Harbor Docks — Restaurant in Destin

I have served tables before in my past, so I know how rude customers can be. But that isn't every customer. I have never experienced such a rude staff at any restaurant before this one. I came here with some older friends and my kids. There were 9 of us in total. One of them is 89 years old. My kids are very well behaved and I always get compliments about their behavior. We drove an hour so that we could enjoy the outdoor view that was advertised on Google. The trip over was very pleasant and we were all in high spirits. However, that soon changed as soon as we walked into the door. First we asked the hostess if we could sit outside, and in a very rude tone she responded with, "we do not have a table outside for that many people", and she also said besides that, it is a thirty minute wait to be seated outside. The manager just so happened to be walking by and overheard everything and had us out there in about 5 minutes. Then we got settled and were blessed with Amber's presence. I had previously called and asked if they could accommodate a special dietary request. I told the person on the phone that we could not have shellfish touch our food. They said not a problem, just mention it to your server. When I mentioned it to Amber, she acted as if it was a problem and while tripping over her words, told me they could change gloves, but could not guarantee anything else. I've never had this kind of response and if they had been courteous enough to tell me that ahead of time when I called, we could have gone somewhere else so we would not have been such a bother to them. Then when the 89 old lady, who is a sweetheart, was trying to order, Amber repeatedly sighed, touched her forehead and looked up to the ceiling in complete frustration. All the while, making gestures to make her anger as obvious as possible. I realized her attitude and attempted to help the lady order her food, but because my friend didn't exactly understand one of the items in the menu she continued to get frustrated. Then the other older lady was trying to figure out what she wanted, and Amber lost her patience with her as well. She had zero tolerance with mistakes with our table, was very rude, and then marched off and never returned. Even when I politely tried to help the ladies order trying to assist the impatient server. Instead, they sent another rude server. She then tried to tell me what happened with Amber, not actually being there herself, and when I mentioned she was rude, she cut me off and said, "She was not rude, let's just move past this." Over dramatic is an understatement. We were never rude to them, they just have no patience with elderly people. If you can't handle something like an elderly person being confused nor accommodate dietary needs, then Daddy's little princesses need to go home or get a job not working with the public. I tried letting it go and not giving a bad review, but their behavior was so unnecessary and people need to know what to possibly expect when deciding to come here. I thought maybe she was just having a bad day, but the hostess and two servers having the same rude behavior isn't a bad day, that's just bad attitudes towards particular clientele. I then, after the mediocre meal, thanked the manager for the expedited seating and mentioned how Amber and the other server was rude, and without even wanting to hear our side of the story, said that we got her flustered. No sir, we didn't get her flustered because we were in great moods, unless our mere presence made her angry. You just don't have the guts to put your staff in order. I was planning ahead to give at least a 20.00 tip on top of the gratuity because as I said before I've waited tables in the past and i believe in tipping. However, if it weren't for the grat, it would have been the first time I walked out without tipping at all. I'll not be returning to this establishment and would never suggest this place to...

Harbor Docks is one of the best seafood restaurants in Destin. It isn't fancy but there is a great view, the sushi is outstanding and the ambiance is comfortable and informal.

Harbor Docks supplies many local restaurants with the fish that they serve. The fish is always fresh here.

Parking can be a problem when it is busy. If there is not a parking spot, there is another lot across the street. Frankly, I avoid the restaurant during their busiest hours, particularly in the summer when it gets mobbed and they is likely to be a waiting time for a table. It is more relaxing in the winter or during off hours.

Prices have gone up here quite a bit since COVID. There used to be a separate lunch menu provided during lunch hours but that is no longer the case. Prices when up when the lunch menu disappeared.

Fresh fish is always good. A platter is about $24.00 or so and available grilled or fried. I prefer to order the fish grilled and without the usual seasoning that automatically goes on the fish. The fish is fresh and the seasoning detracts from the taste. Try it with just butter so you can taste the fish instead of the salty seasoning.

Pad Thai here is excellent. One of the chefs—perhaps she is also an owner—is Thai and she has shared her expertise with the sushi chefs and whoever cooks up the Pad Thai in the kitchen. One serving of Pad That is enough for two people.

In an interesting juxtaposition, there is also a rural Southern flavor to the meals (not the Pad Thai). Black eyed peas and hush puppies are a staple here. There is a daily special. Some days it reflects the Thai influence, sometimes is looks like a rural Florida restaurant with fried pork chops and mashed potatoes or meat loaf. Cobbler with ice cream is also available.

This is a pleasant, informal restaurant that is very popular and has been in business here a long time. There is a reason for its resilience in an up and or economy and for its popularity.

For a better view, try the outdoor dining but wear sun screen on a...

One of my favorite Destin dining experiences, bar-none. Went right around opening on Saturday night, at the beginning of a thunderstorm. Wasn't too crowded yet, and we requested outside seating so we could watch the rain. The seating was very comfortable, and the view was magnificent.

Let's start with the service. Mahala, you were incredible. Incredibly attentive, friendly, and hearing about your history was a wonderful treat. It's so nice to have someone that loves the area, makes you feel right at home. What's more, she had an excellent memory, candor, and - a first for us - addressed my wife by her last name. The courtesy was very, very impressive. Thank you Mahala, and keep the bangs, they suit you. :)

Next, the food. My wife is Japanese, and we were both stunned by, not only the volume and selection, but the quality of Japanese options on the menu. It was the last thing we were expecting to find on vacation, but I've never seen her so eager for seconds of a meal before. She even requested a customization that was honored without hesitancy. Likewise, I had a Manhattan with Japanese whiskey, and it was the best Manhattan I've ever had. I had the catch of the day, which was swordfish, on the Chef's Platter. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, crab, and fish were all to die for. Absolutely mouth-watering.

The price was shockingly reasonable for the quality and the experience we got, the restaurant itself was very well-maintained, and end-to-end was one of the highlights of our trip. I'll definitely be back next time.

Also, of note, the owner's family has connections to Birmingham, where we're from, and they have a sister restaurant near us, so we'll likely be going there to see if it compares, but I'm sure we'll...