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By The Docks, Middle River, MD

By The Docks

4.6 (1984)
$30 and under
Seafood
3321 Eastern Blvd, Middle River, MD 21220

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:30 PM
Booked 14 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
Maryland is famous for it's crab cakes, and By The Docks is known for it's eight-ounce Colossal Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Discover the fresh ingredients and outstanding seafood, steaks, and pasta's prepared by our chefs. Our menu includes various items from baby back ribs, slow roasted prime rib, hand cut steaks,and specialty sauteed dishes. Every sauce, soup and dressing is made from scratch. By The Docks welcomes families and large groups. Make reservations or call ahead for express carry out.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch & Dinner Mon–Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Alex Morris
  • Catering
    Please contact Rachel Paulino @ 443)475-0071
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact Rachel Paulino @ 443)475-0071 to book your party.
  • Neighborhood
    Essex
  • Cross street
    Bengies Rd.
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking on premises with handicap accessibility.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,984 people are saying

By The Docks reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
By The Docks offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent food and service." Known for its "great crab cakes," the restaurant is cherished for generous portions and a cozy atmosphere. While some diners mention noise levels, guests consistently praise the attentive staff and diverse menu, making it a "favorite spot."
1,984 Reviews
  1. Mary

    Phoenix40 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Our service was excellent, however the food was not cooked to order (which we did not complain about). We like to eat early and there was plenty of tables available. Usually by the time we leave the place is full and people waiting. Not so last evening, which seams to us the neighborhood has become less enchanted with the food. Probably won't be going back anytime soon.

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  2. Karen

    Baltimore1 review

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    I understand that this time frame was Mother's Day, but there were more people there then waiters or waitresses. Our waiter who was a young man tried to do his job, but the attendance that we received was very little. When he did come by, he talked so fast ant moved fasts that we did not hear what he was saying and he also did not wait to see if my mother or sister wanted anything or refills. Like I said, I do understand that it was Mother's Day, but my experience was not good for my Mother at all.

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  3. Shawnae

    Baltimore1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The omelette are not really cooked the appropriate way in order to be considered an omelette, but overall, the food was ok.

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  4. Jacqueline

    Washington DC1 review

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The inside ambiance and decor was very nice, and the service from our server was great! On the other hand, we were not impressed with the food and wish we would have known that coffee and chocolate milk were not included in the buffet price. As for the food, the sushi did not taste fresh, it was sticky and stale. The pancakes were cold, the sausage was not thoroughly cooked on the inside, and the bacon was chewy, not crispy. If I had to decide whether to go back again I would probably not. Disappointed, especially considering we all attended for Mother's Day. Definitely not worth the price.

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  5. Kelly

    Baltimore1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely meal & experience for their Mother’s Day Brunch. The food items that were offered were: eggs, pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, biscuits (DELICIOUS), pastas (Jambalaya & Fettuccini Alfredo), shrimp, oysters & mussels. An assortment of fruit & desserts. The hostess, waitress & staff were very kind & helpful. I would highly recommend!!

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  6. Mitchell

    Baltimore1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and great food presentation overall a wonderful experience.

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  7. Donna VIP

    Baltimore38 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    BTD needs to figure out a way to seat larger groups away from regular diners. We in the "back" area which has a low ceiling. There was a birthday party of approx 16 people right next to us. They were VERY nice, but also VERY loud. We don't blame them, after all, they were celebrating! We were just trying to have a quiet late lunch. We could not carry on a conversation.

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  8. Steve

    Baltimore6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice menu options and food was great. Nice weekly special. Waiter was one of the best around.
    By The DocksResponded on April 28, 2025
    Thank you so much, Steve! 💙 We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the menu, the weekly specials, and had such a great experience with your server. We’ll be sure to pass the compliment along to our team! Can’t wait to have you back again soon for another great meal at By The Docks! 🦀🍽️

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  9. debbie

    Baltimore14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service, never had a bad experience there

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  10. Amanda

    Baltimore18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great, Our waitress was wonderful. This is one of our favorites go to spots
    By The DocksResponded on April 28, 2025
    Thank you so much, Amanda! 💙 We’re so happy to hear you had a great meal and wonderful service. It means a lot to know we’re one of your favorite go-to spots! We can't wait to see you again soon for more good food and good times. 🦀✨

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FAQs

By The Docks does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. By The Docks also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (410) 686-1188.

By The Docks is rated 4.6 stars by 1984 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Baltimore / Maryland
  4. Baltimore Suburbs
  5. Essex

Make a reservation


Booked 14 times today
Google Map for By The Docks

3321 Eastern Blvd, Middle River, MD 21220

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Bengies Rd.
  • Neighborhood
    Essex
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch & Dinner Mon–Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking on premises with handicap accessibility.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alex Morris
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Catering
    Please contact Rachel Paulino @ 443)475-0071
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact Rachel Paulino @ 443)475-0071 to book your party.
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  • Terms of Use
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