Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek

Martin Lloyd

2023-11

This restaurant was very hit and miss. Although the she crab soup was tasty and the shrimp were delicious and perfectly fried, the other items ordered were severely overcooked. The Banna Burger came with patties roughly half the size of the bun that they were on due to being cooked so heavily (see picture). The bacon was so hard it was actually difficult to chew, and the fries that came along with it were inedible. Truly, I've had some old/overcooked/soggy/etc. fries before, but these might have been the actual #1 worst I've ever tried to eat before. They were room temp when they arrived - not lukewarm, not a little warm, but as close to cold as they could be without being put back into the fridge after cooking. They looked like they were hand cut, but were so cold and dry that even ketchup couldn't save them - we each took and bite and then didn't touch them again. The oysters were also a big disappointment. We ordered them roasted, but when they arrived, it was clear that they were overcooked as well. The price was $15 for six oysters that were shriveled up and tiny (see picture), which is a shame as Urbanna is supposedly known for their oysters.

Jim S

2023-07

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Stephen White

2022-05

We were hoping to get the crab tots and sea sprouts but they were out. We did thoroughly enjoy the Shrimp & Grits and the Crab Mac & Cheese though. We started the meal off with crab dip and oysters. Very tasty! The whole family enjoyed.

David H

2022-05

We went on a whim and found our new favorite restaurant on the water. We made reservations for our party of 4 and walked in right to our table. The wait staff was attentive without being over bearing. We started with 3 different house drinks, and 3 appetizers. We also split a piece of their chocolate cake. Outstanding service and amazing food with a breathtaking scenery. If you get to Urbana or anywhere close this place is worth checking out.

LaToya Willis

2023-05

Our waitress Stacey was wonderful!! Very friendly and informative! The food was delicious. I ordered the soft crab dinner entree with a side salad and onion straws. I didn't leave a crumb on my plate! Also ordered a painkiller, the drink was pretty, but very little alcohol for the price. Other than that, the place is very nice and welcoming. You get to enjoy your food inside or outside overlooking the water.

Diane Reed

2024-01

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Sara Pomeroy

2022-05

Best place I ate in Northern Neck! DEF get the Pain Killer and the Pimento Crab Dip!! Best crab dip I have EVER had!! We ordered two because one was not enough.Loved coming for dinner and staying for the fireworks and live music!

Rebecca Leser

2023-05

We ate here recently and had the best time out on the patio with friends. Great view of the water, and the shrimp and grits were SO GOOD!! Only wish we lived closer so I could eat here all the time.

S & S RV Adventures

2023-12

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Mark L

2021-05

What a nice little surprise to find this place. I ordered the fish tacos. At first I was a little skeptical to see strawberries and mandarin oranges on my taco's. That changed quickly when I took a bite. My daughter ordered mac n cheese. I was expecting box kraft mac n cheese but it was homemade. It was probably the best mac n cheese I've had yet. I'll be back for sure.

doranne bakiewicz

2023-11

terrific spot for al fresco drinks& food.service was very attentive / #oysters were delicious- but next time will *stick to all raw!!*the roasted were too small to roast - and butter is on the side not roasted in the shell.patio is also #dogfriendly :)

Brenda Rarick

2023-10

We were out exploring Urbana area and picked Portside Grill to eat. It's on the water and it was a beautiful day to sit out on the patio. I ordered local flounder but when I asked to substitute the rice I was told there are no substitutions allowed because each dish is made to enhance flavors with the sides. I still had the fish just didn't eat the rice. Also not sure how fried cauliflower would taste so different with grilled flounder then fried okra. We had fried shrimp appetizer. Tasted like regular frozen heated shrimp. Average food. Prices are ok. Atmosphere is very nice.

Sallie Baker

2023-08

We went for a late lunch a couple of hours before the 4th of July parade. We had to sit inside. All of the outside tables were reserved. The inside seating was very utilitarian and unwelcoming. I ordered the crab soup, onion straws, and kale salad. The soup was pretty good, although I like mine with less spice. I want to taste the crab. (The Steamboat has the best in the area based on my experience.) The onion straws were very good!! I think the kale was possibly deep fried 🤔 I was happy to try it that way. It had a very nice flavor, but I couldn't really chew it. There were 3 employees very distracted by whatever was going on outside. Maybe that's why the service was poor. The restaurant may have been about a quarter full. I had so many things I wanted to come back and try from the very interesting menu. I'm not sure I want to try it again.

Kelly Schroer

2023-10

Started out great the setting was perfect, inside and waterside seating. But then we waited for over an hour for our food. The cobia fish was burnt therefore dry, the dish that my husband got the fish was undercooked and the bed of rice was over cooked. After waiting 30 minutes we asked the waitress where our food was she said it was being plated. Another 20 minutes the food was delivered. When I voiced the complaint the food was burnt and raw respectively the waitress started arguing with me. I stopped and looked at her and asked why she was arguing with me? I requested that both entrees be credited to the bill so we could leave, 2 hours at a restaurant was way too long. I requested to talk to the manager because I refuse to argue at any level about poor customer service. Walah. I was talking to the manager. She stomped off in a huff said she was going to talk to the owner. And this is why I do not recommend this place.

