Harbor Shack

Seafood restaurant · Rock Hall

Harbor Shack

Seafood restaurant · Rock Hall

1

20895 Bayside Ave, Rock Hall, MD 21661

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Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
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Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
Harbor Shack by null
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Harbor Shack by null
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Highlights

Maryland blue crabs served at this upbeat seafood shack  

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20895 Bayside Ave, Rock Hall, MD 21661 Get directions

harborshack.net

$20–30 · Menu

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20895 Bayside Ave, Rock Hall, MD 21661 Get directions

+1 410 639 9996
harborshack.net
harborshack

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Oct 24, 2025

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To Travel the D.C. Beltway Is to Sample the Flavors of the World | Bon Appétit

"If you visited the great state of Maryland without eating blue crabs, were you even there? This no-frills seafood shack has everything you'd want." - ByAmiel Stanek

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/dc-beltway
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Tim Hodgson

Google
A good spot for a good crab cake sandwich with great views of the water and people watching. Indoor-outdoor seating and bar. Overall was OK. Seated at a picnic table with a plastic cover that was sticky and hot on a hot day. Lots of flies, but was provided with a "fan" when requested.

Linda Buttery

Google
Always enjoy food. Good value for price. Love when live music is booked. Sojourn was playing & quite enjoyable. Got people up to dance & played a variety of music.

B Federici

Google
One or favorite restaurants in Rock Hall. Casual, outside dining with great water views. Salads were fresh, fajita was delicious. Rib eye steak was a good portion and tender. For lunch we had the blackened chicken on a salad and the shrimp and sausage app. The blackened chicken was perfectly seasoned and the app was very good as well. Servers were friendly and attentive and food arrived quickly. We look forward to a return visit!

Leah Day

Google
We were in the area for a triathlon and were in desperate need of some dinner. We were a group of 6 adults and one child so we weren't sure how quick they would seat us but we got a spot right away. But the service was pretty slow. Understandable since they were busy but we waited a long time to even get our order in. The food was pretty good and we had wanted to order more appetizers and things but with how slow service was it wasn't worth it. Seems like one of the better choices for food in the area tho!

John Glanville

Google
This is a nice place, pretty view, right on the water without a dinghy dock (big step up onto the pier). I think one of the better food service establishments. We've consistently enjoyed it. Huge Nacho appetizer, was good. Ribs were hot and fresh, but only lightly brushed with BBQ seemed like. Probably our favorite place to eat in Rock Hall but were still checking more out.

Becky

Google
Stopped here on a whim. It was a beautiful Nov day and the deck was open. Nothing I like better than sitting outside eating and drinking on the water on a sunny day! I had the crab and shrimp quesadilla which was yummy and a tasty grapefruit crush!

Glue Guy

Google
Good food. Had Crab imperial and soft shell crab. Others were having typical "bar" food. Lots of seating. Live music when we were here starting at 7pm. Great views of the marinas

Auguste

Google
This Harbor Shack was packed! Our first time visiting and we truly understand why we had to wait a half hour. The food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is lively, the view is beautiful and the staff friendly. The steamed Shrimp was cooked perfectly. The cream of crab soup had lots of back fin in it. Our salads were fresh and cold. The Chicken Chesapeake was delicious and the Shrimp and crab mac & cheese was super creamy with a ton of shrimp in it. The prices are spot on and the portions just right. You can sit inside, outside or at one of the two bars. The staff is amazing they really bust their tails. Don't forget to check out the gift shop.
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Debbie M.

Yelp
Touted as the locals place to eat, it is fabulously divvy! We had good service and enjoy dining on the deck that overlooks the marina. I ordered the Red Grapefruit Crush, which was very refreshing and delicious. Since we are in Maryland, we ordered the crab dip appetizer. It was creamy and is served in a bread bowl that you break apart to eat. It is a mess eat, but the dip is creamy and delicious. It has an undercurrent of sour cream or maybe cream cheese and it plenty to share with others. My husband had the fried shrimp for dinner with the veggie of the day, local corn on the cob. He said it was crispy and very good. I ordered the Maryland crabcake which was flaky with crab and I had a salad and the corn as well. All of it was prepared perfectly, came out quickly, and was sized perfectly. For dessert we shared the hot apple tart which is served with creamy cinnamon ice cream. Yum! Highly recommend Harbor Shack.
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Craig M.

