Dock Street Bar & Grill

Mallory is an awesome bartender (and always right)! Awesome lobster sliders and excellent margaritas. Good view of Ego Alley too!

We we here during crab season and we hear their crabs were good. Well we eat crab cakes whenever we can and these have to be the best ever. Moist, sweet and not much bread crumbs. We loved them so much we returned the night to have the crab cakes again… amazing. It is typical bar with music & TV. If you go earlier enough the volume is low, but later on it can get loud. There is some outdoor seating, but it is a small area. We can’t wait to return next year for these delicious crabs.

My friends and I met up in Annapolis for appetizers and drinks on a Thursday night. There wasn’t a sign indicating to seat yourself or a hostess directing us, so for a while we stood at the bar and tried to get the bartenders attention but he wouldn’t even look our way. We sat ourselves at the last outside table and eventually a waitress came out to us, but it wasn’t that crowded (multiple inside tables available) so I don’t really understand why this seemed so effortful. Anyways, sitting outside in this location was great and it’s conveniently close to the water which was nice for our post-​food walk.
We split the crab dip and Parmesan-​garlic wings, and everything was really good. The wings definitely could have used more Parmesan, but the garlic had a little kick so they were great anyways. The crab dip had was good and the bread that came with it was really great! Not too soft and not too hard and plenty for the three of us to share.
My one friend and I each got glasses of pinot grigio (I think $ 1.50 off regular prices during happy hour) and my other friend got a draft of DuClaw’s Funk blueberry citrus wheat beer. I am not a beer fan at all but I tried it and it was pretty good!

Delicious food!
Was in Annapolis for a day touristing and needed to eat. Checked the Unilocal reviews and walked in. Wednesday special was shrimp taco, so we ordered one of those and a fish n chips. Both were excellent and reasonably priced. $ 8 for Tac ok and $ 10 for the fish n chips. Batter was light and curriculum fries fresh. Highly recommend this place.

I was in Annapolis for a meeting. Well, I got here around 1120 am or so. I didn’t know the place opened at 1130 but after a quick check of the menu, I figured that out. Around 1130 I walked back over to the font of the place, it wasn’t that large and stood outside with the other two people that were waiting. 11:30 comes. No open door, 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135… finally a patron comes over and opens the door, and it was open. WHO KNEW, Because the person opening the door certainly didn’t acknowledge me standing there or the other people standing outside waiting to come in. So that put a slight bad taste in my mouth because that’s like customer service 101. The food, it was just ok. I had the crabcake sandwhich and fries (non hand cut)…Trust me, as a Marylander for my entire life, it’s nothing to write home about. No one came back and asked me did I need anything, how was the food, did I want another drink (which I did), so I paid and left — i really felt ignored lol. I couldn’t force myself to do anything more than 15% for a tip. I’m typically never as petty as to do the exact calculation, I’m typically in the 20% and up range, but this place just didn’t do anything that warranted more than 15.
To the Bartender who continously bitched about how no one told him that this person or that person wasn’t coming in… the people eating in the restaurant don’t care. Just a little note.

I’m writing this review for the crab cakes — THE BEST in Annapolis! If you’re looking for an amazing «crab» cake, come here. There’s just enough seasoning and breading, but not too much to overwhelm the crab taste. Love.

I went there looking for amazing crab cakes. And probably it is a mixture of my poor reading and the menu. I ordered the crab cake, and it was good. $ 14 for 1 crab cake with some tartar sauce. Probably that is the price of crab cakes in Annapolis, and some may arguee that the quality of the crabcake we can eat in Annapolis is the best, but from my experience I have eating better and more reasonably priced crabcakes in NJ. If I come back I will probably go for the Crab Cake Sandwich for $ 18 which looks more appealing.

This review is way overdue! Dock Street has the best cab cake sandwich in Annapolis and maybe the best crab cake sandwich I’ve ever had. That’s no exaggeration and I’ve had the crab cake /​crab cake sandwich at almost every restaurant in Annapolis from cheap hole in the wall places to the nicest places like O’leary’s, Harry Brown’s, Carole Creek, ect.). There tuna steak sandwich is also great and their curly fries are perfect to go with either one of those sandwiches. I can’t really comment on too much else on the menu because I never get past one of those two dishes. With that said, I’ve brought a lot of people there everyone had enjoyed it no matter what they got.
I’m writing this now because I was back visiting Annapolis for the weekend and my family convinced me we should go to one of the other bar food places on ego alley and it sucked. The food was horrible, the service sucked and I walked out pissed off I hadn’t insisted on going to Dock Street. I used to live in Annapolis and am back a lot for work. Every time I come back I go to Dock Street. This is hands down the best bar food place in Annapolis.

