Unearth The Voyage
If you crave dockside sunsets, briny breezes, and seafood that tastes like it jumped straight from the bay to your plate, you are in the right place. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill has earned its reputation the old fashioned way with consistency, hospitality, and a view that stops conversations. Whether you dock your boat or roll up from the beach, the menu delivers hits night after night. Ready to find your new Florida favorite and see why locals and visitors keep coming back
Sunset Stone Crab Claws
There is something electric about cracking into chilled stone crab claws as the sun melts over Sarasota Bay. The sweetness of the meat, the pop of citrus, and that classic mustard sauce create a clean, confident flavor you will remember. At Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, the claws arrive chilled and gleaming, a simple luxury that feels perfectly Florida.
You get plenty of space to linger on the dockside patio, where boats bob and pelicans drift by. The team keeps things unfussy but exacting, delivering shells pre-cracked for easy access without the mess. It is the kind of appetizer that invites conversation, photo taking, and maybe a celebratory toast.
Order a half pound for a taste or go big if the table agrees. Pair with a crisp white or a cold lager to underline the natural sweetness. When the breeze hits and the first bite lands, you will understand why this place earns a 4.7 star reputation without breaking a sweat.
Grouper Sandwich On The Dock
The grouper sandwich is a rite of passage on Longboat Key, and Dry Dock nails it with confidence. Choose grilled, fried, or blackened, then watch the steam curl as you lift the bun. The fish is thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, with a clean ocean flavor that does not need overcomplicating.
The toasted bun hugs the filet without collapsing, while lettuce, tomato, and house tartar tie everything together. Fries come hot and golden, great for dipping and sharing. Grab a seat facing the water to lean into the coastal vibe and let time slow down a notch.
If you like a little heat, blackened is the win, coaxing out caramelized edges and a smoky kiss. Keep a lemon wedge handy to brighten each bite. People swear this sandwich tastes better with a breeze and a view, and you will probably agree halfway through the first bite.
Lobster Roll With Bay Views
Some nights call for pure comfort, and the lobster roll at Dry Dock delivers. Buttery toasted bun, cool sweet lobster, and a light dressing that whispers rather than shouts. Every bite feels balanced, rich, and still bright enough to keep you going to the last crumb.
Sit bayside for the full experience, where the water reflects soft pinks and oranges. The portion is generous, so sharing is easy, but you may not want to. A side of slaw adds crunch while fries or chips keep things classic and craveable.
Ask your server for a pairing suggestion, as a citrusy white wine plays beautifully with the lobster. Pricing sits in that sweet spot for quality seafood without being stuffy. If you want a New England favorite with Gulf Coast energy, this roll puts you right in the pocket.
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Cooler
When the temperature climbs, nothing resets your appetite like a chilled shrimp cocktail. At Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, jumbo shrimp arrive snappy and cold, with a cocktail sauce that hits bright tomato, horseradish heat, and a tiny kiss of citrus. The presentation is tidy and classic, meant to refresh and impress without fuss.
Sitting near the docks makes this feel even more right, as seabirds glide by and the marina hums softly. You can order this as a shareable starter or keep it all to yourself. The speed of service keeps it ideal as a first course while you browse the rest of the menu.
It pairs well with a crisp lager or a dry rosé, cutting through the richness and waking up your palate. Squeeze lemon generously to pop the sweet brininess. This dish is proof that the simplest ideas, done perfectly, never go out of style on the waterfront.
Crab Cakes With Citrus Aioli
These crab cakes lean heavy on the crab and light on the filler, which is exactly how you want them. Seared to a golden crust, they stay tender inside with sweet, flaky meat. A citrus forward aioli adds brightness without stealing the spotlight.
You notice the care in the fry, crisp but never greasy, a detail that keeps every bite clean. The plate looks sharp and coastal, especially with a charred lemon on the side. Order for the table as a reliable crowd pleaser, or double down and make it an entree.
Pairing with a Sauvignon Blanc or a light pilsner plays up the citrus notes. If you prefer heat, ask for an extra kick of pepper on the aioli. Sit near the big windows and watch boats slide past while you hunt for that last crispy edge.
Blackened Mahi Tacos
These tacos bring beach energy to the table with smoky mahi, cool slaw, and a squeeze of lime. The blackening spice hits that sweet spot between flavorful and friendly, so you can still taste the fish. Soft tortillas hold up without tearing, making each bite tidy and satisfying.
The slaw crunch balances the warmth, and pico adds fresh pop without getting watery. Ask for extra lime if you love tang, or a dab of hot sauce for a gentle kick. Sitting on the patio, these feel like vacation in your hands.
A side of chips and salsa turns this into a shareable moment for the whole table. Cold beer or a margarita keeps the rhythm going. If you came for something casual that still feels crafted, these mahi tacos do the job beautifully.
Seared Scallops Over Risotto
When you want elegance, the scallops and risotto deliver polish without pretension. Scallops arrive with a deep caramelized crust and a center that stays silky. The risotto is creamy and carefully seasoned, supporting rather than overpowering the delicate sweetness.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy yet balanced enough to keep you light on your feet. The dining room glow feels cozy and nautical, which suits a slower paced meal. Ask your server about the daily catch or specials if you like mixing it up.
A chilled Chardonnay or a minerally white elevates the scallops beautifully. If you prefer cocktails, something citrus forward keeps the palate refreshed. This is a dish for celebrating small wins, anniversaries, or simply the pleasure of a well cooked evening on the bay.