Yelp
Nothing makes you less likely to return to work after lunch than sitting at one of their dock tables, munching down a great lunch and staring at the variety of ice cold beers. prompt friendly service, but I sensed being "off season" gave us the best experience. Prompt refills on drinks. 8 of us ate, everything from crab cakes to club sandwiches were fresh and tasty. Fries had a clean cook to them , crisp but not over cooked. Solid but not stellar value.

Christine S.

Yelp
What a great way to celebrate spring! Great food, drinks and service. Happiness on a cloudy day! Chris
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Valerie S.

Yelp
My husband and I had lunch at Harbor Shack last summer with some friends. The restaurant is comfortable and welcoming and right on the water. The service was fast and friendly. The food was great (I had a really good steak, mac and cheese and salad), and the rum buckets were even better. I loved the cute little store across the parking lot as well. We usually go to Waterman's when we're in Rock Hall. I think I will push for Harbor Shack next time as it just had a newer and more laid back vibe to me.
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Ric T.

Yelp
This is a waterfront restaurant with a great open atmosphere. Stephanie and her mini crew were very accommodating. Good beer, great seafood, especially the crab dip and good discussion made this a very nice evening. There's also a gift shop and plenty of parking. Very casual dress.
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Karen F.

Yelp
Harbor Shack is a good time - a lively local crowd plus seasonal tourists. Hearty bar-food - I had the Salmon BLT for $15.95 served with delicious fries. My man got veggie fajitas which he enjoyed. Love ot good booze, food and Magnificent views of the water. Lovely.

Susan A.

Yelp
Our favorite in Kent County! We have not had a bad meal yet. The wings are excellent as are the fish sandwiches, the Summer Salad , clams in garlic and wine with delicious bread, hamburgers, fried oysters and I can't remember the rest we liked it all! The service is very good but in the bar seating, when it's crowded the staff could use another bartender to mix drinks just for the tables because the bar gets so crowded the poor staff are literally racing around exhausted. They work very hard and the food is great and we are happy. They also are very generous donating to their Rock Hall Community.

Kevin S.

Yelp
Great local hang out. Waterside draws in travelers. Good food., great service. All the staff enjoy their work

Boomer R.

Yelp
Nice location and that was it. Party of six and waitress skipped two people at the table when getting drink orders. After ordering salad came in about 8 to 10 minutes followed just two minutes later by our appetizer and only another two minutes by our entrees (we had barely begun with either the salad or the appetizer). Then it was just under one hour before we ever saw our waitress again. Our table was constantly covered in smoke fumes coming from the bar. Our glasses were empty most of the time we sat there. What a miserable meal. Oh yes, my scallops were barely cooked. Just a little better than raw.
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Puppycat U.

Yelp
Great service, food was very good, do recommend the chicken sandwich if you come here. All the locals love going here so you know that this is the spot

Jeff T.

Yelp
I will say the service was great. My dad and son's sandwiches were good. I got ribs which while the flavor of the sauce was good. The ribs weren't cooked right. We got onion rings. Seems like the order was what was left in the bag which was mostly broken pieces of onion rings. Think there were four complete onion rings.

Lisa L.

Yelp
The Shack is a must if your in Rock Hall! The outdoor bar is fun too! The food is awesome - both crab soups are excellent! My favorite is asking for half and half crab soup! Love watching all the boats go in out of the harbor! Turkey club is big- can't go wrong! Desserts are homemade and awesome!!! Love the vibe!

Dave F.

Yelp
We have been sailing out of Rock Hall for years and I never even knew this place existed. Big miss on our part. Decent food, great service, incredibly fun atmosphere. Cannot wait to go back next year!

Mini P.

Yelp
This place is really good I really enjoyed the crab this is a place that I recommend to others coming to rock hall
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MaryLou B.

Yelp
Gorgeous place!! Inside under the roof in this open floor plan... no walls so there was a beautiful cross breeze! The staff is personable and have happy faces. No rush, casual atmosphere... almost feels like I'm on vacation!!! Ms Kay and Stephanie really make you feel like I'm having dinner at my family's house, kinda like a family reunion (except I have never been here). The crowd seems like it is hometown locals hangout type. Push some tables together and it's a family seating. We were a party of 9! And we had NO wait!!! We called ahead and Ms Kay said it would only take 10 minutes to get the table ready! We got there and it took less than 2 minutes! All the dishes were on point! So flavorful and savory! Huge portions! We all shared and did a tasting tour and there was smiles all around the table!!! I wish I could take this place to my town!!! It was a memorable experience :)

Lisen B.

