Servers are super friendly and attentive, and the food is amazing. Varied and delicious drink menu as well.
Definitely a must stop wether you're local or visiting.
Matthew Nicholson
This place is awesome the view is great and the food even better highly recommend
Russell Alexander
Four stars simply for the view of the Bay and the marina. Great location. Fast service. We did not try the food, but we had a couple of cocktails, which were also excellent. Convenient parking right out front. Recommended if you’re in the area.
Simon Hughes
Enjoying the sunny afternoon on the patio....
Jeffrey Showers
Fish and Chips were the best I have had. The service is great. The atmosphere is out of this world. Sitting on the patio, enjoying the view is awesome. Great place to meet friends.
Disha Nirmal
We were in Sarnia for three days and ended up having lunch at Alternate Grounds Dockside every single day, that’s how much we loved it! The vibe is great, and the location right by the water adds to the whole experience. The staff is warm and welcoming, which made each visit even better.
We tried the fish and chips, fish taco, lobster roll, and crab cake, all super fresh, generous in portion, and really well made. Great quality food and excellent service. Highly recommend if you're in the area!
Cindy Matsi
Came in for lunch, party of five. Three of us ordered the lobster rolls with the mac & cheese as our sides. The lobster rolls were cold and flavorless and the pico de gallo consisted of a few diced tomatoes. The mac & cheese was beyond overcooked, bloated noodles with some bland cheese sauce mixed in. We tried salt & pepper 1st, but did not improve the taste. We requested hotsauce, but still inedible. Used ketchup as a last resort and that became the defining taste. The atmosphere and service was great, but the food was beyond disappointing.
Chad Kaplin
Absolutely beautiful view. excellent staff. great food. honest pricing. I can't wait to bring my future clients
BrownStones Sports Lounge & Restaurant
Brownstones Community Spotlight: Alternate Grounds Cafe & Dockside
When it comes to summertime gems in Sarnia, Alternate Grounds Cafe & Dockside is in a league of its own. Perched right over the water, it’s not just a restaurant it’s an experience. Whether you're diving into one of the best breakfasts in the city, sipping coffee with the sunrise, or enjoying a breezy lakeside dinner, this spot hits all the right notes.
At the heart of it all is Tammy, a powerhouse of leadership and grace. She's one of the hardest-working women in our industry, and it shows in everything from the warmth of her service to the consistency of her kitchen. Her integrity and passion have built something truly special a destination that’s as beloved by locals as it is by summer visitors.
Pro tip: Get there early. That patio? It fills up fast and for good reason.
At Brownstones, we’ve always believed in celebrating the grind, especially when it comes from someone who does it the right way. We may compete in the same space, but we also recognize greatness when we see it. Tammy and her team are a prime example of what makes Sarnia’s restaurant scene so dynamic and proud.
Here’s to supporting local, respecting the hustle, and recognizing those who raise the bar.
Victoria Goebel
Honestly maybe this place was good 4 years ago, but not anymore. Their food tastes like it’s frozen, it’s watery, flavourless … i know i Could have had better but from the grocery store. Not worth the price or hassle. Go somewhere else by the water
Recommended dishes: The VIP Chicken Sandwich, Fish and Chips
F Rogers
A waterside restaurant will always be a hit. Alternate Grounds sticks to a straightforward diner menu and does it well: burgers, fries, crab cakes, fish and chips, fish tacos etc. But two factors make it a great choice: the wait staff are a lot of fun and the views of the marina and the St Claire riverfront just keep on coming.
Somebody under the age of 75 needs to grab the controls and stream something a little more up to date. Fossilized 1970s radio rock is not it, haha!!
We enjoyed a delicious dinner. Our son-in-law said the buttermilk chicken tenders were the best he's had. We had the fish and chips; and we were not disappointed - YUM! We did have to wait about 25 minutes for an outside table, but it was beautiful outside and the time flew by.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Waffles
MarkRoberta Buchanan
Service was fast and friendly from all staff. Fish and chips batter was too thick; other places in town do it better. Lobster Mac and cheese didn’t have much lobster. Overall, food was just okay. The place could use a refresh as it’s a bit run down. Kudos to all the staff who were friendly and attentive.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Shegufta Islam
Very interesting restaurant, although not overly big. There’s some Seating outside but it was too cold to sit there. Everything we ordered was spot on and service was excellent (fish tacos, lobsters rolls, lobster Mac and cheese). We will be back to try some more food.
They have brunch on the weekends. Free parking. Prices seemed fair overall.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Mac and Cheese, Nachos, Lobster Roll, Fish Tacos
Great atmosphere and cool environment.
