
Dockside Restaurant
A casual marina spot on the water's edge with an eclectic seafood-heavy menu and full bar. Famous for its views and boat docking.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Dockside Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A casual marina spot on the water's edge with an eclectic seafood-heavy menu and full bar. Famous for its views and boat docking.
Dock Your Boat
Take advantage of available pull-up dock spots for a convenient arrival.
Popular Dish Choices
Try well-loved options like shrimp and grits or crab cakes for a flavorful experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Dining with Marina Views
Enjoy stunning harbor views and a unique boat-docking experience right by the water's edge.

Signature Seafood Dishes
Savor delicious crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and fresh catch specials in a vibrant atmosphere.

Boat-Friendly Destination
Dock your boat and step right into this lively marina restaurant for a seamless dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dock Your Boat
Take advantage of available pull-up dock spots for a convenient arrival.
Popular Dish Choices
Try well-loved options like shrimp and grits or crab cakes for a flavorful experience.
Embrace the Atmosphere
Enjoy the laid-back vibe and outdoor seating, especially on nice days.
Consider the Price
Prices may be higher than expected; reviewing the menu beforehand is advised.
Tips
from all over the internet
Dock Your Boat
Take advantage of available pull-up dock spots for a convenient arrival.
Popular Dish Choices
Try well-loved options like shrimp and grits or crab cakes for a flavorful experience.
Embrace the Atmosphere
Enjoy the laid-back vibe and outdoor seating, especially on nice days.
Consider the Price
Prices may be higher than expected; reviewing the menu beforehand is advised.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dockside Restaurant offers a popular waterfront dining experience with stunning views and the unique convenience of boat docking. While many praise the delicious seafood, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere, some reviews mention declining food quality over the years and issues with slow service or drink preparation. However, for special occasions or a casual meal by the water, it remains a go-to spot for many.
"My husband ordered fried flounder and I ordered the crab cakes so we shared. The food was absolutely delicious. The staff were hustling around, taking care of everyone the whole time. Very clean and friendly atmosphere after a morning playing at the beach!"
Nicole L
"We have been coming to this restaurant for 10 years now and over the years we have noticed a decline in the food quality. A time or two ago, we swore that we would never come back but we always get sucked back in because it's on the water and after a few hours of kayaking we are usually hungry and just want a cold beer and some shrimp. The peel and eat shrimp use to be good but lately they have been just ok. The beer is no longer served in bottles but now is in cans only. They use to have beer on tap but no longer have that either.
Today we stopped in after kayaking, knowing that it was going to be hit or miss. Well today was the final straw. We were seated immediately and then waited about 20 minutes before somebody came to take our drink order. It was a female waitress who did not introduce herself and we asked about the beer hoping that maybe something had changed, but no. We don't like beer in cans, so my friend ordered a coke and I ordered a cocktail, a Spicy Paloma which I have had before at other restaurants. We waited another 20 minutes for our drinks to come and mine seemed like it had been sitting a while because the ice was mostly melted and the drink was very watered down. My friends coke was watered down also. We should have sent them back and left at that point. Once I found a straw and stirred my drink it was a little better. However a Paloma is usually a little fizzy and this was not. It was just not good. The Tajin was all over the outside of the plastic "glass" instead of on the rim.
We finally placed our food order and waited another 20 minutes until our food came. We both ordered the fiesta bowl. Mine was with chicken and my friends was with shrimp. We had never had this before and will never again. The shrimp were tiny and looked like they had been frozen. My bowl with the chicken was a little better. The bowls were mostly rice and it was very dry. Of course when we realized this our missing in action waitress was nowhere to be seen. We asked another male waiter for ranch dressing and he went and got her. So we asked her for ranch dressing and she brought us 2. This made the bowls a little bit better but just ok.
The other food item that we ordered was the homemade potato chips which are always good. When the waitress brought our ranch dressing we went ahead and requested the check because by now we had been there over an hour. Of course she brought the check immediately. I put my credit card with the check to let her know that she could take the check but she never came back. When we waited as long as we were willing to wait, we got up and went to the hostess station like we had seen the couple at the table next to us do. The hostess asked who our waitress was and we told her that we had no idea as she had not introduced herself. The hostess then asked us what she looked like - at this point we were really annoyed and showed her which table we were seated at. She went off to find our waitress and left us standing there waiting. Our waitress finally appeared and took our payment and we left. We were there for 1 hour and 20 minutes....for lunch, not by our choosing. As we walked out we once again said.. ..never again. I'm not sure who is managing the staff but they should be fired. It appears that there is very little training or accountability."
Dawn Dykstra
"Beautiful Seafood Rehearsal Dinner at Dockside!
We would 10/10 recommend Dockside as a rehearsal dinner venue. The gorgeous, laid back atmosphere is just what we needed the night before our wedding! The intimate upstairs room overlooking the water was perfect for the family and bridal party to kick off wedding weekend!
Food was delicious, drinks were fabulous. Staff were amazing! Kris and Corey helped us throughout planning and were exceptional to work with. I have no complaints at all! What a special night. Thank you, Dockside!"
Anna Scarlett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Dockside Restaurant offers convenient pull-up dock spots, allowing you to dock your boat and dine.
Based on reviews, popular choices include crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and the salmon BLT.
Yes, the restaurant is noted to be dog-friendly, making it a great spot to bring your pet.
