Tiki Docks Riverview — Restaurant in Riverview

Over the long weekend, a large group of us went to try Tiki Docs for the first time and it was a pleasant surprise! We loved the concept and location. This restaurant sits on the water and the theme carries throughout the entire place. We were sat immediately and arrived during happy hour so the drinks were discounted but also delicious. My husband and I got the shareable weeki wachee watermelon drink and we were not disappointed. The drink was refreshing and sweet (not to mention massive!) and the little sour watermelon candies on top made it even better- I’d give it a 9/10 lol. For appetizers, we got the mojo pork nachos and shrimp toast to share between 5 people. The nachos were tasty, but you could tell it sat in the window for a while waiting because the meat itself was closer to room temp and the cheese had started to harden, but overall it was a decent bite and we did eat it so I’d say 6/10. I would like to say I’d order it again but honestly I don’t know if I personally would. The show stopper for me was the shrimp toast app- the blackened shrimp was perfectly cooked and the bread was toasted yet fluffy and buttery, and the sauce they placed on top has a little kick to it that had me grabbing bare nacho chips to scoop it up! 10/10 would absolutely order that again!!! For entrees, Everyone got something different and were kind enough to let me try a bite so I could share my thoughts you. Two of the party got tacos- mojo pork and blackened shrimp. Easily 7/10 for both for honestly the same reasons. The shrimp was the same as the ones from the app (so they were good by themselves) but the pork was under seasoned and not warm, both orders had undercooked tortillas and the sides of beans and cilantro lime rice fell flat- lacking flavor and depth. What saves the tacos were the toppings as they were fresh and the sauces were tasty. The hubby order the combo basket that came with fried grouper bites, fried scallops and fried shrimp, French fries and two sauces- Cajun remoulade and tarter sauce. To my surprise, all the fried seafood was not as greasy as one might come to expect. Each bite was perfectly cooked, the color on the breading was a perfect light golden brown (which tells me they aren’t using dirty oil back in the kitchen) and of course the sauces had us ordering more! The fries were crispy and well seasoned- this was an easy 10/10 for us. The lobster rolls were delicious as well. They give you two to order and plenty of lobster inside. I would’ve liked for the rolls to have more to them but dipping in the butter made it a tasty bite- 8.5/10. Lastly I ordered the perfect 10 burger- medium well with fries. It came out well done and a little dry but I enjoyed the spiciness and crispy onion strings that came in it. I would give my dish a 7/10. Overall we were happy with our meals and left super full without any major issues. Our server was Rachael and she was very kind and attentive. She made sure to clear plates and check our drinks as often as she could and made the experience that much better. We can’t wait to go back with more friends and family and try even more...

To summarize: No... just no.

We used to visit Tiki Docks all the time, ever since it opened - way before there was an actual dock. We live very close, so it was an easy option at least once a month. It wasn't outstanding, but it satisfied.

However, over the years we went less and less. And all my neighbors agree how bad Tiki Docks became. Management used to be great, food was okay and service was decent, but I believe our visit yesterday is our absolute last.

We have had bad service here before, and actually expected it again (wanted to be wrong), but this was the worst. At first, she was friendly, but then as soon as we placed the order, it went bad. Not only did the server forget things, including having to be asked three times for a refill, but I had to chase her down to pay my bill at the end. So after she finally dropped off the bill, she never came back to take it. I waited a full 10 minutes (really, not exaggerating) and I watched her go around to the other tables, to the bar, to the screen, etc, but would not come back to me - I had to thrust the black book with my card at her as she was zooming past my table, and she didn't seem happy that I stopped her. Then another 10min later (again, truth) I had to get up and walk over to where she was, waiting for her to turn around - and when she didn't see me, had to yell after her (it's really loud in there) so I could sign the dang slip. I was patient for a long time, but watching her go back and forth to everyone else just pissed me off. All I wanted to do was pay the bill, but she didnt seem to want me to leave. If I was a different person I would have walked out... it crossed my mind, to be honest - but instead I had to beg to pay the bill, and that is insane.

The menu changed for the worse, removing all the good things (like the fish spread appetizer and coconut shrimp) and adding junk that is way over-priced.

And don't even get me started on the parking lot problem, because the lot always looks full even when the restaurant is almost empty!

I know the food won't go back to what it was, and the service will never get better, and the prices will just not fit the quality... Maybe someday, in the far, far future, I might possibly return to try again in the hopes that it doesn't still suck. But until that day, sorry, my family has plenty of better options among the plethora of restaurants in Riverview...

Going to celebrate our vowel renewal. Had a cruise planned but with COVID being crazy, we cancelled. My wife being the extraordinary & creative woman she is, she turned our home into a cruise ship. She mention doing excursions, one of them being a Tiki Bar. I looked this place up, it seemed fun so it was our third day excursion . . . When we went it was about 2 pm. There were a few people there already but not yet crowded. Found a spot at the bar. Took in the scenery for a few minutes. The atmosphere was very cool. Outside they have a dock area with a separate bar & seating that overlooks a lake. We met two of the coolest, personable bar tenders - Ozzie & Christina. We found out that this little gem has only been in Riverview for about a year. First we had drinks, happy hour, so the price was right. We checked out the menu, both of went with the Fish n chips. It was lightly breaded (Cod I believe), fresh & very tasty. Didn't take long for service either. My wife left to the restroom, little did I know she snuck over near the entrance to go to the gift shop. She bought us two Tiki Dock shot glasses. One of our cruise souvenirs wherever we go. I'm so blessed I tell ya. While she is in the restroom/gift shop, a conversation starts up when Ozzie is talking to someone seated across from me & mentions being from NJ. Where we are from originally. I ask her what part of Jersey? She replies Hackensack. I tell her we are from Jersey as well. Further conversation happens after I tell my wife she's a fellow Jersey girl. We went out to the dock area to take photos. A few minutes in & our new friend from Jersey Stephanie came out & offered to take more photos of us. My wife called her our angel. We continued getting to know each other. Unfortunately, she had to leave heading back to NJ soon. We said our thank you & goodbyes. Back at the back, a few more drinks which were delicious. Another Convo started with a couple to our right. Told them about us celebrating, the cruise being cancelled etc... Found out she is a New Yorker & he is from Delaware. Small world indeed. To top our Tiki Docks experience off, they had a live band, he sounded like he was from the islands & yes played a steel drum. Things could not have been more perfect. Needless to say we had a terrific experience here. Glad we found it & met the great people we did. When the weather gets warmer we plan on...