Yelp
Excellent! Food (soft shell crab) drinks, and service (bartender)! So happy that we stopped there!

A T.

Yelp
I don't know who runs this place but the staff is amazing- working their buns off, personable, polite, dedicated and committed- we've been here 20+ times - haven't even eaten yet tonight and we are impressed once again.
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Andy B.

Yelp
Fast friendly service and great food with a view! Outdoor seating at its best. There's a decent beer and alcohol selection too. A must visit when in Rock Hall
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Stephen S.

Yelp
First of all, it was wonderful to even find a place OPEN in March of 2022 in this small Bay town. We'd never been the Rock Hall before and were looking for ... well...ANYWHERE where we could eat! This place didn't disappoint. The service was ok; the place was very busy and it appeared only 2 waitresses had to serve everyone. We received limited attention. But the Cream of Crab! It was quite simply the best I'd ever eaten and we were there from Baltimore. The tossed salad was good. My wife had their veggie fajitas but there were only two vegetables available. The decor was very nice for a place in such a small town. Recommended.

Julia B.

Yelp
Fun place with good food and nice staff. We sat on the patio. The crab imperial platter looked great but to big! I got the appetizer portobello mushroom with crab imperial which was a perfect compromise. That plus a spinach salad with a cup of cream of crab was just right.

Briana M.

Yelp
Lively atmosphere and great service! There is nothing sleepy about this joint. Great selection of daily specials. Will return!
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Mary R.

Yelp
Four of us came here by boat for lunch this past Sunday. Harbor Shack has a weird entrance/exit, so take your time and go in through the back. I loved the array of license plates and funky decor. Our server was a very nice young man. I really liked that the menu encourages its patrons to turn off phones and to be nice. Really, they reserve the right to not serve you if you are rude. I had a very soggy (but decent) chicken salad sandwich on roll. The fries and cole slaw were OK. The beer selection here is lack luster-- lots of predictable popular beer here. I settled for a Yuengling. For all four of us it was just $100, not bad for Rock Hall, Maryland. The eclectic classic rock music was too loud and we ended up having to talk loud to compensate. I would totally go back here just to sit on the porch (away from the too loud music) and people watch. I also think next time I would get a margarita...
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Karen B.

Yelp
Nice view my sister and I sat at a picnic table she ordered a dirty banana which was OK I ordered a rum runner which was definitely not a rum runner it tasted like a sweet tart. Her coconut shrimp were pretty good my wings were dry and overcooked. The hostess at the dock bar just sat there and did absolutely nothing. Our server was meh not particularly friendly. We don't get it people are working for tips why don't they have a personality. They're not busy AnyWho food was meh.
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Shannon Z.

Yelp
Outdoor seating only during Covid. Good cocktails. Excellent corn on the cob. Food was served hot and people were friendly. Dogs welcome outdoors.
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Gerilyn M.

Yelp
By far the best restaurant in Rock Hall! The view of the Chesapeake Bay and Rock Hall Harbor is to die for. Outside deck and tiki hut serving drinks in the warmer months. They make the best mixed drinks ever, try the tropical crush! They always have great specials. We have had everything from seafood, crab cakes, blt, prime rib and everything is a 10 out of 10. The back bar plays jazz and has a very fun feel to it. No matter where you choose to sit, you'll encounter the friendliest and most efficient staff you have ever experienced. You'll probably meet a few new friends as well.
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Caitlin H.

Yelp
We've been coming here for years and their newly enhanced menu is awesome! Lots of different options. They really expanded with things to please everyone. Nothing fancy but good fare. Very casual tiki bar/porch vibe. Standard beers, nothing too fancy for wine, but very fun summer cocktails and frozen drinks in keeping with the beach vibe. Always friendly staff. They have a lot of runners which is nice because they're helpful at clearing the tables and checking in on you when its busy. Speaking of which, it does get busy on the summer weekends so if you have a large party I would call ahead for a reservation. It gets busy because the waterfront location and great live music really creates a great atmosphere. Definitely a locals spot and standard hang in Rock Hall so give it a try!
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Patricia D.

