Went here with the family for my B-day, place looked nice , a little ocean themed cheesy , but nice. My mom rants and raves about this place so they had a lot to live up to. I'd have to say , to a certain degree they did. We did get a grumpy waitress , so much so that it was the running gag of the table. She kind of reminded me of Amy Pohler from the Tenacious D movie sans the black eye. She did get all the orders right so I wont bust her balls. We ordered Herculean amounts of food so I'll start with the apps: The steamed clams were one of the best I've had , cooked in some garlic white wine concoction , I would drink the broth by itself. The soft shell crab was my second attempt at eating them , was prepared well and tasted good but I'm pretty sure now that I'm not that thrilled with soft shell crab in general. The Oysters Rockefeller was pretty good , I had it better at another place and actually make a pretty good version myself , so it had alot to overcome. The baked clams were good , not standout , but good. I ordered a daily special , Grecian red snapper. it was whole and the waitress had to dissect it when serving and she kind of butchered it. When all was said and done it came with a sauce of olive oil, herbs and lime on the side. I took one bite of the fish plain and it was soo good I forgoed the sauce all together. It was a really good piece o fish . My bros both got the Crab legs and wouldn't shut the hell up about how sweet they were and theorized that they had to put sugar in the water while cooking to produce these succulent legs. I'm sure no sugar was added but I got the impression that they loved the crab. My wife got the fettuchini with shrimp and seemed to like the shrimp but was expecting a cream sauce (whether it was listed on the menu that way or not , I do not know) so she didn't seem to dig it so much. She did eat all the shrimp and didn't say it was bad. My son got the Fillet Mignon and I actually got a piece of it. It was very good , especially for a seafood place. My mother got the Dover sole , she gushed about it , I got a piece and found it perfectly prepared and tremendously boring. I mentioned this to my mom and she practically force fed me a piece with the sauce , it was alot better and tasted pretty good, but isn't really my style. The food was all pretty much on the money , the only reason I hold back the fifth star is because nothing on the menu really popped out and grabbed me. Even at Red Lobster I see at least 2 or 3 menu items that jump out and scream to be ordered. Here I saw a couple of things that sounded pretty good , but were lacking in one way or another. If I was in the mood for crab or fish specifically , this is a great place. I would even go back just for the steamers , but it seems the menu choices and I just don't vibe so well. ... Another family gathering , another trip to DS. I must have been in a better mood this time because the menu seemed just fine this time. I ordered the Ultimate combo , or whatever they called it. It's basically 2 small tails , 2 small pieces of fish (salmon and some firm white fish , probably halibut) 2 enormous scallops and 2 huge broiled shrimp. I loved it. The boy ordered the burger , liked it just fine , looked good. We also ordered the baked clams this time , and enjoyed 2 orders of them. I also tried the clam chowder this time , it was good but not great . The server was much better this time , props to Javier.
(4)
Vanessa M.
great sea food. great staff. franky was always our server since i was in elementary school 19 years ago. bill is very kind and sweet. great family owned place. i highly reccomend the stuffed shrimp and the salad bar.
(5)
James B.
Very expensive. The current $$ rating is nonsense. The average menu item is $23, add drink tax and tip and it goes to $35. That's in the $$$ range.
(2)
Dax R.
We rented out the back room for my niece's baptism and nephew's first communion party. The service was mediocre as our party of 40-50 seemed to overwhelm the staff. The fish I ordered was decent -what you should expect from a seafood restaurant. I got the sea bass. Again, it was ok but it seemed like the presentation was something you would get in a cafeteria. The main reason why I did not enjoy it was actually because of my salad and Ice cream. There was a pool of water at the bottom of my plate and the lettuce was brown. Also, my scoop of vanilla ice cream was freezer burnt. Pictures are posted!
Really a 3.5, I'm not comfortable giving a 4. Made a reservation for a New Year's Eve dinner here since they had advertised on their website having some live entertainment. I had mentioned it to the person when making the reservations, and there may have been a little mix up because I didn't realize we had to be seated near the bar area, and we were seated waaaaay across in the other room where we didn't even know the live music had started. Oh well. Food here was pretty good. I ordered the crab cakes & filet mignon. The prices here are fairly reasonable for seafood, and the food was pretty good. The crab cakes were not too bread-y and a decent size (tiny crab cakes is one of my pet peeves). I had ordered the filet mignon medium, and it came out rare so I had to send it back but they refired it. Service was quite slow, it took a while to get our orders placed and another while to flag down our waitress after I found my steak to be raw. I think they may have been a little overwhelmed with the NYE crowd; it was pretty busy. As people have mentioned the crowd tends to be on the older side. It's a far cry from anything you'd find on the East Coast, but as far as seafood restaurants go, I think I like this one better than say Bob Chinn's or Red Lobster.
(3)
Justina L.
We came here NYE looking to spend some time eating and listening to music before the countdown. The food was ok -- it was good, but it's something I won't be craving to eat again. The service on the other had, was ehh. My friend my reservations at 8PM, but we weren't seated until about 8:30. Also, our server seemed a little absent-minded. She took forever to bring over a menu and even longer to take our order. We waited quite awhile for our food, but I guess that makes sense since it was NYE. Another reviewer mentioned that this place was like a retirement home. And yes, we did feel a little out of place, being in our 20s.
(3)
J. K.
What a dump, food, clientele and service. Soft shell crab was not fresh. Other fish overcooked. Server had no idea where their fish came from, it seemed no one asked him that question before. Terrible service, super slow as well. Also, very creepy, it's like being in a nursing home without oxygen tanks.
(1)
Bill G.
Interesting place to eat! The food was Superb! Very unusual and intriguing inside. We were greeted energetically, and shown to our booth. Hard to understand the waiter who prepared our individual salads, but they were fresh and delicious! The Swordfish was some of the best I've had, and I travel coast to coast for business. My wife enjoyed their Jumbo Shrimp Fettuccini immensely, commenting it was delivered hot and very well prepared. We give it five stars and this may well be the first 5 I have given!
(5)
Krys L.
I'm a huge sea foodie and Dover Straits is really all it's cracked up to be. When dining, it's a hit or miss taking the service, the time, day, and other patrons. The wharf like motif and salad ships is a fun and entertaining touch. The first time going there was next to perfect; the food wasn't so flavorful (ordered one of the specials). The following weekend, the food was ten times better (ordered a different special) yet the service was the bare minimum. I'd go back, but I would need to determine and plan out when it would happen, based on their rush hours and such.
(4)
Eric K.
My wife and I went here on a Friday night around 7pm. The place was 3/4 full. There were 2 older men greeting and seating people. When one of them saw us he turned to the other and said 'Do we have a nice quiet booth for the young couple?" I thought that was pretty nice. The place is vey old school, its not hip its not modern its not trendy but the staff was very nice and very attentive. Reminds of the kind of place my grandfather would have loved to take us too when I was a kid. My wife and I had a stuffed shrimp appetizer, salad (which was prepared table side) and for the main dish we shared a scallop pasta dish (red pepper sauce). The food was very good, not amazing but very good. I get so tired of fast sit down food (On The Border, Applebee's, Olive Garden) so I'm very open and very forgiving to privately owned places since the food seems more honest like they actually made it on site as opposed to assembled it. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for something nice and non-chain oriented.
(3)
Jennifer W.
Think 70's throwback upon entry. The salad was OK but my steak and lobster not so much. I would say this is a very pricey place with mediocre food at best. I'm still not sure how they are always so busy.
(2)
L H.
To make matters worse, joined a friend who's family dined here. I had iced tea Same miserable experience in house as carry out Why, oh why is this disgrace still in business? Disgusting, flavorless and EVERYTHING overcooked to the point of in edible. Blech, blech, double blech.
(1)
Ken T.
Had dinner Friday night while we like Dover Straits the never followed Thru with my concern with having two soups on Friday both seafood Not considering the fact that many people have allergys to shellfish
As long as you go on the night when their regular band is playing, you'll have a good time. Always get warm service from Marciel, the bartender. I order captain platter at the bar, Merlot, and enjoy the good company. This place is good, when you don't feel like driving to the city, and all you want to do, is relax after a busy week.
(5)
Jack D.
The food was good, however the service was subpar. The atmosphere is decent, but nothing impressive. Would not strongly recommend...
I went with my friend and two others for her birthday. It was three of ours first time here. The food was very bland. The food took forever to come ! I never waited so long for entree even in busier restaurants! The appetizer was a sampler and it was so small! I was surprised! I mean seriously ?? Is this just for one person?? The salad was served table side and they pull a salad boat.. which is unprofessional and god knows how old the dressings was or the ingredients why are you not on kitchen nightmares!!! he asked if I wanted bacon bits; i swear he threw a whole can in there or something , it was def artificial. Nothing was worth the money. They have a band playing and apparently 80's music lol it was a bunch of old folks dancing omg I thought I was at a retirement home ! They cover the dishes with silver cover before serving. It was odd. I thought I literally was at a hospital. I will never come back . My other friends also agreed. My friend didn't want to send her food back since it already took forever to come out! And nothing was worth the wait! They brought out my friend key lime pie for her dessert birthday lol I tasted better key lime pie at bakers square! Lol this place is a joke! I don't understand these positive reviews lol u must not know how real food taste like! It should be on kitchen nightmares or restaurant impossible! I'm surprised it isn't ! A total waste of money ! I don't care whAt occasion it is. I'm not going back! Save yourselves people!
(1)
Susan S.
Went here for my daughters grad a while ago. Decent appetizers, excellent clam chowder.we where the only ones in there and the service was extremely slow. Needs a face lift same decorations probably since day one. Still looking for some good seafood that's not a fortune . Heard Allgauers has a lobster buffet for $50.00 on Fridays .
(3)
Scottie S.
Absolutely the worst place ever!!! Had 6:30 reservation and was not seated until almost a hour later with small children. Then waited another 30+ min just for the waiter to order. Food came out and it was awful. Nobody like any of their meals and for a child and two adults over $75!!!?? Avoid this place at all cost. I'm shocked and how many people were here this is the worst place ever!!
(1)
Maria M.
Great service, friendly staff and excellent food at a fantastic price point! Everything from the Dover Sole to the Salmon Salad to the Oysters Rockefeller (just to name a few) are just delicious! Have been eating here for years and will continue to come back.
(5)
Anna G.
Love this place. Good oysters with a good price! Nice atmosphere with very helpful and attentive stuff.
(5)
Michael F.
From service to quality food and a fun environment, Dover Straits is as good as seafood dining gets!!! The 'Surf & Turf' is second to none and the portions are HUGE! You're going to love the "Salad Boats" for freshness and presentation! I've enjoyed romantic dates, family dinners and business functions with nothing but great experiences had! The owner, Bill, is a true professional and the entire staff is very experienced! For a special treat, stop by the bar and enjoy some first class service from Marcial the bartender. Great bands, HUGE shrimp cocktails and the freshest seafood NEVER disappoint! Give them a try, today!
(5)
Kristi V.
I think it deserves five stars because the service is great the food is the best I ever tasted and what's not to like.by Nate
(5)
Billy W.
Went here for New Years Eve with friends. Service was pretty average but the food was really good. They are very attentive. Not a big place for the younger crowd but it's comfortable and the food with worth the price.
(3)
Carol L.
Never had a bad meal here. The oysters on the half shell are huge and fresh as if they were just picked from the ocean. Try to go prior to 6 pm for their early bird specials. I don't really have anything negative to say! The service is wonderful and all the staff are friendly.
We go here often, and I have yet to have a bad meal. If 'Ruthie' waits on you it's better yet. Their Steaks are wonderful, their crab cakes, escargo, appetizers-sour dough bread, their Fish is out of this world! If there's a problem--They bend over backwards to please you. Traveling salad cart too. Last night Nov 9/ 14 they had a band there, that was fantastic!!!! They sounded like Jay & the Americans and sing like other singers too. It's just all so good!! Now I feel like going again tonight!!
(5)
Steve P.
Very good service. Quality of food was less than exceptional. Wife liked the unique approach to salad service via a cart. Ambience circa 1960's and in desperate need of an update. Lobster was tougher than expected.
(3)
Jennifer H.
I was taken here for a dinner meeting. I was NOT impressed. the amount.of food and taste didn't add up to the cost and how it compares to competition. I don't know how they stay in business
(2)
Eb W.
As posted before, older generation restaurant. I'm 55 years old and was the kid in the restaurant. Also, correct comments on the decor. Very 1970's. Service So-So, watery salad, long wait for meal, the blackened Mahi I ordered, not sure if it was Mahi but it definitely wasn't blackened. I feel bad for the owner. Friendly greeting when you walked in, big thank you and a handshake when I left, but I feel he doesn't read Yelp or he'd make some changes. Maybe he's in the twilight and has just given up. Parking lot is always full. For two adults and a child, I can find much better for $80.00 (...and that's the early bird).
(2)
Carl F.
We have been in the mood for a good seafood place and just have not been able to find a place which we liked. Sure, there are the chains such as Red Lobster, Shaws and I suppose Joe's Crab Shack, but they just don't cut the bait. So, I found Dover Straits on Yelp, to which the reviews are somewhat mixed. However, when reading closely, it seems many of the people balked about the decode of the place, but almost all agree that the food is good, which nudged me to give this place a try. We got there at around 7:30, and I'm glad to have made reservations because the place was jammed packed. Yes, most of the clientele is made of of senior citizens, but that usually does not distract me from a good meal. I personally found the decor pleasant, it was nautical, and yes, perhaps a bit aged, but, I've also found that most good, Seafood places in New England or SanFran, are well aged, with warped floor boards and all. So, I found the decor comforting and my youngest really enjoyed looking at the salt water fish tanks. We had some appetizers and I personally didn't care for the oysters, but did like the stuffed clams and crab cakes. The clam chowder was okay and the lobster bisque was really good. The fresh bread they bring to the table is also good, with a slight sourdough taste. As others have posted, the wondering salad guy was a nice touch and a neat approach, and all of it looked very fresh. As for the main meal, the sulfated jumbo shrimp were really good, as was the lobster and scallops. While we ate, the live band, playing mellow tunes was a nice touch and from what I could see in the bar/lounge area, it certainly will be a place for my wife and I to visit and enjoying an evening together. In closing, I find Dover Straits to be a nice place, serving good food, by friendly staff members. You can bet we'll be checking in here again.
(4)
Bex A.
I read and heard mixed reviews about this place. We made early reservations and had no issues being seated. Service was slow, but it was understandable being so busy. Sadly, the food was not impressive. The best was the jumbo shrimp and the coupon we used, but the baked clams were chewy. Our steaks were very rare, which I don't mind, but my husband asked me I was medium.
(3)
David N.
We went to Dover Straits this past Saturday night and its still great for sea food. Service and staff very friendly, we had 8 pm reservations and even though they were very crowded we only had to wait 10 minutes for our seats. In the mean time we got to enjoy the two 175 gallon salt water aquariums they have. The band they had was also very good, nice size dance floor with lots of people dancing. As far as the meal, very good, my wife had the lobster special and I had one of my favorites, bouillabaisse which is hard to find. We will be back soon!
(4)
Tennille T.
This place sucks. When I walked in I thought I was walking into a retirement home...the place had nothing but elderly patrons! I felt completely out of my time zone. The food was fresh, but I've had sooo much better.
(1)
Vishal B.
No good, just outdated and awful across the board. Made dinner reservations for 10, birthday celebration. The service was 1985 at best, just old school in every way possible. All the people dining in the restaurant were 65 plus and require completely bland food. The prices are double of other places which serve similar fare. This place is a legitimate lapse into 1982 and not in a pleasant way. My pasta dish was 21.50 and it consisted of angel hair pasta and vegetables.... The vegetables were massive disgusting chunks of cauliflower and carrots all in a water and oil sauce. There is not a SINGLE vegetarian item on the menu. I had to request they remove the seafood from a simple pasta dish and was still charged 21.50 for angel hair pasta with cauliflower and carrots in hot water and oil. I happen to have a friend who loves these old school supper clubs which are shutting down across the board and this is why I even went to this place. The place does have 2 beautiful fish aquariums, they very nice to look at! Most of the wait staff is "career waitresses", they whisk in and out and generally are blank and not attentive. This is a place where you want to take your uncle from West Virginia who wants to eat a nasty cut of dead flesh. Only a small percentage of America still dine in this manner, unfortunately they are mostly sick and ailing with diabetes, cholesterol issues, heart failure and other horrible ailments. The place is definitely clean, it's well stocked and staffed too!! 1984 passed 3 decades ago and it's really time these folks step up their game or end up shutting down a second location. The geriatric clientele is lovely and I would like to go hug them all and tell them they are amazing and wonderful, unfortunately the food is tragic at best, just bland and cooked for the old folks who go here routinely. I really feel bad for all the old folks who think they are getting a first class meal and are truly getting nothing but old school pomp.
(1)
Brian S.
My father and I regularly come out here and I don't even eat sea food but I will say this location is pretty stellar for a good cocktail. I love the salad bar boat. This place is good for the older folks. Marcel the bartender is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
(4)
Steven M.
Wow, this place is way overrated here on Yelp (kind of common here on Yelp for Lake County eateries). I went to Dover Straits on the basis of the 4 star rating and the dearth of decent dining options in Lake Country, but was very disappointed. We were given a very friendly greeting upon arrival and we were promptly seated. I won't belabor the decor, clearly it's in need of an update, but it's not that big of a deal. The food, however is just not that great. Started with some apps, my GF had fried calamari that was pretty boring with a bland dipping sauce. I tried a blackened seafood appetizer and it was blander than bland. It wasn't even really blackened, it looked like some ready-made "cajun" colored seasoning was sprinkled on the fish and then broiled. No taste at all and no color whatsoever which is kind of the opposite of a blackened dish. We then tried some salads with an oil and "balsamic" dressing. The "basalmic" was actually red wine vinegar. Yuck. Appropriate that the salad was served out of a boat christened the Titantic. Finally we split the Dover Sole, which is supposed to be their signature dish. Yes the presentation was sort of nice with the server competently deboning it tableside, but the flavor was bo-ring. Again, blander than bland. Pretty weak especially at $34 per. Thankfully, we had a $25 off coupon otherwise I would have been fuming on the drive home. This place is fairly spendy and the only thing nice I can say about the food is that it is edible. Not recommended at all.
(2)
Alexandra T.
You're kidding, right? I had completely inedible food here. This was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Lobster was inedible and drowned in sauce. Scallops were bitter and drowned in sauce. Potato was sad and drowned in sorrow. The only thing I enjoyed was the giant salad cart boat, but I would rather look at it than eat off of it.
(1)
Ron M.
Have been there many times and the quality never fails. Salads are cold and spectacular. They build the salads at your table with the items you want. And if you want the best whitefish on the planet. Here it is.
(5)
John F.
Had Dinner here tonight for the first time. We always noticed a busy parking lot so we thought this was worth a look. All I can say is Bland with a capital B, from the bread to the soap in the men's room. Our waitress was nice enough and the staff seemed pleasant, but what a bore for the taste buds. We had The Captains special, and for $25 we thought Lobster, Scallops & Shrimp, Twice baked potato and salad, wow, nice deal...wrong! Bread, light lemon taste, salad, the most tasteless Italian dressing , Lobster, tasteless, Scallops, bland, Shrimp, not bad but come on, it's shrimp, but honestly, I don't know how they did it, they screwed up Twice baked potatoes, after all they had two chances to get it right. Our waitress asked us if we wanted something from the sweet treat menu, I almost blurted out...will we taste the sweet? If you want to relax your taste buds, this is the place!
(2)
Steve A.
Great seafood fairly priced. The owners are always cordial.
(4)
Ryan B.
My family decided to go to Dover Straits for my younger sister's graduation dinner. We had been a few years ago and enjoyed it then, and as it is one of the nicer restaurants in the area we figured we couldn't go wrong. When we walked in it was 5-10 minutes before any type of host showed up at the front to ask us if we had a reservation. We'd also like to make note that the tables (at least the few near us) are positioned very close together, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. After we were seated it took 15-20 minutes before the waiter even approached our table. The cocktails were good, but a little overpriced for their size. For appetizers, the calamari was delicious, but the shrimp stuffed with crab meat were very, very small. It was at this point the waiter was leaving our drinks empty for 20 minutes at a time before he came back to refill them. At first we contributed this to the the place being severely understaffed (which it was), but he had no problem catering to the elderly people at the nearby tables, bringing out free ice creams for birthdays and anniversaries. After the salad came, we waited around for a half an hour, again without seeing our waiter. Our father went to the front of the restaurant to ask when the food would come and if we could get drink refills, but the owner was nowhere to be found for another five minutes. When the food came out the twice baked potatoes were cold and the tops were hard. The two $37 dollar Captain's Seafood Plate (lobster, scallops, shrimp) were awful. The lobster had a funny taste (old?), the scallops were tasteless, the shrimp tasteless. Not to mention all three were cold. The filet and salmon dish was not much better. The filet was not as tender as filets should be, but at least it was still relatively hot, the salmon was tasteless and cold. The filet and crab cake dish was also not very good. The crab cake was much smaller than expected, kind of stringy, and luke warm. Again our father went up to the owner, this time to complain that everyone's food was cold. The owner stated that "No one else had complained about cold food," as if that was a good enough excuse. At this point, our entrees half eaten, we just asked for the check. The owner did take one of the Captain's Seafood Plates off our bill. But with a $200 bill +tip we were severely disappointed with the quality of both the food and the service. We will not be going back.
(1)
Juliana R.
Love the old nautical decor! I still have never ate here but my first time was for drinks in the bar and I just loved it! The drinks were delicious and very well mixed! The staff here was so friendly and very personable! My bf's father is a regular here and I can't wait to go back for some more hangouts!
(5)
George G.
What can I say this place is my favorite for seafood. The Lobster is my fresh, cooked to perfection. Friendly staff as well!! Looking forward to next time.
