Dockside Marina Bar and Grill opens at Indian River Inlet
Big Fish Restaurant Group recently introduced Dockside Marina Bar and Grill on the waterfront at Indian River Inlet.
The goal of Dockside is to create a relaxed atmosphere that enhances the lower Delaware summertime vibe.
Previously home to Hammerheads Dockside, the restaurant is located on state-owned property. Every 10 years, the state implements a request for proposal. After hearing the property was up for bid, Big Fish submitted a proposal.
Big Fish Restaurant Group owns multiple restaurants in the Cape Region, including Big Fish Grill, Crab House and Stingray in Rehoboth Beach, and Striper Bites in Lewes.
“We’re just excited. It's got great energy down there and it's a neat opportunity,” said Eric Sugrue, co-founder of Big Fish Restaurant Group.
Little maintenance and reconstruction were needed in the transition. The company put effort into preserving the original design of the restaurant.
“The place was successful. The people that were there did a great job building a following. We just wanted to build on that,” Sugrue said.
Since its debut in mid-May, Dockside has revamped the menu, installed metal roofs, and replaced old barstools and picnic tables.
The restaurant has a fun, relaxed and beach-like atmosphere that gives customers the feeling they are on a tropical vacation. Paired well with the vibe is live music every day from 4 to 7 p.m.
Regular performers, including Blind Wind and Lower Case Blues, are set to play throughout the summer. On Wednesdays, Dockside hosts karaoke nights, open mic nights and welcomes DJs from First State Entertainment.
The menu has a variety of fresh seafood options, a raw bar and a new sushi bar, including the popular Big Fish Hairy Mexican roll. The menu will evolve over time.
“We’re learning, talking to customers and taking feedback very seriously. We’re just trying to offer the best product we can, and create great relationships with the state and the slip holders here,” said Codey Combs, manager at Dockside.
Dockside is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beachgoers and slip holders can come anytime from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to fulfill their dining needs, whether that be with savory french toast or fresh Chesapeake Bay crab cakes.
The restaurant also has boat accessibility for anyone on the water looking for a bite to eat. There are three slips available.
Like many waterfront dining restaurants, Dockside will be open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October and closed during the winter months.
Big Fish is planning for future events such as weddings, cocktail parties and corporate events at on-the-water locations surrounding Dockside. Details are not yet finalized, but they are in the works.
More information about the Dockside Marina Bar and Grill can be found online at docksidede.com.
