Fun find in Grafton on the Great River Road. Features an indoor ice rink in winter and a great patio overlooking the river! Join friends here for an afternoon of food, cool beverages, laughter, and good times!! read more

Had a great time at the Loading Dock, enjoying their flea market! What a great way to shop, with a drink in hand we had lunch and everything was hot and came as ordered, and the flea market had a good mix of antiques, fun stuff and actual things people just wanted to get rid of. If you haven't been to the Loading Dock I highly recommend it! read more

Their Dock Saksa is so good, full of black beans too. One of the best waitresses we've had in a long time, Kristen.

Great Friday afternoon! Kelsey did an amazing job...go to the loading dock and support her! read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Loading dock - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

Awesome view. Such a nice place to sit outside and enjoy looking at the river and watching boats go by. The drinks are cold and the food is decent. Service is very good. If it wasn't over an hour away from the house I would be a regular. read more

The Great River Road between Grafton and Alton IL is a St. Louis regional treasure. It's scenic confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers will give you the feeling that you are on vacation. You can sit by the water and watch the boat traffic on the river while enjoying stunning views of the palisades. The Loading Dock has one of the best views in town! The deck is practically on the water and they have huge picture windows behind the deck. The atmosphere at The Loading Dock is great with a mix of cyclists, motorcycle groups, locals, tourists, etc. Everyone is there to have fun. It is open, clean and bright. The Loading Dock is only open Spring-Fall and entertainment is provided most weekends days from the band shell on the deck. They have sandwiches, burgers and standard bar appetizers, but most people hold out to have their food at Fast Eddies in Alton, which is usually the next stop. I always have fun at the Loading Dock. It's the drive home that's not so fun! This is one of those road trips that will require a DD. Boaters are welcome to use the docks provided. read more

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Nice riverfront location with live music and outdoor seating on the river. Decent food and drinks. We've gone there by boat (only one tie off and no slips) and car but it's within walking distance from the boat ramp. It's a fun place. read more

Decent bar food and fairly priced. It is bush league to sneak a convenience charge on a restaurant tab for using a credit card! It's.not that much to add in the bulk, it's more the principle. This isn't a mom and pop shop where I could understand doing it. This is plain cheap. read more

Its a dive, you serve yourself, its full of bikers, but somehow this is exactly what you want after spending a day cruising down the Great River Road. The restaurant - well, its the loading dock! Right behind the large warehouse. Tee restaurant features a giant patio...to be more precise the restaurant is nothing but a patio, or rather multiple outdoor seating areas. Pretty much anywhere you get a view of the Mississippi, and all the local boaters going up and down the river. Actually - if you are really brave you can fight the current and dock your boat for a meal here. When I went, it was early dinner time and the crown was just starting to arrive. A band was starting out their set as well. Perfect atmosphere. The food? Well - you came here for the view of the river, the patio, the bar. Food is pretty standard American fare, and is generally tasty and well done, but not spectacular. They do have a unique salsa to try though. (Try it... you want to) All in all a perfect place on this side of the river to relax outdoors with some food and drinks. read more

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I have been to the Loading Dock on more than one occasion over the last few years. I love Grafton and the small town, BIG atmosphere is really lovely. The Concept of the establishment is amazing. Genius actually. What kind of place can you go to that is right on the water, literally, and have multiple levels of seating on the deck. Open up all of the walls to river air and sunshine and have great bar service? The last time I was there the bartenders were all wearing different colored matching sunglasses and they were honestly just fun and friendly people to be around. They were busy but still had time to chat with people. The summertime is the best time to be here! I have only drank here, I never ordered food. *That's my disclaimer. But I can tell you that it is on my list for any and all subsequent returns to Grafton. Plan a little weekend day road trip down the Great River Road and this is one of the first spots on the way into town - add it to your list! read more

The view was nice and food was pretty good. Service and waitstaff was quick and friendly. Main reason for three stars is that people were smoking in and out doors. Outside, I get it. Inside not so much. As a smoker myself, I still find it very unpleasant to take in cigarette smoke while you're trying to enjoy your food. read more

