The Dockside

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  Thanks Dockside, for hosting a great event, the Fundraiser To Support The Recovery Fund For Heather Abbott.  Over 1500 people, 3 bands, cars parking everywhere, and yes it was a bit crowded, but handled well.  It was a great spot, and I couldn't imagine it going any better anywhere else.

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  Posted on 05.07.13 Jeff M.

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  I LOVE coming here because everyone is so young and ready to party and it reminds me of going back to university where people are more free-spirited (instead of hanging out with people my age who would prefer to push around baby strollers and shop for wedding gowns rather than push down some drinks).  
  
  The owners of the establishment are the same ones who own the West Deck [see my previous review of that one], and they wisely decided this year to open the bar up to everyone without cover charges every Friday night.  When I first started coming here in 2009, they used to charge an outrageous cover of $20 on Friday and Saturday nights, but this has since been eliminated.  It was a good call, and I'm sure they lost business because most other bars in town charge a $5 cover, if any at all (many do not).  
  
  They have some good cover bands there.  I'll never forget the first time last summer I saw an all-male band do a cover of "S&M" by Rhianna.  I thought it was quite good and it gave a kinky song an extra kinky twist.
  
  They also renovated and expanded the washrooms recently, so there is no more 30-minute wait.
  
  The drink prices are a little on the high side ($10 for a Red Bull/vodka, $8 for a rum/coke, $12 for a Long Island Iced Tea) but I'm willing to suck it up because it's not a place I come to on a regular basis.  Rather, it is an occasional spot I visit 2-3 times per summer.
  
  I am also heartened by the fact that they have a good amount of security there.  Drinking and lack of security is a bad mix and they always have at least 10-12 security guards there at all times, and it makes me feel safe.  They didn't throw me out when they saw me throw up in the planters on the back deck last time, either.  haha
  
  The only thing I can say is a little negative about it is some of the clientele is a little too rude and unappreciative for my tastes.  During one musical performance in 2010, the crowd booed after every song the band played.  That is very rude and I would never boo a musical act after a performance, no matter how much I disliked them.  They have more balls to get up on stage and sing than you ever will, you dbag.  If you don't like the music, simply politely applaud or say nothing.

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  Posted on 08.25.12 Raymond S.

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  Happening place. Fridays no cover which is great and also Sunday is their night but their is a cover. The best part I like is they have an outdoor bar right on the water at the back which has a great view. Bartenders are cool too. O yeah place has the most amount of security staff in entire Newport I think.

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  Posted on 08.23.12 Amar P.

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  If you go on Halloween you will have the best time of your life. This place is amazing for the 20-something crowd. A lot of beautiful women, but unfortunately a lot of "Newport douche" types as well (you know the type). If you're a female this bar is amazing, but if you're a guy be prepared to pay the $20 cover to get in the door. I'm sorry, but no bar is worth $20 unless it's a titty bar. There tends to be too many people there, and it gets very hard to move after 10pm. They do have some pretty good live band play and 2 stages. The bartenders are scumbags and try to charge you more money for the same drink the later it gets. A 5 dollar bud light will become 7 dollars if you look drunk enough. One fault of their own is that they sell cans. Because of this we just bring BL cans in our pockets and drink most of the night for free..help even out that $20 ass rape charge at the front door. Another big problem is the meat-head bouncers who tell you to take your hat off countless times. It's not a club, this is a sports bar on the water, cut the shit and let me wear my GD hat. I've never understood the concept of refusing a hat, but a guy can wear ripped jeans with bleach stains on them and a tank top and that's considered "classier" than a baseball hat.
  
  This bar is avoidable on the regular Fri-Sat nights during the summer, but I would recommend on Halloween. For then it is a great time.

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  Posted on 08.24.11 Big H.

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  Just an update for any future Dockside-goers.  They completely overhauled the bathrooms, and they did a great job with it.  Ladies, you won't have to wait in line for the loo for an hour anymore.  
  
  The size of the crowds has only swelled though, so if you're not into over-capacity rooms, you might be better off somewhere more sedate.  The bartenders here are still pretty cool, though.  And of course the band is, too.

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  Posted on 07.14.09 Gwen F.

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