(5)
Donald A.
There seems to be a trend. I'm another longtime patron of Dover Straits that feels it has nose-dived into a really bad restaurant. The short form; seated us 45 min's late, really bad service, had to send back the Lobster because of being overcooked & bland, the replacement Shrimp were no better & of course no one came by to extend apologies for the bad food. I'M DONE!
(1)
Sean H.
I came here with two family members, after almost 10 years of passing by it and never going. I'm not a gigantic fan of seafood, but as far as my dad was acting this place is pretty decent. However, it's ridiculously expensive!...at least for me. But you're supposed to expect that for quality seafood, or something. Definitely not a place you should frequent often, unless you're just bleeding money. I had some kind of fish with a very long name. It had some sort of lobster sauce on it, which I assume must have tasted like lobster, and was stuffed with crab meat. I enjoyed it more than other seafood that I have had before. At the end of the meal, the waiter gave us a free scoop of ice cream. That was a nice little thing. They give you free bread and butter - standard fare. Water in fancy glasses. It's a very date-ish ambiance. The waiters were extremely friendly, although their insistence on calling me "bud" got a bit annoying. They also have a traveling salad bar, with a reasonably diverse choice of veggies and dressings. Expect to pay around $25 per person here (unless someone orders one of the very expensive dishes), more if you're ordering alcohol or dessert. Come here for special occasions. Probably an "entry-level" fine dining experience here.
(4)
Heather P.
The food here is good, but that's about it. Maybe it's just me, but when I'm shelling out big bucks for a seafood dinner I like the environment to be enjoyable. The interior is supposed to be decorated in a nautical/boat theme, but it just looks cheesy and in my opinion it drops the rating on this restaurant. The bar is really dark, but on the other hand the dining room is super bright as if the lighting is florescent. Another thing to note would be the median age of the diners here. I'd guess we were the only patrons under the age of 55. I know this restaurant has been here a long time so I got the sense that it was filled with regulars and the owner or manager (not sure who he was) was shaking customers' hands and asking about their families. So that's a nice touch. I also enjoyed the spun salad done at the table from the salad cart. I can't knock the food; all of it was fresh and tasty. The decor on the other hand, could use a bit of an update.
(3)
Frank N.
Went here with a bigger group and they accommodated us with no problem. The staff has always been more than pleasant and attentive. I ordered the Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. It was brought to me in a nice old kettle with a ladle and a side bowl for the shells. The soup was nice and the broth was on the peppery side (Which I like). The scallops were perfect as were the mussels and clams. The shrimp and lobster may have poached a little long in the hot broth but were still tasty. The ambiance is very pleasant inside although the decor could use an update. The place seemed a little too much like a 70's night club and the live band specialized in that music. It was still neat and a nice throwback. Everyone else enjoyed their fish (Tilapia, Flounder, Whitefish). I will be back to try the Atlantic Flounder Wellington as it sounded great.
(4)
Kris L.
whaaaa?? how does this place not have more stars??! I moved into the area fairly recently, and I absolutely love seafood, so as soon as I saw this restaurant, i just knew i had to try it. Seeing the parking lot filled with cars, I was really worried we'd have to wait a long time, but they took us right away. This might be because this place is seriously MASSIVELY huge! They've winded us through many different aisles and rooms - it's easy to get lost! Some people thought the decor was cheesy..... and yes it is haha but i love it! feels like you're on a cheesy cruise line haha I've gone here two times now, and both times the food was fantastic. I had the maryland soft shell crabs the first time, then the maine lobster the 2nd time. the maine lobster was so huge and had a ton of yummy meat in it. The waitress was so nice too because I was having a very hard time cracking it (because I didn't know how to go about it) - she came over and pretty much did it for me! They also have a pretty good dessert list to choose from. But surprisingly, the thing I love most about this place is their salad!! Someone comes out and makes your salad for you in front of you - you get to choose what you want to put on it (ie: carrots, olives, crutons, etc). And then they have a good choice of salad dressings. I am not sure if their salad dressings are homemade, but it sure tastes like it! Ive had the creamy italian and the creamy garlic - both were sooooo yummy! My Dad still talks about it every time i see him :) The prices are also pretty reasonable for seafood in my opinion - and they have specials every month. I also like that they have more stuff on their menus as well - such as pastas and steaks. At 8pm they have a live band coming it too - we've never been there for it, but I do want to check it out sometime. I think this place is definitely worth a try if you're in the area!
(4)
Natasha B.
Dovers straight is a great place for dinner with very fresh food and we are never disappointed! My boyfriend and I normally come here when we are in the mood for some delicious seafood! We've been here a handful of time and every time we come, I swear the food tastes better. Last time we decided to go for appetizers and drinks. We had shrimp de jonghe, baked clams, and calamari. Everything was so good and the staff was very friendly! Calamari is fresh and never chewy like some places. Bake clams are BIG and have this very good breading on them. And my favorite is the shrimp de jonghe, which comes baked in garlic bread crumbs - yummm!!
(5)
Magdaline V.
Consistantly good. The early bird dinners are amazing!
(5)
Mike L.
Well I have never had a bad meal here in the 5-6 times I have visited. They serve fresh seafood in many classic ways, usually with some cream sauce, and it is always tasty. The menu is fairly large and they offer a specialty menu, but if you are looking for the latest creations in the food world this is not the place for you. However the price and portions are very good and they usually offer coupons in the phone book and the Entertainment books. Service has always been prompt and courteous. A good family restaurant.
(4)
Andrew K.
Love it! Great food and love the old fashioned decor.
(5)
Harvey J.
Normally we visit this restaurant every month, and have never been disappointed. The owners greet you by name and are very cordial. The service has always been excellent, and the food has always been both consistent and properly prepared.
(5)
Marissa B.
Not quite perfect, but probably some of the best seafood you will find in the burbs. Like some other reviewers said, the value is where it's at. You can't get seafood for this price without going to Red Lobster. And they ship their load in daily, so it's quality. We've had some ups and downs coming here. I usually love the salad bar (it's shaped like a boat, and they bring it to YOU and make it at the table) but I had one experience with way too much dressing. We have had some minor service snafus, and usually the crowd is older (REAL old) but it's a fun little place.
(4)
Lee C.
Geriatric gastronightmare. Stomach cramps and the shits; I think never again.
(1)
Scott G.
When i was last here there was a drunk man at the bar who should have been kicked out.The place is old dirty and food was just ok and over priced. I will never go back.
(1)
Y V.
This is an old school seafood restaurant that has a great selection of fish and shellfish dishes. Everything, from the appetizers, salads, and pasta, have seafood in them. The Captain's Platter appetizer is great for sharing, with oysters rockefeller, baked clams, and calamari. One of my favorite dishes was the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. The shrimp are stuffed with crabmeat and cheese, then breaded and fried. And you can't go wrong with the Shrimp De Jonghe, which is a simple dish of shrimp sauteed with garlic butter and topped with bread crumbs. I've gotten both dishes and they're excellent choices. The sea-theme of the restaurant is a bit cheesy, but that's just part of the charm. You'll see old timers hanging out at the bar listening to the live band. There are also huge aquariums for the kids to check out while waiting in line.
(4)
Rusty S.
Talk about a place that's been stuck in the 70's for a really long time!!! The food is standard with nothing spectacular. Gotta love the rolling salad bar. Karaoke night is something that should be avoided at all costs. There's really nothing that would compel me to comeback.
(3)
chris f.
Have been to Dover Straits many times over the years and the last time was on Christmas Eve. Food was excellent. We were a group of 10 and everyone was pleased. My filet was large and cooked just right, as ordered. The sauteed shrimp was also very tasty with large shrimp. If you want good seafood in the northern suburbs, this is a good choice. Decor & menu are still exactly the same as 15 years ago, ugh....So the regulars are from the older crowd (my 84 year old father in laws favorite place).....so we don't eat here often but when we do the food is good.
(4)
Precious B.
My son's father took me here for his birthday and the setting was nice, it was a more mature crowd as in elders but that didn't stop us from having fun...I had the jumbo shrimp platter and honestly it was the best jumbo shrimp platter I ever had, perfect crispy breaded coating which had a nice crunch. I also enjoyed the fresh salad plate but I wish they had more dressing choices like Ceasar...overall my experience there was ok
(3)
Ben W.
Very fine seafood restaurant. It's hard find seafood restaurant in the suburbs. This is a must-go if you love seafood. They have amazing salad selections, they push a cart so you can pick your combination of vegetalble, dressing, kinda of like Chinese Dim Sum. Seafood dish is alwasy well presented and cooked. I am always pleased. They also had live band on certain nights, call before you go to find out the schedules. Price is reasonable, they also run coupons locally.
(5)
Rob S.
Dover Straits reminds me of a cruise. We went on a night that a band was playing live. The entertainment and food was nice, although I wasn't a big fan of the band. The food is okay. I got lobster bisque and a 1.5lb Maine Lobster. My girlfriend got scallops and french onion soup. The lobster bisque lacked pieces of lobster and was simply broth- I like my bisque with some pieces of lobster or crab in it. The french onion was good but had a bit of a garlicky flavor that I was not a huge fan of. My lobster was great- but with lobster, boiled lobster is boiled lobster, is boiled lobster- its good anywhere as long as its fresh which it was. My girlfriends scallops were covered in a sauce which made them too heavy. I find that with scallops, less is more. The needed more of a sear and less sauce. Salad cart is a nice touch to the meal but I had no idea what my options were and just settled for the easy "everything". Maybe options on the menu might make it easier to know whats coming when the cart comes. Service was really good though! Decor is a bit dated and corny but fitting at the same time. Good place for sea food but didn't blow me away.
(3)
J F.
I've been there twice, the first time we had Javier as a server and he set the tone for an amazing dining experience! We had fun and he had fun right along with us, the food was fantastic, service was immpeccable ,and I couldn't say enough good things about it. The second time we DIDN'T have Javier, food took forever, lobster was rubbery (I'm guessing from the lights while it Sat waiting to be brought out) the server never asked what we wanted for a side, she didn't bring a plate for the shells, she was TERRIBLE!! We wound up slipping the busboy a few bucks for trying to make up for her forgetfulness. I'm sure we'll go at least once more, just to see if we can at least have a middle of the road experience,and we'll definitely request Javier. Prices were what we expected. And honestly, I could care LESS how old the people were that we're seated around us. (Really, why was that even brought up in a food review?) I'd have given this 5 stars if I'd done this after the first visit, it was that good, but the second visit toned it down quite a bit.
(3)
Steve G.
oysters on half shell awesome... had a prime rib was pretty good would definitely get it again drinks are reasonably priced definitely worth a try
(4)
Joseph P.
Well, this place is really coming back! Sure, the decor is aging, but it has the classic feel of a community tradition. Most important, the service has improved measurably since our last visit, and the food remains first class. On a Friday night, the dining room was only moderately busy while the lounge was nearly full. Since we were there to eat dinner and not troll for single seniors, this was good. We ordered the Salmon and the Walleye from the specials menu. Both came with an appropriate sauce and vegetable sides. Choose the "sliced potato" option - it is simply great - far better than it sounds. The salad cart still roams the room, so you can have a no-lettuce salad if you wish (or must avoid lettuce as one of us must). Try the anchovy dressing for a special treat. Service was classic - the waiter and the busboys combine to keep things always perfect - water filled, plates cleared, etc. The host is still warm and efficient, as he always has been. Sure, its a bit old fashoned, but it has class - something you never can say about Joe's Crab Shack & the like.
(5)
Adele S.
Nothing has changed, fish is still great, if a bit uninspired. Seems like the specials never change, and still no twice-baked. My daughter was going to have the soft shell crabs until I told her you eat the whole thing, legs, body, everything...then she gave me a look and decided on the salmon en croute by default, which she ended up hating. You just can't satisfy that kid. Everything was alright until dessert. Everything went down hill around that time. The key lime pie was tasty but the piece of grit I crunched on at the end kind of spoiled it. No idea what it was but it felt like sand. Uck. I didn't think the chocolate/creme anglais design on the plate was the appropriate flavor combination...maybe a berry puree would've been better...chocolate and lime is just nasty. Let's see, what else? Oh, the decaf coffee I requested turned out to be high-octane and I finally fell asleep around 3 am. And I waited at least fifteen minutes for the check. My party was waiting in the car and I was still sitting at a table for five, alone. The best thing about this place is the puffer fish in the tank up front...it's adorable, looks like it's smiling at you. But that's not enough to get me back here for quite a while.
(3)
Fred F.
I have lived in Mundelein for over 20 years and refuse to go to this restaurant anymore. Had two bad experiences here where we had reservations during the Christmas holidays, ended up waiting 45 minutes each time and just left the place. Restaurant caters to the older crowd and looks like it hasn't been updated in over 30 years. Food is so so and I'd rather pay a little extra and get really quality food at Bob Chins in Wheeling. The Hoffman Estates restaurant is also over rated.
(1)
Linda D.
This is a fine dining seafood restaurant for the discerning seafood lover. I have never had fresher, tastier fish anywhere, including Florida. The clams and oysters can be ordered many different ways, but I usually ask for raw because they're that fresh. I've been here for lunch as well as dinner and have never been disappointed. The broiled tilapia was served with a creamy sauce that was out of this world. Blackened fish is never overly spicey and broiled never bland. Whenever I'm in the mood for seafood, I will gladly pay the few extra dollars and come here. I can't say enough about Dover Straits.....it's that good.
(5)
Johnny B.
Started going to Dover Straits as a watering hole back in '79-'81 when I worked nearby. Ate there quite a few times too. Great at the time. Well time has not diminished Dover Straits. Of course, met a new lady and she joined me for dinner. Made a reservation but had to wait a few minutes to be seated. This evening you did not have to make a reservation as people were coming in and asking how long a wait. The Maitre D said 15-20 minutes. We were seated and as we walked to our table, I saw that the place was packed. But it was a Sat night. Ordered an Iced Cold Beverage and munched on the great bread. Culled through the menu and I already knew what I was here for, Mediterranean Pasta. My lady ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Fettucine. Each of us also ordered the New England Chawwwddduuuurrr. The chowder came and went quickly. Had some Clams in it. It had to be made in house as the potatoes were hand cut. Uneven sizes. The potatoes were not a filler. Just the right proportion of Pot, clams, and great base. Chatting away, the Salad Boat drifted over to our table. Great idea. Pick your poison. Sorry, just a saying. It was great. I had the Ranch and it hit the spot. My lady asked for the Italian and she enjoyed it. The entrees arrived. Both were NOT just pasta. The shrimp had to be 8-12. For all you unfoodies, due to varying weights of shellfish, the size indicates an approximation of how many per pound. The lower the number, the larger the individual shrimp. They did not skimp on the shrimp either! My Mediterranean had 4-5 shrimp, 3 huge scallops, and an ample mix of clams, mussels and squid. I love Calamar (squid). The broth was great and different. It was a bit on the sweet side. I did not ask, but is a sweet wine could have been added to the broth. We both needed a box for a take home! The only flaw (??) was that the service was not up to me giving them a 5 Star rating.It was not bad, but I needed to ask the waiter for a few things. The prices are appropro for a "white tablecloth" restaturant. The quality and quantity of the dinner is worth it. Johnny will return.
(4)
Kim K.
Expensive and Not good. Had the alfredo. Applebee's much better. Hubby had fish cod sandwich, comparable to Culvers. Bread is bread. butter is butter. Nothing more.
(2)
Erin J.
My parents live out here and have been eating at this restaurant for over 10 years. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is definitely stuck in the 70s. The staff is always really nice and friendly. The food is just okay. Standard. A lot of entrees I have had are over-salted and lack the sophistication you would expect of the price tags. I will probably eat here again because my parents love it, but it would never be my first choice.
(2)
Larry H.
Dover Straits: there are at least 2 jokes I could make about the name. But I'm going to try something different (and I guess more mature?) for this review. Dover Straits has existed for as long as I can remember, though for as long as I can remember, I've never been there. For our seafood needs we always went to Bob Chinns for whatever reason. Well recently we decided to go on a weekday and see how this place has withstood the test of time. In one way, going to DS is like taking a time machine. The decor is very 70's or something, the service is old fashioned, and even the menu items are mostly classic preparations. This is the kind of place where I would not be surprised to find a vending machine with the pull rods that sells cigarettes... you know what I mean? In another, less charming way, DS is like taking a time machine because on our visit the service was pretty slow. Our waiter (I think there was only one for the whole place) was slightly occupied with a larger group so that hurt us. Long wait for our order to be taken, longish waits for appetizer/salad/main course/getting of check. I basically lost all concept of time and decomposed a little bit. Once we left the place, I half expected to discover that society had been destroyed and that monkeys had taken over. Lucky for me us homos were still in control, and the simians were still in zoos or about to go extinct. Also lucky for me I had a lovely dining companion so the wait was more tolerable. Onto the food. First let me say I am not a seafood person, I'm a landlubber. A glance of the menu showed the stars of this place are the king crab legs or the lobster tail. Aside from that there wasn't a lot of seafood selection, just some other fish preparations and various surf/turf combos. Perhaps Chinns has spoiled me but I'm used to seeing at least 4 different species of crab for me not to order. Though I didn't have any I'm told the crab legs were pretty good. I got a strip steak and crab cake combo thing. Most meals come with salad, which is a boat shaped cart they wheel to your table, and you can pick what goes into your salad. Bonus points for having creamy garlic dressing, but minus points for wet lettuce which prevented the dressing to stick to the greens (there was a small pool of water/dressing at the end). The steak was pretty good, I ordered med rare and it was closer to med, but whatever. The crab cake was also fairly strong, for a crab cake. I had requested a baked potato but when the meal came they said they were out. I wish they would have told me earlier. I got the roasted potatoes instead and they were actually quite good. Being the penny pincher I am, I used a coupon to deduct some of the balance and I'm glad I did. The price, even with discount, was on the high end of what I would have been willing to pay... without the discount I would have felt fairly fleeced. So in conclusion, Dover Straits is an old school kinda place that has a very specific charm to it, and as a result is a mixed bag. The clientele of the place is fairly older and seems like there are lots of regulars that go to the bar area. Good for them. As for me and my house, I'm fairly confident we will continue to go to Chinn's for our seafood needs and visit Dover Straits only when we feel the need to check out some awesome fish tanks (seriously their aquariums are pretty cool and nowadays most places don't have them... another sign of the times I guess).
(3)
Aquamagik S.
No,no,no...... My husband and I went there on a Saturday after not visiting this restaurant for many years. The parking lot was full....and a wait list. Good sign right? Wrong. We ordered the lobster tail....at $32 each. When the waitress brought our dinners to the table the tails were- and I promise you- just slightly larger than a deck of cards!!!! For $32!!!!!! When thinking back, we realized that they did not indicate the size/ounces of the lobster tail on the menu....which could be interpreted as deceptive....make your own decision. Not going back. Perhaps there are other selections are the menu-which from my memory used to be a large, padded book type menu and now is a laminated one-sided sort, but we will not be taking the chance.
(1)
Chet M.
Awesome early bird and daily specials. The white sea bass filet special was so good and resonably priced, we ordered 2 for the "halibut!" Okay, so the food is not perfect and I've had better seafood elsewhere. But the service is very friendly, dining room has more fish tanks than some pet stores, bathrooms nicely appointed. I think they got Bob Chinn's beat when it comes to value. I dare you to find a seafood lunch or dinner in a 10 mile radius that comes with bread, clam chowder, salad, and ice cream for under $15.00.
(4)
George M.
Great friendly aquatic atmosphere... The owners are always present and the food is delicious especially the lobster. Lunch specials are reasonably priced and the bar area is my favorite.
(5)
Jack D.
The food was good, however the service was subpar. The atmosphere is decent, but nothing impressive. Would not strongly recommend...
(3)
Lana B.
As long as you go on the night when their regular band is playing, you'll have a good time. Always get warm service from Marciel, the bartender. I order captain platter at the bar, Merlot, and enjoy the good company. This place is good, when you don't feel like driving to the city, and all you want to do, is relax after a busy week.
(5)
Michael F.
From service to quality food and a fun environment, Dover Straits is as good as seafood dining gets!!! The 'Surf & Turf' is second to none and the portions are HUGE! You're going to love the "Salad Boats" for freshness and presentation! I've enjoyed romantic dates, family dinners and business functions with nothing but great experiences had! The owner, Bill, is a true professional and the entire staff is very experienced! For a special treat, stop by the bar and enjoy some first class service from Marcial the bartender. Great bands, HUGE shrimp cocktails and the freshest seafood NEVER disappoint! Give them a try, today!
(5)
Kristi V.
I think it deserves five stars because the service is great the food is the best I ever tasted and what's not to like.by Nate
(5)
Krys L.
I'm a huge sea foodie and Dover Straits is really all it's cracked up to be. When dining, it's a hit or miss taking the service, the time, day, and other patrons. The wharf like motif and salad ships is a fun and entertaining touch. The first time going there was next to perfect; the food wasn't so flavorful (ordered one of the specials). The following weekend, the food was ten times better (ordered a different special) yet the service was the bare minimum. I'd go back, but I would need to determine and plan out when it would happen, based on their rush hours and such.
(4)
Ken T.
Had dinner Friday night while we like Dover Straits the never followed Thru with my concern with having two soups on Friday both seafood Not considering the fact that many people have allergys to shellfish
(4)
Scottie S.
Absolutely the worst place ever!!! Had 6:30 reservation and was not seated until almost a hour later with small children. Then waited another 30+ min just for the waiter to order. Food came out and it was awful. Nobody like any of their meals and for a child and two adults over $75!!!?? Avoid this place at all cost. I'm shocked and how many people were here this is the worst place ever!!
(1)
L H.
To make matters worse, joined a friend who's family dined here. I had iced tea Same miserable experience in house as carry out Why, oh why is this disgrace still in business? Disgusting, flavorless and EVERYTHING overcooked to the point of in edible. Blech, blech, double blech.
(1)
Dax R.
We rented out the back room for my niece's baptism and nephew's first communion party. The service was mediocre as our party of 40-50 seemed to overwhelm the staff. The fish I ordered was decent -what you should expect from a seafood restaurant. I got the sea bass. Again, it was ok but it seemed like the presentation was something you would get in a cafeteria. The main reason why I did not enjoy it was actually because of my salad and Ice cream. There was a pool of water at the bottom of my plate and the lettuce was brown. Also, my scoop of vanilla ice cream was freezer burnt. Pictures are posted!
great sea food. great staff. franky was always our server since i was in elementary school 19 years ago. bill is very kind and sweet. great family owned place. i highly reccomend the stuffed shrimp and the salad bar.
(5)
James B.
Very expensive. The current $$ rating is nonsense. The average menu item is $23, add drink tax and tip and it goes to $35. That's in the $$$ range.
(2)
Susan S.
Went here for my daughters grad a while ago. Decent appetizers, excellent clam chowder.we where the only ones in there and the service was extremely slow. Needs a face lift same decorations probably since day one. Still looking for some good seafood that's not a fortune . Heard Allgauers has a lobster buffet for $50.00 on Fridays .
(3)
Jennifer W.
Think 70's throwback upon entry. The salad was OK but my steak and lobster not so much. I would say this is a very pricey place with mediocre food at best. I'm still not sure how they are always so busy.
Never had a bad meal here. The oysters on the half shell are huge and fresh as if they were just picked from the ocean. Try to go prior to 6 pm for their early bird specials. I don't really have anything negative to say! The service is wonderful and all the staff are friendly.
(5)
George G.
What can I say this place is my favorite for seafood. The Lobster is my fresh, cooked to perfection. Friendly staff as well!! Looking forward to next time.
(5)
Donald A.
There seems to be a trend. I'm another longtime patron of Dover Straits that feels it has nose-dived into a really bad restaurant. The short form; seated us 45 min's late, really bad service, had to send back the Lobster because of being overcooked & bland, the replacement Shrimp were no better & of course no one came by to extend apologies for the bad food. I'M DONE!
Normally we visit this restaurant every month, and have never been disappointed. The owners greet you by name and are very cordial. The service has always been excellent, and the food has always been both consistent and properly prepared.
(5)
Marissa B.
Not quite perfect, but probably some of the best seafood you will find in the burbs. Like some other reviewers said, the value is where it's at. You can't get seafood for this price without going to Red Lobster. And they ship their load in daily, so it's quality. We've had some ups and downs coming here. I usually love the salad bar (it's shaped like a boat, and they bring it to YOU and make it at the table) but I had one experience with way too much dressing. We have had some minor service snafus, and usually the crowd is older (REAL old) but it's a fun little place.
(4)
Lee C.
Geriatric gastronightmare. Stomach cramps and the shits; I think never again.
(1)
Scott G.
When i was last here there was a drunk man at the bar who should have been kicked out.The place is old dirty and food was just ok and over priced. I will never go back.
(1)
Steven M.
Wow, this place is way overrated here on Yelp (kind of common here on Yelp for Lake County eateries). I went to Dover Straits on the basis of the 4 star rating and the dearth of decent dining options in Lake Country, but was very disappointed. We were given a very friendly greeting upon arrival and we were promptly seated. I won't belabor the decor, clearly it's in need of an update, but it's not that big of a deal. The food, however is just not that great. Started with some apps, my GF had fried calamari that was pretty boring with a bland dipping sauce. I tried a blackened seafood appetizer and it was blander than bland. It wasn't even really blackened, it looked like some ready-made "cajun" colored seasoning was sprinkled on the fish and then broiled. No taste at all and no color whatsoever which is kind of the opposite of a blackened dish. We then tried some salads with an oil and "balsamic" dressing. The "basalmic" was actually red wine vinegar. Yuck. Appropriate that the salad was served out of a boat christened the Titantic. Finally we split the Dover Sole, which is supposed to be their signature dish. Yes the presentation was sort of nice with the server competently deboning it tableside, but the flavor was bo-ring. Again, blander than bland. Pretty weak especially at $34 per. Thankfully, we had a $25 off coupon otherwise I would have been fuming on the drive home. This place is fairly spendy and the only thing nice I can say about the food is that it is edible. Not recommended at all.
(2)
Alexandra T.
You're kidding, right? I had completely inedible food here. This was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Lobster was inedible and drowned in sauce. Scallops were bitter and drowned in sauce. Potato was sad and drowned in sorrow. The only thing I enjoyed was the giant salad cart boat, but I would rather look at it than eat off of it.
(1)
Johnny B.
Started going to Dover Straits as a watering hole back in '79-'81 when I worked nearby. Ate there quite a few times too. Great at the time. Well time has not diminished Dover Straits. Of course, met a new lady and she joined me for dinner. Made a reservation but had to wait a few minutes to be seated. This evening you did not have to make a reservation as people were coming in and asking how long a wait. The Maitre D said 15-20 minutes. We were seated and as we walked to our table, I saw that the place was packed. But it was a Sat night. Ordered an Iced Cold Beverage and munched on the great bread. Culled through the menu and I already knew what I was here for, Mediterranean Pasta. My lady ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Fettucine. Each of us also ordered the New England Chawwwddduuuurrr. The chowder came and went quickly. Had some Clams in it. It had to be made in house as the potatoes were hand cut. Uneven sizes. The potatoes were not a filler. Just the right proportion of Pot, clams, and great base. Chatting away, the Salad Boat drifted over to our table. Great idea. Pick your poison. Sorry, just a saying. It was great. I had the Ranch and it hit the spot. My lady asked for the Italian and she enjoyed it. The entrees arrived. Both were NOT just pasta. The shrimp had to be 8-12. For all you unfoodies, due to varying weights of shellfish, the size indicates an approximation of how many per pound. The lower the number, the larger the individual shrimp. They did not skimp on the shrimp either! My Mediterranean had 4-5 shrimp, 3 huge scallops, and an ample mix of clams, mussels and squid. I love Calamar (squid). The broth was great and different. It was a bit on the sweet side. I did not ask, but is a sweet wine could have been added to the broth. We both needed a box for a take home! The only flaw (??) was that the service was not up to me giving them a 5 Star rating.It was not bad, but I needed to ask the waiter for a few things. The prices are appropro for a "white tablecloth" restaturant. The quality and quantity of the dinner is worth it. Johnny will return.
(4)
David N.
We went to Dover Straits this past Saturday night and its still great for sea food. Service and staff very friendly, we had 8 pm reservations and even though they were very crowded we only had to wait 10 minutes for our seats. In the mean time we got to enjoy the two 175 gallon salt water aquariums they have. The band they had was also very good, nice size dance floor with lots of people dancing. As far as the meal, very good, my wife had the lobster special and I had one of my favorites, bouillabaisse which is hard to find. We will be back soon!
(4)
Tennille T.
This place sucks. When I walked in I thought I was walking into a retirement home...the place had nothing but elderly patrons! I felt completely out of my time zone. The food was fresh, but I've had sooo much better.
(1)
Elizabeth M.
I went with my friend and two others for her birthday. It was three of ours first time here. The food was very bland. The food took forever to come ! I never waited so long for entree even in busier restaurants! The appetizer was a sampler and it was so small! I was surprised! I mean seriously ?? Is this just for one person?? The salad was served table side and they pull a salad boat.. which is unprofessional and god knows how old the dressings was or the ingredients why are you not on kitchen nightmares!!! he asked if I wanted bacon bits; i swear he threw a whole can in there or something , it was def artificial. Nothing was worth the money. They have a band playing and apparently 80's music lol it was a bunch of old folks dancing omg I thought I was at a retirement home ! They cover the dishes with silver cover before serving. It was odd. I thought I literally was at a hospital. I will never come back . My other friends also agreed. My friend didn't want to send her food back since it already took forever to come out! And nothing was worth the wait! They brought out my friend key lime pie for her dessert birthday lol I tasted better key lime pie at bakers square! Lol this place is a joke! I don't understand these positive reviews lol u must not know how real food taste like! It should be on kitchen nightmares or restaurant impossible! I'm surprised it isn't ! A total waste of money ! I don't care whAt occasion it is. I'm not going back! Save yourselves people!
(1)
Adele S.
Nothing has changed, fish is still great, if a bit uninspired. Seems like the specials never change, and still no twice-baked. My daughter was going to have the soft shell crabs until I told her you eat the whole thing, legs, body, everything...then she gave me a look and decided on the salmon en croute by default, which she ended up hating. You just can't satisfy that kid. Everything was alright until dessert. Everything went down hill around that time. The key lime pie was tasty but the piece of grit I crunched on at the end kind of spoiled it. No idea what it was but it felt like sand. Uck. I didn't think the chocolate/creme anglais design on the plate was the appropriate flavor combination...maybe a berry puree would've been better...chocolate and lime is just nasty. Let's see, what else? Oh, the decaf coffee I requested turned out to be high-octane and I finally fell asleep around 3 am. And I waited at least fifteen minutes for the check. My party was waiting in the car and I was still sitting at a table for five, alone. The best thing about this place is the puffer fish in the tank up front...it's adorable, looks like it's smiling at you. But that's not enough to get me back here for quite a while.
(3)
Fred F.
I have lived in Mundelein for over 20 years and refuse to go to this restaurant anymore. Had two bad experiences here where we had reservations during the Christmas holidays, ended up waiting 45 minutes each time and just left the place. Restaurant caters to the older crowd and looks like it hasn't been updated in over 30 years. Food is so so and I'd rather pay a little extra and get really quality food at Bob Chins in Wheeling. The Hoffman Estates restaurant is also over rated.
(1)
Linda D.
This is a fine dining seafood restaurant for the discerning seafood lover. I have never had fresher, tastier fish anywhere, including Florida. The clams and oysters can be ordered many different ways, but I usually ask for raw because they're that fresh. I've been here for lunch as well as dinner and have never been disappointed. The broiled tilapia was served with a creamy sauce that was out of this world. Blackened fish is never overly spicey and broiled never bland. Whenever I'm in the mood for seafood, I will gladly pay the few extra dollars and come here. I can't say enough about Dover Straits.....it's that good.
(5)
John F.
Had Dinner here tonight for the first time. We always noticed a busy parking lot so we thought this was worth a look. All I can say is Bland with a capital B, from the bread to the soap in the men's room. Our waitress was nice enough and the staff seemed pleasant, but what a bore for the taste buds. We had The Captains special, and for $25 we thought Lobster, Scallops & Shrimp, Twice baked potato and salad, wow, nice deal...wrong! Bread, light lemon taste, salad, the most tasteless Italian dressing , Lobster, tasteless, Scallops, bland, Shrimp, not bad but come on, it's shrimp, but honestly, I don't know how they did it, they screwed up Twice baked potatoes, after all they had two chances to get it right. Our waitress asked us if we wanted something from the sweet treat menu, I almost blurted out...will we taste the sweet? If you want to relax your taste buds, this is the place!
(2)
Steve A.
Great seafood fairly priced. The owners are always cordial.
(4)
Kris L.
whaaaa?? how does this place not have more stars??! I moved into the area fairly recently, and I absolutely love seafood, so as soon as I saw this restaurant, i just knew i had to try it. Seeing the parking lot filled with cars, I was really worried we'd have to wait a long time, but they took us right away. This might be because this place is seriously MASSIVELY huge! They've winded us through many different aisles and rooms - it's easy to get lost! Some people thought the decor was cheesy..... and yes it is haha but i love it! feels like you're on a cheesy cruise line haha I've gone here two times now, and both times the food was fantastic. I had the maryland soft shell crabs the first time, then the maine lobster the 2nd time. the maine lobster was so huge and had a ton of yummy meat in it. The waitress was so nice too because I was having a very hard time cracking it (because I didn't know how to go about it) - she came over and pretty much did it for me! They also have a pretty good dessert list to choose from. But surprisingly, the thing I love most about this place is their salad!! Someone comes out and makes your salad for you in front of you - you get to choose what you want to put on it (ie: carrots, olives, crutons, etc). And then they have a good choice of salad dressings. I am not sure if their salad dressings are homemade, but it sure tastes like it! Ive had the creamy italian and the creamy garlic - both were sooooo yummy! My Dad still talks about it every time i see him :) The prices are also pretty reasonable for seafood in my opinion - and they have specials every month. I also like that they have more stuff on their menus as well - such as pastas and steaks. At 8pm they have a live band coming it too - we've never been there for it, but I do want to check it out sometime. I think this place is definitely worth a try if you're in the area!
(4)
Natasha B.
Dovers straight is a great place for dinner with very fresh food and we are never disappointed! My boyfriend and I normally come here when we are in the mood for some delicious seafood! We've been here a handful of time and every time we come, I swear the food tastes better. Last time we decided to go for appetizers and drinks. We had shrimp de jonghe, baked clams, and calamari. Everything was so good and the staff was very friendly! Calamari is fresh and never chewy like some places. Bake clams are BIG and have this very good breading on them. And my favorite is the shrimp de jonghe, which comes baked in garlic bread crumbs - yummm!!
(5)
Larry H.
Dover Straits: there are at least 2 jokes I could make about the name. But I'm going to try something different (and I guess more mature?) for this review. Dover Straits has existed for as long as I can remember, though for as long as I can remember, I've never been there. For our seafood needs we always went to Bob Chinns for whatever reason. Well recently we decided to go on a weekday and see how this place has withstood the test of time. In one way, going to DS is like taking a time machine. The decor is very 70's or something, the service is old fashioned, and even the menu items are mostly classic preparations. This is the kind of place where I would not be surprised to find a vending machine with the pull rods that sells cigarettes... you know what I mean? In another, less charming way, DS is like taking a time machine because on our visit the service was pretty slow. Our waiter (I think there was only one for the whole place) was slightly occupied with a larger group so that hurt us. Long wait for our order to be taken, longish waits for appetizer/salad/main course/getting of check. I basically lost all concept of time and decomposed a little bit. Once we left the place, I half expected to discover that society had been destroyed and that monkeys had taken over. Lucky for me us homos were still in control, and the simians were still in zoos or about to go extinct. Also lucky for me I had a lovely dining companion so the wait was more tolerable. Onto the food. First let me say I am not a seafood person, I'm a landlubber. A glance of the menu showed the stars of this place are the king crab legs or the lobster tail. Aside from that there wasn't a lot of seafood selection, just some other fish preparations and various surf/turf combos. Perhaps Chinns has spoiled me but I'm used to seeing at least 4 different species of crab for me not to order. Though I didn't have any I'm told the crab legs were pretty good. I got a strip steak and crab cake combo thing. Most meals come with salad, which is a boat shaped cart they wheel to your table, and you can pick what goes into your salad. Bonus points for having creamy garlic dressing, but minus points for wet lettuce which prevented the dressing to stick to the greens (there was a small pool of water/dressing at the end). The steak was pretty good, I ordered med rare and it was closer to med, but whatever. The crab cake was also fairly strong, for a crab cake. I had requested a baked potato but when the meal came they said they were out. I wish they would have told me earlier. I got the roasted potatoes instead and they were actually quite good. Being the penny pincher I am, I used a coupon to deduct some of the balance and I'm glad I did. The price, even with discount, was on the high end of what I would have been willing to pay... without the discount I would have felt fairly fleeced. So in conclusion, Dover Straits is an old school kinda place that has a very specific charm to it, and as a result is a mixed bag. The clientele of the place is fairly older and seems like there are lots of regulars that go to the bar area. Good for them. As for me and my house, I'm fairly confident we will continue to go to Chinn's for our seafood needs and visit Dover Straits only when we feel the need to check out some awesome fish tanks (seriously their aquariums are pretty cool and nowadays most places don't have them... another sign of the times I guess).
(3)
Y V.
This is an old school seafood restaurant that has a great selection of fish and shellfish dishes. Everything, from the appetizers, salads, and pasta, have seafood in them. The Captain's Platter appetizer is great for sharing, with oysters rockefeller, baked clams, and calamari. One of my favorite dishes was the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. The shrimp are stuffed with crabmeat and cheese, then breaded and fried. And you can't go wrong with the Shrimp De Jonghe, which is a simple dish of shrimp sauteed with garlic butter and topped with bread crumbs. I've gotten both dishes and they're excellent choices. The sea-theme of the restaurant is a bit cheesy, but that's just part of the charm. You'll see old timers hanging out at the bar listening to the live band. There are also huge aquariums for the kids to check out while waiting in line.
(4)
Rusty S.
Talk about a place that's been stuck in the 70's for a really long time!!! The food is standard with nothing spectacular. Gotta love the rolling salad bar. Karaoke night is something that should be avoided at all costs. There's really nothing that would compel me to comeback.
(3)
Precious B.
My son's father took me here for his birthday and the setting was nice, it was a more mature crowd as in elders but that didn't stop us from having fun...I had the jumbo shrimp platter and honestly it was the best jumbo shrimp platter I ever had, perfect crispy breaded coating which had a nice crunch. I also enjoyed the fresh salad plate but I wish they had more dressing choices like Ceasar...overall my experience there was ok
(3)
Ben W.
Very fine seafood restaurant. It's hard find seafood restaurant in the suburbs. This is a must-go if you love seafood. They have amazing salad selections, they push a cart so you can pick your combination of vegetalble, dressing, kinda of like Chinese Dim Sum. Seafood dish is alwasy well presented and cooked. I am always pleased. They also had live band on certain nights, call before you go to find out the schedules. Price is reasonable, they also run coupons locally.
(5)
Rob S.
Dover Straits reminds me of a cruise. We went on a night that a band was playing live. The entertainment and food was nice, although I wasn't a big fan of the band. The food is okay. I got lobster bisque and a 1.5lb Maine Lobster. My girlfriend got scallops and french onion soup. The lobster bisque lacked pieces of lobster and was simply broth- I like my bisque with some pieces of lobster or crab in it. The french onion was good but had a bit of a garlicky flavor that I was not a huge fan of. My lobster was great- but with lobster, boiled lobster is boiled lobster, is boiled lobster- its good anywhere as long as its fresh which it was. My girlfriends scallops were covered in a sauce which made them too heavy. I find that with scallops, less is more. The needed more of a sear and less sauce. Salad cart is a nice touch to the meal but I had no idea what my options were and just settled for the easy "everything". Maybe options on the menu might make it easier to know whats coming when the cart comes. Service was really good though! Decor is a bit dated and corny but fitting at the same time. Good place for sea food but didn't blow me away.
(3)
J F.
I've been there twice, the first time we had Javier as a server and he set the tone for an amazing dining experience! We had fun and he had fun right along with us, the food was fantastic, service was immpeccable ,and I couldn't say enough good things about it. The second time we DIDN'T have Javier, food took forever, lobster was rubbery (I'm guessing from the lights while it Sat waiting to be brought out) the server never asked what we wanted for a side, she didn't bring a plate for the shells, she was TERRIBLE!! We wound up slipping the busboy a few bucks for trying to make up for her forgetfulness. I'm sure we'll go at least once more, just to see if we can at least have a middle of the road experience,and we'll definitely request Javier. Prices were what we expected. And honestly, I could care LESS how old the people were that we're seated around us. (Really, why was that even brought up in a food review?) I'd have given this 5 stars if I'd done this after the first visit, it was that good, but the second visit toned it down quite a bit.
(3)
Steve G.
oysters on half shell awesome... had a prime rib was pretty good would definitely get it again drinks are reasonably priced definitely worth a try
(4)
Joseph P.
Well, this place is really coming back! Sure, the decor is aging, but it has the classic feel of a community tradition. Most important, the service has improved measurably since our last visit, and the food remains first class. On a Friday night, the dining room was only moderately busy while the lounge was nearly full. Since we were there to eat dinner and not troll for single seniors, this was good. We ordered the Salmon and the Walleye from the specials menu. Both came with an appropriate sauce and vegetable sides. Choose the "sliced potato" option - it is simply great - far better than it sounds. The salad cart still roams the room, so you can have a no-lettuce salad if you wish (or must avoid lettuce as one of us must). Try the anchovy dressing for a special treat. Service was classic - the waiter and the busboys combine to keep things always perfect - water filled, plates cleared, etc. The host is still warm and efficient, as he always has been. Sure, its a bit old fashoned, but it has class - something you never can say about Joe's Crab Shack & the like.
(5)
Kim K.
Expensive and Not good. Had the alfredo. Applebee's much better. Hubby had fish cod sandwich, comparable to Culvers. Bread is bread. butter is butter. Nothing more.
(2)
Erin J.
My parents live out here and have been eating at this restaurant for over 10 years. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is definitely stuck in the 70s. The staff is always really nice and friendly. The food is just okay. Standard. A lot of entrees I have had are over-salted and lack the sophistication you would expect of the price tags. I will probably eat here again because my parents love it, but it would never be my first choice.
(2)
Renato P.
Went here with the family for my B-day, place looked nice , a little ocean themed cheesy , but nice. My mom rants and raves about this place so they had a lot to live up to. I'd have to say , to a certain degree they did. We did get a grumpy waitress , so much so that it was the running gag of the table. She kind of reminded me of Amy Pohler from the Tenacious D movie sans the black eye. She did get all the orders right so I wont bust her balls. We ordered Herculean amounts of food so I'll start with the apps: The steamed clams were one of the best I've had , cooked in some garlic white wine concoction , I would drink the broth by itself. The soft shell crab was my second attempt at eating them , was prepared well and tasted good but I'm pretty sure now that I'm not that thrilled with soft shell crab in general. The Oysters Rockefeller was pretty good , I had it better at another place and actually make a pretty good version myself , so it had alot to overcome. The baked clams were good , not standout , but good. I ordered a daily special , Grecian red snapper. it was whole and the waitress had to dissect it when serving and she kind of butchered it. When all was said and done it came with a sauce of olive oil, herbs and lime on the side. I took one bite of the fish plain and it was soo good I forgoed the sauce all together. It was a really good piece o fish . My bros both got the Crab legs and wouldn't shut the hell up about how sweet they were and theorized that they had to put sugar in the water while cooking to produce these succulent legs. I'm sure no sugar was added but I got the impression that they loved the crab. My wife got the fettuchini with shrimp and seemed to like the shrimp but was expecting a cream sauce (whether it was listed on the menu that way or not , I do not know) so she didn't seem to dig it so much. She did eat all the shrimp and didn't say it was bad. My son got the Fillet Mignon and I actually got a piece of it. It was very good , especially for a seafood place. My mother got the Dover sole , she gushed about it , I got a piece and found it perfectly prepared and tremendously boring. I mentioned this to my mom and she practically force fed me a piece with the sauce , it was alot better and tasted pretty good, but isn't really my style. The food was all pretty much on the money , the only reason I hold back the fifth star is because nothing on the menu really popped out and grabbed me. Even at Red Lobster I see at least 2 or 3 menu items that jump out and scream to be ordered. Here I saw a couple of things that sounded pretty good , but were lacking in one way or another. If I was in the mood for crab or fish specifically , this is a great place. I would even go back just for the steamers , but it seems the menu choices and I just don't vibe so well. ... Another family gathering , another trip to DS. I must have been in a better mood this time because the menu seemed just fine this time. I ordered the Ultimate combo , or whatever they called it. It's basically 2 small tails , 2 small pieces of fish (salmon and some firm white fish , probably halibut) 2 enormous scallops and 2 huge broiled shrimp. I loved it. The boy ordered the burger , liked it just fine , looked good. We also ordered the baked clams this time , and enjoyed 2 orders of them. I also tried the clam chowder this time , it was good but not great . The server was much better this time , props to Javier.
(4)
Maria M.
Great service, friendly staff and excellent food at a fantastic price point! Everything from the Dover Sole to the Salmon Salad to the Oysters Rockefeller (just to name a few) are just delicious! Have been eating here for years and will continue to come back.
(5)
Anna G.
Love this place. Good oysters with a good price! Nice atmosphere with very helpful and attentive stuff.
(5)
Billy W.
Went here for New Years Eve with friends. Service was pretty average but the food was really good. They are very attentive. Not a big place for the younger crowd but it's comfortable and the food with worth the price.
We go here often, and I have yet to have a bad meal. If 'Ruthie' waits on you it's better yet. Their Steaks are wonderful, their crab cakes, escargo, appetizers-sour dough bread, their Fish is out of this world! If there's a problem--They bend over backwards to please you. Traveling salad cart too. Last night Nov 9/ 14 they had a band there, that was fantastic!!!! They sounded like Jay & the Americans and sing like other singers too. It's just all so good!! Now I feel like going again tonight!!
(5)
Steve P.
Very good service. Quality of food was less than exceptional. Wife liked the unique approach to salad service via a cart. Ambience circa 1960's and in desperate need of an update. Lobster was tougher than expected.
(3)
Jennifer H.
I was taken here for a dinner meeting. I was NOT impressed. the amount.of food and taste didn't add up to the cost and how it compares to competition. I don't know how they stay in business
(2)
Eb W.
As posted before, older generation restaurant. I'm 55 years old and was the kid in the restaurant. Also, correct comments on the decor. Very 1970's. Service So-So, watery salad, long wait for meal, the blackened Mahi I ordered, not sure if it was Mahi but it definitely wasn't blackened. I feel bad for the owner. Friendly greeting when you walked in, big thank you and a handshake when I left, but I feel he doesn't read Yelp or he'd make some changes. Maybe he's in the twilight and has just given up. Parking lot is always full. For two adults and a child, I can find much better for $80.00 (...and that's the early bird).
(2)
Christine L.
Really a 3.5, I'm not comfortable giving a 4. Made a reservation for a New Year's Eve dinner here since they had advertised on their website having some live entertainment. I had mentioned it to the person when making the reservations, and there may have been a little mix up because I didn't realize we had to be seated near the bar area, and we were seated waaaaay across in the other room where we didn't even know the live music had started. Oh well. Food here was pretty good. I ordered the crab cakes & filet mignon. The prices here are fairly reasonable for seafood, and the food was pretty good. The crab cakes were not too bread-y and a decent size (tiny crab cakes is one of my pet peeves). I had ordered the filet mignon medium, and it came out rare so I had to send it back but they refired it. Service was quite slow, it took a while to get our orders placed and another while to flag down our waitress after I found my steak to be raw. I think they may have been a little overwhelmed with the NYE crowd; it was pretty busy. As people have mentioned the crowd tends to be on the older side. It's a far cry from anything you'd find on the East Coast, but as far as seafood restaurants go, I think I like this one better than say Bob Chinn's or Red Lobster.
(3)
Justina L.
We came here NYE looking to spend some time eating and listening to music before the countdown. The food was ok -- it was good, but it's something I won't be craving to eat again. The service on the other had, was ehh. My friend my reservations at 8PM, but we weren't seated until about 8:30. Also, our server seemed a little absent-minded. She took forever to bring over a menu and even longer to take our order. We waited quite awhile for our food, but I guess that makes sense since it was NYE. Another reviewer mentioned that this place was like a retirement home. And yes, we did feel a little out of place, being in our 20s.
(3)
J. K.
What a dump, food, clientele and service. Soft shell crab was not fresh. Other fish overcooked. Server had no idea where their fish came from, it seemed no one asked him that question before. Terrible service, super slow as well. Also, very creepy, it's like being in a nursing home without oxygen tanks.
(1)
Bill G.
Interesting place to eat! The food was Superb! Very unusual and intriguing inside. We were greeted energetically, and shown to our booth. Hard to understand the waiter who prepared our individual salads, but they were fresh and delicious! The Swordfish was some of the best I've had, and I travel coast to coast for business. My wife enjoyed their Jumbo Shrimp Fettuccini immensely, commenting it was delivered hot and very well prepared. We give it five stars and this may well be the first 5 I have given!
(5)
Aquamagik S.
No,no,no...... My husband and I went there on a Saturday after not visiting this restaurant for many years. The parking lot was full....and a wait list. Good sign right? Wrong. We ordered the lobster tail....at $32 each. When the waitress brought our dinners to the table the tails were- and I promise you- just slightly larger than a deck of cards!!!! For $32!!!!!! When thinking back, we realized that they did not indicate the size/ounces of the lobster tail on the menu....which could be interpreted as deceptive....make your own decision. Not going back. Perhaps there are other selections are the menu-which from my memory used to be a large, padded book type menu and now is a laminated one-sided sort, but we will not be taking the chance.
(1)
Ryan B.
My family decided to go to Dover Straits for my younger sister's graduation dinner. We had been a few years ago and enjoyed it then, and as it is one of the nicer restaurants in the area we figured we couldn't go wrong. When we walked in it was 5-10 minutes before any type of host showed up at the front to ask us if we had a reservation. We'd also like to make note that the tables (at least the few near us) are positioned very close together, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. After we were seated it took 15-20 minutes before the waiter even approached our table. The cocktails were good, but a little overpriced for their size. For appetizers, the calamari was delicious, but the shrimp stuffed with crab meat were very, very small. It was at this point the waiter was leaving our drinks empty for 20 minutes at a time before he came back to refill them. At first we contributed this to the the place being severely understaffed (which it was), but he had no problem catering to the elderly people at the nearby tables, bringing out free ice creams for birthdays and anniversaries. After the salad came, we waited around for a half an hour, again without seeing our waiter. Our father went to the front of the restaurant to ask when the food would come and if we could get drink refills, but the owner was nowhere to be found for another five minutes. When the food came out the twice baked potatoes were cold and the tops were hard. The two $37 dollar Captain's Seafood Plate (lobster, scallops, shrimp) were awful. The lobster had a funny taste (old?), the scallops were tasteless, the shrimp tasteless. Not to mention all three were cold. The filet and salmon dish was not much better. The filet was not as tender as filets should be, but at least it was still relatively hot, the salmon was tasteless and cold. The filet and crab cake dish was also not very good. The crab cake was much smaller than expected, kind of stringy, and luke warm. Again our father went up to the owner, this time to complain that everyone's food was cold. The owner stated that "No one else had complained about cold food," as if that was a good enough excuse. At this point, our entrees half eaten, we just asked for the check. The owner did take one of the Captain's Seafood Plates off our bill. But with a $200 bill +tip we were severely disappointed with the quality of both the food and the service. We will not be going back.
(1)
Juliana R.
Love the old nautical decor! I still have never ate here but my first time was for drinks in the bar and I just loved it! The drinks were delicious and very well mixed! The staff here was so friendly and very personable! My bf's father is a regular here and I can't wait to go back for some more hangouts!
(5)
Chet M.
Awesome early bird and daily specials. The white sea bass filet special was so good and resonably priced, we ordered 2 for the "halibut!" Okay, so the food is not perfect and I've had better seafood elsewhere. But the service is very friendly, dining room has more fish tanks than some pet stores, bathrooms nicely appointed. I think they got Bob Chinn's beat when it comes to value. I dare you to find a seafood lunch or dinner in a 10 mile radius that comes with bread, clam chowder, salad, and ice cream for under $15.00.
(4)
George M.
Great friendly aquatic atmosphere... The owners are always present and the food is delicious especially the lobster. Lunch specials are reasonably priced and the bar area is my favorite.
(5)
Carl F.
We have been in the mood for a good seafood place and just have not been able to find a place which we liked. Sure, there are the chains such as Red Lobster, Shaws and I suppose Joe's Crab Shack, but they just don't cut the bait. So, I found Dover Straits on Yelp, to which the reviews are somewhat mixed. However, when reading closely, it seems many of the people balked about the decode of the place, but almost all agree that the food is good, which nudged me to give this place a try. We got there at around 7:30, and I'm glad to have made reservations because the place was jammed packed. Yes, most of the clientele is made of of senior citizens, but that usually does not distract me from a good meal. I personally found the decor pleasant, it was nautical, and yes, perhaps a bit aged, but, I've also found that most good, Seafood places in New England or SanFran, are well aged, with warped floor boards and all. So, I found the decor comforting and my youngest really enjoyed looking at the salt water fish tanks. We had some appetizers and I personally didn't care for the oysters, but did like the stuffed clams and crab cakes. The clam chowder was okay and the lobster bisque was really good. The fresh bread they bring to the table is also good, with a slight sourdough taste. As others have posted, the wondering salad guy was a nice touch and a neat approach, and all of it looked very fresh. As for the main meal, the sulfated jumbo shrimp were really good, as was the lobster and scallops. While we ate, the live band, playing mellow tunes was a nice touch and from what I could see in the bar/lounge area, it certainly will be a place for my wife and I to visit and enjoying an evening together. In closing, I find Dover Straits to be a nice place, serving good food, by friendly staff members. You can bet we'll be checking in here again.
(4)
Bex A.
I read and heard mixed reviews about this place. We made early reservations and had no issues being seated. Service was slow, but it was understandable being so busy. Sadly, the food was not impressive. The best was the jumbo shrimp and the coupon we used, but the baked clams were chewy. Our steaks were very rare, which I don't mind, but my husband asked me I was medium.
(3)
Vishal B.
No good, just outdated and awful across the board. Made dinner reservations for 10, birthday celebration. The service was 1985 at best, just old school in every way possible. All the people dining in the restaurant were 65 plus and require completely bland food. The prices are double of other places which serve similar fare. This place is a legitimate lapse into 1982 and not in a pleasant way. My pasta dish was 21.50 and it consisted of angel hair pasta and vegetables.... The vegetables were massive disgusting chunks of cauliflower and carrots all in a water and oil sauce. There is not a SINGLE vegetarian item on the menu. I had to request they remove the seafood from a simple pasta dish and was still charged 21.50 for angel hair pasta with cauliflower and carrots in hot water and oil. I happen to have a friend who loves these old school supper clubs which are shutting down across the board and this is why I even went to this place. The place does have 2 beautiful fish aquariums, they very nice to look at! Most of the wait staff is "career waitresses", they whisk in and out and generally are blank and not attentive. This is a place where you want to take your uncle from West Virginia who wants to eat a nasty cut of dead flesh. Only a small percentage of America still dine in this manner, unfortunately they are mostly sick and ailing with diabetes, cholesterol issues, heart failure and other horrible ailments. The place is definitely clean, it's well stocked and staffed too!! 1984 passed 3 decades ago and it's really time these folks step up their game or end up shutting down a second location. The geriatric clientele is lovely and I would like to go hug them all and tell them they are amazing and wonderful, unfortunately the food is tragic at best, just bland and cooked for the old folks who go here routinely. I really feel bad for all the old folks who think they are getting a first class meal and are truly getting nothing but old school pomp.
(1)
Brian S.
My father and I regularly come out here and I don't even eat sea food but I will say this location is pretty stellar for a good cocktail. I love the salad bar boat. This place is good for the older folks. Marcel the bartender is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
(4)
Sean H.
I came here with two family members, after almost 10 years of passing by it and never going. I'm not a gigantic fan of seafood, but as far as my dad was acting this place is pretty decent. However, it's ridiculously expensive!...at least for me. But you're supposed to expect that for quality seafood, or something. Definitely not a place you should frequent often, unless you're just bleeding money. I had some kind of fish with a very long name. It had some sort of lobster sauce on it, which I assume must have tasted like lobster, and was stuffed with crab meat. I enjoyed it more than other seafood that I have had before. At the end of the meal, the waiter gave us a free scoop of ice cream. That was a nice little thing. They give you free bread and butter - standard fare. Water in fancy glasses. It's a very date-ish ambiance. The waiters were extremely friendly, although their insistence on calling me "bud" got a bit annoying. They also have a traveling salad bar, with a reasonably diverse choice of veggies and dressings. Expect to pay around $25 per person here (unless someone orders one of the very expensive dishes), more if you're ordering alcohol or dessert. Come here for special occasions. Probably an "entry-level" fine dining experience here.
(4)
Heather P.
The food here is good, but that's about it. Maybe it's just me, but when I'm shelling out big bucks for a seafood dinner I like the environment to be enjoyable. The interior is supposed to be decorated in a nautical/boat theme, but it just looks cheesy and in my opinion it drops the rating on this restaurant. The bar is really dark, but on the other hand the dining room is super bright as if the lighting is florescent. Another thing to note would be the median age of the diners here. I'd guess we were the only patrons under the age of 55. I know this restaurant has been here a long time so I got the sense that it was filled with regulars and the owner or manager (not sure who he was) was shaking customers' hands and asking about their families. So that's a nice touch. I also enjoyed the spun salad done at the table from the salad cart. I can't knock the food; all of it was fresh and tasty. The decor on the other hand, could use a bit of an update.
(3)
Frank N.
Went here with a bigger group and they accommodated us with no problem. The staff has always been more than pleasant and attentive. I ordered the Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. It was brought to me in a nice old kettle with a ladle and a side bowl for the shells. The soup was nice and the broth was on the peppery side (Which I like). The scallops were perfect as were the mussels and clams. The shrimp and lobster may have poached a little long in the hot broth but were still tasty. The ambiance is very pleasant inside although the decor could use an update. The place seemed a little too much like a 70's night club and the live band specialized in that music. It was still neat and a nice throwback. Everyone else enjoyed their fish (Tilapia, Flounder, Whitefish). I will be back to try the Atlantic Flounder Wellington as it sounded great.
(4)
Ron M.
Have been there many times and the quality never fails. Salads are cold and spectacular. They build the salads at your table with the items you want. And if you want the best whitefish on the planet. Here it is.
(5)
chris f.
Have been to Dover Straits many times over the years and the last time was on Christmas Eve. Food was excellent. We were a group of 10 and everyone was pleased. My filet was large and cooked just right, as ordered. The sauteed shrimp was also very tasty with large shrimp. If you want good seafood in the northern suburbs, this is a good choice. Decor & menu are still exactly the same as 15 years ago, ugh....So the regulars are from the older crowd (my 84 year old father in laws favorite place).....so we don't eat here often but when we do the food is good.
(4)
Mike L.
Well I have never had a bad meal here in the 5-6 times I have visited. They serve fresh seafood in many classic ways, usually with some cream sauce, and it is always tasty. The menu is fairly large and they offer a specialty menu, but if you are looking for the latest creations in the food world this is not the place for you. However the price and portions are very good and they usually offer coupons in the phone book and the Entertainment books. Service has always been prompt and courteous. A good family restaurant.
(4)
Andrew K.
Love it! Great food and love the old fashioned decor.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Renato P.
Went here with the family for my B-day, place looked nice , a little ocean themed cheesy , but nice. My mom rants and raves about this place so they had a lot to live up to. I'd have to say , to a certain degree they did. We did get a grumpy waitress , so much so that it was the running gag of the table. She kind of reminded me of Amy Pohler from the Tenacious D movie sans the black eye. She did get all the orders right so I wont bust her balls. We ordered Herculean amounts of food so I'll start with the apps: The steamed clams were one of the best I've had , cooked in some garlic white wine concoction , I would drink the broth by itself. The soft shell crab was my second attempt at eating them , was prepared well and tasted good but I'm pretty sure now that I'm not that thrilled with soft shell crab in general. The Oysters Rockefeller was pretty good , I had it better at another place and actually make a pretty good version myself , so it had alot to overcome. The baked clams were good , not standout , but good. I ordered a daily special , Grecian red snapper. it was whole and the waitress had to dissect it when serving and she kind of butchered it. When all was said and done it came with a sauce of olive oil, herbs and lime on the side. I took one bite of the fish plain and it was soo good I forgoed the sauce all together. It was a really good piece o fish . My bros both got the Crab legs and wouldn't shut the hell up about how sweet they were and theorized that they had to put sugar in the water while cooking to produce these succulent legs. I'm sure no sugar was added but I got the impression that they loved the crab. My wife got the fettuchini with shrimp and seemed to like the shrimp but was expecting a cream sauce (whether it was listed on the menu that way or not , I do not know) so she didn't seem to dig it so much. She did eat all the shrimp and didn't say it was bad. My son got the Fillet Mignon and I actually got a piece of it. It was very good , especially for a seafood place. My mother got the Dover sole , she gushed about it , I got a piece and found it perfectly prepared and tremendously boring. I mentioned this to my mom and she practically force fed me a piece with the sauce , it was alot better and tasted pretty good, but isn't really my style. The food was all pretty much on the money , the only reason I hold back the fifth star is because nothing on the menu really popped out and grabbed me. Even at Red Lobster I see at least 2 or 3 menu items that jump out and scream to be ordered. Here I saw a couple of things that sounded pretty good , but were lacking in one way or another. If I was in the mood for crab or fish specifically , this is a great place. I would even go back just for the steamers , but it seems the menu choices and I just don't vibe so well. ... Another family gathering , another trip to DS. I must have been in a better mood this time because the menu seemed just fine this time. I ordered the Ultimate combo , or whatever they called it. It's basically 2 small tails , 2 small pieces of fish (salmon and some firm white fish , probably halibut) 2 enormous scallops and 2 huge broiled shrimp. I loved it. The boy ordered the burger , liked it just fine , looked good. We also ordered the baked clams this time , and enjoyed 2 orders of them. I also tried the clam chowder this time , it was good but not great . The server was much better this time , props to Javier.
(4)Vanessa M.
great sea food. great staff. franky was always our server since i was in elementary school 19 years ago. bill is very kind and sweet. great family owned place. i highly reccomend the stuffed shrimp and the salad bar.
(5)James B.
Very expensive. The current $$ rating is nonsense. The average menu item is $23, add drink tax and tip and it goes to $35. That's in the $$$ range.
(2)Dax R.
We rented out the back room for my niece's baptism and nephew's first communion party. The service was mediocre as our party of 40-50 seemed to overwhelm the staff. The fish I ordered was decent -what you should expect from a seafood restaurant. I got the sea bass. Again, it was ok but it seemed like the presentation was something you would get in a cafeteria. The main reason why I did not enjoy it was actually because of my salad and Ice cream. There was a pool of water at the bottom of my plate and the lettuce was brown. Also, my scoop of vanilla ice cream was freezer burnt. Pictures are posted!
(2)Jem H.
Let me start by saying we have been going here as a family for many years, and it's been going slightly downhill each time. We booked a reservation for Mother's Day because this is where my Mother In Law wanted to go. We were seated on time and ordered drinks that were brought out quickly but after that everything want COMPLETELY downhill. Our waitress was a hot mess and clearly overwhelmed, it actually appeared as if she took our table from another waitress's. We skipped appetizers and ordered our main dishes as soon as we could. All of our dishes came with salads and instead of brining the "salad boat" around (one of their unique features on why we decided to go here), they brought us bland iceburg salads and told us they were out of tomatoes and cucumbers. We continued to wait and wait, probably 1 hour for our food. When she reappeared, the waitress had had another table with cold/overcooked food issues and they had asked for a refund. She was literally crying in the middle of the restaurant and over shared with us that a stranger gave her a hug in the bathroom. At some point another waitress was smacked with the kitchen door and was crying as well. (Both were 50+ adults.) Our waitress had disappeared again. By the time we had gotten our food it was cold. My In-Laws both had gotten the Lobster and they were MAYBE 4 ounces, extremely over cooked/chewy, over spiced, plated terribly, and my MIL couldn't even finish half of it... for $44 each! The sauce that came with my Sautéed "Jumbo" Shrimp was splashed all over the plate/rim with splatter marks and were medium sized shrimp at best. The veggie was just broiled carrot slices that had been cooked in water and oil, no other seasonings. The "wild rice" that was supposed to come with my meal was a white rice pilaf instead. By the time our waitress reappeared again it was 9pm and we asked for the check. She asked how our meal was and we tried to be honest with her so she insisted we bring dessert home even though we didn't want any- we just wanted to go home and to bed. When we got the check, it was for $190 and nothing was taken off our bill. My In-Laws were so fed up they paid the bill and we left it at that. So sad to see this place go so terribly downhill this quick, we will never be back. I posted this on Google's review page as well... I don't understand how they have such good reviews?
(1)Christine L.
Really a 3.5, I'm not comfortable giving a 4. Made a reservation for a New Year's Eve dinner here since they had advertised on their website having some live entertainment. I had mentioned it to the person when making the reservations, and there may have been a little mix up because I didn't realize we had to be seated near the bar area, and we were seated waaaaay across in the other room where we didn't even know the live music had started. Oh well. Food here was pretty good. I ordered the crab cakes & filet mignon. The prices here are fairly reasonable for seafood, and the food was pretty good. The crab cakes were not too bread-y and a decent size (tiny crab cakes is one of my pet peeves). I had ordered the filet mignon medium, and it came out rare so I had to send it back but they refired it. Service was quite slow, it took a while to get our orders placed and another while to flag down our waitress after I found my steak to be raw. I think they may have been a little overwhelmed with the NYE crowd; it was pretty busy. As people have mentioned the crowd tends to be on the older side. It's a far cry from anything you'd find on the East Coast, but as far as seafood restaurants go, I think I like this one better than say Bob Chinn's or Red Lobster.
(3)Justina L.
We came here NYE looking to spend some time eating and listening to music before the countdown. The food was ok -- it was good, but it's something I won't be craving to eat again. The service on the other had, was ehh. My friend my reservations at 8PM, but we weren't seated until about 8:30. Also, our server seemed a little absent-minded. She took forever to bring over a menu and even longer to take our order. We waited quite awhile for our food, but I guess that makes sense since it was NYE. Another reviewer mentioned that this place was like a retirement home. And yes, we did feel a little out of place, being in our 20s.
(3)J. K.
What a dump, food, clientele and service. Soft shell crab was not fresh. Other fish overcooked. Server had no idea where their fish came from, it seemed no one asked him that question before. Terrible service, super slow as well. Also, very creepy, it's like being in a nursing home without oxygen tanks.
(1)Bill G.
Interesting place to eat! The food was Superb! Very unusual and intriguing inside. We were greeted energetically, and shown to our booth. Hard to understand the waiter who prepared our individual salads, but they were fresh and delicious! The Swordfish was some of the best I've had, and I travel coast to coast for business. My wife enjoyed their Jumbo Shrimp Fettuccini immensely, commenting it was delivered hot and very well prepared. We give it five stars and this may well be the first 5 I have given!
(5)Krys L.
I'm a huge sea foodie and Dover Straits is really all it's cracked up to be. When dining, it's a hit or miss taking the service, the time, day, and other patrons. The wharf like motif and salad ships is a fun and entertaining touch. The first time going there was next to perfect; the food wasn't so flavorful (ordered one of the specials). The following weekend, the food was ten times better (ordered a different special) yet the service was the bare minimum. I'd go back, but I would need to determine and plan out when it would happen, based on their rush hours and such.
(4)Eric K.
My wife and I went here on a Friday night around 7pm. The place was 3/4 full. There were 2 older men greeting and seating people. When one of them saw us he turned to the other and said 'Do we have a nice quiet booth for the young couple?" I thought that was pretty nice. The place is vey old school, its not hip its not modern its not trendy but the staff was very nice and very attentive. Reminds of the kind of place my grandfather would have loved to take us too when I was a kid. My wife and I had a stuffed shrimp appetizer, salad (which was prepared table side) and for the main dish we shared a scallop pasta dish (red pepper sauce). The food was very good, not amazing but very good. I get so tired of fast sit down food (On The Border, Applebee's, Olive Garden) so I'm very open and very forgiving to privately owned places since the food seems more honest like they actually made it on site as opposed to assembled it. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for something nice and non-chain oriented.
(3)Jennifer W.
Think 70's throwback upon entry. The salad was OK but my steak and lobster not so much. I would say this is a very pricey place with mediocre food at best. I'm still not sure how they are always so busy.
(2)L H.
To make matters worse, joined a friend who's family dined here. I had iced tea Same miserable experience in house as carry out Why, oh why is this disgrace still in business? Disgusting, flavorless and EVERYTHING overcooked to the point of in edible. Blech, blech, double blech.
(1)Ken T.
Had dinner Friday night while we like Dover Straits the never followed Thru with my concern with having two soups on Friday both seafood Not considering the fact that many people have allergys to shellfish
(4)Adam D.
Visited Dover Straits for a birthday dinner with my wife, the décor was unique, thought I was in the bottom of the ocean or at the very least somewhere far from the world. The food especially the lobster was to die for. Great food and service along with atmosphere made us stay longer and have dessert. We will be back soon.
(5)Lana B.
As long as you go on the night when their regular band is playing, you'll have a good time. Always get warm service from Marciel, the bartender. I order captain platter at the bar, Merlot, and enjoy the good company. This place is good, when you don't feel like driving to the city, and all you want to do, is relax after a busy week.
(5)Jack D.
The food was good, however the service was subpar. The atmosphere is decent, but nothing impressive. Would not strongly recommend...
(3)LLIAT E.
This was our first....and last time at this "restaurant". We arrived at 6:02 and were told we were still welcomed to order off the early bird menu right as we were seated. The waitress came by introduced herself and asked to take our drink order and also recommended the seafood sampler for an appetizer... we asked what was on it she said she was not sure (why r u recommending it if u don't know what's on it????) we were her 2nd table (like ever...the table next to us was her first) so she grabbed the menu and just read off some shrimp some calamari some scallops and a fish. That all pieces are blackened with spices and sautéed. We asked what kind of fish and she had to go into the kitchen to ask..... Once it arrived the dish had 1 shrimp, 1 scallop, 6 rings of calamari and a poor excuse of a white fish cut into 4 sad pieces. The dish was disgusting.... over seasoned to cover how old the seafood was.... dry as a desert..... cold.... just gross. Hubby and I didn't eat it....our 6 and 7 year old picked on the calamari. The salad made tableside was decent....nothing special, but I don't see the point of it...nothing fancy, not spun, just vegetables and dressing....can easily b brought from the kitchen and nothing would b lost. 2 soups were offered....calm chowder and lobster bisque...I opted for the lobster which was on the sweeter side but at least this was eadible. My hubby ordered the dover sole....I ordered the swordfish....my 7 year old ordered jumbo fried shrimp and my 6 year old ordered a cheeseburger off the kids menu. When the dover sole was brought out, it was bland and overcooked..... we were told it comes with wild rice....which in fact was just a white rice pilaf. My swordfish came out on a bed of steamed spinach...looked absolutely gorgeous....I took one bite and immediately was unhappy. Tasted as though it had been frozen even though we were told nothing us frozen except the dover sole which is shipped frozen and then held on ice at the restaurant........spinach was bland and just all around a big disappointment. The cheeseburger and fried shrimp were a hit at least with my kids.... we skipped the ice cream that came with the entrees and just wanted to get home. They ended up taking the swordfish off the bill as the waitress saw I didn't eat any of it...it really was bad. We ended up paying $70 for 2 adults and 2 children plus the tip. A total waste of money. We will NEVER return to this horrible excuse for a seafood restaurant.....EVER! At least I had soup and salad for dinner.....better than nothing
(1)Elizabeth M.
I went with my friend and two others for her birthday. It was three of ours first time here. The food was very bland. The food took forever to come ! I never waited so long for entree even in busier restaurants! The appetizer was a sampler and it was so small! I was surprised! I mean seriously ?? Is this just for one person?? The salad was served table side and they pull a salad boat.. which is unprofessional and god knows how old the dressings was or the ingredients why are you not on kitchen nightmares!!! he asked if I wanted bacon bits; i swear he threw a whole can in there or something , it was def artificial. Nothing was worth the money. They have a band playing and apparently 80's music lol it was a bunch of old folks dancing omg I thought I was at a retirement home ! They cover the dishes with silver cover before serving. It was odd. I thought I literally was at a hospital. I will never come back . My other friends also agreed. My friend didn't want to send her food back since it already took forever to come out! And nothing was worth the wait! They brought out my friend key lime pie for her dessert birthday lol I tasted better key lime pie at bakers square! Lol this place is a joke! I don't understand these positive reviews lol u must not know how real food taste like! It should be on kitchen nightmares or restaurant impossible! I'm surprised it isn't ! A total waste of money ! I don't care whAt occasion it is. I'm not going back! Save yourselves people!
(1)Susan S.
Went here for my daughters grad a while ago. Decent appetizers, excellent clam chowder.we where the only ones in there and the service was extremely slow. Needs a face lift same decorations probably since day one. Still looking for some good seafood that's not a fortune . Heard Allgauers has a lobster buffet for $50.00 on Fridays .
(3)Scottie S.
Absolutely the worst place ever!!! Had 6:30 reservation and was not seated until almost a hour later with small children. Then waited another 30+ min just for the waiter to order. Food came out and it was awful. Nobody like any of their meals and for a child and two adults over $75!!!?? Avoid this place at all cost. I'm shocked and how many people were here this is the worst place ever!!
(1)Maria M.
Great service, friendly staff and excellent food at a fantastic price point! Everything from the Dover Sole to the Salmon Salad to the Oysters Rockefeller (just to name a few) are just delicious! Have been eating here for years and will continue to come back.
(5)Anna G.
Love this place. Good oysters with a good price! Nice atmosphere with very helpful and attentive stuff.
(5)Michael F.
From service to quality food and a fun environment, Dover Straits is as good as seafood dining gets!!! The 'Surf & Turf' is second to none and the portions are HUGE! You're going to love the "Salad Boats" for freshness and presentation! I've enjoyed romantic dates, family dinners and business functions with nothing but great experiences had! The owner, Bill, is a true professional and the entire staff is very experienced! For a special treat, stop by the bar and enjoy some first class service from Marcial the bartender. Great bands, HUGE shrimp cocktails and the freshest seafood NEVER disappoint! Give them a try, today!
(5)Kristi V.
I think it deserves five stars because the service is great the food is the best I ever tasted and what's not to like.by Nate
(5)Billy W.
Went here for New Years Eve with friends. Service was pretty average but the food was really good. They are very attentive. Not a big place for the younger crowd but it's comfortable and the food with worth the price.
(3)Carol L.
Never had a bad meal here. The oysters on the half shell are huge and fresh as if they were just picked from the ocean. Try to go prior to 6 pm for their early bird specials. I don't really have anything negative to say! The service is wonderful and all the staff are friendly.
(5)Mike A.
Average age of diners here is about 60 and many are in to get the senior discount, early bird special, coupon clippers or their monthly specials (no coupons allowed on those). We must have been the only table without a coupon of some kind. We have eaten here about 4-5 times over the 17yrs we have lived in the area. I recall it being a bit higher quality dining experience, but it was never the "go-to" place for us. My bro-in-law likes this place and it was his pick. The seafood dishes ordered seemed to be ok, but the kids were not fans of their ribs or shrimp choices. The Prime Rib (June Special) ordered medium, was presented "gray". I could not figure out if it was overcooked or just cooked and nuked? I was filling up on the kids' scraps, so I just picked it at and let it be. If I was not here with others, I would have sent it back. The salad boat is a nice touch and my wife always joke about the "pinto beans/gorbanzo beans" being offered and pronounced as one word. Service is good, but décor and food is dated: it seems that this place has not changed its menu or décor in 30 years. Throughout dinner, you are just waiting for Gordon Ramsey to walk in and start his "Kitchen Nightmares" turnaround show. I am sure this place will be around for quite a while and with no other seafood option in the area, will stay busy.
(2)Susan B.
We go here often, and I have yet to have a bad meal. If 'Ruthie' waits on you it's better yet. Their Steaks are wonderful, their crab cakes, escargo, appetizers-sour dough bread, their Fish is out of this world! If there's a problem--They bend over backwards to please you. Traveling salad cart too. Last night Nov 9/ 14 they had a band there, that was fantastic!!!! They sounded like Jay & the Americans and sing like other singers too. It's just all so good!! Now I feel like going again tonight!!
(5)Steve P.
Very good service. Quality of food was less than exceptional. Wife liked the unique approach to salad service via a cart. Ambience circa 1960's and in desperate need of an update. Lobster was tougher than expected.
(3)Jennifer H.
I was taken here for a dinner meeting. I was NOT impressed. the amount.of food and taste didn't add up to the cost and how it compares to competition. I don't know how they stay in business
(2)Eb W.
As posted before, older generation restaurant. I'm 55 years old and was the kid in the restaurant. Also, correct comments on the decor. Very 1970's. Service So-So, watery salad, long wait for meal, the blackened Mahi I ordered, not sure if it was Mahi but it definitely wasn't blackened. I feel bad for the owner. Friendly greeting when you walked in, big thank you and a handshake when I left, but I feel he doesn't read Yelp or he'd make some changes. Maybe he's in the twilight and has just given up. Parking lot is always full. For two adults and a child, I can find much better for $80.00 (...and that's the early bird).
(2)Carl F.
We have been in the mood for a good seafood place and just have not been able to find a place which we liked. Sure, there are the chains such as Red Lobster, Shaws and I suppose Joe's Crab Shack, but they just don't cut the bait. So, I found Dover Straits on Yelp, to which the reviews are somewhat mixed. However, when reading closely, it seems many of the people balked about the decode of the place, but almost all agree that the food is good, which nudged me to give this place a try. We got there at around 7:30, and I'm glad to have made reservations because the place was jammed packed. Yes, most of the clientele is made of of senior citizens, but that usually does not distract me from a good meal. I personally found the decor pleasant, it was nautical, and yes, perhaps a bit aged, but, I've also found that most good, Seafood places in New England or SanFran, are well aged, with warped floor boards and all. So, I found the decor comforting and my youngest really enjoyed looking at the salt water fish tanks. We had some appetizers and I personally didn't care for the oysters, but did like the stuffed clams and crab cakes. The clam chowder was okay and the lobster bisque was really good. The fresh bread they bring to the table is also good, with a slight sourdough taste. As others have posted, the wondering salad guy was a nice touch and a neat approach, and all of it looked very fresh. As for the main meal, the sulfated jumbo shrimp were really good, as was the lobster and scallops. While we ate, the live band, playing mellow tunes was a nice touch and from what I could see in the bar/lounge area, it certainly will be a place for my wife and I to visit and enjoying an evening together. In closing, I find Dover Straits to be a nice place, serving good food, by friendly staff members. You can bet we'll be checking in here again.
(4)Bex A.
I read and heard mixed reviews about this place. We made early reservations and had no issues being seated. Service was slow, but it was understandable being so busy. Sadly, the food was not impressive. The best was the jumbo shrimp and the coupon we used, but the baked clams were chewy. Our steaks were very rare, which I don't mind, but my husband asked me I was medium.
(3)David N.
We went to Dover Straits this past Saturday night and its still great for sea food. Service and staff very friendly, we had 8 pm reservations and even though they were very crowded we only had to wait 10 minutes for our seats. In the mean time we got to enjoy the two 175 gallon salt water aquariums they have. The band they had was also very good, nice size dance floor with lots of people dancing. As far as the meal, very good, my wife had the lobster special and I had one of my favorites, bouillabaisse which is hard to find. We will be back soon!
(4)Tennille T.
This place sucks. When I walked in I thought I was walking into a retirement home...the place had nothing but elderly patrons! I felt completely out of my time zone. The food was fresh, but I've had sooo much better.
(1)Vishal B.
No good, just outdated and awful across the board. Made dinner reservations for 10, birthday celebration. The service was 1985 at best, just old school in every way possible. All the people dining in the restaurant were 65 plus and require completely bland food. The prices are double of other places which serve similar fare. This place is a legitimate lapse into 1982 and not in a pleasant way. My pasta dish was 21.50 and it consisted of angel hair pasta and vegetables.... The vegetables were massive disgusting chunks of cauliflower and carrots all in a water and oil sauce. There is not a SINGLE vegetarian item on the menu. I had to request they remove the seafood from a simple pasta dish and was still charged 21.50 for angel hair pasta with cauliflower and carrots in hot water and oil. I happen to have a friend who loves these old school supper clubs which are shutting down across the board and this is why I even went to this place. The place does have 2 beautiful fish aquariums, they very nice to look at! Most of the wait staff is "career waitresses", they whisk in and out and generally are blank and not attentive. This is a place where you want to take your uncle from West Virginia who wants to eat a nasty cut of dead flesh. Only a small percentage of America still dine in this manner, unfortunately they are mostly sick and ailing with diabetes, cholesterol issues, heart failure and other horrible ailments. The place is definitely clean, it's well stocked and staffed too!! 1984 passed 3 decades ago and it's really time these folks step up their game or end up shutting down a second location. The geriatric clientele is lovely and I would like to go hug them all and tell them they are amazing and wonderful, unfortunately the food is tragic at best, just bland and cooked for the old folks who go here routinely. I really feel bad for all the old folks who think they are getting a first class meal and are truly getting nothing but old school pomp.
(1)Brian S.
My father and I regularly come out here and I don't even eat sea food but I will say this location is pretty stellar for a good cocktail. I love the salad bar boat. This place is good for the older folks. Marcel the bartender is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
(4)Steven M.
Wow, this place is way overrated here on Yelp (kind of common here on Yelp for Lake County eateries). I went to Dover Straits on the basis of the 4 star rating and the dearth of decent dining options in Lake Country, but was very disappointed. We were given a very friendly greeting upon arrival and we were promptly seated. I won't belabor the decor, clearly it's in need of an update, but it's not that big of a deal. The food, however is just not that great. Started with some apps, my GF had fried calamari that was pretty boring with a bland dipping sauce. I tried a blackened seafood appetizer and it was blander than bland. It wasn't even really blackened, it looked like some ready-made "cajun" colored seasoning was sprinkled on the fish and then broiled. No taste at all and no color whatsoever which is kind of the opposite of a blackened dish. We then tried some salads with an oil and "balsamic" dressing. The "basalmic" was actually red wine vinegar. Yuck. Appropriate that the salad was served out of a boat christened the Titantic. Finally we split the Dover Sole, which is supposed to be their signature dish. Yes the presentation was sort of nice with the server competently deboning it tableside, but the flavor was bo-ring. Again, blander than bland. Pretty weak especially at $34 per. Thankfully, we had a $25 off coupon otherwise I would have been fuming on the drive home. This place is fairly spendy and the only thing nice I can say about the food is that it is edible. Not recommended at all.
(2)Alexandra T.
You're kidding, right? I had completely inedible food here. This was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Lobster was inedible and drowned in sauce. Scallops were bitter and drowned in sauce. Potato was sad and drowned in sorrow. The only thing I enjoyed was the giant salad cart boat, but I would rather look at it than eat off of it.
(1)Ron M.
Have been there many times and the quality never fails. Salads are cold and spectacular. They build the salads at your table with the items you want. And if you want the best whitefish on the planet. Here it is.
(5)John F.
Had Dinner here tonight for the first time. We always noticed a busy parking lot so we thought this was worth a look. All I can say is Bland with a capital B, from the bread to the soap in the men's room. Our waitress was nice enough and the staff seemed pleasant, but what a bore for the taste buds. We had The Captains special, and for $25 we thought Lobster, Scallops & Shrimp, Twice baked potato and salad, wow, nice deal...wrong! Bread, light lemon taste, salad, the most tasteless Italian dressing , Lobster, tasteless, Scallops, bland, Shrimp, not bad but come on, it's shrimp, but honestly, I don't know how they did it, they screwed up Twice baked potatoes, after all they had two chances to get it right. Our waitress asked us if we wanted something from the sweet treat menu, I almost blurted out...will we taste the sweet? If you want to relax your taste buds, this is the place!
(2)Steve A.
Great seafood fairly priced. The owners are always cordial.
(4)Ryan B.
My family decided to go to Dover Straits for my younger sister's graduation dinner. We had been a few years ago and enjoyed it then, and as it is one of the nicer restaurants in the area we figured we couldn't go wrong. When we walked in it was 5-10 minutes before any type of host showed up at the front to ask us if we had a reservation. We'd also like to make note that the tables (at least the few near us) are positioned very close together, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. After we were seated it took 15-20 minutes before the waiter even approached our table. The cocktails were good, but a little overpriced for their size. For appetizers, the calamari was delicious, but the shrimp stuffed with crab meat were very, very small. It was at this point the waiter was leaving our drinks empty for 20 minutes at a time before he came back to refill them. At first we contributed this to the the place being severely understaffed (which it was), but he had no problem catering to the elderly people at the nearby tables, bringing out free ice creams for birthdays and anniversaries. After the salad came, we waited around for a half an hour, again without seeing our waiter. Our father went to the front of the restaurant to ask when the food would come and if we could get drink refills, but the owner was nowhere to be found for another five minutes. When the food came out the twice baked potatoes were cold and the tops were hard. The two $37 dollar Captain's Seafood Plate (lobster, scallops, shrimp) were awful. The lobster had a funny taste (old?), the scallops were tasteless, the shrimp tasteless. Not to mention all three were cold. The filet and salmon dish was not much better. The filet was not as tender as filets should be, but at least it was still relatively hot, the salmon was tasteless and cold. The filet and crab cake dish was also not very good. The crab cake was much smaller than expected, kind of stringy, and luke warm. Again our father went up to the owner, this time to complain that everyone's food was cold. The owner stated that "No one else had complained about cold food," as if that was a good enough excuse. At this point, our entrees half eaten, we just asked for the check. The owner did take one of the Captain's Seafood Plates off our bill. But with a $200 bill +tip we were severely disappointed with the quality of both the food and the service. We will not be going back.
(1)Juliana R.
Love the old nautical decor! I still have never ate here but my first time was for drinks in the bar and I just loved it! The drinks were delicious and very well mixed! The staff here was so friendly and very personable! My bf's father is a regular here and I can't wait to go back for some more hangouts!
(5)George G.
What can I say this place is my favorite for seafood. The Lobster is my fresh, cooked to perfection. Friendly staff as well!! Looking forward to next time.
(5)Donald A.
There seems to be a trend. I'm another longtime patron of Dover Straits that feels it has nose-dived into a really bad restaurant. The short form; seated us 45 min's late, really bad service, had to send back the Lobster because of being overcooked & bland, the replacement Shrimp were no better & of course no one came by to extend apologies for the bad food. I'M DONE!
(1)Sean H.
I came here with two family members, after almost 10 years of passing by it and never going. I'm not a gigantic fan of seafood, but as far as my dad was acting this place is pretty decent. However, it's ridiculously expensive!...at least for me. But you're supposed to expect that for quality seafood, or something. Definitely not a place you should frequent often, unless you're just bleeding money. I had some kind of fish with a very long name. It had some sort of lobster sauce on it, which I assume must have tasted like lobster, and was stuffed with crab meat. I enjoyed it more than other seafood that I have had before. At the end of the meal, the waiter gave us a free scoop of ice cream. That was a nice little thing. They give you free bread and butter - standard fare. Water in fancy glasses. It's a very date-ish ambiance. The waiters were extremely friendly, although their insistence on calling me "bud" got a bit annoying. They also have a traveling salad bar, with a reasonably diverse choice of veggies and dressings. Expect to pay around $25 per person here (unless someone orders one of the very expensive dishes), more if you're ordering alcohol or dessert. Come here for special occasions. Probably an "entry-level" fine dining experience here.
(4)Heather P.
The food here is good, but that's about it. Maybe it's just me, but when I'm shelling out big bucks for a seafood dinner I like the environment to be enjoyable. The interior is supposed to be decorated in a nautical/boat theme, but it just looks cheesy and in my opinion it drops the rating on this restaurant. The bar is really dark, but on the other hand the dining room is super bright as if the lighting is florescent. Another thing to note would be the median age of the diners here. I'd guess we were the only patrons under the age of 55. I know this restaurant has been here a long time so I got the sense that it was filled with regulars and the owner or manager (not sure who he was) was shaking customers' hands and asking about their families. So that's a nice touch. I also enjoyed the spun salad done at the table from the salad cart. I can't knock the food; all of it was fresh and tasty. The decor on the other hand, could use a bit of an update.
(3)Frank N.
Went here with a bigger group and they accommodated us with no problem. The staff has always been more than pleasant and attentive. I ordered the Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. It was brought to me in a nice old kettle with a ladle and a side bowl for the shells. The soup was nice and the broth was on the peppery side (Which I like). The scallops were perfect as were the mussels and clams. The shrimp and lobster may have poached a little long in the hot broth but were still tasty. The ambiance is very pleasant inside although the decor could use an update. The place seemed a little too much like a 70's night club and the live band specialized in that music. It was still neat and a nice throwback. Everyone else enjoyed their fish (Tilapia, Flounder, Whitefish). I will be back to try the Atlantic Flounder Wellington as it sounded great.
(4)Kris L.
whaaaa?? how does this place not have more stars??! I moved into the area fairly recently, and I absolutely love seafood, so as soon as I saw this restaurant, i just knew i had to try it. Seeing the parking lot filled with cars, I was really worried we'd have to wait a long time, but they took us right away. This might be because this place is seriously MASSIVELY huge! They've winded us through many different aisles and rooms - it's easy to get lost! Some people thought the decor was cheesy..... and yes it is haha but i love it! feels like you're on a cheesy cruise line haha I've gone here two times now, and both times the food was fantastic. I had the maryland soft shell crabs the first time, then the maine lobster the 2nd time. the maine lobster was so huge and had a ton of yummy meat in it. The waitress was so nice too because I was having a very hard time cracking it (because I didn't know how to go about it) - she came over and pretty much did it for me! They also have a pretty good dessert list to choose from. But surprisingly, the thing I love most about this place is their salad!! Someone comes out and makes your salad for you in front of you - you get to choose what you want to put on it (ie: carrots, olives, crutons, etc). And then they have a good choice of salad dressings. I am not sure if their salad dressings are homemade, but it sure tastes like it! Ive had the creamy italian and the creamy garlic - both were sooooo yummy! My Dad still talks about it every time i see him :) The prices are also pretty reasonable for seafood in my opinion - and they have specials every month. I also like that they have more stuff on their menus as well - such as pastas and steaks. At 8pm they have a live band coming it too - we've never been there for it, but I do want to check it out sometime. I think this place is definitely worth a try if you're in the area!
(4)Natasha B.
Dovers straight is a great place for dinner with very fresh food and we are never disappointed! My boyfriend and I normally come here when we are in the mood for some delicious seafood! We've been here a handful of time and every time we come, I swear the food tastes better. Last time we decided to go for appetizers and drinks. We had shrimp de jonghe, baked clams, and calamari. Everything was so good and the staff was very friendly! Calamari is fresh and never chewy like some places. Bake clams are BIG and have this very good breading on them. And my favorite is the shrimp de jonghe, which comes baked in garlic bread crumbs - yummm!!
(5)Magdaline V.
Consistantly good. The early bird dinners are amazing!
(5)Mike L.
Well I have never had a bad meal here in the 5-6 times I have visited. They serve fresh seafood in many classic ways, usually with some cream sauce, and it is always tasty. The menu is fairly large and they offer a specialty menu, but if you are looking for the latest creations in the food world this is not the place for you. However the price and portions are very good and they usually offer coupons in the phone book and the Entertainment books. Service has always been prompt and courteous. A good family restaurant.
(4)Andrew K.
Love it! Great food and love the old fashioned decor.
(5)Harvey J.
Normally we visit this restaurant every month, and have never been disappointed. The owners greet you by name and are very cordial. The service has always been excellent, and the food has always been both consistent and properly prepared.
(5)Marissa B.
Not quite perfect, but probably some of the best seafood you will find in the burbs. Like some other reviewers said, the value is where it's at. You can't get seafood for this price without going to Red Lobster. And they ship their load in daily, so it's quality. We've had some ups and downs coming here. I usually love the salad bar (it's shaped like a boat, and they bring it to YOU and make it at the table) but I had one experience with way too much dressing. We have had some minor service snafus, and usually the crowd is older (REAL old) but it's a fun little place.
(4)Lee C.
Geriatric gastronightmare. Stomach cramps and the shits; I think never again.
(1)Scott G.
When i was last here there was a drunk man at the bar who should have been kicked out.The place is old dirty and food was just ok and over priced. I will never go back.
(1)Y V.
This is an old school seafood restaurant that has a great selection of fish and shellfish dishes. Everything, from the appetizers, salads, and pasta, have seafood in them. The Captain's Platter appetizer is great for sharing, with oysters rockefeller, baked clams, and calamari. One of my favorite dishes was the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. The shrimp are stuffed with crabmeat and cheese, then breaded and fried. And you can't go wrong with the Shrimp De Jonghe, which is a simple dish of shrimp sauteed with garlic butter and topped with bread crumbs. I've gotten both dishes and they're excellent choices. The sea-theme of the restaurant is a bit cheesy, but that's just part of the charm. You'll see old timers hanging out at the bar listening to the live band. There are also huge aquariums for the kids to check out while waiting in line.
(4)Rusty S.
Talk about a place that's been stuck in the 70's for a really long time!!! The food is standard with nothing spectacular. Gotta love the rolling salad bar. Karaoke night is something that should be avoided at all costs. There's really nothing that would compel me to comeback.
(3)chris f.
Have been to Dover Straits many times over the years and the last time was on Christmas Eve. Food was excellent. We were a group of 10 and everyone was pleased. My filet was large and cooked just right, as ordered. The sauteed shrimp was also very tasty with large shrimp. If you want good seafood in the northern suburbs, this is a good choice. Decor & menu are still exactly the same as 15 years ago, ugh....So the regulars are from the older crowd (my 84 year old father in laws favorite place).....so we don't eat here often but when we do the food is good.
(4)Precious B.
My son's father took me here for his birthday and the setting was nice, it was a more mature crowd as in elders but that didn't stop us from having fun...I had the jumbo shrimp platter and honestly it was the best jumbo shrimp platter I ever had, perfect crispy breaded coating which had a nice crunch. I also enjoyed the fresh salad plate but I wish they had more dressing choices like Ceasar...overall my experience there was ok
(3)Ben W.
Very fine seafood restaurant. It's hard find seafood restaurant in the suburbs. This is a must-go if you love seafood. They have amazing salad selections, they push a cart so you can pick your combination of vegetalble, dressing, kinda of like Chinese Dim Sum. Seafood dish is alwasy well presented and cooked. I am always pleased. They also had live band on certain nights, call before you go to find out the schedules. Price is reasonable, they also run coupons locally.
(5)Rob S.
Dover Straits reminds me of a cruise. We went on a night that a band was playing live. The entertainment and food was nice, although I wasn't a big fan of the band. The food is okay. I got lobster bisque and a 1.5lb Maine Lobster. My girlfriend got scallops and french onion soup. The lobster bisque lacked pieces of lobster and was simply broth- I like my bisque with some pieces of lobster or crab in it. The french onion was good but had a bit of a garlicky flavor that I was not a huge fan of. My lobster was great- but with lobster, boiled lobster is boiled lobster, is boiled lobster- its good anywhere as long as its fresh which it was. My girlfriends scallops were covered in a sauce which made them too heavy. I find that with scallops, less is more. The needed more of a sear and less sauce. Salad cart is a nice touch to the meal but I had no idea what my options were and just settled for the easy "everything". Maybe options on the menu might make it easier to know whats coming when the cart comes. Service was really good though! Decor is a bit dated and corny but fitting at the same time. Good place for sea food but didn't blow me away.
(3)J F.
I've been there twice, the first time we had Javier as a server and he set the tone for an amazing dining experience! We had fun and he had fun right along with us, the food was fantastic, service was immpeccable ,and I couldn't say enough good things about it. The second time we DIDN'T have Javier, food took forever, lobster was rubbery (I'm guessing from the lights while it Sat waiting to be brought out) the server never asked what we wanted for a side, she didn't bring a plate for the shells, she was TERRIBLE!! We wound up slipping the busboy a few bucks for trying to make up for her forgetfulness. I'm sure we'll go at least once more, just to see if we can at least have a middle of the road experience,and we'll definitely request Javier. Prices were what we expected. And honestly, I could care LESS how old the people were that we're seated around us. (Really, why was that even brought up in a food review?) I'd have given this 5 stars if I'd done this after the first visit, it was that good, but the second visit toned it down quite a bit.
(3)Steve G.
oysters on half shell awesome... had a prime rib was pretty good would definitely get it again drinks are reasonably priced definitely worth a try
(4)Joseph P.
Well, this place is really coming back! Sure, the decor is aging, but it has the classic feel of a community tradition. Most important, the service has improved measurably since our last visit, and the food remains first class. On a Friday night, the dining room was only moderately busy while the lounge was nearly full. Since we were there to eat dinner and not troll for single seniors, this was good. We ordered the Salmon and the Walleye from the specials menu. Both came with an appropriate sauce and vegetable sides. Choose the "sliced potato" option - it is simply great - far better than it sounds. The salad cart still roams the room, so you can have a no-lettuce salad if you wish (or must avoid lettuce as one of us must). Try the anchovy dressing for a special treat. Service was classic - the waiter and the busboys combine to keep things always perfect - water filled, plates cleared, etc. The host is still warm and efficient, as he always has been. Sure, its a bit old fashoned, but it has class - something you never can say about Joe's Crab Shack & the like.
(5)Adele S.
Nothing has changed, fish is still great, if a bit uninspired. Seems like the specials never change, and still no twice-baked. My daughter was going to have the soft shell crabs until I told her you eat the whole thing, legs, body, everything...then she gave me a look and decided on the salmon en croute by default, which she ended up hating. You just can't satisfy that kid. Everything was alright until dessert. Everything went down hill around that time. The key lime pie was tasty but the piece of grit I crunched on at the end kind of spoiled it. No idea what it was but it felt like sand. Uck. I didn't think the chocolate/creme anglais design on the plate was the appropriate flavor combination...maybe a berry puree would've been better...chocolate and lime is just nasty. Let's see, what else? Oh, the decaf coffee I requested turned out to be high-octane and I finally fell asleep around 3 am. And I waited at least fifteen minutes for the check. My party was waiting in the car and I was still sitting at a table for five, alone. The best thing about this place is the puffer fish in the tank up front...it's adorable, looks like it's smiling at you. But that's not enough to get me back here for quite a while.
(3)Fred F.
I have lived in Mundelein for over 20 years and refuse to go to this restaurant anymore. Had two bad experiences here where we had reservations during the Christmas holidays, ended up waiting 45 minutes each time and just left the place. Restaurant caters to the older crowd and looks like it hasn't been updated in over 30 years. Food is so so and I'd rather pay a little extra and get really quality food at Bob Chins in Wheeling. The Hoffman Estates restaurant is also over rated.
(1)Linda D.
This is a fine dining seafood restaurant for the discerning seafood lover. I have never had fresher, tastier fish anywhere, including Florida. The clams and oysters can be ordered many different ways, but I usually ask for raw because they're that fresh. I've been here for lunch as well as dinner and have never been disappointed. The broiled tilapia was served with a creamy sauce that was out of this world. Blackened fish is never overly spicey and broiled never bland. Whenever I'm in the mood for seafood, I will gladly pay the few extra dollars and come here. I can't say enough about Dover Straits.....it's that good.
(5)Johnny B.
Started going to Dover Straits as a watering hole back in '79-'81 when I worked nearby. Ate there quite a few times too. Great at the time. Well time has not diminished Dover Straits. Of course, met a new lady and she joined me for dinner. Made a reservation but had to wait a few minutes to be seated. This evening you did not have to make a reservation as people were coming in and asking how long a wait. The Maitre D said 15-20 minutes. We were seated and as we walked to our table, I saw that the place was packed. But it was a Sat night. Ordered an Iced Cold Beverage and munched on the great bread. Culled through the menu and I already knew what I was here for, Mediterranean Pasta. My lady ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Fettucine. Each of us also ordered the New England Chawwwddduuuurrr. The chowder came and went quickly. Had some Clams in it. It had to be made in house as the potatoes were hand cut. Uneven sizes. The potatoes were not a filler. Just the right proportion of Pot, clams, and great base. Chatting away, the Salad Boat drifted over to our table. Great idea. Pick your poison. Sorry, just a saying. It was great. I had the Ranch and it hit the spot. My lady asked for the Italian and she enjoyed it. The entrees arrived. Both were NOT just pasta. The shrimp had to be 8-12. For all you unfoodies, due to varying weights of shellfish, the size indicates an approximation of how many per pound. The lower the number, the larger the individual shrimp. They did not skimp on the shrimp either! My Mediterranean had 4-5 shrimp, 3 huge scallops, and an ample mix of clams, mussels and squid. I love Calamar (squid). The broth was great and different. It was a bit on the sweet side. I did not ask, but is a sweet wine could have been added to the broth. We both needed a box for a take home! The only flaw (??) was that the service was not up to me giving them a 5 Star rating.It was not bad, but I needed to ask the waiter for a few things. The prices are appropro for a "white tablecloth" restaturant. The quality and quantity of the dinner is worth it. Johnny will return.
(4)Kim K.
Expensive and Not good. Had the alfredo. Applebee's much better. Hubby had fish cod sandwich, comparable to Culvers. Bread is bread. butter is butter. Nothing more.
(2)Erin J.
My parents live out here and have been eating at this restaurant for over 10 years. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is definitely stuck in the 70s. The staff is always really nice and friendly. The food is just okay. Standard. A lot of entrees I have had are over-salted and lack the sophistication you would expect of the price tags. I will probably eat here again because my parents love it, but it would never be my first choice.
(2)Larry H.
Dover Straits: there are at least 2 jokes I could make about the name. But I'm going to try something different (and I guess more mature?) for this review. Dover Straits has existed for as long as I can remember, though for as long as I can remember, I've never been there. For our seafood needs we always went to Bob Chinns for whatever reason. Well recently we decided to go on a weekday and see how this place has withstood the test of time. In one way, going to DS is like taking a time machine. The decor is very 70's or something, the service is old fashioned, and even the menu items are mostly classic preparations. This is the kind of place where I would not be surprised to find a vending machine with the pull rods that sells cigarettes... you know what I mean? In another, less charming way, DS is like taking a time machine because on our visit the service was pretty slow. Our waiter (I think there was only one for the whole place) was slightly occupied with a larger group so that hurt us. Long wait for our order to be taken, longish waits for appetizer/salad/main course/getting of check. I basically lost all concept of time and decomposed a little bit. Once we left the place, I half expected to discover that society had been destroyed and that monkeys had taken over. Lucky for me us homos were still in control, and the simians were still in zoos or about to go extinct. Also lucky for me I had a lovely dining companion so the wait was more tolerable. Onto the food. First let me say I am not a seafood person, I'm a landlubber. A glance of the menu showed the stars of this place are the king crab legs or the lobster tail. Aside from that there wasn't a lot of seafood selection, just some other fish preparations and various surf/turf combos. Perhaps Chinns has spoiled me but I'm used to seeing at least 4 different species of crab for me not to order. Though I didn't have any I'm told the crab legs were pretty good. I got a strip steak and crab cake combo thing. Most meals come with salad, which is a boat shaped cart they wheel to your table, and you can pick what goes into your salad. Bonus points for having creamy garlic dressing, but minus points for wet lettuce which prevented the dressing to stick to the greens (there was a small pool of water/dressing at the end). The steak was pretty good, I ordered med rare and it was closer to med, but whatever. The crab cake was also fairly strong, for a crab cake. I had requested a baked potato but when the meal came they said they were out. I wish they would have told me earlier. I got the roasted potatoes instead and they were actually quite good. Being the penny pincher I am, I used a coupon to deduct some of the balance and I'm glad I did. The price, even with discount, was on the high end of what I would have been willing to pay... without the discount I would have felt fairly fleeced. So in conclusion, Dover Straits is an old school kinda place that has a very specific charm to it, and as a result is a mixed bag. The clientele of the place is fairly older and seems like there are lots of regulars that go to the bar area. Good for them. As for me and my house, I'm fairly confident we will continue to go to Chinn's for our seafood needs and visit Dover Straits only when we feel the need to check out some awesome fish tanks (seriously their aquariums are pretty cool and nowadays most places don't have them... another sign of the times I guess).
(3)Aquamagik S.
No,no,no...... My husband and I went there on a Saturday after not visiting this restaurant for many years. The parking lot was full....and a wait list. Good sign right? Wrong. We ordered the lobster tail....at $32 each. When the waitress brought our dinners to the table the tails were- and I promise you- just slightly larger than a deck of cards!!!! For $32!!!!!! When thinking back, we realized that they did not indicate the size/ounces of the lobster tail on the menu....which could be interpreted as deceptive....make your own decision. Not going back. Perhaps there are other selections are the menu-which from my memory used to be a large, padded book type menu and now is a laminated one-sided sort, but we will not be taking the chance.
(1)Chet M.
Awesome early bird and daily specials. The white sea bass filet special was so good and resonably priced, we ordered 2 for the "halibut!" Okay, so the food is not perfect and I've had better seafood elsewhere. But the service is very friendly, dining room has more fish tanks than some pet stores, bathrooms nicely appointed. I think they got Bob Chinn's beat when it comes to value. I dare you to find a seafood lunch or dinner in a 10 mile radius that comes with bread, clam chowder, salad, and ice cream for under $15.00.
(4)George M.
Great friendly aquatic atmosphere... The owners are always present and the food is delicious especially the lobster. Lunch specials are reasonably priced and the bar area is my favorite.
(5)Jack D.
The food was good, however the service was subpar. The atmosphere is decent, but nothing impressive. Would not strongly recommend...
(3)Lana B.
As long as you go on the night when their regular band is playing, you'll have a good time. Always get warm service from Marciel, the bartender. I order captain platter at the bar, Merlot, and enjoy the good company. This place is good, when you don't feel like driving to the city, and all you want to do, is relax after a busy week.
(5)Michael F.
From service to quality food and a fun environment, Dover Straits is as good as seafood dining gets!!! The 'Surf & Turf' is second to none and the portions are HUGE! You're going to love the "Salad Boats" for freshness and presentation! I've enjoyed romantic dates, family dinners and business functions with nothing but great experiences had! The owner, Bill, is a true professional and the entire staff is very experienced! For a special treat, stop by the bar and enjoy some first class service from Marcial the bartender. Great bands, HUGE shrimp cocktails and the freshest seafood NEVER disappoint! Give them a try, today!
(5)Kristi V.
I think it deserves five stars because the service is great the food is the best I ever tasted and what's not to like.by Nate
(5)Krys L.
I'm a huge sea foodie and Dover Straits is really all it's cracked up to be. When dining, it's a hit or miss taking the service, the time, day, and other patrons. The wharf like motif and salad ships is a fun and entertaining touch. The first time going there was next to perfect; the food wasn't so flavorful (ordered one of the specials). The following weekend, the food was ten times better (ordered a different special) yet the service was the bare minimum. I'd go back, but I would need to determine and plan out when it would happen, based on their rush hours and such.
(4)Ken T.
Had dinner Friday night while we like Dover Straits the never followed Thru with my concern with having two soups on Friday both seafood Not considering the fact that many people have allergys to shellfish
(4)Scottie S.
Absolutely the worst place ever!!! Had 6:30 reservation and was not seated until almost a hour later with small children. Then waited another 30+ min just for the waiter to order. Food came out and it was awful. Nobody like any of their meals and for a child and two adults over $75!!!?? Avoid this place at all cost. I'm shocked and how many people were here this is the worst place ever!!
(1)L H.
To make matters worse, joined a friend who's family dined here. I had iced tea Same miserable experience in house as carry out Why, oh why is this disgrace still in business? Disgusting, flavorless and EVERYTHING overcooked to the point of in edible. Blech, blech, double blech.
(1)Dax R.