Servers are super friendly and attentive, and the food is amazing. Varied and delicious drink menu as well.
Definitely a must stop wether you're local or visiting.
This place is awesome the view is great and the food even better highly recommend
Four stars simply for the view of the Bay and the marina. Great location. Fast service. We did not try the food, but we had a couple of cocktails, which were also excellent. Convenient parking right out front. Recommended if you’re in the area.
Enjoying the sunny afternoon on the patio....
Fish and Chips were the best I have had. The service is great. The atmosphere is out of this world. Sitting on the patio, enjoying the view is awesome. Great place to meet friends.
We were in Sarnia for three days and ended up having lunch at Alternate Grounds Dockside every single day, that’s how much we loved it! The vibe is great, and the location right by the water adds to the whole experience. The staff is warm and welcoming, which made each visit even better.
We tried the fish and chips, fish taco, lobster roll, and crab cake, all super fresh, generous in portion, and really well made. Great quality food and excellent service. Highly recommend if you're in the area!
Came in for lunch, party of five. Three of us ordered the lobster rolls with the mac & cheese as our sides. The lobster rolls were cold and flavorless and the pico de gallo consisted of a few diced tomatoes. The mac & cheese was beyond overcooked, bloated noodles with some bland cheese sauce mixed in. We tried salt & pepper 1st, but did not improve the taste. We requested hotsauce, but still inedible. Used ketchup as a last resort and that became the defining taste. The atmosphere and service was great, but the food was beyond disappointing.
Absolutely beautiful view. excellent staff. great food. honest pricing. I can't wait to bring my future clients
Brownstones Community Spotlight: Alternate Grounds Cafe & Dockside When it comes to summertime gems in Sarnia, Alternate Grounds Cafe & Dockside is in a league of its own. Perched right over the water, it’s not just a restaurant it’s an experience. Whether you're diving into one of the best breakfasts in the city, sipping coffee with the sunrise, or enjoying a breezy lakeside dinner, this spot hits all the right notes. At the heart of it all is Tammy, a powerhouse of leadership and grace. She's one of the hardest-working women in our industry, and it shows in everything from the warmth of her service to the consistency of her kitchen. Her integrity and passion have built something truly special a destination that’s as beloved by locals as it is by summer visitors. Pro tip: Get there early. That patio? It fills up fast and for good reason. At Brownstones, we’ve always believed in celebrating the grind, especially when it comes from someone who does it the right way. We may compete in the same space, but we also recognize greatness when we see it. Tammy and her team are a prime example of what makes Sarnia’s restaurant scene so dynamic and proud. Here’s to supporting local, respecting the hustle, and recognizing those who raise the bar.
Honestly maybe this place was good 4 years ago, but not anymore. Their food tastes like it’s frozen, it’s watery, flavourless … i know i Could have had better but from the grocery store. Not worth the price or hassle. Go somewhere else by the water
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
A nice experience with great service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The VIP Chicken Sandwich, Fish and Chips
A waterside restaurant will always be a hit. Alternate Grounds sticks to a straightforward diner menu and does it well: burgers, fries, crab cakes, fish and chips, fish tacos etc. But two factors make it a great choice: the wait staff are a lot of fun and the views of the marina and the St Claire riverfront just keep on coming.
Somebody under the age of 75 needs to grab the controls and stream something a little more up to date. Fossilized 1970s radio rock is not it, haha!!
Overall fun experience.
Dietary restrictions: Keto friendly options
Carnivore friendly options
Paleo friendly options
Low carb friendly options
Parking: Big, well lit lot.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
We enjoyed a delicious dinner. Our son-in-law said the buttermilk chicken tenders were the best he's had. We had the fish and chips; and we were not disappointed - YUM! We did have to wait about 25 minutes for an outside table, but it was beautiful outside and the time flew by.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Waffles
Service was fast and friendly from all staff. Fish and chips batter was too thick; other places in town do it better. Lobster Mac and cheese didn’t have much lobster. Overall, food was just okay. The place could use a refresh as it’s a bit run down. Kudos to all the staff who were friendly and attentive.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Very interesting restaurant, although not overly big. There’s some
Seating outside but it was too cold to sit there. Everything we ordered was spot on and service was excellent (fish tacos, lobsters rolls, lobster Mac and cheese). We will be back to try some more food.
They have brunch on the weekends. Free parking. Prices seemed fair overall.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Mac and Cheese, Nachos, Lobster Roll, Fish Tacos
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