Yes, the restaurant has ample outdoor seating on its decks, perfect for enjoying the weather and views.
Dockside offers a relaxed, casual, and friendly atmosphere, characteristic of a marina restaurant.
Currently, Dockside Restaurant serves beer in cans only and does not offer draft options.
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Visit Dockside Restaurant, a frequent filming location for popular television shows and movies including Nicholas Sparks’ The Choice. A Wrightsville Beach tradition for more than 30 years, Dockside is perfectly perched on the water’s edge, providing stunning views of the marina and Intracoastal Waterway in a unique, inviting atmosphere. Snap an Insta-worthy selfie or capture happy hour views while savoring the best of local seafood like the crab cakes or fresh catch sandwich.
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Resting right on the water’s edge, Dockside screams straight-out-of-the-water seafood, boozy boat drinks, and unbeatable Intracoastal views. Cheers-ing margaritas waterside with a pile of sunburnt friends in the summer is what this ever-buzzing marina restaurant is known for, but the beachy eats (flame-kissed burgers and ahi tuna nachos, for example) certainly don’t hurt its well-established reputation.
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Since first opening its doors, Dockside has been synonymous with great food and a casual, relaxed, even rustic atmosphere. Perched on the water’s edge of Wrightsville Beach, our flagship location draws on the local region’s natural features- from the island setting to the beach style and coastal Carolina attitude-and blends with them with Dockside’s own unique, friendly and inviting atmosphere.
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If you two are looking for a more casual seafood experience, Dockside Restaurant is the place to go. Located in Wrightsville Beach, right in the marina, this restaurant serves an eclectic, seafood focused menu with a full bar (that is the most important part). In this beach side atmosphere, take a chance to indulge in some fresh seafood and a drink with your significant other.
FINE DINING GUIDE
Dockside Restaurant 1308 Airlie Road, near Wrightsville Beach, 256-2752. Since chef James Bain took over the kitchen at this Wrightsville Beach institution, you can expect an emphasis on local seafood. The outside seating is perfect in warm weather, and after 5 p.m., the sandwich offerings switch to dishes such as Sneads Ferry seafood succotash and seafood a la Charleston.
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The Dockside Restaurant is open daily for lunch at 11 AM and, with a name like Dockside, the seafood doesn’t have to go very far once it’s caught. The restaurant is literally dockside and has been a Carolina tradition for over 30 years. Located on the water’s edge at Wrightsville Beach, the atmosphere here is relaxed and casual and the food is the freshest.
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Dockside is a local Wrightsville Beach establishment that has been serving up coastal eats and tropical drinks for over 30 years. They are located in the central hub of Wrightsville near Fish House and Bluewater. The ample amount of outdoor seating on their decks provides the perfect atmosphere for grabbing some cold drinks and doing a little boat watching.
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Dockside also allows you to dock your boat and hop off and go eat. It’s Wilmington’s casual marina spot, offering a seafood-heavy menu with a full bar and the freshest local (and regional) ingredients. Fun Fact: Dockside was used to film the famous television show “Dawson’s Creek.” You may recognize Dockside as the restaurant “The Icehouse” in the show.
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The view of the Intracoastal Waterway alone is worth a trip to Dockside, but if you're craving delicious and well-prepared local seafood, you'll also find the dining experience to be a mouthwatering adventure. Fresh seafood, broiled or fried, shrimp and grits and the popular shrimp boil are just a few of...more about Dockside Restaurant & Marina
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For over 30 years, both locals and out-of-towners have flocked to Dockside Restaurant & Bar for its stunning ocean views and delicious food. Located right on the water’s edge of Wrightsville Beach, Dockside offers the perfect escape for its guests. The menu features a number of starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts.
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You can’t talk about outdoor dining in Wilmington without starting at Dockside!. Nestled right on the Intracoastal Waterway, this iconic spot offers breezy coastal vibes, boats cruising by, and sunsets that will steal your heart. It’s the ultimate waterfront experience—grab a cocktail, kick back, and let the sea air do the rest!
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No date night Wilmington NC guide can be complete without this one. For a romantic dining experience, go to Dockside Restaurant, where sweeping ocean views create the ideal setting for a decadent meal. Take in the peaceful atmosphere as you enjoy the delicious fresh seafood dishes skillfully prepared and artistically presented.
Food Faves – Wrightsville Beach Magazine
Both Dock Street Oyster Bar and Grill and Dockside will satisfy your oyster jones and then some. Dockside imports them fries and broils them and has a Po-boy sandwich that is off the charts fantastic. Dock Street (we love the downtown version) has a killer raw bar and imports their oysters fresh daily from Louisiana.
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Dockside is a staple in Wrightsville Beach, offering breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway. This restaurant and bar feature a spacious patio to enjoy fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails while watching boats pass by. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
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Beginning with a few spots along the waterway, there is The Fish House Grill, the Bridge Tender, and Dockside. All three of these restaurants are on Airlie Road and across the ICW from Wrightsville Beach. Each one boasts its own delicious seafood specialties and runs the gamut from casual to upscale.
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They were a staple after the summer break at least when I was in high school. And the views and food live up to the hype. Whether you’re taking the boat or driving, eating a meal or just grabbing a drink on the patio it’s a must-do if you’re in the area!
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Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an...
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Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool...
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For a beachy vibe, Dockside has a fun and casual atmosphere. This bar is perfect if you are looking to have a beer or cocktail after a long day out on the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit