, but the service was great! Food was delicious! Place was a little loud but the food was delicious and came out quick. read more

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Over priced and bland. $28 for pan seared gritty dry scallops with little taste. The baked potato was so plain and they forgot the sour cream and the butter was tiny fast food type plastic containers at the table. My husband's Cajun rice had no seasoning so he asked for potatoes instead. Service and selection was sad. read more

We were in Beaufort for the night and thought we go try some seafood. Checked out Yelp for recommended restaurants and found Dockside. It is a quality restaurant with that "home town" feel!! There was a great staff, great environment, and great food. We will definitely be back there again. read more

Dockside has been a long standing family favorite. Tonight, we went in to sit at Shark Bar under the heaters making for a very cozy evening. The first thing I need to note is that the service here is lovely. Miriam and her trainee were so kind, welcoming and made our evening so pleasant. My mom and dad are regulars and they were recognized and treated as friends. The food was also great. All of the portion sizes were incredibly large for the price. The fried chicken came with four large pieces of chicken and sides. The beef nachos were piled up on a baking sheet. My wedge salad was delightfully fresh and although I did pick at the nachos, the salad was filling enough that I didn't need to. To start we got the fried shrimp and calamari which were fried to golden perfection and served with a sweet but spicy sauce. Everything we had was great, but nothing completely blew us away. We had a very good meal, with great service. I can definitely see why this is an island favorite. read more

Dockside Restaurant - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

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We showed up about 15 mins after they opened. There was already a 45 min wait. We sat at the bar and had a cocktail. We were greeted by a friendly bartender, his name was Steve. He made a good drink. Our waitress Jordan was great. Super friendly and gave us good service. The food was fresh and delicious. Glad we stopped in our way out! read more

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It was nice while it lasted, but we won't be back again. We've gone to the restaurant a few times a year for the past three years- usually for special occasions. Last night we got there at 4:00 when they opened knowing it was Father's Day weekend. The line was long to get in, so we ended up waiting an hour. No big deal. Then, we sat on the porch (90 degrees out), but again, not a huge deal. However, not seeing a waiter for 15 minutes and then waiting another 15 minutes for drinks in that weather was pushing it. When the food came the runner spilled my daughter's soup all over the table and ran off. Alcohol and appetizers were good (oysters and kicking shrimp like always), but the actual meals weren't as good as they've been in the past- bland, overcooked, and don't get me started on the watery milk and dill "New England Clam Chowder"- it was awful. I understand change, but not planning to spend that type of money here when there are better places around. read more

Dockside Restaurant - Soup all over and no apology or acknowledgment from the runner that served it... - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

We love dockside. The prices area reasonable and food is good. Don't go as often as we should though lol

As always I am never disappointed in the good and service here. The food is amazing and plenty. The drinks cold and yummy and the service is top notch. On this trip I had Haley as a server and she was very attentive and on top of everything with an amazing friendly attitude. If you are here please stop by and support them. You won't be disappointed read more

Dockside Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

Not the best experience. We hoped that the 35 minute wait meant that the food and experience would be incredible, but we were gen genuinely disappointed. I get that it's busy but they crammed the table so close together servers and people kept hitting my chair over and over, another server in the section we were in shoved his self in between the tables instead of walking around. I get the need to hustle but that's just plain rude. As soon as we ordered, our appetizers came out within minutes and food came out within minutes after that. Food went cold because we couldn't finish fast enough. I got the bourbon glazed salmon and it left little to be desired. We were hoping for a traditional southern boil. It lacked a lot of flavor was drowned in liquid but we weren't givens gloves or any way to protect our hands and no wet naps. Really disappointed in the seafood, not what I'd hope from the low country. I'm sure it's a great place to get drunk, but I think if you want really good seafood, you might wanna go somewhere else. read more

This was such a great dinner! Lots of food for a great price. The service was also great. read more

Dockside Restaurant - Sirloin steak - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

Excellent place to get low country seafood, bar is a good place to eat, attended are friendly and experienced

I ordered take out and was very impressed with the meal. My shrimp and grits were excellent and living in the lowcountry I've become a connoisseur so I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Beaufort. read more

We met family here and had a great seafood dinner! They welcomed our pup and toddler. The bartender was knowledgeable and accommodating. She made me a great mojito that wasn't too sweet. Our steak was cooked perfectly and the crab was great too. Overall a very nice experience! read more

Our server was great. Forget her name, but she works 3 days and watches her 2 year old the rest of the week. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food and drinks. My only negative is the place is good and popular, so to get a good seat, your better arrive at 3:30 for the 4pm opening that will have a line. read more

