AJ's Dockside Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Largo

I really wanted to love this place. I live right outside of Cove Cay and thought we could ride our bikes over and have a new place to relax. First time going in we were given a pass by the guard gate he didn't explain where is was just said have a nice time. We drove in and circled the whole community. We ended up at the Bayview Grill which from the photos I knew was the wrong place. I asked the bartender where AJ's was and she had no idea what I was talking about. She asked another girl and she said oh you want to go back to the front of the community and go to the Marina. There are absolutely no sign to tell you where to go when you enter. You have to turn and go down this gravel road where you will see trash dumpsters, then boats and jet skis, looks to be broke down cars pretty much anything that is in storage for the community I am guessing. My husband kept saying this is not the place we should not be back here. Then all of a sudden you will see them tucked back on the water behind all of this stuff. Atmosphere was cute, one thing to know, they only sell beer and wine. I order a white wine and when I went to order my second glass she said I got the last of the bottle there was no more left. Seems to be a thing of them running out of product as half of the items on the menu were not available either. All of this at 5pm on a Friday it wasn't even late like they were so busy they ran out. Bathrooms were gross, building needs work definitely. The man playing music was okay we ended up sitting on one of the couch's and just watched the boats. There were only two girls working, one behind the bar and a younger girl taking orders. Not sure who was in the kitchen but food took over an hour for some wings, and a wrap. Overall I really wanted to love this place and I was very disappointed. I see they are responding to reviews and stating they will address all the issues but they are all the same and I do not see anything fixed from those months ago and when we were there. I really hope the remodel helps because I always give a second chance so we will wait a few months...

An unfortunate experience. I heard this place was dog friendly (and they are) but the guard lady did not want to let me in it seemed. The first thing she said was “I’ve been handing out these passes all day! All the young people are going there!” It was my first time and I became nervous it was going to be too crowded. I had my dog with me and the guard then states “why is your dog going with you, I don’t think you can bring the dog. And you shouldn’t bring your dog out in the hot weather that’s so unsafe!” It’s 71 degrees out and I need a light sweater for this weather!!! I tell her “I’ll check the place out and if it’s too busy I’ll leave” I also tell her the page says they are dog friendly and remind her we are still in Florida spring - not summer. I go to the bartender and kindly ask if it’s ok for me to bring my dog as the guard lady made me feel unwelcome. I always want to make sure before I take my dog anywhere. The bartender told me where to sit that is dog friendly. I sit down and nobody came to take my order for the 20 minutes that I was there, so I decide to leave. The guard lady made me feel like I was going to the gasparilla parade, but it wasn’t too busy all in all. All in all, cute vibes - but such an awkward experience. I didn’t try the food though...

Where Taste Buds Go to Retire in Bliss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Listen, I don’t throw around the phrase “life-changing” lightly, but AJ’s Dockside has officially ruined us for all other waterfront dining. My boyfriend and I rolled in expecting a casual meal, but what we got was a culinary religious experience.

I went with the grouper nuggets and lobster bisque, and let me tell you—those grouper nuggets were so light and crispy, I briefly considered writing them a love letter. And the bisque? Rich, velvety, and basically the soup version of a warm hug from the universe. My boyfriend got the seared ahi tuna with coconut rice and Brussels sprouts, and I’m not exaggerating when I say those Brussels sprouts were out-of-this-world good. I never thought I’d be sitting at a dockside bar losing my mind over a vegetable, but here we are.

Not only is the food insane, but the whole vibe is just chef’s kiss. Live music, waterfront views, and that perfect mix of laid-back and lively. It’s officially our new favorite spot, and honestly, if you need us, we’ll probably be here—still talking about those Brussels sprouts and...