Red Dock Cafe - Douglas

Rating the Red Dock five stars--not for the food as we only tried the Chicago Hot Dogs, but for the atmosphere and our server, Allison. Came two nights and both nights sat at the waterfront bar. Since it was mid-week, no live music, which was fine with us--just a relaxing time that really made us feel like we were on vacation. There is no inside dining, just a bar with stools and picnic tables, but what more should you expect for a small bar/cafe set at the end of a boat dock? Ownership has changed since we made our first visit more than a decade ago. Back then, the S.S. Keewatin Steamship, a large turn-of-the-century passenger liner was docked nearby. Unfortunately for Douglas, following being docked nearly 50 years in its harbor, but fortunate for the Keewatin, the liner was moved back to its homeport in Ontario Canada and restored. Mentioning the Keewatin is a great conversation starter with the locals, who frequent the Red Dock.

The Red Dock Bar in Douglas, Michigan, has undergone a fantastic transformation under its new ownership. They now allow dogs again, making it a perfect spot for pet lovers. The ambiance has improved significantly, replacing the intimidating bouncers and angry music with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. The staff is friendly, and my dog absolutely loved it. It's a much nicer and more inviting place to enjoy a drink by the water.

What a fun afternoon at Red Dock. No live music the day we went, but just a relaxing afternoon watching boats, swans and geese and enjoying the sunshine. Food was good had sandwiches and chips with a couple of glasses of wine. Hard salami sandwich was a good choice generous slices of meat and cheese with a nice layer of chopped green olives. Will definitely be back!

Great location if you run like an antelope. If you Gotta Jibboo you know what to do. It's a long strange trip to get there...but one man gathers what another man spills.

It was my first time to the Red Dock to meet some friends and right from the get I noticed that they had a great staff and a pretty loyal local following. I feel like this bar is in the running for Kenny Chesney's Bar at the End of the World. It reminded me of Key West and pirates and summertime! There are a lot of yellowjackets bellied up to the bar too, so if you're allergic you may want to bring your epi-pen. Fortunately, the yellowjackets and bees were drinking just as hard as the locals so they were as docile as golden retrievers. I like to think they were pretty happy too since they were just there to party and drink like the rest of us. There was some pretty great drunk-watching off the pier while we watched captains docking for their tipsy crew to come aboard for a night-cap. I only wish I had a chance to order some food but I didn't have the pleasure of trying any of their mainstays. I assure you, they make a solid boat drink! I'd recommend a Dark and Stormy and I have it on good authority that the rum punch is delightful too. FYI CASH ONLY...please come prepared, and often.