Drydock Cafe

Best fresh seafood place around Boston! Being eating here for many years, never disappointed at Dry Dock Cafe. I love their seafood platter, freshest swordfish (when I want to eat healthy), had the crab salad once (but only saw that once, it was so big and fresh). Very reasonable prices.

This was one of my worst food experiences. My co-workers and I had lunch here on November 19 while attending a conference. We ordered a salad with soup of day, fish & chips, and a fish sandwich. The soup came out with a hair in it. They came and took it away. The fish had no taste and the fries were not hot. We told the server we would like to pay and just go somewhere else. The server said the manager wanted to come out and address our issues. The manager came out and was totally rude. She asked what was wrong, we told her, and she downplayed our issues. She stated that she has never received a complaint about her food in 22 years. She made it seem like we were just trying not to pay. We didn’t even eat the food; we all had one bite and was immediately disappointed. She also stated that they didn’t see the hair in the soup and basically made it clear she thought my coworker was lying. She kept repeating that and she grabbed one of the plates and said just go. To put it in perspective, we are also all people of color. Take that into consideration. I do not recommend this restaurant. I’m sure they will respond to this review and state it is not true at all, etc. So, that is why this is detailed.

I had heard about this place from a local and I had always wanted to try it. I finally made the time to go and it was awesome. They are only open for dinner one day a week which is on Friday nights until 8:00 p.m. I ordered the fisherman's platter because it offered a variety of seafood. It had shrimp, haddock fillet, calamari, scallops, fried clams with the bellies, french fries and coleslaw. The service was prompt and efficient and the food came out quickly. One of the major problems with ordering Seafood is that it is often too overly breaded and you taste more of the bread comes than you do of the seafood itself. That was not the case here. Everything was had a light bread coating that didn't interfere with the the subtle flavors of the various types of seafood. My server Sophia was prompt courteous and checked in on me regularly to make sure that I had everything I needed. I will definitely make time to go back.

Great food at a good value. What an awesome seafood platter!!

We had no expectations upon entering this establishment. The decor was minimalist and reminiscent of a cafeteria. Immediately we were greeted by two ladies. From here forward the story takes a turn. Two haddock plates were served in no time. A five star rating should tell the rest of the experience. Don't be fooled by the decor, the fish was by far superior to any other seafood in Boston.

I used to go here all the time. The parking was easy and free. I had some good meals and a few sinkers. I don't believe all the reviews with five stars, I do believe the review with the hair in the soup.

Had my cousin in from South Dakota. It was the very first time we met. So I invited her and her husband to Dry Dock Cafe. It is a great breakfast and lunch spot, but few people know it is open for dinner on Thursday and Friday nights. Freshest seafood around. Prices are very reasonable and the parking is free. The service is exceptional and you never feel rushed. It was the perfect place for having dinner with friends/ family. Part of me is selfish and don't want to share this wonderful place, because I want it for myself. 9 16 2022. It was my Birthday and this place was just awesome. Truly a great place to celebrate and have dinner. The food is fresh and service perfect. I love coming here.

Exceptional Friday night dinner at reasonable prices. The fish fresh off the pier. This isn't assembly line cooking, but authentic and very tasty New England seafood. A hidden gem. The owner and service is thoroughly Bostonian, you won't find a better place. I'll be back.

My 1st time here in from NC. I took my brother here for a birthday dinner. This is a must add to your list. The owner Kathy is extremely nice and personable. Our waiter Patty was truly amazing. Ok on to the seafood....it doesn't get any fresher than their's. When I tell you EVERYTHING was good to perfection it was. Thank you for a great dining experience. Check their website for times of operation.

