Reviews

You once knew it as Sam’s Dockside. Then for a hot minute, it was Martin’s Dockside. Now, the attractive restaurant at the heart of Brewer Bruce & Johnson’s Marina in Branford is simply known as Dockside Seafood and Grill, and it’s the place to be.

I’ll skip its rich and interesting history, and simply tell you that Dockside is lovely – a big, beautiful restaurant in the hearty of the Bruce & Johnson Marina has up to 180 seats, most of them with enchanting views of boats in their slips. The menu is classic New England seafood and steaks, with a few surprises.

According to General Manager Susan Jaskot, who has been with the organization since 1987, Dockside has an impressive selection of seafood, steak, chicken, pasta and salads. Full lobster dinners are $23.95, including corn, potato and salad; mini clam bakes, featuring lobsters, steamers, and other options are $28.95 per person. Dockside is surrounded by boats and breezes and outdoor bars and open-air dining rooms that will protect from insects (via screens) or raiin/chilly breezes (via plastic barriers).

A Senior Menu, offered from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. includes choice of entrée plus sides and beverages for $10.95. Such a deal!

Reprinted with permission from Todd Lyon, a freelance writer from New Haven, CT.