The Dockside Cafe has re-opened in Harrison Bay State Park (8411 Harrison Bay Road)
photo by Janet Wilson
We had heard that the Dockside Cafe had re-opened in Harrison Bay State Park (8411 Harrison Bay Road), so we decided to visit for a Friday dinner. After our arrival we found that Friday is All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Night ($9.99), so they were fairly busy.
The restaurant is right on the water where you can see boats moving in and out if you are seated in the right location. We were on the deck, so we had a nice view.
After looking over the menu, I really wanted to try the catfish, but knew I didn’t want a large portion such as the all-you-can-eat. Just my luck, if you don’t take the all-you-can-eat, you can’t have catfish. I said, “don’t you have a smaller plate with maybe one piece of fish?” Nope – all-you-can-eat or no catfish.
All the entrees, other than pasta and potatoes, appear to be served with two sides. I (mistakenly) assumed that would be with the catfish as well. After I told our server which vegetables I wanted, she informed me that with the catfish you get fries and cole slaw. It was pointed out that they have it written on the chalkboard (which I didn’t see). I asked if I could switch the fries for mac and cheese. Nope – fries and slaw or nothing. OK then, nice to be so accommodating.
I ordered the plate I was told I had to have (their way) and ate the fish. I asked for a carryout box to take the standard, frozen, crinkle-cut, fries home. I noticed on the menu it states, “hand cut fries” in a couple of different places. I wonder why I didn’t get those?
Wayne ordered the fried shrimp ($12.99). Lucky guy got to select his own two sides and he chose cole slaw and baked beans. Had we thought, he could have ordered the mac and cheese and I could have traded him my cole slaw. But, alas, we didn’t think about that in time.
We both enjoyed the fish. The catfish was excellent, and Wayne said his shrimp was quite good. Both were very hot, with a crisp outside coating. Our plates were also served with hushpuppies which were better than average. They weren’t dry like the majority you get served in restaurants.
Some of the featured menu items include chips and salsa, chicken wings, salads, spaghetti marinara, stuffed potatoes, chopped steak, grilled pork tenderloin and sandwiches, burgers and pizza. There is a variety of vegetables, but due to the “set in stone” catfish deal, I couldn’t try potato salad, green beans, rice, pinto beans or fried okra.
It is possible we would go back because it does have a nice atmosphere, but there really wasn’t anything extra special about the food that would make me want to drive that far. If I lived nearby, that would be a different story.
Hours for the Dockside Cafe are weekdays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. I understand they will be offering a breakfast buffet on Saturdays, so that might be worth a try.
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