Very easy walk from the Hampton Inn Seaport. Easy location to find and it was well worth the quick walk in absolute freezing weather. I wanted to try some freshly made clam chowder soup and fish & chips with coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce and this was a great choice ! The interior is nothing fancy but it was extremely clean. Plenty of table seating to accommodate 1 person or large groups. My server was a very nice older lady who took the time to answer all my questions. My food arrived hot and fresh and it's probably some of the best chowder and fried haddock I've ever had. The fish was simply outstanding !!! The Chowder was absolutely incredible!!! The cost is very reasonable compared to a restaurant, save money and get quality food here Thank You

This is one of my favorite restaurants in boston! Love love love it! The location, the ambiance, the people, the service, and THE FOOD! This hidden gem is fantastic and we look forward to going back. The haddock fingers were out of this world delicious. The fried whole clams were fantastic! We brought our son too and everyone was super friendly and he loved the food. Check this place out!!!! If you're staying at the seaport Hilton, this place is super close to walk and just a great relaxing night out.

Great food at a good price. What a seafood platter!! Server was great with a sense of humor.

Get the clam chowder and you'll experience the freshest clams ever. Clean and friendly. Simple and steady. Try it you'll love it.

My friend Vinnie ate there today and had Haddock and shrimp with a side of broccoli and coleslaw and thought it was fabulous.

*2.5/5 maybe Had high hopes for the fish and chips given that it's Boston, but my takeout lunch did not deliver. Fish was limp -- not soggy by any means but also not crisp either. Fries and coleslaw were standard. The waitstaff was friendly enough and the restaurant itself seemed like a well-visited cafeteria, but this particular meal left me wanting a lot more.

The service was fast and friendly, but the food is nothing to write home about. The bacon was probably something like Oscar Meyer, and French toast, just made from basic white bread. Not awful, but not great. Just filling.

Yep, another shining example of "locals know best" as a bunch of us congregated for a mini cross country reunion. Thank you Bostonian friends for suggesting this unassuming yet memorable seafood restaurant. The restaurant sits just off the waterfront and in an office building. Easy to miss but do yourself a favor and don't! Our party of eight had late dining reservations as we were waiting for one car to arrive from New York. Besides appetizers, our party's orders were probably the last one to be put into the kitchen. So, not surprisingly, with the freshest of seafood being served here, many things became unavailable. Only two fried fisherman's platter, no grilled seafood sampler platters, we were lucky to get the last two broiled scallop entrees. The other four opted for their fresh fresh fish entrees of swordfish or haddock. I sneaked a bite(s) of the broiled haddock and it was truly heaven in mah mouth! Truth be told, I was already pretty full from the most delicious fried clams, calamari, fried haddock appetizers and cocktails. Would I come back here again? Prices are more than reasonable. Food delicious. Company memorable. Absolutely would !!

This place was nothing fancy, but really hit the spot. No fuss breakfast for two for under $12.00? I'm sold. Nothing much more to say here, but I was very impressed. Sometimes you just need a solid place with no frills to get the job done.

Simple cafe with great food. The chowder was very flavorful and the parmigiana chicken sandwich was huge. Perhaps too big. But a nice find. Service was friendly.

I don't love the ambiance. It's got a very "officey" feel to it. The seafood, however, is on point and the Haddock Reuben, which is often a special, is messy and also kind of life changingly good. Also, I LOVE the tartar sauce. I noticed someone else thought it was bad which I think is just nutso. Okay - off to order takeout.

I love the dry dock, fresh seafood and great specials. Always a good to spot for a fresh healthy lunch.

My husband and I ate here twice. The first time we both had chowder, husband liked it, I thought it had a little off taste. I had a broiled shrimp main and husband had a broiled fish main. It was not bad, fries weren't great and cold slaw had a weird taste. Food okay, prices reasonable. We tried it again, husband had shrimp main and I tried the fried clams at market price and I will always ask from now on, turned out to be $35.00 for about eight clams. Now they were no clams I am familiar with because they had a penile pultrusion the breading didn't stick to. I tried to eat them but they tasted like mud. Worst clams I've ever had. The young server was not great either. Whatever you do stay away from the clams.

