The Docks is a restaurant that sits right on Lake Chautauqua. It is connected to another restaurant called the Lakeview Hotel and Restaurant. It does have a website http://www.lakeviewatthedocks.com Here the owner describes the Docks as an elegant and cozy setting. I say not so much in fact most chain restaurants are more elegant than this place. Either way here is the breakdown of this establishment. Upon arrival plenty of parking in parking lot next to restaurant. The outside has a deck that you can sit on if you want to enjoy the weather. There is a sign that hangs from a post on the deck that says "for sale" not a realtor sign, but rather a sign that looks like it belongs there. I found this odd and had many thoughts go through my head about why someone would need such a sign that looked so permanent, unless of course it has been for sale for years and just no one wants it. Lets go inside. Remember this is the "fine dining side that is elegant and cozy". I am dressed in a summer dress and heals. Upon first entering there is a bar on the left and to the right is the indoor dining room. We are seated promptly. It is 6pm, prime Friday night dinner time and only a few tables occupied though the outside deck looks busier. We are sat at a booth, by what appears to be the owner. The first thing I notice is the tablecloth. Its PAPER! Like the type of paper the old Roadhouse used to use in a restaurant where you were allowed to throw your peanut shells on the floor and the waitress would write her name on in crayon. Of course our waitress did not do this, probably cause it was fine dining. As I looked around I felt extremely over dressed. I notice all the décor has price tags hanging from them and the majority are ducks. I continue to look around to see what others are eating. After waiting an incredibly long 5 minutes ( I was hungry) our waitress appears for drink orders, but we both are completely ready to order since we had time to read the menu cover to cover twice. She was simply too busy to take our whole order so we wait. After our order is placed I excuse myself to use the ladies room to wash my hands. I open the door and the restroom must only be 3 ft. There are 2 stalls and a small sink. I was amazed at how tiny it was. I'm a very petite girl and you couldn't have had 2 of me in there. Our salads are at the table when I return. Nothing special just a plain dinner salad. A basket of bread and butter is also awaiting me. Which no one can go wrong with bread and butter. Dinner followed shortly after that. Our order included the prime rib and the all you can eat crab legs. The prime rib was mine. It was juicy and flavorful and came with a small baked potato. I really had no complaints in regards to the food. My boyfriend had the all you can eat crab legs which I had a few bites of. As you finish the waitress places your order for the next cluster. There is a significant time lapse in between orders so you go at least 5-10 minutes without food. Which I am sure benefits the restaurant. Our waitress was nice and tried to make it quicker without the boss seeing. I used a gift certificate to pay ( thanks meals and deals). Overall, the restaurant is mediocre, nothing special and clearly not elegant. Food was okay and a great deal when using these certificates for crab legs. So I purchase another gift certificate this time I decide to try the crab legs $29.95. Never ordered this before, but that of course is the benefit to these certificates to try new things and places. The second visit I'm dressed appropriately with shorts and a t-shirt the experience was the same except the waitress refused my certificate. I asked to speak with the owner and explained I had used them before and she was very rude and pointed to a clause that said no specials or discounts on the certificate. I tried explaining that the crab legs were the only reason we had came back and she said sorry and walked away. Needless to say I will not be back and some lucky person will get these certificates as a Christmas gift.
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