Cedar Plank Salmon
The cedar plank salmon brings a whisper of smoke that feels tailor made for waterfront dining. The fish flakes easily, rich with natural oils and a hint of woodsy aroma. Herb butter melts over the top, pooling into the edges for a glossy finish.
Served with fresh vegetables or potatoes, it lands squarely in that satisfying, feel good zone. You can sit inside under nautical art or outside near the docks for extra theater. The plating stays unfussy, letting the salmon tell the story.
It pairs well with a citrusy white, but a light pinot works if you prefer red. A squeeze of lemon nudges the smoke and brightens every forkful. When you want something steady and memorable, this cedar plank salmon has your name on it.
Fried Calamari With Pepper Rings
If you love crunch, the fried calamari here is a happy place. Tender rings and tentacles arrive hot and crisp, with bright pepper rings adding color and zing. A side of marinara brings comfort, while lemon wakes everything up.
The portion size is ideal for sharing, though you might keep it close once you taste it. Each bite stays light rather than heavy, a sign of confident frying. The view from the patio turns this appetizer into a little event.
Pair with a pilsner or a spritz for a refreshing contrast. If you want extra heat, ask for a side of pepper flakes. It is proof that Dry Dock respects the classics and refuses to let them get boring.
Key West Style Shrimp Pasta
This pasta feels beachy and bright, swimming with plump shrimp and a citrus garlic butter that keeps things lively. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness while herbs perfume the bowl. The sauce clings to each strand without getting heavy, making it easy to keep twirling.
Order it when you want comfort that still feels sunny and coastal. The shrimp are cooked just to opaque, tender and springy. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a savory edge that works with the citrus.
It pairs well with a crisp white or even a light sparkling wine. If you like heat, a few chili flakes turn the dial perfectly. This is the kind of dish that reminds you why seafood and pasta became best friends long before you showed up hungry.
Baja Style Fish Sandwich
Sometimes you want a little crunch and a lot of character, and this sandwich brings both. The beer batter fries up shatter crisp while the fish stays tender. Slaw adds a cool, creamy crunch, and chipotle lime sauce threads smoke and citrus through every bite.
The bun holds strong, so nothing slides or sogs out as you linger by the water. It is handheld happiness with marina views doing their quiet magic. Grab extra napkins, then relax into the rhythm of the docks.
Pair with a pale ale, or go classic with iced tea and lemon. Ask for extra lime to brighten the final bites. If you came for fan favorites, this is exactly the kind of repeat order that keeps locals loyal.
Ahi Tuna Poke Stack
Fresh, colorful, and light, the ahi tuna poke stack is a must if you crave clean flavors. Cubes of tuna mingle with avocado and mango, creating a creamy sweet balance under a sesame soy drizzle. Each forkful feels cool and satisfying without weighing you down.
The presentation is modern and tidy, a nice contrast to the rustic dockside setting. It is a great start to a meal or a light lunch with a view. The staff can suggest a wine or sake style cocktail to match the delicate profile.
Sesame seeds add texture, and a little sea salt lifts the tuna beautifully. If you like heat, ask about a wasabi style accent on the side. This dish tastes like a breeze off the bay and looks camera ready from the moment it lands.
Captain’s Platter For Two
Sharing is easy when a big, beautiful seafood platter hits the table. Dry Dock’s version loads up on favorites like grouper, shrimp, scallops, and a crab cake, all cooked with care. The spread lets everyone sample and compare while the bay does its shimmering thing outside.
Choose grilled, blackened, or fried components to suit your mood. The team nails timing so every piece arrives hot and crisp or juicy and tender. Dipping sauces stay classic, letting the seafood lead.
A platter like this is a celebration, whether it is date night, family vacation, or friends docking for lunch. Pair with a pitcher of something crisp and keep the napkins flowing. There is a reason locals steer visiting guests to this feast, and you will likely become a believer after the first pass.
Clam Chowder Dockside
On breezy days, a cup or bowl of clam chowder warms you right through. It is creamy without being heavy, loaded with tender clams and soft potatoes. Each spoonful tastes like comfort, a steady anchor before the main event.
Oyster crackers add crunch, while fresh herbs bring a nudge of brightness. Sit outside and let the steam curl into the salt air. The portion size is just right for sharing or hoarding, depending on your mood.
Pair with a light beer or a crisp white to keep things balanced. If you want extra pepper or a lemon wedge, the team has you covered. This chowder turns any table into a cozy nook, even when the seabreeze picks up.
Key Lime Pie Finale
Save room for dessert because the key lime pie lives up to the hype. The filling strikes that perfect tart sweet balance that makes your mouth water before the fork hits. A buttery graham crust holds tight, offering texture and a touch of toastiness.
Whipped cream softens the zing without muting it. A little lime zest on top keeps everything bright and Florida forward. Eat it slowly while the sky cools to lavender and blue over the bay.
If you want coffee, the staff will pour it hot and smooth. Prefer something sparkling, a bubbly glass turns this into a finale worth remembering. Whether you split a slice or claim your own, this pie feels like the exclamation point every dockside meal deserves.
Plan Your Visit Essentials
Getting here is easy, and the vibe rewards even the shortest drive. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill sits at 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr in Longboat Key, with a dockside patio that steals the show. Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM most days and until 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, so you have plenty of time to catch sunset.
Expect $$ pricing, a friendly crew, and a 4.7 star glow across thousands of reviews. You can call +1 941 383 0102 for details or peek at the menu on their website. Parking is straightforward, and boaters love the convenience of docking right beside the action.
Arrive a bit early if you want prime waterfront seating. Bring a light layer for breezy evenings and a camera for that sky show. Once you settle in, the only hard decision is which fan favorite to order first.