Great place on the lake in Grafton and is close to Fast Eddies in Alton. The Loading Dock make me feel like I was at the lake of the ozarks which I loved. Live music, outdoor games, nice drink menu and great food options! Masks aren't required nor is social distancing enforced - it finally felt like everything was back to "normal". I would not come here if you're still worried about COVID and guidelines, however, for me, I plan on coming back. read more

So worth the 50 min drive. The salsa is the best. So fresh and delicious. Must have. Don't get me started about these fish tacos. OMG. Get these tacos you won't regret it. The fish is so moist and crispy. Just the right amount of spice. Then you have the view and service. The best. Make this a weekend stop for sure. read more

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Go to the loading dock Ice rink at Christmas! It is a winter wonderland and fun for all ages! Great staff!

Came here to get away from the hotel. It's a wonderful location with an incredible atmosphere and bar. That alone is good enough for me. My better half and I did have the Macho Nachos. They are white cheese nachos with all the fixings. We ordered the pulled pork version, and let me tell you, they were incredible. I didn't get anything else as we were too full from the nachos (which is why I can't give 5 stars) The only weird part was the food you can't order from the wait staff minus the nachos. All other food you have to leave the table and order outside. A little odd.. There is also a flea market on the weekends which is pretty cool. Very communal feeling. Would come again if I was in town. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - The current view on Memorial Day weekend. Right at noon. - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

I'm at effing done with the yelp questions about mass, and social distancing, and disinfecting, and on and on and on. Cove it is over!

Come here only for drinks. The saving grace here is the atmosphere and the views. Huge outdoor patio/decks right on the Mississippi. Food is below average quality. Zero inspiration or creativity in the menu. read more

Great atmosphere here.. beautiful views of the river. busy on weekends. my dinner was good up to the point the employee decided to change trash bags out of the trash can right next to our table. It stunk horrible it ruined my lunch. You might want to change your routine when you take the trash out. I don't do it in front of people eating their dinner read more

Terrible and will never go back. No one came to our table for over 20min(should have left then). Plenty of servers and no acknowledgement until we stopped someone and asked for menus. Servers not wearing masks either. Server took drink order and said she was switching shifts out and we had new server. They were out of everything we ordered(3pm on a Monday). We had to change what we ordered after waiting so long too. Food took over 45min after asking for it twice(should have left then). We only stayed bc of scenery and we were hungry nice people. Still tipped 20% bc was a server for 15 years and know it's not always the servers fault but NEVER going back. Food was way over priced for what we ordered. I was a fool to stay and give them my $$. read more

It Is a great place with beautiful views of the river. Great mixed drinks. Nightly music. The drive here is pretty or take the ferry from St. Charles. I come here a few times a year. Great day trip with kids. The food here is good and inexpensive. read more

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I was here this past weekend and was picking up a to go order in the outside pick up area and the woman whom I was asking if had my to go order said they had no to go orders and basically told me to leave while they figured it out. After telling me there were absolutely no to go orders, I inform her that the bag is sitting on the table next to her. She immediately shuts that down and get's the slightly annoyed manager who grabs the bag I was pointing to. My nephew just had a transplant and is very picky on foods. He is in a chicken tender phase, so we thought this would be a good option to bring food for him at the event we were attending. We arrive at the hotel only to realize they never put the chicken in the bag. We payed for and never received the food for him, so we just ordered expensive room service for him to not deal with more shitty people. Thanks for not even doing the bare minimum. If I could give 0 stars I would. Rudeness guaranteed only to not guarantee the food somebody pays for. I want to open my own restaurant only to show people that businesses care about customers and want to guarantee a good experience. You guys sort of suck. read more

Love this place!! Perfect location right next to the river. The drinks are always great and the music is descent. Great Nachos!!! read more

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Love this place- the fried catfish & hot buttered rum made me smile.

