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By The Docks, Middle River, MD

By The Docks

4.5 (1997)
$30 and under
Seafood
3321 Eastern Blvd, Middle River, MD 21220

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • 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
    (410) 686-1188
  • Website
    https://bythedocks.com/
  • 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.
  • Location
    3321 Eastern Blvd, Middle River, MD 21220
  • 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

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,997 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

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

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
By The Docks delights with "great food and large portions," offering a memorable dining experience. Regulars praise its "excellent service" and "Baltimore feel." The crab cakes are a highlight, while the variety and value of weekly specials attract many. Some mention noise and seating arrangements, but overall, patrons recommend it for delicious seafood and attentive service.
1,997 Reviews

  1. Roger

    Baltimore / Maryland2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was really good and was seated one minute after the reservation time 

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  2. Timothy

    Baltimore / Maryland1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    It took way too long to check in with the hostess. Once seated, our server, Josh H was excellent. He was extremely attentive. Always keeping our drinks filled and checking if everything was ok.

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  3. Ronnie

    Baltimore / Maryland8 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    We never got a table. Ended up, sitting at a very tight seated bar.  none of the buffet food was hot and the raw oysters and sushi were at room temperature.

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  4. Hershaw

    Washington, D.C. Area3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Disappointed that the venue owner packed the tables near the bar for the Father’s Day brunch making it an uncomfortable and dinning experience. It also appeared they were understaffed because food was consistently running out as well as plates. They quality of the food was disappointment for the price. It was not worth it. I feel the quality of the food has decreased over the years. I definitely will not be coming back or recommend the brunch to others.

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  5. Donnesha

    Baltimore / Maryland7 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The only good experience was we were seated right away because we made a reservation via Open Table. The restaurant buffet had only one sided service which made the line to get your food really long. They ran out of French toast and pancakes and it took them some time before replenishing those items. My server although friendly was not attentive. My husband did not get his omelette until we were full and ready to leave. He couldn’t even enjoy it. My scrambled eggs were so runny, I did not eat them. Our server forgot our cocktails. When we finally got them, they were delicious. Although the food was favorable, the long line to get your food, and the sub par service makes us not wanting to return.

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  6. Patricia

    Baltimore / Maryland13 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Extreme long line for buffet, by the time you get to the food, half the items were empty. Food was not covered therefore cold . Sat at the table for about 15 minutes before even acknowledged by wait staff. Very disappointing, do not recommend

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  7. Kay

    San Antonio11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Kimberly was a gem; she made the Father’s Day Brunch with my uncle an absolute joy!

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  8. Reva

    Baltimore / Maryland1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had Josh as our server and he was nothing short of amazing. He was very attentive and informative. We came for the brunch, Everything was fresh, we arrived at one, brunch was over at 2 and everything was still fresh. They make sure, even at the last hour to bring out fresh food, and the presentation was beautiful. We drove an hour to get here and it was worth it. We will definitely be returning.

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  9. Dorothy

    Baltimore / Maryland3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 9, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been going to this restaurant for many many years.  This was the first time we were very disappointed with the crabcake. It definitely was dry and it seems like they used a different type of crab meat in it.  We sent it back and they gave us a replacement of a bowl of crab soup which we wanted. It was delicious.  My salad never came with my meal so I told them just to take it off the bill. The lobster that we had was amazing and it was lobster night! What a deal!

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  10. Stacey

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service! Delicious food. Amazing value. We’ll be back.

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FAQs

By The Docks offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (410) 686-1188.

By The Docks is rated 4.5 stars by 1997 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 6 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
  • Website
    https://bythedocks.com/
  • Phone number
    (410) 686-1188
  • 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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