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Tiki Docks Restaurant Review: Revival of a Port Orange landmark

Writer's picture: Cocoa Butter BenCocoa Butter Ben

Updated: Jan 21

Tiki Docks, Port Orange, Florida on the west bank of the Halifax River
Tiki Docks, Port Orange, Florida on the Halifax River

With panoramic views along the Halifax River, Tiki Docks in Port Orange Florida provides a laid-back Daytona vibe with plenty of great food and drink choices to settle in for a full multi-course meal or just a snack.


Tiki Docks in Port Orange is the latest opening in the Daytona Beach area from the 23 Restaurant Services corporate portfolio. The revival of this Port Orange landmark saved one of the "primest" pieces of property in Volusia County on the picturesque shoreline of the Halifax River. Providing wide open spaces and panoramic views with the Dunlawton Avenue Bridge in the distance to your south, Tiki Docks can accommodate  intimate small groups inside or out, alongside the largest of squads, and all in casual comfort.


Tiki Docks, Port Orange upper level deck bar
Tiki Docks upper level deck bar

The menu highlights foods with that same laid-back Florida / island vibe, where you'll find shareable appetizers, entrees, and desserts, many with a kind of Cari-Mex, or Caribbean-Mexican fusion flavor. For starters how about fresh oysters on the half-shell, Oysters Rockefeller, saucy Chicken Wings or Pineapple Chicken Quesadilla? 


We shared the Spice-Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer. The Ahi Tuna was seared perfectly rare, and was served on a bed of fresh, diced mango, cucumber and onion in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing mix, and a "sweet chili-soy emulsion" for dipping or drizzling that combined a touch of sweet with a well-balanced dose of heat.


Tiki Docks Spice-Seared Ahi Tuna starter plate @ Tiki Docks Port Orange, Florida
Spice-Seared Ahi Tuna

Speaking of heat, we decided to try the Perfect 10 Burger that turned the heat way up, topped with french-fried onion straws, "Ghost pepper jack cheese," and a "jalapeno cilantro crema" sauce. 


For me, the gold medal winner was the Fresh Grouper Tacos. Three little boats of heaven, served on soft tortilla shells, stuffed generously with fresh blackened grouper, a creamy coleslaw, pickled red onions, shredded Cotija cheese, avocado crema, chipotle aioli for a mellow spice kick, and garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. That dish was a bit more difficult for me to share with the wife; it was so-o-o good. But being a really great guy, she got half, and was happy. She enjoyed them as much as I. (Or is it "me"?)


Fresh Grouper Tacos at Tiki Docks, Port Orange, FL
Fresh Grouper Tacos

Following the success of the first two courses, we decided to splurge our calories and ordered the Banana Butter Cake and a slice of Key Lime Pie. The texture of the Key Lime Pie was heavier than my favorite versions, and both the Banana Butter Cake, and the pie had a spice or flavor I am not familiar with. It dominated and lost a tenth in my grading.


One final observation. We were on the upper deck outside. While the views and service were great, the bar-height chairs have hard seats. With my skinny butt, my cheeks were numb by the time our desserts were served. The wife is so smart, she had the perfect solution, "well stand up for a minute you idiot."


All in all, we found Tiki Docks a great atmosphere to relax with a cold beverage and some excellent eats. Based on the freshness of the menu items, the friendly service, and the comfortable atmosphere, we found the overall ratio between quality and price well worth the visit. For extra savings, they do have Happy Hour every day from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. with $2 off "Wells, Wines, Cocktails and Draft Beer." And for us "old farts" they have an "Early Bird" deal from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday, with $2 off entrees, (old coot I.D. not required).


3633 S Ridgewood Ave.

Port Orange, FL 32129

386-380-8454


Cocoa  Butter Ben's Best Bites Restaurant Review:

4.9 Stars

Food: 4.9

Menu: 4.8

Service: 5

Quality / Price: 5

Price: $30 - $40 pp

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