On weekends my family usually looks for adventures to partake in around town. Recently I suggested we take a trip down to Marina Del Rey to see the boats and have dinner. (My nearly two-year-old son Oliver is captivated by anything to do with boats...) After a bit of research we found a restaurant called Tony P's Dockside Grill which sounded promising. Zagat's gives it a 16 for food, 17 for decor, 17 for service and $23 for price. The write-up did raise a few flags: namely "sports bar" and "so-so service" comments -- but there were also some positives: such as "dockside dining" and "patio overlooking the Marina," which carried more weight.
The evening turned out to be perfect, and definitely repeatable! Parking was easy, Tony P's has a big lot, from which you can walk right out onto the Marina. There were tons of boats to see, and even a school of little fishies which entertained the kids until our table was ready. Once inside we succeeded in getting a table on the patio, which has an incredible view of the boats. Our table was so close they were within spitting distance (don't worry, we abstained).
The food was perfectly adequate, and the children's menu was quite extensive and affordable, with starters such as "Cup-O-Chowder" or "The Wedge" salad at $1.95 each, and entrees including "Nicolette's Lots-O-Cheese Pizza" or "Mom's Charbroiled Chicken Breast" at $3.95 each. Another bonus, the kids are greeted with bags of goodies (small rulers with stencils, crayons, mini puzzles, etc.) and a whole activity "book" of things to color, trace, and decipher while they wait. And we didn't have to wait or want for much; contrary to Zagat's, I did not think the service was so-so, our waiter was very attentive and friendly.
Next time we go, we might make a whole day of it, and actually ride on a boat beforehand. According to Tony P, Marina Boat Rentals offers everything from kayaks to private charters.
Tony P's Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310.823.4534
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