We rented out the back room for my niece's baptism and nephew's first communion party. The service was mediocre as our party of 40-50 seemed to overwhelm the staff. The fish I ordered was decent -what you should expect from a seafood restaurant. I got the sea bass. Again, it was ok but it seemed like the presentation was something you would get in a cafeteria. The main reason why I did not enjoy it was actually because of my salad and Ice cream. There was a pool of water at the bottom of my plate and the lettuce was brown. Also, my scoop of vanilla ice cream was freezer burnt. Pictures are posted!
(2)Jem H.
Let me start by saying we have been going here as a family for many years, and it's been going slightly downhill each time. We booked a reservation for Mother's Day because this is where my Mother In Law wanted to go. We were seated on time and ordered drinks that were brought out quickly but after that everything want COMPLETELY downhill. Our waitress was a hot mess and clearly overwhelmed, it actually appeared as if she took our table from another waitress's. We skipped appetizers and ordered our main dishes as soon as we could. All of our dishes came with salads and instead of brining the "salad boat" around (one of their unique features on why we decided to go here), they brought us bland iceburg salads and told us they were out of tomatoes and cucumbers. We continued to wait and wait, probably 1 hour for our food. When she reappeared, the waitress had had another table with cold/overcooked food issues and they had asked for a refund. She was literally crying in the middle of the restaurant and over shared with us that a stranger gave her a hug in the bathroom. At some point another waitress was smacked with the kitchen door and was crying as well. (Both were 50+ adults.) Our waitress had disappeared again. By the time we had gotten our food it was cold. My In-Laws both had gotten the Lobster and they were MAYBE 4 ounces, extremely over cooked/chewy, over spiced, plated terribly, and my MIL couldn't even finish half of it... for $44 each! The sauce that came with my Sautéed "Jumbo" Shrimp was splashed all over the plate/rim with splatter marks and were medium sized shrimp at best. The veggie was just broiled carrot slices that had been cooked in water and oil, no other seasonings. The "wild rice" that was supposed to come with my meal was a white rice pilaf instead. By the time our waitress reappeared again it was 9pm and we asked for the check. She asked how our meal was and we tried to be honest with her so she insisted we bring dessert home even though we didn't want any- we just wanted to go home and to bed. When we got the check, it was for $190 and nothing was taken off our bill. My In-Laws were so fed up they paid the bill and we left it at that. So sad to see this place go so terribly downhill this quick, we will never be back. I posted this on Google's review page as well... I don't understand how they have such good reviews?
(1)Vanessa M.
great sea food. great staff. franky was always our server since i was in elementary school 19 years ago. bill is very kind and sweet. great family owned place. i highly reccomend the stuffed shrimp and the salad bar.
(5)James B.
Very expensive. The current $$ rating is nonsense. The average menu item is $23, add drink tax and tip and it goes to $35. That's in the $$$ range.
(2)Susan S.
Went here for my daughters grad a while ago. Decent appetizers, excellent clam chowder.we where the only ones in there and the service was extremely slow. Needs a face lift same decorations probably since day one. Still looking for some good seafood that's not a fortune . Heard Allgauers has a lobster buffet for $50.00 on Fridays .
(3)Jennifer W.
Think 70's throwback upon entry. The salad was OK but my steak and lobster not so much. I would say this is a very pricey place with mediocre food at best. I'm still not sure how they are always so busy.
(2)Adam D.
Visited Dover Straits for a birthday dinner with my wife, the décor was unique, thought I was in the bottom of the ocean or at the very least somewhere far from the world. The food especially the lobster was to die for. Great food and service along with atmosphere made us stay longer and have dessert. We will be back soon.
(5)Carol L.
Never had a bad meal here. The oysters on the half shell are huge and fresh as if they were just picked from the ocean. Try to go prior to 6 pm for their early bird specials. I don't really have anything negative to say! The service is wonderful and all the staff are friendly.
(5)George G.
What can I say this place is my favorite for seafood. The Lobster is my fresh, cooked to perfection. Friendly staff as well!! Looking forward to next time.
(5)Donald A.
There seems to be a trend. I'm another longtime patron of Dover Straits that feels it has nose-dived into a really bad restaurant. The short form; seated us 45 min's late, really bad service, had to send back the Lobster because of being overcooked & bland, the replacement Shrimp were no better & of course no one came by to extend apologies for the bad food. I'M DONE!
(1)LLIAT E.
This was our first....and last time at this "restaurant". We arrived at 6:02 and were told we were still welcomed to order off the early bird menu right as we were seated. The waitress came by introduced herself and asked to take our drink order and also recommended the seafood sampler for an appetizer... we asked what was on it she said she was not sure (why r u recommending it if u don't know what's on it????) we were her 2nd table (like ever...the table next to us was her first) so she grabbed the menu and just read off some shrimp some calamari some scallops and a fish. That all pieces are blackened with spices and sautéed. We asked what kind of fish and she had to go into the kitchen to ask..... Once it arrived the dish had 1 shrimp, 1 scallop, 6 rings of calamari and a poor excuse of a white fish cut into 4 sad pieces. The dish was disgusting.... over seasoned to cover how old the seafood was.... dry as a desert..... cold.... just gross. Hubby and I didn't eat it....our 6 and 7 year old picked on the calamari. The salad made tableside was decent....nothing special, but I don't see the point of it...nothing fancy, not spun, just vegetables and dressing....can easily b brought from the kitchen and nothing would b lost. 2 soups were offered....calm chowder and lobster bisque...I opted for the lobster which was on the sweeter side but at least this was eadible. My hubby ordered the dover sole....I ordered the swordfish....my 7 year old ordered jumbo fried shrimp and my 6 year old ordered a cheeseburger off the kids menu. When the dover sole was brought out, it was bland and overcooked..... we were told it comes with wild rice....which in fact was just a white rice pilaf. My swordfish came out on a bed of steamed spinach...looked absolutely gorgeous....I took one bite and immediately was unhappy. Tasted as though it had been frozen even though we were told nothing us frozen except the dover sole which is shipped frozen and then held on ice at the restaurant........spinach was bland and just all around a big disappointment. The cheeseburger and fried shrimp were a hit at least with my kids.... we skipped the ice cream that came with the entrees and just wanted to get home. They ended up taking the swordfish off the bill as the waitress saw I didn't eat any of it...it really was bad. We ended up paying $70 for 2 adults and 2 children plus the tip. A total waste of money. We will NEVER return to this horrible excuse for a seafood restaurant.....EVER! At least I had soup and salad for dinner.....better than nothing
(1)Harvey J.
Normally we visit this restaurant every month, and have never been disappointed. The owners greet you by name and are very cordial. The service has always been excellent, and the food has always been both consistent and properly prepared.
(5)Marissa B.
Not quite perfect, but probably some of the best seafood you will find in the burbs. Like some other reviewers said, the value is where it's at. You can't get seafood for this price without going to Red Lobster. And they ship their load in daily, so it's quality. We've had some ups and downs coming here. I usually love the salad bar (it's shaped like a boat, and they bring it to YOU and make it at the table) but I had one experience with way too much dressing. We have had some minor service snafus, and usually the crowd is older (REAL old) but it's a fun little place.
(4)Lee C.
Geriatric gastronightmare. Stomach cramps and the shits; I think never again.
(1)Scott G.
When i was last here there was a drunk man at the bar who should have been kicked out.The place is old dirty and food was just ok and over priced. I will never go back.
(1)Steven M.
Wow, this place is way overrated here on Yelp (kind of common here on Yelp for Lake County eateries). I went to Dover Straits on the basis of the 4 star rating and the dearth of decent dining options in Lake Country, but was very disappointed. We were given a very friendly greeting upon arrival and we were promptly seated. I won't belabor the decor, clearly it's in need of an update, but it's not that big of a deal. The food, however is just not that great. Started with some apps, my GF had fried calamari that was pretty boring with a bland dipping sauce. I tried a blackened seafood appetizer and it was blander than bland. It wasn't even really blackened, it looked like some ready-made "cajun" colored seasoning was sprinkled on the fish and then broiled. No taste at all and no color whatsoever which is kind of the opposite of a blackened dish. We then tried some salads with an oil and "balsamic" dressing. The "basalmic" was actually red wine vinegar. Yuck. Appropriate that the salad was served out of a boat christened the Titantic. Finally we split the Dover Sole, which is supposed to be their signature dish. Yes the presentation was sort of nice with the server competently deboning it tableside, but the flavor was bo-ring. Again, blander than bland. Pretty weak especially at $34 per. Thankfully, we had a $25 off coupon otherwise I would have been fuming on the drive home. This place is fairly spendy and the only thing nice I can say about the food is that it is edible. Not recommended at all.
(2)Alexandra T.
You're kidding, right? I had completely inedible food here. This was one of the worst meals I have ever had. Lobster was inedible and drowned in sauce. Scallops were bitter and drowned in sauce. Potato was sad and drowned in sorrow. The only thing I enjoyed was the giant salad cart boat, but I would rather look at it than eat off of it.
(1)Johnny B.
Started going to Dover Straits as a watering hole back in '79-'81 when I worked nearby. Ate there quite a few times too. Great at the time. Well time has not diminished Dover Straits. Of course, met a new lady and she joined me for dinner. Made a reservation but had to wait a few minutes to be seated. This evening you did not have to make a reservation as people were coming in and asking how long a wait. The Maitre D said 15-20 minutes. We were seated and as we walked to our table, I saw that the place was packed. But it was a Sat night. Ordered an Iced Cold Beverage and munched on the great bread. Culled through the menu and I already knew what I was here for, Mediterranean Pasta. My lady ordered the Jumbo Shrimp Fettucine. Each of us also ordered the New England Chawwwddduuuurrr. The chowder came and went quickly. Had some Clams in it. It had to be made in house as the potatoes were hand cut. Uneven sizes. The potatoes were not a filler. Just the right proportion of Pot, clams, and great base. Chatting away, the Salad Boat drifted over to our table. Great idea. Pick your poison. Sorry, just a saying. It was great. I had the Ranch and it hit the spot. My lady asked for the Italian and she enjoyed it. The entrees arrived. Both were NOT just pasta. The shrimp had to be 8-12. For all you unfoodies, due to varying weights of shellfish, the size indicates an approximation of how many per pound. The lower the number, the larger the individual shrimp. They did not skimp on the shrimp either! My Mediterranean had 4-5 shrimp, 3 huge scallops, and an ample mix of clams, mussels and squid. I love Calamar (squid). The broth was great and different. It was a bit on the sweet side. I did not ask, but is a sweet wine could have been added to the broth. We both needed a box for a take home! The only flaw (??) was that the service was not up to me giving them a 5 Star rating.It was not bad, but I needed to ask the waiter for a few things. The prices are appropro for a "white tablecloth" restaturant. The quality and quantity of the dinner is worth it. Johnny will return.
(4)David N.
We went to Dover Straits this past Saturday night and its still great for sea food. Service and staff very friendly, we had 8 pm reservations and even though they were very crowded we only had to wait 10 minutes for our seats. In the mean time we got to enjoy the two 175 gallon salt water aquariums they have. The band they had was also very good, nice size dance floor with lots of people dancing. As far as the meal, very good, my wife had the lobster special and I had one of my favorites, bouillabaisse which is hard to find. We will be back soon!
(4)Tennille T.
This place sucks. When I walked in I thought I was walking into a retirement home...the place had nothing but elderly patrons! I felt completely out of my time zone. The food was fresh, but I've had sooo much better.
(1)Elizabeth M.
I went with my friend and two others for her birthday. It was three of ours first time here. The food was very bland. The food took forever to come ! I never waited so long for entree even in busier restaurants! The appetizer was a sampler and it was so small! I was surprised! I mean seriously ?? Is this just for one person?? The salad was served table side and they pull a salad boat.. which is unprofessional and god knows how old the dressings was or the ingredients why are you not on kitchen nightmares!!! he asked if I wanted bacon bits; i swear he threw a whole can in there or something , it was def artificial. Nothing was worth the money. They have a band playing and apparently 80's music lol it was a bunch of old folks dancing omg I thought I was at a retirement home ! They cover the dishes with silver cover before serving. It was odd. I thought I literally was at a hospital. I will never come back . My other friends also agreed. My friend didn't want to send her food back since it already took forever to come out! And nothing was worth the wait! They brought out my friend key lime pie for her dessert birthday lol I tasted better key lime pie at bakers square! Lol this place is a joke! I don't understand these positive reviews lol u must not know how real food taste like! It should be on kitchen nightmares or restaurant impossible! I'm surprised it isn't ! A total waste of money ! I don't care whAt occasion it is. I'm not going back! Save yourselves people!
(1)Adele S.
Nothing has changed, fish is still great, if a bit uninspired. Seems like the specials never change, and still no twice-baked. My daughter was going to have the soft shell crabs until I told her you eat the whole thing, legs, body, everything...then she gave me a look and decided on the salmon en croute by default, which she ended up hating. You just can't satisfy that kid. Everything was alright until dessert. Everything went down hill around that time. The key lime pie was tasty but the piece of grit I crunched on at the end kind of spoiled it. No idea what it was but it felt like sand. Uck. I didn't think the chocolate/creme anglais design on the plate was the appropriate flavor combination...maybe a berry puree would've been better...chocolate and lime is just nasty. Let's see, what else? Oh, the decaf coffee I requested turned out to be high-octane and I finally fell asleep around 3 am. And I waited at least fifteen minutes for the check. My party was waiting in the car and I was still sitting at a table for five, alone. The best thing about this place is the puffer fish in the tank up front...it's adorable, looks like it's smiling at you. But that's not enough to get me back here for quite a while.
(3)Fred F.
I have lived in Mundelein for over 20 years and refuse to go to this restaurant anymore. Had two bad experiences here where we had reservations during the Christmas holidays, ended up waiting 45 minutes each time and just left the place. Restaurant caters to the older crowd and looks like it hasn't been updated in over 30 years. Food is so so and I'd rather pay a little extra and get really quality food at Bob Chins in Wheeling. The Hoffman Estates restaurant is also over rated.
(1)Linda D.
This is a fine dining seafood restaurant for the discerning seafood lover. I have never had fresher, tastier fish anywhere, including Florida. The clams and oysters can be ordered many different ways, but I usually ask for raw because they're that fresh. I've been here for lunch as well as dinner and have never been disappointed. The broiled tilapia was served with a creamy sauce that was out of this world. Blackened fish is never overly spicey and broiled never bland. Whenever I'm in the mood for seafood, I will gladly pay the few extra dollars and come here. I can't say enough about Dover Straits.....it's that good.
(5)John F.
Had Dinner here tonight for the first time. We always noticed a busy parking lot so we thought this was worth a look. All I can say is Bland with a capital B, from the bread to the soap in the men's room. Our waitress was nice enough and the staff seemed pleasant, but what a bore for the taste buds. We had The Captains special, and for $25 we thought Lobster, Scallops & Shrimp, Twice baked potato and salad, wow, nice deal...wrong! Bread, light lemon taste, salad, the most tasteless Italian dressing , Lobster, tasteless, Scallops, bland, Shrimp, not bad but come on, it's shrimp, but honestly, I don't know how they did it, they screwed up Twice baked potatoes, after all they had two chances to get it right. Our waitress asked us if we wanted something from the sweet treat menu, I almost blurted out...will we taste the sweet? If you want to relax your taste buds, this is the place!
(2)Steve A.
Great seafood fairly priced. The owners are always cordial.
(4)Kris L.
whaaaa?? how does this place not have more stars??! I moved into the area fairly recently, and I absolutely love seafood, so as soon as I saw this restaurant, i just knew i had to try it. Seeing the parking lot filled with cars, I was really worried we'd have to wait a long time, but they took us right away. This might be because this place is seriously MASSIVELY huge! They've winded us through many different aisles and rooms - it's easy to get lost! Some people thought the decor was cheesy..... and yes it is haha but i love it! feels like you're on a cheesy cruise line haha I've gone here two times now, and both times the food was fantastic. I had the maryland soft shell crabs the first time, then the maine lobster the 2nd time. the maine lobster was so huge and had a ton of yummy meat in it. The waitress was so nice too because I was having a very hard time cracking it (because I didn't know how to go about it) - she came over and pretty much did it for me! They also have a pretty good dessert list to choose from. But surprisingly, the thing I love most about this place is their salad!! Someone comes out and makes your salad for you in front of you - you get to choose what you want to put on it (ie: carrots, olives, crutons, etc). And then they have a good choice of salad dressings. I am not sure if their salad dressings are homemade, but it sure tastes like it! Ive had the creamy italian and the creamy garlic - both were sooooo yummy! My Dad still talks about it every time i see him :) The prices are also pretty reasonable for seafood in my opinion - and they have specials every month. I also like that they have more stuff on their menus as well - such as pastas and steaks. At 8pm they have a live band coming it too - we've never been there for it, but I do want to check it out sometime. I think this place is definitely worth a try if you're in the area!
(4)Natasha B.
Dovers straight is a great place for dinner with very fresh food and we are never disappointed! My boyfriend and I normally come here when we are in the mood for some delicious seafood! We've been here a handful of time and every time we come, I swear the food tastes better. Last time we decided to go for appetizers and drinks. We had shrimp de jonghe, baked clams, and calamari. Everything was so good and the staff was very friendly! Calamari is fresh and never chewy like some places. Bake clams are BIG and have this very good breading on them. And my favorite is the shrimp de jonghe, which comes baked in garlic bread crumbs - yummm!!
(5)Larry H.
Dover Straits: there are at least 2 jokes I could make about the name. But I'm going to try something different (and I guess more mature?) for this review. Dover Straits has existed for as long as I can remember, though for as long as I can remember, I've never been there. For our seafood needs we always went to Bob Chinns for whatever reason. Well recently we decided to go on a weekday and see how this place has withstood the test of time. In one way, going to DS is like taking a time machine. The decor is very 70's or something, the service is old fashioned, and even the menu items are mostly classic preparations. This is the kind of place where I would not be surprised to find a vending machine with the pull rods that sells cigarettes... you know what I mean? In another, less charming way, DS is like taking a time machine because on our visit the service was pretty slow. Our waiter (I think there was only one for the whole place) was slightly occupied with a larger group so that hurt us. Long wait for our order to be taken, longish waits for appetizer/salad/main course/getting of check. I basically lost all concept of time and decomposed a little bit. Once we left the place, I half expected to discover that society had been destroyed and that monkeys had taken over. Lucky for me us homos were still in control, and the simians were still in zoos or about to go extinct. Also lucky for me I had a lovely dining companion so the wait was more tolerable. Onto the food. First let me say I am not a seafood person, I'm a landlubber. A glance of the menu showed the stars of this place are the king crab legs or the lobster tail. Aside from that there wasn't a lot of seafood selection, just some other fish preparations and various surf/turf combos. Perhaps Chinns has spoiled me but I'm used to seeing at least 4 different species of crab for me not to order. Though I didn't have any I'm told the crab legs were pretty good. I got a strip steak and crab cake combo thing. Most meals come with salad, which is a boat shaped cart they wheel to your table, and you can pick what goes into your salad. Bonus points for having creamy garlic dressing, but minus points for wet lettuce which prevented the dressing to stick to the greens (there was a small pool of water/dressing at the end). The steak was pretty good, I ordered med rare and it was closer to med, but whatever. The crab cake was also fairly strong, for a crab cake. I had requested a baked potato but when the meal came they said they were out. I wish they would have told me earlier. I got the roasted potatoes instead and they were actually quite good. Being the penny pincher I am, I used a coupon to deduct some of the balance and I'm glad I did. The price, even with discount, was on the high end of what I would have been willing to pay... without the discount I would have felt fairly fleeced. So in conclusion, Dover Straits is an old school kinda place that has a very specific charm to it, and as a result is a mixed bag. The clientele of the place is fairly older and seems like there are lots of regulars that go to the bar area. Good for them. As for me and my house, I'm fairly confident we will continue to go to Chinn's for our seafood needs and visit Dover Straits only when we feel the need to check out some awesome fish tanks (seriously their aquariums are pretty cool and nowadays most places don't have them... another sign of the times I guess).
(3)Y V.
This is an old school seafood restaurant that has a great selection of fish and shellfish dishes. Everything, from the appetizers, salads, and pasta, have seafood in them. The Captain's Platter appetizer is great for sharing, with oysters rockefeller, baked clams, and calamari. One of my favorite dishes was the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. The shrimp are stuffed with crabmeat and cheese, then breaded and fried. And you can't go wrong with the Shrimp De Jonghe, which is a simple dish of shrimp sauteed with garlic butter and topped with bread crumbs. I've gotten both dishes and they're excellent choices. The sea-theme of the restaurant is a bit cheesy, but that's just part of the charm. You'll see old timers hanging out at the bar listening to the live band. There are also huge aquariums for the kids to check out while waiting in line.
(4)Rusty S.
Talk about a place that's been stuck in the 70's for a really long time!!! The food is standard with nothing spectacular. Gotta love the rolling salad bar. Karaoke night is something that should be avoided at all costs. There's really nothing that would compel me to comeback.
(3)Precious B.
My son's father took me here for his birthday and the setting was nice, it was a more mature crowd as in elders but that didn't stop us from having fun...I had the jumbo shrimp platter and honestly it was the best jumbo shrimp platter I ever had, perfect crispy breaded coating which had a nice crunch. I also enjoyed the fresh salad plate but I wish they had more dressing choices like Ceasar...overall my experience there was ok
(3)Ben W.
Very fine seafood restaurant. It's hard find seafood restaurant in the suburbs. This is a must-go if you love seafood. They have amazing salad selections, they push a cart so you can pick your combination of vegetalble, dressing, kinda of like Chinese Dim Sum. Seafood dish is alwasy well presented and cooked. I am always pleased. They also had live band on certain nights, call before you go to find out the schedules. Price is reasonable, they also run coupons locally.
(5)Rob S.