Awe crap! I thought this place was going to be good.
They serve their beer in cans and bottles. Nothing on tap.
It’s dark and dingy. I thought dark and dingy was cool until my food came. Dark and dingy are okay if the beer is great and the food is great. I had a crab cake sandwich. The bun was huge, dry and tasteless. The crab cake was okay, so I ate that and the pickle. How can you screw up a pickle?
Sofie had fish tacos. They were lame. Served on a wheat tortilla. Really? Who makes a taco with a wheat tortilla? Wasn’t deep fried either.
I just hate it when I fly across country and step into a crappy meal.
The guy next to us kept saying, «This place has the best crab cakes on the strip!»
I thought, «There’s only one ‘strip’ and that’s in Las Vegas. I feel humiliated to be here with such a bozo.» I said, «Yeah. The crab cakes here are really good.»
The girls serving the drinks and food were really good! They made me think I was having the meal of my life… just because they were good looking and had some charm. I knew it was all crap… but I enjoy being charmed.
If you go here, do it as a study to see how a young woman can create the illusion that you are having a really great beer (from a can) and a fantastic sandwich.
Oh! Sofie’s chowder was absolutely «the best»! (Picture me with a big grin and two thumbs up.) There was chunks of seafood in there and an honest taste. We loved it. If you enjoy chowder, this place is really worth the effort to find and enjoy that chowder.

My girlfriend and I decided to take a stroll through downtown Annapolis and we happened to pass by this mysterious bar/​grill. We came in for dinner and it was better then we expected. The restaurant has a sports bar and sailor club feel but it’s cool. It can definitely be a great spot to catch all the games and grab a beer. Unfortunately we didn’t come to watch a game so we didn’t get to experience the glorious bar counter.
We ordered the crab cake and fish tacos (Wednesday night is $ 8 specials). The crab cake was literally all crab, I don’t think I tasted anything but crab, it was AMAZING! It probably is the best crab cake I had ever. The fish tacos were extremely fresh and delicious. The waiter was also very attentive, he changed our plates and settings 3 times. Finally, I have to comment on protein portioning, excellent protein portion for what you pay for! Overall, we had a fantastic and filling dinner! We will be back soon especially during the Navy games.

I came here last night with my BF for dinner. I was craving crab cakes and Unilocal pointed this place out for me ;)
When you first walk in, you get a feeling of a bar and not much of a restaurant. Who would’ve known that Dock Street Bar has the most amazing crab cakes that’s ever be in my mouth! Although it’s $ 13 for one crab cake it is SO worth it! There is so much crab, it was enough to fill me up, but no worries, I still ordered an entrée.
Lucky for us, the fish tacos was the special of the day. Make sure you ask for the special! It was regularly $ 12 but we got it for $ 7.50(not bad). The fish wasn’t even bad. It still tastes fresh to me~~.
It was a big enough meal for me to keep me full. Pretty reasonable price.
Also, the staff were very nice! They were up to point on water fills, utensils, etc.
Make sure to try their crab cakes!

This is a great place to stop and relax with the locals! No draft beer– just bottles– but that’s okay! The food is surprisingly delicious and the staff is super friendly.

Wow — giving this place 5 stars because it is a complete surprise of awesomeness! Great beer– check. But amazing tuna tartare? WTF– wow! It looks like a dive bar from outside but don’t be deceived– this is not a tourist trap!!! Dark, dingy, loud & dumpy– our favorite kind of place!

Bottom Line: A small, local, low-​key bar and grill.
When USNA football is over, the boat shows have passed and the weather turns cooler, I look forward to venturing out in downtown Annapolis sans tourists. Dock Street Bar & Grill is a place where I can pull up a stool on a weeknight for a laid back meal. If you are thinking about drinks and dinner downtown here are a few notes about Dock Street to help you decide if this is where you want to land:
— Located across from Ego Alley such that the closest parking is metered parking out front or in the larger metered lot down the dock.
— Small and dark inside makes for a quaint bar experience. To me, this place looks more like a bar than a grill but they do have good food. You’ll notice downstairs that there are not a ton of tables so this isn’t the best place for a large group wanting to sit down to eat.
— There are plenty of TVs here to watch your favorite game.
— Service is low-​key and friendly.
— A good selection of craft beers.
— The menu has plenty of delicious items on it but be sure to check out the specials too. The crab cakes are all the rage here but I had the fish tacos which were light and delicious.
— On the weekends the atmosphere is more boisterous so this could be a good spot for those ready to tie one on.

I love accidentally stumbling across nondescript bars that blow you away with their food and service.
Hits:
* Crab Cake Dinner (1 cake: $ 20, 2 cakes: $ 33) — probably the meatiest, freshest, flavorful without being overly salty crab cakes in Annapolis… the crab cake was so lumpy and large I initially thought it was a fluffy biscuit O_​O additionally, the accompanying garlic mashed taters and spinach were on par with complemented the umami of the well-​endowed crab cakes so well
* Crab Chowder ($ 8) was both creamy and buttery, with extra chunks of white crab meat
* Awesome selection of a few dozens of domestic and microbrews (ranging $ 5-​$ 7), plus there’s more beers off the menu, e.g., Sweet Baby Jesus
* The service was fantastic — the server/​bartender was so personable, patient, helpful and attentive
* Clean restrooms
Lessons Learned:
* As amazing as the crab cakes were, I occasionally choked on a few bits of crab «bone»
Can’t say that I visit Annapolis often, but when I do, you bet I’ll stop in here for more hearty lumps of crab cakes!

