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Dockside Dave's Grill

By Jessica Brady, tbt* Staff Writer
Published February 22, 2008

Vitals: 7141 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. (727) 360-4200. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. www.docksidedavesgrill.com . Accepts cash, Visa, or MasterCard.

Backstory: Dockside Dave's stood for 15 years on the water in Madeira Beach until condo development forced it to move to John's Pass Village in 2005. In 2006, owner Carol Bates opened Dockside Dave's Grill at 72nd Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, formerly home to the Italian restaurant Alfredino's. Now the "original" Dockside Dave's is back at a new location in Madeira Beach (14701 Gulf Blvd.), but the St. Pete Beach one is still around.

The spot: Dockside Dave's Grill really isn't what it seems. Yes, it's a restaurant and bar, but it's not exactly place to hang out and chill on the weekends. Judging by the Web site, you might think it's a beach bar - outside dining, good music, pina coladas, and most importantly, the smell of the beach - but it's not. Outside, the place is painted cool colors like teal and purple. Fishnets and buoys are draped across the outside stairwell, which led me to believe I could climb my way to the balcony and chill - but no, the upstairs isn't a part of Dave's. Inside there's a small L-shaped bar that seats eight to 10 people and numerous tables surrounded by walls of cliched and commercial beach artwork like pelicans and anchors. There was no music playing, so everyone was able to listen to everyone else's conversations. As for the beach, it's across the street behind the giant hotels. So much for atmosphere.

The crowd: The servers may be young, but the crowd was middle-aged - plus, say, 10 to 20 years. Everyone whispered light conversation across the table or just sat quietly without uttering a word. They must have thought I was obnoxious, since I carried on a somewhat normal conversation.

Juice: Wine and beer or beer and wine, so no pina coladas. On tap, there's Bud, Mich and Amberbock for $1.95-plus; domestics are the same, plus Coors and Miller for $3. And there are $4 imports such as Bass, Sam Adams, Heineken and Amstel. I had a Corona and it tasted like a Corona. There are also basic wines like Merlot, Cabernet, etc., but don't expect a variety. For those not feeling beer or wine, there's Sangria, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Smirnoff Ice. Prices for wine and the like are between $3.50 and $4.50.

Grub: Finally, we reach the best part about Dave's - the food. The menu is pretty extensive and offers everything from soups and salads to seafood pastas and platters. There are 10 appetizers to choose from, and I must admit, it's hard to pick just one. I was torn between the Fresh Vegetable Platter and the Smoked Amberjack Fish Spread. I went with the latter and it was delicious. For $7.50 I was given a large platter served with pepperoncinis, olives, celery, tomatoes, crackers, and sweet pickles., all of which complimented the fish spread perfectly. Next on my table was their famous Grouper Sandwich for $10.95. The grouper was definitely fresh and the fillet was huge. Yes, it was awesome, and the server made some great recommendations. The only disappointment is that all side items are a la carte. Want fries with that? Pay an extra $3.25

[Last modified February 21, 2008, 12:36:08]