Not bad for a lunch spot. I had the fried scallops and clam chowder. It really hit the spot. It took awhile to get my food. They had a lot of take out orders.

Had a very delicious breakfast at the Drydock cafe. As mentioned in other reviews, the ambiance is a little off, but the attentive waitstaff, and hearty, yummy food made up for it.

Went again for lunch yesterday and I have to say it was not nearly as good as my last visit. Had the same meal (fish and chips), but the fish was underseasoned and the tartar sauce was "off-tasting" and tasted of garlic powder; really strong and off-putting. The coleslaw was just meh. One small and weird thing...I am not a big ketchup fan but will eat it with fries. Their ketchup tasted cheap, like some cheap, discount restaurant brand. Prices are reasonable and service is very efficient. I just did not enjoy this experience as much as before.

Great place to enjoy seafood! Service is good and very welcoming! I recommend, the food is always fresh.

We were excited to try some Boston seafood for the first time at this restaurant but left quite disappointed. The experience started when we were given a dirty table scattered with crumbs and leftovers from the people who sat there before us. They hadn't prepared the table at all - no utensils either. The seafood was all fried yet not crispy at all - most of it was soggy and not seasoned. Overall, would not recommend this restaurant for an authentic seafood experience.

I hate seafood, except that I do like clam chowder. Plus, I did not want to deny my group of me and three Albuquerque natives the opportunity to enjoy good seafood. Because, you know, Albuquerque is a terrible place for ballooning activities and is world-renown for its seafood. (hope you could note the sarcasm) Good hours, close to the Convention Center, and reasonably priced for seafood. My friends enjoyed their Fisherman's Platter and, I think it was called the Seafood platter for $21.95 and $20.95, respectively. Fried shrimp, mussels, clams, haddock, and French fries, plus the Seafood platter got two sides, so they got rice and vegetables. There are two chicken dishes to please the non-seafood people like me. They also served a bean dip with crackers as an appetizer, and bread with oil as well. I like my clam chowder thicker, but I appreciate that they understand the need to serve soup warm-- not so piping hot that you have to wait 10 minutes for it to be edible. (however, they will customize it to your heating preference)

A cute little cafe near the seaport of Boston. It has its own parking area, and it's near a park and the Boston sea police area. It's clearly a regular stop for the regulars of Boston and people who work nearby, but it can offer a good meal for tourists looking for affordable seafood without all of the frills. As I'm not particularly into seafood, I probably wouldn't come back. PROS: -The prices here are fantastic. It's hard to find prices like this for meals around the Boston area - especially around this particular part of Boston. -The cafe is really quaint. It definitely has a small business, family feel to it. So many nice, open windows lead for gorgeous natural lighting in this white-themed cafe. It's cute and open and doesn't feel too crowded. You get your own personal space. -Like others mentioned, you definitely get the true Boston feel here. Lots of Boston accents and regular residents - not-so-much tourists or business travelers like in other parts of the Seaport. CONS: -Our service wasn't good. We never received refills on our drinks, and it took a long time to receive our check. We also hadn't received parts of our meal and had to remind the waitress what we'd ordered that wasn't delivered. -Food wasn't particularly great. I thought the Boneless Chicken Breast with Wild Mushrooms would be a healthier option. It was literally bathed and sitting in a pool of butter and oil. The edges were a bit overcooked. It wasn't a bad meal, but I don't think I'd get it again. The french fries were okay, but they're nothing particularly impressive. My dining partner enjoyed their Swordfish Steak but said it was slightly overcooked. He said, for the price however, it was still a good value. -I was really disappointed to see that they had a limited menu for dinner. All of my online exploration showed that they had seafood and non-seafood options. We got there to see only seafood options. You may want to call ahead if seafood isn't your jam. -We didn't feel particularly welcome. I'm not sure why that was. It's clear that this is a cafe for regular residents of Boston, and most of the customers were called and greeted by name. I'm not sure if it's because we weren't dressed up or were relatively young, but it doesn't seem like we were given the same friendliness and welcoming atmosphere that others were.