Kind of strange that the absolute best crabcake was at a true bar… like with super loud music and 5 bouncers! But I had done some research on Unilocal and several reviewers said they had awesome crabcakes. They weren’t kidding. I make crabcakes so I know when there is too much filler. These were lump crabcakes with quality crab and practically zero filler. They were awesome!
They don’t get the 5^th star because it’s loud and the music is kind of crazy. Punk one minute…70’s classic the next. I would definitely go back at lunch because it’s probably not as loud. I would also not hesitate to order the crabcakes again. Their prices are identical to all the other restaurants in the area yet you are getting the highest quality here. Service was good too.

Stopped in here while visiting Annapolis for a weekend with a friend. The place is a typical bar — nothing special, but we loved the customer service! Two blonde girls serving and working the bar were delightful! They made an honest effort to get to know us, and made us feel welcome in the new city!
Decent beer selection, I went for one of the craft beers available (a peach beer, I believe).
Menu selection was bar food — although apparently the crab cakes are the way to go, we did not try them. Waitress explained that most items were made in house, such as the breaded chicken fingers. I went with the turkey reuben and was satisfied. Curly fries on the side — cannot complain with that.
Came early on a Saturday for lunch, bar slowly filled up as we ate. Probably pretty normal for tourist season. Would be busy at night. Right near the Marina, you can sit on the sidewalk /​«patio» if you want! Looks like the upstairs has dancing and louder music too, would hold a decent amount of people.
Cute bar for Annapolis! cannot complain :)

I went here twice in 2 days on a 3 day vacation in Annapolis. I don’t typically do that but I had a reason. Their crab cake is that very compelling reason! IT’S THAT GOOD!!! And Tuesday its $ 3 off & the crab cake sandwich is $ 4 off — Score!
It’s literally only the freshest giant lumps of crab and delightful spices and the most minuscule, undetectable amount of binder possible that holds it all together. And it’s perfect! I couldn’t imagine only having this crab cake nirvana just 1 time, so back we went!
They typically serve it with their own homemade tartar sauce, which we skipped on day one. Personally I prefer them with just a dip into some hot sauce occasionally & just let the crab cake speak for itself. I forgot to say skip the tartar on round 2 and was a little sorry. It’s better than typical tartar sauce, I’ll give them that but I still prefer them plain & ended up pushing the tartar off to the side.
No draft beers here but a decent selection of bottles. Round 2 I had wine, their white selection is better than the red offerings.
This bar is really small & I could see it getting packed & loud. One small unisex bathroom is all they had room for.
Overall a fun little bar — they may have other really good food here. Honestly, I don’t care because I’m only getting their crab cakes!!!

Best food and service by Gina here, every time. She always take excellent care of us and we look forward to seeing her when we visit.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Tvs, the bar, dimmed and kind of quiet when is not game season.
We love the crab chowder, full of clams and crab. The crab cakes are excellent, lots of crab and very fresh. We always order the Old Bay wings and they are awesome, crispy and that old bay all over… to die for!
Everything that we have ordered has been great. Service is excellent, by the water, Gina and staff. We love it all!

5 Food
3 Service
3 Ambiance
3 Cleanliness
Wasn’t exactly expecting the food to be as good as it was in this little dive bar. I was lured in by the sign that said «Special of the Day: Cod Fish Sandwich».
The serving size for the sandwich and fries was huge! I brought most of the fries back to the hotel for the honey bear, which went perfect with the Crab Cakes (appetizer). I usually try to avoid fried foods, but I wanted quick and convenient. Even though most of the grub was fried, it was surprisingly fresh. I often associate fried with being frozen prior, but there was something different about this meal; it didn’t taste frozen! It tasted fresh caught (or closer to recently caught) and the fries tasted delicious (same deal). Yum!
On the flip side, the waitress was disappointing. Every time I needed the waitress, I would look at her and even speak up that I needed something and she would continue to walk around doing other tasks other than waiting on me. Strange. Ugh, you’re a server/​bartender first, side tasks second (not the other way around, girlfriend)!
Ambiance is nothing fancy. Several framed jerseys along the walls along with some flat screen televisions and a small bar top with a touch screen game on the end. The carpet was questionable (along with the restroom), but there were no overwhelming stinchey smells any where.
The question I would usually ask… Would I return?!
Maybe for takeout. If I still drank booze, maybe to sit down as well… Not sure ;)
Cheers!