Dockside Sea Grille: Excellent Seafood Restaurant Brings Class to Lake Park, Florida

I'm not going to lie: I'm a tourist. On a short stint in Lake Park, Florida, I came across this gem. I was really just looking for any old seafood restaurant in the area the night before we went back north. I certainly was not expecting the quality and class I happened upon.

From the outside, Dockside Sea Grille looks just like any other restaurant nestled in a small plaza. Clearly denoted with a neon sign, I was expecting a mom-and-pop treasure riddled with fish and chips and self-seating. I was pleasantly surprised. Not that I don't love smaller places, diners, or otherwise-and it is certainly a smaller restaurant-but it had an incredible amount of class.

We were immediately seated, as the restaurant was not terribly crowded. We came to find later there were two parties seated outside, and I imagine that the patio is gorgeous in the daylight. Our server was very friendly, and helpful. I looked over the menu and took note of the daily specials. I really had one clear objective in mind upon walking in (and that would be crab legs), but I was very happy to find a wide range of different selections.

The restaurant is a bit on the pricier side. Sandwiches were pretty standard-from $9-13, and included both sea and land options. Entrees had a higher range, but all approximately $20. We settled on the Alaskan king crab legs, and the crabcake-stuffed flounder. As we waited for our food, I took in my surroundings-the seafood restaurant of course has an ocean theme to it, but it is far from cheesy. The lighting was perfect, not too dim, but not too bright to feel comfortable. There is a full bar, also very classy, and daily drink specials (though we did not take advantage of this).

Our food came out on larger, fish-shaped dishes that held a certain charm. The plate of crab legs was piled high, complete with crispy French fries and a side of veggies. The flounder looked absolutely mouthwatering, alongside very fragrant garlic mashed potatoes. When our server, smiling, was finished placing these platters on the table it looked like a feast fit for kings. I immediately felt ridiculous for having ordered so much food, but I certainly didn't regret it.

Everything was cooked perfectly. The crab legs were likely the best I've had in years (and I've had quite a few crab legs). The fish had the perfect level of moisture, and blended perfectly with the crab cake. The garlic mashed potatoes were certainly garlic-but just the right consistency, and perfectly seasoned. Everything was garnished with bright, fresh strawberries and pineapple (also delicious). Even the vegetables were properly seasoned and excellent. The only criticism I made throughout the course of the meal is that the crab cakes were a bit heavy on salt. If that's the worst mistake Dockside Sea Grille made, then I think they're doing pretty good. Our server cheerily asked us if we had room for desert, and I politely declined-surprised that I was able to fit the amount of food I had.

As someone who didn't really spend all that much time in North Palm Beach, I can't claim that Dockside Sea Grille is the best seafood restaurant in Florida. But I can say that it's likely one of the best seafood restaurants I've ever been to, nationwide. So if you're in the area, I would highly suggest you check it out. Happy dining!