Repicci's Dockside Cafe
photo by Janet Wilson
Repicci's Dockside Cafe is located at Harrison Bay State Park. The
restaurant is a little hard to spot since the part that faces the parking
lot is very plain and nondescript. However, on the back there is a lovely
deck with tables and umbrellas where you can eat by the water and watch the
boats and jet skis going out from the dock and skimming across the waves.
We found an empty table and seated ourselves, as our server immediately took our drink orders, which were delivered within two minutes. After looking over the menu and constantly changing our minds, we decided to start with an appetizer of Spinach and Artichoke Dip. We both decided that this must be the best of all the ones we have recently tried. It was blended smoothly and did not have big chunks of artichoke left - which has been our experience at most places. This had a wonderful taste and we would definitely recommend trying it. It was really delicious - plus it was served piping hot.
Wayne ordered Chopped Steak with mashed potatoes and corn while I ordered the Spaghetti Marinara. Both are served with a salad and garlic rolls. We found all to be fresh and tasty.
Our server was much too quick for us as she delivered our salads in less
than 2 minutes from the arrival of our chips and dip, so here we were again trying to stuff in our salads so the dip didn't cool off - but since the dip was so hot (as it should be), we didn't need to worry about it cooling off. It is a problem when you have more than one course in front of you because you either have to shovel it in or leave it because you know the next course is probably just around the corner.
We were very impressed with how hot our food was served, since lately it
seems that a lot of places are going for lukewarm (and sometimes even
cold) - which is not good.
After our meal, we decided to try the homemade Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream.
The cobbler was very good and you could tell it was homemade since it didn't have that thick, gooey gel consistency - it had juice.
Repicci's Dockside Cafe has several types of appetizers priced from $2.95 to $5.95 including Potato Skins and Wings; burgers and sandwiches ($4.50 to $5.95) served with either chips or fresh-cut fries; stuffed potatoes;
salads; home-cooking type meals, as well as Italian specialties - and you'll also find a children's menu. They offer a relaxing setting in which to eat your meal. We did speak to the Chef about getting us a recipe for our visitors so maybe we will have something soon for you to try out.
Repicci's also caters simple to elegant affairs such as weddings, corporate picnics, reunions and many other occasions - from paper to china. Their motto is "All-Star Treatment from the All-Star Team".
It should be noted that the restrooms are located on the outside of the
building and are kept up by Harrison Bay State Park, not the restaurant.
(Janet Wilson is an owner/writer for Chattanooga Dine Out, a website devoted solely to reviewing restaurants in Chattanooga and the surrounding area. For a list of all reviewed restaurants (including the Five Star winners), as well as a complete directory of all area restaurants, visit our website at CHATTANOOGA DINE OUT )