While I'm giving this restaurant 3 stars, I would not recommend it. The fish, except for the calamari, was obviously fresh, however, the kitchen staff clearly doesn't have a handle on how to prepare the food properly. The fried clams, while very tender, were served in a soggy breading. The swordfish was bland. The chicken tenders my 7 year old ordered were tasteless and needed a dash of salt. The caesar salad came with 2 different dressings. The management and wait staff were friendly, however, it doesn't make up for the lackluster food. I had high hopes based off other reviews. Maybe we hit a bad night.

Found because I was doing my fingerprints on the second floor, I have to say that this is a great little stumble-upon place. Recommended to me by the kind security guard at the front, Drydock Café is well-priced for the amount of foods that you do receive. The waiting staff is exceptionally caring and helpful--offering their suggestions on the menu, recommending certain specials. I noticed as well that there are a lot of regulars who came to this place while dining at the bar. The cool thing was that the waiting staff knew them by name and by drink, making this place instantly intimate and home-like. Their crackers and bean toppings were so delicious, I cleared that saucer faster than my eyes could keep on it. I ended up ordering a Bowl of Seafood Chowder, and the Fishermans Sampler! They were all so delicious--the breading for the calamari was light and crispy, little to no oiliness at every bite. The Seafood Chowder was extremely hearty, with plenty of Seafood to boot!

WIERD HIDDEN GEM I have eaten at almost every seafood restaurant in the Seaport and this is one of the best! Their fried clams are outstanding! The appetizer portion is a generous amount and SUPER fresh, and the tarter sauce is also amazingly delicious and fresh. On a recent outing a couple of us stopped at several of the mopre popular and well know seafood spots in the Seaport and tried fried clams at each of them. Dry Dock Cafe's were so much better - by far! This place is a hidden gem, buried in an office building all the way down on Dry Dock Ave. At first glance the place looks a little odd but do not let that stop you. They are open weekdays for breakfast and lunch and only open for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays (until 9pm). One waitress, who told us we could sit where ever we liked was sassy and funny - in a very good way. The waitress that waited on us was sweeet and motherly and offered good suggestions from the menu. The prices are very reasonable, especially for this particular part of Boston. I only wish that they were open every evening for dinner. I can't wait to go back and try some more great seafood.

Unbelievable.. first time having fish and Chips there for lunch. Kathy was very nice. Food came out quick and was very fresh. Onion rings were shoe string style and fresh as well. Will be back again.

I enjoy going for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Only open Thursday and Friday for dinner. You can't get fresher seafood anywhere else. Don't be fooled by the location or casual appearance, the food speaks for itself!

Simply fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Thank you to Kathy and George for keeping the Drydock consistently a great place to have fresh seafood in a friendly atmosphere.

Place consistently serves great breakfast. Nothing fancy but exactly what you want. Have only been for breakfast. Diane the waitress is a hoot and can run circles around the dining room.

Love this place, basic but great food. The staff is always very nice I haven't been for lunch however the breakfast is dynamite

Fish sandwhich was excellent!!!The cafe is next door to Hampton Inn Seaport. Service was excellent and food was delicious! Very fresh ingredients! If you are in the area I highly recommend this restaurant!

This place is sort of like a secret destination that only the locals know about. Not having been a local for long, I am going to reveal that this is one of the best finds in Boston for fresh seafood. The Drydock has weird hours, is located in the lobby of a building, and isn't much to look at. I think they're only open on Thursday and Friday nights. However, the seafood is literally hauled up from the ocean just around the corner and it doesn't come fresher than that. I love the clam chowder and calamari. The waitresses are charming and the food comes out quickly. Just a note- this really isn't like a typical restaurant. While you sit down at tables with fresh flowers, they don't have a bathroom (you use the one for the whole building a floor up), or a liquor license (you can bring your own). It is sort of a mix of classy restaurant and your Granny's kitchen. The only downside is that the non-fish isn't anything special- I do NOT recommend the side salad. If you want fresh Atlantic seafood and are up for an adventure, it might be the best restaurant in town.