Phil Boyle

2023-10

We reserved an outdoor table for a large party as part of our wedding weekend and cannot say enough about how awesome everyone at Portside Grill was!They called us early on the day of our dinner to make sure we wanted outdoor dining, as it was hot and humid out. They had the table decorated for us with white tablecloths and candles without us asking.The service was fantastic! As a restaurant veteran of 20 years, I cannot rave enough about Stacey and how she went above and beyond any expectations we had!They made my wife and I feel so special, and even had someone go out and source some N/A beers, because there were none on site!The food was great, and coursed appropriately, and they put up with our high maintenance dining requests without pause. Great pimento crab dip and the rockfish and oysters were highlights from the menu!We will return again and again based on this experience and hope to see everyone again soon at Portside Grill!

Monica Schenemann

2023-05

Food was amazing. The staff was amazing. Eventhough they were short staffed...Definitely will go there again...

Benjtron22

2020-05

This place was incredible! When you first pull up, it looks questionable because it's behind a Marina and looks like an old warehouse. Then you go inside and it's just beautiful! There is tons of seating and everything was clean. The burger I ordered had a crab cake and a burger all in one, it was delicious! The fries appear to be cut from real potatoes which was also a rare treat. I'd love to come back during the early evening in the summer to see the view on the water.

Todd Porthouse

2023-11

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Ron S

2023-09

Melissa was the most awesome bartender! So friendly and accommodating! And Victoria, with her tech prowess, was just as fantastic. Definetly the main reason I frequent this place. If anyone should get a raise, please put these two beautiful ladies on top of the list.I have been fortunate enough to have the above mentioned dynamic duo each visit but I must mention Dillon. He has exceeded all my expectations regarding the masterpieces from the kitchen! Please reward these individuals, i am sure I am not the only one that appreciates the hard work and fantastic service they provide!!!

Jamie Davis

2023-08

We arrived on a busy Friday night without a reservation but were welcomed with very little wait time before being seated. Our waitress Sarah, informed us of the evening’s specials. I decided to try the pan seared cobia with a lime creama sauce with an appetizer of the fishbowl shrimp. I informed the waitress of my dietary restrictions and they were easily able to inform me of ingredients and accommodate my restrictions. Everything was amazing. We had a great view overlooking the water and took a stroll on the dock after dinner. Portside is a great spot for a date night (like ours) or family dinner!Dietary restrictions: I have alpha gal syndrome but am able to tolerate dairy. They ensured there was no mammal meat in my chosen dish and even prepared the cobia in olive oil instead of butter.

Ron Shelton

2023-12

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Caitlin Pierce

2023-07

We ate here on a whim after a long tired day of traveling. What a great little local spot! All of us had the Chesapeake burger, and it was delicious. Our server, Kaya, was such a sweetheart and was prompt, responsive, and so kind to our little toddler dining with us.The atmosphere is great, right on the water, and it looks like they do live music (wasn’t happening the night we were there, but there was a schedule up). Highly recommend this place!

Pete Kane

2023-11

We had lunch at the port side Grill on Urbana Creek on a sunny Saturday in September. The menu was complete with many seafood items, and we were seated outside on the patio on a beautiful sunny fall day. The place was busy, but not too crowded and offered a great view of the busy orUrbana creek Harbor. I ordered the oyster Poboy and it was a great sandwich full of plump fried oysters. My wife ordered a fried shrimp dish and that was well prepared and tasty. Will be back next time. We’re up in Urbana to visit that area.

Steve Painter

2022-05

From raw oysters to crab cakes, cheesecake, burgers and she crab soup. Everything we had was top notch. Friendly staff and waterfront dining. I have nothing bad to say.

Jim Evans

2023-07

We had a family dinner there. The service was good but the food was prepared poorly. One had ordered just a hamburger after not finding anything else on the menu to her liking. She was told she couldn't substitute a different mix on any menu options. When her burger arrived, it was grossly overcooked. She sent it back, and the replacement was still overcooked. She ended up refusing to order anything. Most everyone had finished eating by that time.

Nora Kiger

2023-08

Me and My Chef -The food was not as good as we had hoped. Do not get the She Crab soup. Just don’t. Was more like it had a pudding texture than a soup texture. Neither my Husband nor I ate more than 1 spoonful and the Waitress nor any other Employee asked us what we didn’t like about it. Not enough Sherry or Old Bay, fyi. We are new to Urbanna and may give it another try as the people and atmosphere are great!!!!

Ashley Griffith

2023-05

This was such a cute restaurant location. I was so excited to try this place with my mom but unfortunately it was just not meeting my expectations. First and foremost there weren’t enough menus for us to be given for a good 15 minutes. Then after we ordered we waited 45 minutes for our APPETIZER. We got the crab dip and it was a tiny portion with bread that wasn’t even toasted??? Our she crab soup was way too salty and so were our fries. I think this place has so much potential but these are huge things that shouldn’t be overlooked. The staff was great & friendly, I just wish we had a better experience with the food since it was so expensive.

jay cooke

2023-06

Everything on the menu is top notch, especially for a waterside restaurant. They even take the tails off the shrimp in the shrimp and grits! Sure wish other places got the hint! Who thinks that's a good idea? Shrimp cocktail yes, everything else, no tail please! Portside gets it right. Only recommendation is a better variety of beer. Craft beers get the tap, everything else gets bottle space in the fridge...

Paige Jones

2022-05

Great little spot on the marina. Very unassuming when you drive up, but once you get inside and onto the patio its a very nice surprise. Great fried oysters and brussels sprouts!

Whitney Wood

2023-08

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