Dockside Restaurant

We were so excited when we arrived at Dockside; looked like a wonderful little place. Beautiful view on a great summer evening so we asked to be seated outside. There were no signs stating this was the smoking section (thought that was against VA law?). There were no ashtrays so the steady stream of smokers that stood by our dinner table threw their cigarettes in the water. Classy. The cigarette smoke throughout our meal was enough to ruin dinner. Not long after we arrived darkness set in and I do mean darkness. Pitch black! We couldn't see a thing on our plates. EVERYTHING we ate was very overcooked... even the baked potato that seemed to have been sitting in an oven for the day. (I think it's hard to mess up a baked potato.) My shrimp were like rubber and my partner's seafood platter was not good; the lobster tail had maybe a half inch of a dried out strip of lobster. What a disappointment; we won't go back! Pros: great view, pleasant server Cons: overcooked food, patio used as a smoking area more

I have been going to Dock Side for years. The food taste great and the service is very good. It saddens me to see how the food portions have been cut in half and prices have gone up significantly. I keep hoping things will change. I was there last night and felt the main course was the appitiser. The service was still good and the food tasted good as well, what there was of it. Pros: Great Service, and great location Cons: Very small portions, expensive more

Went on Mother's Day - - we were given a special ""Mother's Day"" Menu.......ALL prices were inflated!!!!! Food was HORRIBLE......seafood was overcooked, Service was HORRIBLE, Portions were way too small for what it cost. As far as the view goes, the river is dirty nasty there. Red Lobster would have been much better. more

My mate and I have eaten at DS twice since arriving in Richmond. I found the food to be very good as well as the servings generous. We especially like the deck area for dining. Both times, the staff was friendly and courteous and knew when to check on us. I would would recommend to anyone for a leisurely evening just hanging out. Pros: atmosphere, delicous food more

Our group of 4 traveled from Richmond to dine at the restaurant. The atmosphere of the James River is very pleasant. Our stuffed shrimp platters and seafood combination platters were very disappointing. The portions are extremely small and everything was overcooked. The baked sweet potatoes were cold and had to be sent back to be heated up. What a disappointment as we were all looking forward to it. I would not return to this restaurant or recommend it to anyone. Pros: The ambiance of the James River Cons: Small portions, overcooked food more

The food here is always good. My dining partner really enjoyed the scallops last time we went. The desserts were actually pretty tasty, and my favorite part of the meal. Pros: Cute atmosphere, nice view Cons: Food is sometimes average more