I hate to be redundant but I think Drydock is "no frills " Hall of Fame worthy. Quality,quantity and price combo can't be beat anywhere. I wish I lived closer or were open weekends so I could go more often. They actually have a fish plant right next door which insures the freshness

This place truly is a hidden gem. They have a good selection of seafood and you know it's fresh when it's on Drydock Ave! The waitresses are a hoot! They are very spunky and definitely from around town. Depending on what time you go there is a mix of a work crowd and elderly folks that are most likely "regulars". This place really has those fun little things you see in a local spot. Fries are ok. Soda is served in the bottle with a glass. Silverware doesn't always match. A basket of bread is served with every meal. You pay up at the register and they will gladly split the check up for those who are paying with plastic.

A hidden gem indeed! Tucked into an office front near the Boston Design Center, Drydock Cafe serves up incredibly fresh and simple seafood fare. The broiled sampler platter with shrimp, scallops and haddock was a great way to try a few things at once. The stuffed clam appetizer was the perfect balance of stuffing and clams. So good, so tasty and totally worth the jaunt. They mainly do breakfast and lunch, but are now open two nights a week (Thursday and Friday) for dinner. Swing on by if you can. you won't be disappointed!

Three(3) of us went to dinner on a Friday night recently. After waiting 30 minutes we were seated and then one of the waitresses came over out of breath because they were short one waitress. We ordered drinks and had to wait for the bread. They serve this hummus bean dip with crackers up front which was not too good. The fisherman platters were very good but my wife never received her mixed vegetables. You do not receive a salad with the entree unless you pay extra. The bill for 3 of us was $90.00 (not counting tip) with no salads and only 3 glasses of wine and one coke. The food is good but a little overpriced and the service was not too good. You are paying waterfront prices but you get no water view. Atmosphere is a step up from Panera Bread. I might return but will not rush back.

This spot won't be for everyone. But if you're from New England and you can appreciate the Boston accent, fresh fried seafood, and the lucky feeling that you've found a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the Cape (but obviously not)...then you'll love it. It's very casual at Drydock, but the seafood is wonderful. We went after roaming around the ICA and were famished for something fishy (being in the Seaport area and all). We got the jumbo clam strip plate (a special) and the fried shrimp appetizer. Both were delightful. The tartar sauce was sort of lemony and had a definite crunch without being too cream-heavy like most tartar sauces are. The coleslaw was probably the freshest I've ever tasted, and the fried clams and shrimp also tasted super fresh and had a little extra flavor without being too dry/bland/over-fried. We left no crumb uneaten - and for $25 sans tip, that's a good deal for two. I'm a fan of the Boston accent (no, seriously), and hearing some of the other patrons chatting while we dined made me feel like I was visiting Cape Cod with friends from high school - with salt in the air and fresh noms in my belly - it was very comforting, and satiating. Wish it was open on the weekends!

Freshest seafood for the lowest price in the seaport district. Atmosphere is casual, with an old diner vibe but super clean and tidy. Servers are super friendly and quick. I got a delicious fresh blue crab roll for 9.50, caught that day. Try to beat that!

If you have to go here go here for lunch, more menu items and cheaper prices. Fish and chips box was huge and I had to bring the leftovers home and Im a big guy too. For dinner while I did see the mayor (he goes here often), I did not enjoy my experience, menu was limited and everything was 15+. The ladies are always nice but nice doesnt keep my wallet from being emptied.