Perfect place for a Fall drive, what a great small town. Ate here Sat. it was a bit chilly but gorgeous. My wife and I both had the pulled pork sandwich, very good, I had an Octoberfest beer. The only negative thing I can say or recommend to people going here is to order before you sit down, I didn't see any signs that said that or where to order. Other then that the atmosphere is tops. read more

There seemed to be just as many staff floating around as customers on a saturday night. The bartenders were really nice. The icey drinks were so good! I got the chery vodka lemonade slushie! Yum! I also had the nachos which were loaded with white nacho cheese. Very calorie loaded but delicious. We were here at night and tried to sit by the river but were getting bit up so we had to move inside. Wear bugspray if you plan on sitting outdoors. The view os phenomonal! read more

Drive the beautiful river road and check out this place! Go early to get a table and enjoy water view. They usually have a band and the drinks are great. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

We've been bringing my mom to dance every Sunday. The bands are wonderful, food is good and my mom with Alzheimer's has a following now! Griffin & the Gargoyles singer even came out and danced with her! Bands are still playing for those that don't know it. I only wish the band was by the ice skating rink! What a fantastic set up!!!! read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - She likes to dance! Thanks Griffin! - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

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My family and I decided to finally try The Loading Dock out, and boy were we disappointed. Now granted, the views and atmosphere were nice but the food service was HORRIBLE!! Our waitress (beer/drinks) noticed that we were growing very impatient waiting for our food after approximately 1 hour of waiting. She noticed one of the servers bringing out order # 231 and we were # 181 and asked her where our food was and received the usual answer "I'm not sure" so I decided to go up to the counter to ask about our food and the young girl told me we couldn't find you so it's been sitting up here. Wait you couldn't find me, my number was sitting on the edge of the table and we even told you when we ordered that we were sitting on the lower deck next to the river! Needless to say the food was cold and we left very disappointed. UPDATE: I was contacted by the manager who was very apologetic and offered us a complete refund. read more

........ummmmm dang I was expecting more. On the drive back from Hannibal we took the long way through Grafton to get some tasty seafood, which I thought the Loading Dock would have, but after waiting for a table it was disappointing to see just burgers, nachos, and a sad version of a fish taco on the menu. This place has great river front seating, and a decent band tonight. Ordering food and drink is hectic as hell and service is not up to par for a place this busy. Food menu is honestly a 1.5STARS at best. Service 2.5STARS, and atmosphere a 3. The place up the street that floats has the seafood you're looking for. read more

Amanda was our server and she was absolutely AMAZING!!! I just moved back to IL and was so excited to hit the loading dock and I had the best experience I've ever had!! Thank you Amanda you're the best!!! read more

The best! Great views, drinks, nachos & ambience! Love the dock salsa and dock lemonade.

Had a blast! Great outdoor area, very good service, clean restrooms. Live bands, yard games, dog areas.

Love this place. Great food and service. Being able to sit and watch over the river. Bathrooms are nice and clean. The only downfall is they have bags for ppl to play and parents are using it as a babysitter. You can't play anymore like ya used to. Just kids with no supervision read more

The Loading Dock is one of my all time favorite places to go when the weather is nice. Located right on the Mississippi/Illinois river the view is great and you feel like you are on vacation. The food here is also very good, considering you are at a bar. I really love their pulled pork nachos and their fish tacos!! This place gets crowded, and finding a seat can be a pain, however I am not going to fault the business for being so popular. The service can be a bit slow at times, however I again think this is because the place is so crowded. I really wish they had a dock I could tie my boat up to. I would be here so much more often if they had one. read more

Pork Macho Nachos was the best thing I have eaten in a long time. It was so flavorful and filling. For my lunch, I ordered the fish tacos, which exceeded my expectations for this humble/out of the way place with a gorgeous water view. The tacos had corn and black beans on it with a yummy sauce. Don't let appearances fool you, food was great. read more

The Loading Dock Bar & Grill - Pork macho nachos - American Near Me - Grafton, Illinois

