Colorado Springs’ Best Kept Secrets: English Dockside Seafood and Grill

Despite its British-sounding name, you won't find any kippers or pasties on the menu at The English Dockside Seafood and Grill.

Thomas English began the restaurant in 2004 and gave the restaurant his name. He had moved from Florida, and when looking for a good seafood restaurant in the area, found nothing.

English said, "When I got out here, there was no place for me to eat!"

The English Dockside is now a Colorado Springs fixture. The restaurant won Best Seafood Restaurant in 2006, and the Gazette has given the venue its Dining Guide Winner award.

When asked what he recommended from the menu, English laughed. "Everything. You can close your eyes and point at the menu, and it'll be good."

Most of the menu consists of different varieties and preparations of breaded fish. English can grill, fry and bread any kind of fish in almost any conceivable way.

In addition to the ever-present fried fish, choices include po'boys, hamburgers and lobster. It even offers crawfish tails and brews its own sweet and un-sweet tea.

"No bottled [tea] here," said Calvin Thornton, one of English's employees.

English attributes his success to his menu. "I designed [the menu] around what I like. I guess a lot of people like the same things I like."

Thornton accredits it to the welcoming environment for which the restaurant strives.

"It's not about me," he said. "It's about the customers. We've got a great atmosphere, come in and have a conversation, the staff is friendly, and before you know it, your food's in front of you."

"We're not a fast-food place," English added.

The restaurant itself feels like an island beach bar. There are plastic fish adorning the walls with "bubbles" (clear glass beads) rising from their mouths. Fishing poles with fake fish on their lines hang from the ceiling.

English isn't just in it for the food and atmosphere, though. Each month, he hosts Charity Tuesdays. On the first Tuesday of every month, 15 percent of that day's profits go to a charity that changes every month. In January, the charity was Care and Share.

It also has deals on a regular basis. Currently, English Dockside is offering All-you-can-eat Fish Fridays. If you buy a drink, you can get a bottomless plate of fish for $13.95. English only requests that there be no sharing or take-out with that meal.

The Lowdown

What:

English Dockside Seafood and Grill

When:

Lunch: Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday - Saturday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where:

2220 Academy Pl.

How much:

Entrees range from $10 - $30