Four of us dropped in for another great lunch. Tried the new natural shrimp, haddock chips, and seafood chowder, before our entries. Just delicious. 3 of had our usual of fish and chips. Our fourth friend is not a seafood person and went with the chicken breast. He was blown away by how great it was. He looking to bring a few people with him on his return visit. Only thing is, we ate too much to leave roon for dessert. They have an awesome bread pudding.

Walked/Waddled out of there STUFFED with some of the best Seafood I've ever had. Owner greeted us warmly. Staff was attentive and fun. Fried scallops were beyond fresh and delicious. Casual atmosphere. Tucked away in a part of Boston you might never drive by, however it's worth looking for. Try it!

You must take the Dry Dock Cafe for what it is a local cafe in an off-the-beaten track location. The best time to go is at either at 11 or at 1 after the lunch rush. The preparation is straightforward, if not a tad under-seasoned from the kitchen, but that is what the salt-and-pepper shakers are (not often I see those on the take anymore). But the seafood is so darn fresh that my husband and I really did not anything standing between it and the dock-fresh goodness. No-name used to be much more like this years ago but lost its luster. Maybe it was the tourists. The clams were full-belly, huge, and as good as Woodman's in Essex IMO. The iced tea is fresh-brewed, the cafe looks like a cafeteria, and the waitresses are real local color. If you want fancier digs or more elaborate preparations, go to Legal and pay more. The sides (except for for the french fries) are better at Legal but neither place is a great choice with a vegetarian in the group. The Silver Line 2 will drop you right outside the door, although it is a little confusing because the Sliver Line does most of Dry Dock Ave. But it is considered the "last stop" even though the bus makes a loop. The exterior is understated, like the cafe itself, but clearly marked.

When arriving; I thought I was entering a sterile Doctors Office. The ambiance is horrible to put it mildly. The waitstaff is quite friendly to the regular type customers but somewhat cold and indifferent to new customers. There is an aura of discomfort there to say the least. As far as the food goes; the scrambled eggs were over cooked and showed a brownish color indicating that the grill was too hot! The bacon was nicely crisped and the home fries were tasty. The white toast was not toasted completely and had a damp feel and taste. The pancakes were not too bad but the syrup was simply terrible and had the consistency of just drained Mobil 1 synthetic oil. We requested decaf coffee and they did not have any ready. They did make some however. My wife had fried shrimp and French fries with tasty tartar sauce which she liked very much. I give the place one star for the above reasons and also for having a somewhat feisty waitress who never asked if we wanted more coffee or water.

Pretty good food! Decently priced. Mehh. Homemade macaroni not worth it- too creamy!

I just got lunch here today! I am extremely satisfied. I don't know what people are talking saying this place is expensive its reasonable to me. I walked in and the woman at the cash register was very welcoming. I ordered the Cheese Burger Club, it was absolutely AMAZING and the fries were AWESOME!! The staff is VERY friendly. I will definitely go back!!

I've been here a few times now, and it has been great every time! I just got the seafood chowder and it is absolutely amazing!!! Have not been disappointed with anything, I highly recommend this place!

Excellent food at reasonable prices Fresh seafood. Good fish dishes. Service is not bad

Kathy, you are the best....Mr. W loved the crab roll and I love the seafood CHOWDA... What a great place. I had been there once many years ago when Mayor Menino was still mayor and he would come for dinner (got to meet him there : ) I work down in the South End and had to come to the drydock building... As I told you Kathy, I will be back with my group and for Mr. W's LOBSTA' roll The seafood is so fresh, delicious... people are AWESOME. One of the patrons offered to lend me some cash when I wasn't sure if you took credit card (I now know you do..take credit card.)

Surprising to find such good food in this out of the way location. Had shrimp and scallop combo plate lunch for $14.95. Generous portions and comes with fries and delicious cole slaw. Good service by friendly staff. Will definitely return.

This would be the place to stop for Breakfast when dropping friends at logan. It is near the cruise terminal. Exit 25 off the Ted, right at the first light and it is a few minutes away.