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We stopped by here for some dinner after spending an exhaustive three hours at the Raging Rivers waterpark just down the road. This water facing restaurant/bar is huge! There was a variety of seating arrangements under blue umbrellas, colorful wooden lawn chairs, outdoor sofas, high tables and benches. The open bar area is breezy, well-shaded, and has a tall ceiling (thanks to it originally being a dock). I never thought I would call any view next to the Mississippi river (which is mostly muddy and brown near downtown St. Louis) beautiful but oh it certain was, with a slow setting sun bouncing off the blue waters and the gleaming white bodies of the yachts and boats that sail by. Compared to the view and the atmosphere, I have less to say about the food, which was slightly on the expensive side. Two BBQ sandwiches, fries, and a side of chips and salsa was $22. However, everything was cooked well. The star of the meal was the house salsa, which had quite a few ingredients and a refreshing flavor. My frozen strawberry margarita was also delicious! (My bartender let me start a tab) By the time we were about to leave, a band had started to play. The place was quickly filling up. When a breeze comes by, I felt like I was no longer in Graffton, IL but somewhere more tropical, like Florida or Hawaii. Very few local restaurants take me back to past vacations, and for that alone the Loading Dock was well worth a visit! read more

My friends and I just returned from a long weekend at The Loading Dock's guest house, located across the street from the seemingly quite popular Loading Dock restaurant and bar. We've taken similar trips the last two years, and one of the challenges has been to find a space that is big enough to sleep six without paying for a place that sleeps eight or more. The guest house perfectly fit the bill. Good things: - Easy walking access to Grafton's shops and restaurants, as well as the waterfront and the river paths. - The most comfortable chaise lounge ever. - A nicely sized and reasonably well equipped kitchen. - Cute bunk beds for four and a nice master bedroom with a king-sized bed. - Loads of soft towels and heavy bathrobes. - TVs in the living room and bedroom. Less awesome: - WiFi was included but also TERRIBLE, which was a problem as several of us needed to get work done while away. We could connect to the guest house's network, but only sporadically to the internet. The property manager was very apologetic about this when we checked out, so hopefully this won't be an issue in the future. - The kitchen had a lot of some things (forks, wash cloths) but was short on others (baking sheets or pans, spoons). - It would've been nice to have a DVD player available to use with either of the TVs. - It would've been awesome to have more than one bathroom, but that's not the fault of this space - just something to take into consideration. On the whole, though, we enjoyed our stay at the Loading Dock Guest House, and would definitely consider returning in the future! read more

The Loading Dock RULES!! One of my favorite summertime bars, and I wish it was closer to where I live! Located right next to the Mississippi River in Grafton, IL, you get a nice breeze and a beautiful view! Besides the smaller area with the actual bar and restrooms, this bar is entirely outdoors and it is HUGE! Since they are only open on the weekends in the fall and winter, they have the capability to make a portion of it completely indoors. They have an outdoor stage for live bands, which are usually there on the weekends. It is right along the Katy Trail for all you bikers out there. They also have docks if the river is not flooded, so you can come pay a visit via boat! The food is actually very good as well! Typical bar food with a few specialties, but all that I have tried has been tasty! You do have to order and pay for your food yourself at a little hut outside the restaurant, but they bring everything to you. All the service is pay as you go, which stinks b/c you can't start a tab, but everything else makes up for it! It has a full bar with great beer selection. What a great little weekend getaway spot to enjoy the weather, music, good company, and a brew! In the words of Toby Keith, "I LOVE THIS BAR!" read more

The Loading Dock is one of my favorite bars to hit in IL. I have came here a few times by jet ski and a few by car. (and bike) (Note to bikers: Make sure all of your bike is legal and you have a license if driving on the Great River Road. IL highway patrol are such jerks through here and not only will you probably go through a check point between here and Alton but if you are not legal they load your bike up in a trailer. Fun huh?) Also make sure you have a DD cause the cops are thick through here on car or bike. Great outdoor bar. I like their daiquiris and margaritas. They have outdoor seating and usually bands on the weekends. It is nice to relax and enjoy the sunshine. It is only open Spring-Fall. I can't wait til it opens this year! read more

Awesome place for food and drinks. Friendly servers, prompt service, good food, pretty setting. Love going here. Lots of reunions & receptions held here too. Popular place in Grafton. read more