DELICIOUS food. We definitely want to come back while we are still in the area. Our server could have been a bit more attentive but it was pretty busy so we don't hold it against him. We sat on the screened patio and it was so pleasant outside with the breeze and fans. Would definitely recommend splurging for the king crab. It was $50 (July 2024 price) and soooo worth it for 2.5 clusters. read more

Dockside Restaurant - King Crab bucket - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

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So darn good! Cornbread to die for, best grits ever, amazing seafood! Don't even get me started on the dessert! read more

Dockside Restaurant - Dockside dinner - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

Great selection of seafood to choose from on the menu. The place was busy but the service was prompt and attentive. Great food if you're in the mood for seafood and a nice view to enjoy while you dine. read more

Delicious food, large servings so you will get your money worth! I could have split my ribeye and two sides with my kids. I do not recommend outdoor eating during July or August. It was too hot to enjoy the meal as it should be. read more

Best seafood so far in Beaufort. Staff were extra attentive. Cornbread and hushpuppies were delicious. Steak was cooked perfectly. Scallops and shrimp were excellent. read more

Definitely the best waterfront restaurant in the area. Reasonably priced and delicious. I really love their cornbread. The service is always great. The bartender always remembers my in-laws even though they don't live in Beaufort and have only visited the restaurant whenever they come see us. The ambiance is nice. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Very good seafood joint that is a local favorite for years. Great menu, fun atmosphere, and very attentive staff. Seafood is fresh, tasty and abundant. A can't miss choice for seafood in Beaufort. read more

Great Wait service! Our waiter was very nice! Food was very good and came out quickly. I would definitely go back.

I had the shrimp and grits. My girlfriend had the honey chicken. It was amazing. We sat on the outside patio which was really nice. The weather was beautiful for it. Service was outstanding. The shrimp and grits was cooked perfectly. Really large portion. My girlfriends chicken was super juicy and the glaze was amazing. They had live music on the patio. Which was amazing. It wasn't to loud and over powering. All in all really good food and great atmosphere. Parking was a little difficult. But that's to be expected here. read more

Dockside Restaurant - Shrimp and grits. - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

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Great food. Good service and atmosphere. Steak is awesome. Crab cakes delicious. Friendly staff. read more

Dockside Restaurant - Crab stuffed flounder with mixed veggies and baked potato - Seafood Near Me - Beaufort, South Carolina

Good food and great ambience. Spicy rice with my soft sheep crabs wasn't great. My wife's noodles with mixed seafood were not hot (the seafood was). But we'd go again and recommend others do too (but early). read more

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Another wonderful experience at Dockside! A family favorite which features stunning sunsets right over the water. The fish tastes very fresh and everyone enjoyed their meals. The service is great- sometimes there's live music. Always enjoyable! read more

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Our first visit here, and it was a very good one. Warm welcome upon entering and given a reasonable wait time, which was adhered to. Once seated, we were greeted by a lovely waitress whom was kind and very efficient. (forget her name) The cornbread they give you once seated was delicious. The cornbread was sweet, which I am usually opposed to, but this one was yummy. I ordered a cup of she crab soup and it was delicious. As my main, I ordered the fried flounder and shrimp with fries. So good, y'all! There wasn't too much breading on the fish and shrimp, just the perfect amount to make it crispy. My husband ordered the 16 oz steak and he said it's up there with one of the best steaks he has ever eaten. His came with baked potato and sautéed green beans and carrots. The green beans and carrots were not just an afterthought, as they were very tasty. Our meal was fantastic and we will look forward to visiting in the future. read more

i have been to Dockside for many years...good food ( moms side of family from Beaufort ) so i know sea food.. yes as with any Restuarant serving hundreds of plates daily your plate my be over/or under done for your taste but 99 plates out of 100 will be idea. they even meet my wife's medical diet of gluten free and dairy free.. read more

What a great place to have dinner. The view is gorgeous with windows overlooking the marsh. Awesome wait staff. Now the food- great cornbread which is so delicious you could eat as a dessert. She Crab soup had good flavor- just needs a little more crab meat. Hush puppies were awesome. We had 4 in our party- we ordered fried shrimp and grits- fried shrimp was delicious and fresh. Grits are a little different- you will either love or dislike them. Low Country boil gets 5+ stars, Ribeye had great flavor and cooked to perfection. Tender and juicy. I ordered crab cakes and baked potato- great crab cake with little filler. Great flavor and chunks of blow crab meat with a delicious cream sauce. Everything was great! read more

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