Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center

Where to begin. First off, come here for the view. Once I was outside at one of their picnic style tables I saw an otter swimming, which was very cool. Mostly I just see glistening water views or amazing sunsets against the water. If you sit outside you also see plenty of boats passing and catch wiffs of boat gas smells — which for me smells like summer and happy times.
I have sat outside and heard the strumming and singing of acoustic entertainers, I have arrived by boat and jumped onto the deck for a quick, informal bite, and like last night, I have braved a chillier evening outside while seated under one of their huge outdoor heater thingy-​mabobs which keep you warm, even in the chillier months.
I have also spent some time at the bar (always a good, if not full time there) and other times, at tables in the restaurant area. I much prefer to be outside though — and why wouldn’t I? Did I mention the views yet…
For me the restaurant is all about the seafood. I usually order oysters, or steamed shrimp, or fried shrimp, or all of the above like I did last night! All of it is good, although it gets a bit pricy for some of their entrees. They do have a nice happy hour until 6 p.m. with food specials, including clams, oysters and wings (my go-​to items fo sho). The hush puppies were also top notch last night!

The dolphin watching trip was great, the captain did slow doughnuts so the dolphins could jump through and ride the boats waves. Best place to watch dolphins in the right season.

This review is for the market. FRESHEST most consistently good fish & shellfish.
Knowledgable staff, quick to tell you when things came in and from where they were caught.
Very good variety of seasonal & regional catch, plus other fresh fish imported.

We were in Virginia Beach for vacation. After talking to a couple «locals» they suggested we dine here. I had the crab cake platter, coleslaw and fries. My fried crab cakes were bland and we’re not hot… more like room temperature. My husband had the stuffed shrimp, salad and fries. We both agreed that this was not the best meal we’d ever had.
The best part of my meal was the green can beer and the Shea crab soup.

The food is wonderful, but the place is woefully understaffed. We waited over 15 minutes to pay for our dinner, and we could never get the bartender’s attention to pay, leaving a 20 and saying so long. Hire enough staff. Nobody should have to wait to get their check and leave.