Yelp
Visited the Harbor Shack on two occasions this past weekend. Enjoyed the broiled scallops for dinner and an excellent shrimp salad for lunch on Sunday. Servers we're very pleasant and helpful. Will visit again next time in Rock Hall
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Doc Fred Y.

Yelp
A very busy bar and grill place that's right on the water. Loud, packed, with a friendly accommodating staff. Quick, reasonably priced bar food. Exactly what we were looking for in this small Eatern Shore town.
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Mary A.

Yelp
This is THE BEST PLACE to eat in Rock Hall. There crab cakes are to die for. Went on Friday night for Prime Rib it was excellent. All staff are very professional and very friendly ( very attentive). I had already posted a review but can't find it. Damn yelp!! They even have a great gift shop (Leslie). Was a doll and very helpful in us getting stuff back to calif protected. When in Rock Hall if you don't visit the Harbor Shack YOU HAVE MISSED OUT! U should go back and tell them MARY sent u from (Cali). Thanks for making Rock Hall worth the stay HARBOR SHACK. ( right on the bay). I gave this place 5 stars but won't let me. Thats dumb!!
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Mike Gina P.

Yelp
Rockfish was excellent. Crab imperial special was good served w/sauce on side, though a bit salty. Waiter was young but extremely polite and professional. Storm came in and the owner arranged a ride back to the marina for ten of us. Prices were average of 18.00.

Jay R.

Yelp
Great food and atmosphere. Friendly staff and reasonably priced. Best in town. Outside dining is available in season. Also has take out service.
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Roy Lee E.

Yelp
I will say this, I enjoyed their fries and beer. However, I ordered a shrimp po boy sub, made of deep fried pucks of puréed something that had no shrimp taste whatsoever. I ordered a raspberry sangria which was hardly different from a glass of water both in looks and taste. At best they could call it "essence of sangria". Needless to say I was not happy. I will return for another try because this is not the level of cuisine I remember from last year.
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Lisa M.

Yelp
Disappointed in the harbor shack... been coming here for years and came back for the first time this season by boat only to be turned away by the nasty owner as she wouldn't let us sit OUTSIDE with our dog. News flash ... times are changing and people are bringing their well behaved pets to more places...a much more enjoyable experience than sitting next to a table full of screaming kids. If you want pet friendly go to Watermans ... better view, better docking, more comprehensive menu and much friendlier staff.
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Richard N.

Yelp
Great food had occasion to be there with a large group.Excellent service drinks& staff very attentive.Went again for take out.Same great service& quality.
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Joe D.

Yelp
The Harbor Shack never fails to deliver. It's a hometown bar, a dock bar, Charter Boat bar, working boat bar, always great entertainment there 'in season', and the food is always good. They run a tight ship and the staff is very friendly.
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Jarrod H.

Yelp
My wife and I came here for lunch during our weekend getaway to Rock Hall, MD. The cream of crab soup was delicious! The shrimp salad wrap was loaded with shrimp. Great service and a good experience here, and the bathroom smelled like skittles, how fun!

Wayne S.

Yelp
Food was great, service was terrible. Waitress didnt even check on us after food was served. Asked for ketchup, nope...asked for another plate, nope. Food was good though. Took forever to get bill and get out of there as well.

Amanda C.

Yelp
Beware of the reviews who complain about having to leave because of their dog... I have been going to this bay side restaurant for years and it has always been a really fun summer dining spot. They have a large indoor/outdoor bar and a decent menu. The best part is the location, which is mainly because you are situated right on the Chesapeake Bay. To address the reviews about this place not being "dog-friendly", this is a locals restaurant and typically has to deal with out-of-towners who show up with their dogs. It's pretty simple, just leave your dog at home and there won't be an issue! :)
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Josh G.

Yelp
Last night, our large party of 12 dined here for a meal we all enjoyed. Right on the Chespeake Bay, Harbor Shack has a feel exactly like what the name says: a shack. But it's much larger than a shack, just with lots of odd and eclectic signs all over the walls which gives it a unique feel and life of its own. There's a nice array of menu items (seafood, burgers, Mexican) giving you a good choice for what you might want. They throw some chips and salsa on the table to start. Beyond that, half the table shared mozzarella sticks and the other half clam strips as appetizers. I heard no complaints about the sticks (didn't get to try them), but our clam strips were pretty tender and tasty. I'm not sure why they went with cocktail over tarter as a sauce to give with them, but it worked for the most part. For the main meal I had the fish and chips which were breaded cod fillets that were nice and flaky. The fries were okay and a good bit of coleslaw rounded out the meal. Other menu items from the table included taco salads, burgers, and sandwiches which went over well (the taco salad looked/tasted great as I snuck a bite or two). Overall I enjoyed my experience at Harbor Shack and would return (especially on a warmer day to be outside by the bay).
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Michael L.

