Zef's Dockside Bar + Kitchen

The location is great. They currently have a problem with flies in the indoor dining area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

I’ve always enjoyed coming to Zeff’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair Shores, but today was one of the most disheartening experiences I’ve had at any restaurant.

I came to celebrate my sister’s birthday and brought my sons with me—one of whom is on the autism spectrum and struggles with food aversions. To avoid a meltdown and make the experience enjoyable for everyone, I brought him a small meal from McDonald’s since he doesn’t eat many foods, especially from unfamiliar restaurants.

Shortly after we sat down, a waitress came to our table to let us know that no outside food was allowed. I completely understand having policies in place, but I calmly explained to the manager that my son has autism and very specific dietary needs due to sensory issues. Despite that, there was no flexibility or understanding shown. We were made to feel unwelcome, and it ruined what should have been a joyful family dinner.

This wasn’t about bringing in outside food for convenience—it was about making sure my child, who has a disability, could be part of a family celebration without distress. Instead of compassion, we were met with rigid enforcement of a rule without any consideration of our circumstances.

It was deeply disappointing and felt discriminatory. I hope Zeff’s reconsiders how they approach situations involving children with special needs. A little empathy goes a long way.

Service: 1

Absolutely loved dining at Zef’s Dockside Kitchen! The food was delicious—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The view from the dock was beautiful, especially during sunset. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal while watching the sun go down over the water.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Service was slow and not friendly. Food is just mediocre but high priced. Chicken egg rolls have literally one tiny piece of chicken in each piece of egg roll ... some had none at all. The chicken ceaser wrap was dry, and I had to ask for a side of dressing. Tell wait time for the appetizers took a long time...but the wait for our meals was extremely long considering they were not busy at the time of our visit.
The floor was very dirty, with a lot of napkins blowing around on the floor the entire time we were there.
We won't return back here!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great place!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A place with a very nice terrace! Great food to snack on, while having something. The service is excellent, very fast. Obviously we will come back. Recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been coming to Zef’s for years!!! I definitely have my favorite and the Dockside Caesar is a go to but today the lettuce was old and brown. They normally have extremely fresh lettuce not sure what happened but I hope it’s not a sign for the future at Zefs

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Gotta try the banana bread French toast
Great service, friendly staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food very good the atmosphere delightful a really nice place you should try it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent service from Claudia, 3rd time she's been out server and we love her! Tacos are fantastic, the corned beef spring rolls are awesome, and the Salmon has been perfect each time....will be back for sure!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

On June 28, valet parked our vehicle. We came out after dinner with the vehicle parked out front running. We didn’t think nothing of it at the time. I tipped the valet and we left. Two days later we observed valet hit something with our vehicle. I contacted Zeffs spoke with the owner who gave me the number to Helen. Spoke with her of the situation. I had to call her repeatedly over the next couple weeks to be informed the camera footage was deleted. How I knows Zeffs valet damaged the vehicle, because we had photos of the vehicle the day of prior to the incident. Helen told me there is nothing they can do. Zeffs has good food we used to eat there once a month and will never return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First off the place was filthy. Sticky table and the floor was trashed. Woman's room was pretty bad too. The server seemed botherd. We had one drink and left. I can just imagine what the kitchen looks like. Too many nicer places places on the water with better service.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

I took my son here for his 27th bday. It rained a little, so our view wasn't as nice as it would have been, other than that great vibes here.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
Food was Wonderful and service was Great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I come here when I want a nice drink and a decent bite to eat. The menu doesn't really have a big variety of options for me because I dnt eat meant (except a small amount of seafood)..so I tend to get the same thing the fish tacos which are really good and filling. They have really great drinks tho.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4