Dover Straits reminds me of a cruise. We went on a night that a band was playing live. The entertainment and food was nice, although I wasn't a big fan of the band. The food is okay. I got lobster bisque and a 1.5lb Maine Lobster. My girlfriend got scallops and french onion soup. The lobster bisque lacked pieces of lobster and was simply broth- I like my bisque with some pieces of lobster or crab in it. The french onion was good but had a bit of a garlicky flavor that I was not a huge fan of. My lobster was great- but with lobster, boiled lobster is boiled lobster, is boiled lobster- its good anywhere as long as its fresh which it was. My girlfriends scallops were covered in a sauce which made them too heavy. I find that with scallops, less is more. The needed more of a sear and less sauce. Salad cart is a nice touch to the meal but I had no idea what my options were and just settled for the easy "everything". Maybe options on the menu might make it easier to know whats coming when the cart comes. Service was really good though! Decor is a bit dated and corny but fitting at the same time. Good place for sea food but didn't blow me away.
(3)J F.
I've been there twice, the first time we had Javier as a server and he set the tone for an amazing dining experience! We had fun and he had fun right along with us, the food was fantastic, service was immpeccable ,and I couldn't say enough good things about it. The second time we DIDN'T have Javier, food took forever, lobster was rubbery (I'm guessing from the lights while it Sat waiting to be brought out) the server never asked what we wanted for a side, she didn't bring a plate for the shells, she was TERRIBLE!! We wound up slipping the busboy a few bucks for trying to make up for her forgetfulness. I'm sure we'll go at least once more, just to see if we can at least have a middle of the road experience,and we'll definitely request Javier. Prices were what we expected. And honestly, I could care LESS how old the people were that we're seated around us. (Really, why was that even brought up in a food review?) I'd have given this 5 stars if I'd done this after the first visit, it was that good, but the second visit toned it down quite a bit.
(3)Steve G.
oysters on half shell awesome... had a prime rib was pretty good would definitely get it again drinks are reasonably priced definitely worth a try
(4)Joseph P.
Well, this place is really coming back! Sure, the decor is aging, but it has the classic feel of a community tradition. Most important, the service has improved measurably since our last visit, and the food remains first class. On a Friday night, the dining room was only moderately busy while the lounge was nearly full. Since we were there to eat dinner and not troll for single seniors, this was good. We ordered the Salmon and the Walleye from the specials menu. Both came with an appropriate sauce and vegetable sides. Choose the "sliced potato" option - it is simply great - far better than it sounds. The salad cart still roams the room, so you can have a no-lettuce salad if you wish (or must avoid lettuce as one of us must). Try the anchovy dressing for a special treat. Service was classic - the waiter and the busboys combine to keep things always perfect - water filled, plates cleared, etc. The host is still warm and efficient, as he always has been. Sure, its a bit old fashoned, but it has class - something you never can say about Joe's Crab Shack & the like.
(5)Kim K.
Expensive and Not good. Had the alfredo. Applebee's much better. Hubby had fish cod sandwich, comparable to Culvers. Bread is bread. butter is butter. Nothing more.
(2)Erin J.
My parents live out here and have been eating at this restaurant for over 10 years. I agree with a previous reviewer that it is definitely stuck in the 70s. The staff is always really nice and friendly. The food is just okay. Standard. A lot of entrees I have had are over-salted and lack the sophistication you would expect of the price tags. I will probably eat here again because my parents love it, but it would never be my first choice.
(2)Renato P.
Went here with the family for my B-day, place looked nice , a little ocean themed cheesy , but nice. My mom rants and raves about this place so they had a lot to live up to. I'd have to say , to a certain degree they did. We did get a grumpy waitress , so much so that it was the running gag of the table. She kind of reminded me of Amy Pohler from the Tenacious D movie sans the black eye. She did get all the orders right so I wont bust her balls. We ordered Herculean amounts of food so I'll start with the apps: The steamed clams were one of the best I've had , cooked in some garlic white wine concoction , I would drink the broth by itself. The soft shell crab was my second attempt at eating them , was prepared well and tasted good but I'm pretty sure now that I'm not that thrilled with soft shell crab in general. The Oysters Rockefeller was pretty good , I had it better at another place and actually make a pretty good version myself , so it had alot to overcome. The baked clams were good , not standout , but good. I ordered a daily special , Grecian red snapper. it was whole and the waitress had to dissect it when serving and she kind of butchered it. When all was said and done it came with a sauce of olive oil, herbs and lime on the side. I took one bite of the fish plain and it was soo good I forgoed the sauce all together. It was a really good piece o fish . My bros both got the Crab legs and wouldn't shut the hell up about how sweet they were and theorized that they had to put sugar in the water while cooking to produce these succulent legs. I'm sure no sugar was added but I got the impression that they loved the crab. My wife got the fettuchini with shrimp and seemed to like the shrimp but was expecting a cream sauce (whether it was listed on the menu that way or not , I do not know) so she didn't seem to dig it so much. She did eat all the shrimp and didn't say it was bad. My son got the Fillet Mignon and I actually got a piece of it. It was very good , especially for a seafood place. My mother got the Dover sole , she gushed about it , I got a piece and found it perfectly prepared and tremendously boring. I mentioned this to my mom and she practically force fed me a piece with the sauce , it was alot better and tasted pretty good, but isn't really my style. The food was all pretty much on the money , the only reason I hold back the fifth star is because nothing on the menu really popped out and grabbed me. Even at Red Lobster I see at least 2 or 3 menu items that jump out and scream to be ordered. Here I saw a couple of things that sounded pretty good , but were lacking in one way or another. If I was in the mood for crab or fish specifically , this is a great place. I would even go back just for the steamers , but it seems the menu choices and I just don't vibe so well. ... Another family gathering , another trip to DS. I must have been in a better mood this time because the menu seemed just fine this time. I ordered the Ultimate combo , or whatever they called it. It's basically 2 small tails , 2 small pieces of fish (salmon and some firm white fish , probably halibut) 2 enormous scallops and 2 huge broiled shrimp. I loved it. The boy ordered the burger , liked it just fine , looked good. We also ordered the baked clams this time , and enjoyed 2 orders of them. I also tried the clam chowder this time , it was good but not great . The server was much better this time , props to Javier.
(4)Maria M.
Great service, friendly staff and excellent food at a fantastic price point! Everything from the Dover Sole to the Salmon Salad to the Oysters Rockefeller (just to name a few) are just delicious! Have been eating here for years and will continue to come back.
(5)Anna G.
Love this place. Good oysters with a good price! Nice atmosphere with very helpful and attentive stuff.
(5)Billy W.
Went here for New Years Eve with friends. Service was pretty average but the food was really good. They are very attentive. Not a big place for the younger crowd but it's comfortable and the food with worth the price.
(3)Mike A.
Average age of diners here is about 60 and many are in to get the senior discount, early bird special, coupon clippers or their monthly specials (no coupons allowed on those). We must have been the only table without a coupon of some kind. We have eaten here about 4-5 times over the 17yrs we have lived in the area. I recall it being a bit higher quality dining experience, but it was never the "go-to" place for us. My bro-in-law likes this place and it was his pick. The seafood dishes ordered seemed to be ok, but the kids were not fans of their ribs or shrimp choices. The Prime Rib (June Special) ordered medium, was presented "gray". I could not figure out if it was overcooked or just cooked and nuked? I was filling up on the kids' scraps, so I just picked it at and let it be. If I was not here with others, I would have sent it back. The salad boat is a nice touch and my wife always joke about the "pinto beans/gorbanzo beans" being offered and pronounced as one word. Service is good, but décor and food is dated: it seems that this place has not changed its menu or décor in 30 years. Throughout dinner, you are just waiting for Gordon Ramsey to walk in and start his "Kitchen Nightmares" turnaround show. I am sure this place will be around for quite a while and with no other seafood option in the area, will stay busy.
(2)Susan B.
We go here often, and I have yet to have a bad meal. If 'Ruthie' waits on you it's better yet. Their Steaks are wonderful, their crab cakes, escargo, appetizers-sour dough bread, their Fish is out of this world! If there's a problem--They bend over backwards to please you. Traveling salad cart too. Last night Nov 9/ 14 they had a band there, that was fantastic!!!! They sounded like Jay & the Americans and sing like other singers too. It's just all so good!! Now I feel like going again tonight!!
(5)Steve P.
Very good service. Quality of food was less than exceptional. Wife liked the unique approach to salad service via a cart. Ambience circa 1960's and in desperate need of an update. Lobster was tougher than expected.
(3)Jennifer H.
I was taken here for a dinner meeting. I was NOT impressed. the amount.of food and taste didn't add up to the cost and how it compares to competition. I don't know how they stay in business
(2)Eb W.
As posted before, older generation restaurant. I'm 55 years old and was the kid in the restaurant. Also, correct comments on the decor. Very 1970's. Service So-So, watery salad, long wait for meal, the blackened Mahi I ordered, not sure if it was Mahi but it definitely wasn't blackened. I feel bad for the owner. Friendly greeting when you walked in, big thank you and a handshake when I left, but I feel he doesn't read Yelp or he'd make some changes. Maybe he's in the twilight and has just given up. Parking lot is always full. For two adults and a child, I can find much better for $80.00 (...and that's the early bird).
(2)Christine L.
Really a 3.5, I'm not comfortable giving a 4. Made a reservation for a New Year's Eve dinner here since they had advertised on their website having some live entertainment. I had mentioned it to the person when making the reservations, and there may have been a little mix up because I didn't realize we had to be seated near the bar area, and we were seated waaaaay across in the other room where we didn't even know the live music had started. Oh well. Food here was pretty good. I ordered the crab cakes & filet mignon. The prices here are fairly reasonable for seafood, and the food was pretty good. The crab cakes were not too bread-y and a decent size (tiny crab cakes is one of my pet peeves). I had ordered the filet mignon medium, and it came out rare so I had to send it back but they refired it. Service was quite slow, it took a while to get our orders placed and another while to flag down our waitress after I found my steak to be raw. I think they may have been a little overwhelmed with the NYE crowd; it was pretty busy. As people have mentioned the crowd tends to be on the older side. It's a far cry from anything you'd find on the East Coast, but as far as seafood restaurants go, I think I like this one better than say Bob Chinn's or Red Lobster.
(3)Justina L.
We came here NYE looking to spend some time eating and listening to music before the countdown. The food was ok -- it was good, but it's something I won't be craving to eat again. The service on the other had, was ehh. My friend my reservations at 8PM, but we weren't seated until about 8:30. Also, our server seemed a little absent-minded. She took forever to bring over a menu and even longer to take our order. We waited quite awhile for our food, but I guess that makes sense since it was NYE. Another reviewer mentioned that this place was like a retirement home. And yes, we did feel a little out of place, being in our 20s.
(3)J. K.
What a dump, food, clientele and service. Soft shell crab was not fresh. Other fish overcooked. Server had no idea where their fish came from, it seemed no one asked him that question before. Terrible service, super slow as well. Also, very creepy, it's like being in a nursing home without oxygen tanks.
(1)Bill G.
Interesting place to eat! The food was Superb! Very unusual and intriguing inside. We were greeted energetically, and shown to our booth. Hard to understand the waiter who prepared our individual salads, but they were fresh and delicious! The Swordfish was some of the best I've had, and I travel coast to coast for business. My wife enjoyed their Jumbo Shrimp Fettuccini immensely, commenting it was delivered hot and very well prepared. We give it five stars and this may well be the first 5 I have given!
(5)Aquamagik S.
No,no,no...... My husband and I went there on a Saturday after not visiting this restaurant for many years. The parking lot was full....and a wait list. Good sign right? Wrong. We ordered the lobster tail....at $32 each. When the waitress brought our dinners to the table the tails were- and I promise you- just slightly larger than a deck of cards!!!! For $32!!!!!! When thinking back, we realized that they did not indicate the size/ounces of the lobster tail on the menu....which could be interpreted as deceptive....make your own decision. Not going back. Perhaps there are other selections are the menu-which from my memory used to be a large, padded book type menu and now is a laminated one-sided sort, but we will not be taking the chance.
(1)Ryan B.
My family decided to go to Dover Straits for my younger sister's graduation dinner. We had been a few years ago and enjoyed it then, and as it is one of the nicer restaurants in the area we figured we couldn't go wrong. When we walked in it was 5-10 minutes before any type of host showed up at the front to ask us if we had a reservation. We'd also like to make note that the tables (at least the few near us) are positioned very close together, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. After we were seated it took 15-20 minutes before the waiter even approached our table. The cocktails were good, but a little overpriced for their size. For appetizers, the calamari was delicious, but the shrimp stuffed with crab meat were very, very small. It was at this point the waiter was leaving our drinks empty for 20 minutes at a time before he came back to refill them. At first we contributed this to the the place being severely understaffed (which it was), but he had no problem catering to the elderly people at the nearby tables, bringing out free ice creams for birthdays and anniversaries. After the salad came, we waited around for a half an hour, again without seeing our waiter. Our father went to the front of the restaurant to ask when the food would come and if we could get drink refills, but the owner was nowhere to be found for another five minutes. When the food came out the twice baked potatoes were cold and the tops were hard. The two $37 dollar Captain's Seafood Plate (lobster, scallops, shrimp) were awful. The lobster had a funny taste (old?), the scallops were tasteless, the shrimp tasteless. Not to mention all three were cold. The filet and salmon dish was not much better. The filet was not as tender as filets should be, but at least it was still relatively hot, the salmon was tasteless and cold. The filet and crab cake dish was also not very good. The crab cake was much smaller than expected, kind of stringy, and luke warm. Again our father went up to the owner, this time to complain that everyone's food was cold. The owner stated that "No one else had complained about cold food," as if that was a good enough excuse. At this point, our entrees half eaten, we just asked for the check. The owner did take one of the Captain's Seafood Plates off our bill. But with a $200 bill +tip we were severely disappointed with the quality of both the food and the service. We will not be going back.
(1)Juliana R.
Love the old nautical decor! I still have never ate here but my first time was for drinks in the bar and I just loved it! The drinks were delicious and very well mixed! The staff here was so friendly and very personable! My bf's father is a regular here and I can't wait to go back for some more hangouts!
(5)Chet M.
Awesome early bird and daily specials. The white sea bass filet special was so good and resonably priced, we ordered 2 for the "halibut!" Okay, so the food is not perfect and I've had better seafood elsewhere. But the service is very friendly, dining room has more fish tanks than some pet stores, bathrooms nicely appointed. I think they got Bob Chinn's beat when it comes to value. I dare you to find a seafood lunch or dinner in a 10 mile radius that comes with bread, clam chowder, salad, and ice cream for under $15.00.
(4)George M.
Great friendly aquatic atmosphere... The owners are always present and the food is delicious especially the lobster. Lunch specials are reasonably priced and the bar area is my favorite.
(5)Carl F.
We have been in the mood for a good seafood place and just have not been able to find a place which we liked. Sure, there are the chains such as Red Lobster, Shaws and I suppose Joe's Crab Shack, but they just don't cut the bait. So, I found Dover Straits on Yelp, to which the reviews are somewhat mixed. However, when reading closely, it seems many of the people balked about the decode of the place, but almost all agree that the food is good, which nudged me to give this place a try. We got there at around 7:30, and I'm glad to have made reservations because the place was jammed packed. Yes, most of the clientele is made of of senior citizens, but that usually does not distract me from a good meal. I personally found the decor pleasant, it was nautical, and yes, perhaps a bit aged, but, I've also found that most good, Seafood places in New England or SanFran, are well aged, with warped floor boards and all. So, I found the decor comforting and my youngest really enjoyed looking at the salt water fish tanks. We had some appetizers and I personally didn't care for the oysters, but did like the stuffed clams and crab cakes. The clam chowder was okay and the lobster bisque was really good. The fresh bread they bring to the table is also good, with a slight sourdough taste. As others have posted, the wondering salad guy was a nice touch and a neat approach, and all of it looked very fresh. As for the main meal, the sulfated jumbo shrimp were really good, as was the lobster and scallops. While we ate, the live band, playing mellow tunes was a nice touch and from what I could see in the bar/lounge area, it certainly will be a place for my wife and I to visit and enjoying an evening together. In closing, I find Dover Straits to be a nice place, serving good food, by friendly staff members. You can bet we'll be checking in here again.
(4)Bex A.
I read and heard mixed reviews about this place. We made early reservations and had no issues being seated. Service was slow, but it was understandable being so busy. Sadly, the food was not impressive. The best was the jumbo shrimp and the coupon we used, but the baked clams were chewy. Our steaks were very rare, which I don't mind, but my husband asked me I was medium.
(3)Vishal B.
No good, just outdated and awful across the board. Made dinner reservations for 10, birthday celebration. The service was 1985 at best, just old school in every way possible. All the people dining in the restaurant were 65 plus and require completely bland food. The prices are double of other places which serve similar fare. This place is a legitimate lapse into 1982 and not in a pleasant way. My pasta dish was 21.50 and it consisted of angel hair pasta and vegetables.... The vegetables were massive disgusting chunks of cauliflower and carrots all in a water and oil sauce. There is not a SINGLE vegetarian item on the menu. I had to request they remove the seafood from a simple pasta dish and was still charged 21.50 for angel hair pasta with cauliflower and carrots in hot water and oil. I happen to have a friend who loves these old school supper clubs which are shutting down across the board and this is why I even went to this place. The place does have 2 beautiful fish aquariums, they very nice to look at! Most of the wait staff is "career waitresses", they whisk in and out and generally are blank and not attentive. This is a place where you want to take your uncle from West Virginia who wants to eat a nasty cut of dead flesh. Only a small percentage of America still dine in this manner, unfortunately they are mostly sick and ailing with diabetes, cholesterol issues, heart failure and other horrible ailments. The place is definitely clean, it's well stocked and staffed too!! 1984 passed 3 decades ago and it's really time these folks step up their game or end up shutting down a second location. The geriatric clientele is lovely and I would like to go hug them all and tell them they are amazing and wonderful, unfortunately the food is tragic at best, just bland and cooked for the old folks who go here routinely. I really feel bad for all the old folks who think they are getting a first class meal and are truly getting nothing but old school pomp.
(1)Brian S.
My father and I regularly come out here and I don't even eat sea food but I will say this location is pretty stellar for a good cocktail. I love the salad bar boat. This place is good for the older folks. Marcel the bartender is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
(4)Sean H.
I came here with two family members, after almost 10 years of passing by it and never going. I'm not a gigantic fan of seafood, but as far as my dad was acting this place is pretty decent. However, it's ridiculously expensive!...at least for me. But you're supposed to expect that for quality seafood, or something. Definitely not a place you should frequent often, unless you're just bleeding money. I had some kind of fish with a very long name. It had some sort of lobster sauce on it, which I assume must have tasted like lobster, and was stuffed with crab meat. I enjoyed it more than other seafood that I have had before. At the end of the meal, the waiter gave us a free scoop of ice cream. That was a nice little thing. They give you free bread and butter - standard fare. Water in fancy glasses. It's a very date-ish ambiance. The waiters were extremely friendly, although their insistence on calling me "bud" got a bit annoying. They also have a traveling salad bar, with a reasonably diverse choice of veggies and dressings. Expect to pay around $25 per person here (unless someone orders one of the very expensive dishes), more if you're ordering alcohol or dessert. Come here for special occasions. Probably an "entry-level" fine dining experience here.
(4)Heather P.
The food here is good, but that's about it. Maybe it's just me, but when I'm shelling out big bucks for a seafood dinner I like the environment to be enjoyable. The interior is supposed to be decorated in a nautical/boat theme, but it just looks cheesy and in my opinion it drops the rating on this restaurant. The bar is really dark, but on the other hand the dining room is super bright as if the lighting is florescent. Another thing to note would be the median age of the diners here. I'd guess we were the only patrons under the age of 55. I know this restaurant has been here a long time so I got the sense that it was filled with regulars and the owner or manager (not sure who he was) was shaking customers' hands and asking about their families. So that's a nice touch. I also enjoyed the spun salad done at the table from the salad cart. I can't knock the food; all of it was fresh and tasty. The decor on the other hand, could use a bit of an update.
(3)Frank N.
Went here with a bigger group and they accommodated us with no problem. The staff has always been more than pleasant and attentive. I ordered the Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. It was brought to me in a nice old kettle with a ladle and a side bowl for the shells. The soup was nice and the broth was on the peppery side (Which I like). The scallops were perfect as were the mussels and clams. The shrimp and lobster may have poached a little long in the hot broth but were still tasty. The ambiance is very pleasant inside although the decor could use an update. The place seemed a little too much like a 70's night club and the live band specialized in that music. It was still neat and a nice throwback. Everyone else enjoyed their fish (Tilapia, Flounder, Whitefish). I will be back to try the Atlantic Flounder Wellington as it sounded great.
(4)Ron M.
Have been there many times and the quality never fails. Salads are cold and spectacular. They build the salads at your table with the items you want. And if you want the best whitefish on the planet. Here it is.
(5)chris f.
Have been to Dover Straits many times over the years and the last time was on Christmas Eve. Food was excellent. We were a group of 10 and everyone was pleased. My filet was large and cooked just right, as ordered. The sauteed shrimp was also very tasty with large shrimp. If you want good seafood in the northern suburbs, this is a good choice. Decor & menu are still exactly the same as 15 years ago, ugh....So the regulars are from the older crowd (my 84 year old father in laws favorite place).....so we don't eat here often but when we do the food is good.
(4)Mike L.
Well I have never had a bad meal here in the 5-6 times I have visited. They serve fresh seafood in many classic ways, usually with some cream sauce, and it is always tasty. The menu is fairly large and they offer a specialty menu, but if you are looking for the latest creations in the food world this is not the place for you. However the price and portions are very good and they usually offer coupons in the phone book and the Entertainment books. Service has always been prompt and courteous. A good family restaurant.
(4)Andrew K.
Love it! Great food and love the old fashioned decor.
(5)