Yelp
Looking for little fancy sit in front room. Looking for people, fun, music, water sit in open area. Never had a bad meal. Menu has plenty of choices and will not empty your wallet.

Bob B.

Yelp
Tourist trap with outrageous prices including $11.95 for a HAMBURGER? And they actually had the nerve to DEMAND my service dog be removed to which I happily reminded them that was against the law. Then they refused to serve us so we left.
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Amy Z.

Yelp
My husband and I had a great meal at Harbor Shack! I had the shrimp and asparagus quesadillas and Maryland crab soup. My husband had the crabcake (all crab, mmmmm) dinner! The atmosphere is festive, we ate outside right at the water's edge. Our server was great! We look forward to going back!!
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Rob B.

Yelp
We had a recent day on the shore and friends took us to this waterside location for lunch. We were a large group and were happy to peruse the many dining areas to find a huge picnic table on the center deck. Service was crab house style and it was a good thing we were not in a hurry. Got to remember to sloow down on the other side of the Bridge! The setting was beautiful and some of our less patient, under 10 crowd played by the boat ramp after they had their hot dog. The menu is varied from entrees app, seafood, brisket sandwich to Mexican. I opted for the special soft crab sandwich, Jeff has the crab cake stacker. The stacker was a crab cake with wasabi mayo, sliced applewood bacon, tomato and sliced advocado on the soft roll. It was as you might guessed, fantastic. My softies, two, were fried then broiled and served on Texas toast with great slaw and marginal fries. Overall is was a good experience, quicker service would have garnered another star. It's also fairly priced but not cheap eats.
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Shane H.

Yelp
Save your money.......really wanted to love this place but suck is an understatement. The food is mediocre and the service is nonexistent. The only thing this place has going for it is it's on the water. Tried it last night and gave it a second chance today with the same results..... it sucks!
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Kathie W.

Yelp
Beer selections were good. Great location. That's all the good. Bar tender was very inattentive. Owner extremely rude. Told us we had to leave because we had our dog Tasha with us. Now we were at an outdoor bar. Her reasoning was that they were "not a dog friendly place" because dog's were not friendly to them. Can you believe it? Sent another gentleman away with his dog too, who had just come off a boat there. If you are a dog or pet person, don't go there. She is awful!
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Jim H.

Yelp
Stopped at the Harbor Shack for lunch, first time visitor. Good food and efficient service. I would go back there again. Water side seating and great view of harbor.
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Elana B.

Yelp
Went here for some drinks and an app. Our bartender was Colleen! She's awesome! We keep our boat in a slip near by and this spot is super convenient. Great food and drinks. The crab dip is to die for! We will be here often!
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Jack K.

Yelp
We keep our boat near by and have been going to the Shack for over 5 years. Its our absolute favorite and look forward to going there EVERY weekend. Its the "shack." Its not a 5 star restaurant. That said...that's exactly why we love it. Rock Hall has its own very laid back personality and that's the shack. Locals and boaters all there to just chill out and have a good meal. Sure sometimes the band is so so but sometimes (East Rock) their GREAT!! We have NEVER had a bad meal-ever. Always enjoy ourselves. As it says on the menu.."Don't be in a hurry because we're not." That's the point. Chill out, relax enjoy the view and have a great meal for a very reasonable price. Dare you to find better drink prices on the bay. The food is actually good. Prefer it over Waterman's any day of the week. Great burger, chicken quesadia, prime rib, chicken chesapeake, crab cakes etc etc. All good. If you go, tell them Jack and Cathy sent you and tip the waitress well (its a short season and their good folks). Take your time. Enjoy.
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Christi D.

Yelp
This is a place you go to if you want to get drunk by the water and have decent seafood while listening to nickelback (don't judge me). As a vegetarian, there was only a few options including Mexican food and appetizers. The onion rings and wine suited me very well. I left feeling happy.