The Dock on Front: Delicious Comfort Food in Mokena

Nestled in the heart of Mokena, Illinois, The Dock on Front is a vibrant dining destination that masterfully blends upscale comfort food with a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere. This restaurant impresses not only with its thoughtfully crafted menu but also with its beautifully restored setting that breathes new life into the historic space at 11116 Front St.

The Dock on Front specializes in hearty, flavor-packed American fare with a focus on smash burgers that are both indulgent and satisfying. Each burger is a celebration of bold flavors and textures: take the Black & Blue, where caramelized grilled onions meet rich blue cheese crumbles on a juicy patty, or the Smokehouse Pulled Pork layered with crispy bacon, onion straws, and tangy barbecue sauce. For those craving a spicy kick, The Angry Burger excels with jalapeño peppers, pepper jack cheese, and a silky guacamole cream sauce that harmonizes heat and creaminess. The burgers come in generous portions, guaranteed to please the palate and fill you up.

Beyond burgers, the menu extends to an exciting variety of handhelds and kid-friendly options. The Fried Fish Tacos showcase three hand-breaded grouper filets carefully fried to a golden crisp, accompanied by fireslaw and a zesty chipotle cream sauce that adds layers of smoky, spicy charm. Meanwhile, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich enchants with hand-breaded chicken smothered in mozzarella and a rich vodka cream sauce, all nestled inside a garlic roll that is as fragrant as it is flavorful. Even the youngest diners are pampered with meals like the tender Kids Boneless Chicken Chunks or classic Kid Cheeseburger, ensuring a family-friendly experience.

The ambiance at The Dock on Front is just as compelling as the food. The spacious interior boasts a sleek, modern décor accented with large communal tables perfect for groups, while an expansive bar invites guests to unwind with well-crafted drinks. Two large garage doors open up to let in fresh air through screened openings, creating a delightful indoor-outdoor dining vibe that enhances every visit. Guests can choose cozy indoor seating or enjoy the fresh breeze on the charming front deck, making it a versatile spot for any occasion.

What truly elevates The Dock on Front is its exceptional service and attention to detail. Customers consistently mention the warm hospitality of staff members like Mary Kay and Kim, who go above and beyond to ensure each visit is memorable. Whether hosting a lively group of 10 at a sizable table or a private baby shower in the charming party room adorned with a beautiful greenery wall, the team’s attentiveness shines through.

Patrons rave about the generous portions and bold flavors—wings come large and meaty, the pastrami Reuben hits the perfect savory notes, and sides like the fresh salads and seasoned potatoes are more than just fillers; they contribute vibrant tastes that complement each main dish. Even amidst busy evenings, the kitchen maintains impressive consistency, serving dishes that inspire repeat visits. The Dock’s meticulous cleanliness and upscale, bright décor create a polished yet inviting environment that feels both intimate and energetic.

From casual lunches with friends savoring glazed salmon and goat cheese boards to special celebrations filled with creamy Alfredo pasta and perfectly seasoned sides, every experience at The Dock on Front is marked by genuine delight and satisfying comfort. It’s no wonder this gem has quickly become a cherished dining staple in downtown Mokena, seamlessly blending exquisite food, thoughtful ambiance, and heartfelt service into every plate and smile.

For those seeking a place where bold, flavorful culinary creations meet a warm, stylish atmosphere, The Dock on Front stands out as a must-visit culinary haven that leaves a lasting impression long after the last bite.

Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Mike S

24/11/2025

We tried this place and were very pleased with the experience overall. The place has a beautiful decor and looks brand new. Bathrooms were excellent. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. They have large tables that can accommodate groups of 10. There is a huge bar. They have 2 garage doors that open up to let fresh air in thru the screens. Our waitress was very nice but very busy as she had 10 folks at one table twice while we were there. We ordered cream if chicken and rice soup and it was very tasty. For dinner we had a grilled chicken garbage salad and a grilled chicken strawberry field salad. Both salads were exceptional. There was a great amount of chicken, salad, and other ingredients in each. Sandy said it was the best salad she had ever had in her 60 years. She had the Strawberry salad. My salad had so many flavors mixed in my taste buds were completely satisfied. No boring food there. The place was super busy but we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table on a Sunday night at 5:30. We definitely recommend The Dock

Maggie Ruettiger

19/11/2025

We hosted a baby shower here, and could not have been happier! The food was great! Everyone raved about the chicken limone, creamy alfredo pasta, fresh salad, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. The party room has a beautiful greenery wall that added a perfect ambience to the room. We were able to sit 30 people comfortably. On top of that, the service was wonderful. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. I would highly recommend this venue for anyone planning a shower or celebration. Between the outstanding food, beautiful setting, and great service, it truly made the day run perfectly.

Kathleen Mathews

12/11/2025

My friends and I went here for lunch and had a simply marvelous meal and a splendid time. The owner and the manager both came to our table and our server, Mary Kay was extraordinary. We split the cauliflower bites and the goat board for appetizers and loved every bite. For my entrees I partook of the glazed salmon with green beans which were perfect. It came with rice pilaf that was underwhelming so I left it. For dessert we split the cheesecake and the fancy sponge cake both of which were out of this world. What a terrific choice to eat here, we will be back.

The Kenneys

26/10/2025

We’ve been to The Dock multiple times and cannot recommend enough! We’ve sat at the bar, in the main restaurant, and on the front deck outside, and we’ve had a wonderful experience each time (which is why we keep coming back!). The food and drinks are always delicious, and the staff is so helpful! Kim, our server, was so sweet and attentive. I’m beyond thrilled to have such a great place to dine in Mokena. We also love that their outdoor area is pet friendly!

Art Arellano

06/10/2025

The Dock on Front in Mokena is a standout spot for hearty, flavorful comfort food in a beautifully rebuilt setting. Nearly everything we tried came in generous portions—this place doesn’t skimp. The wings were excellent: large, meaty, and packed with flavor. The pastrami Reuben was another highlight—savory, well-balanced, and satisfying. The burger? Absolutely to die for. Huge, juicy, and full of rich flavor. Even the loaded fries, while definitely indulgent, were hard to resist. The 10” pepperoni pizza was just okay—not bad, not great—but it’s clear that burgers and wings are where The Dock really shines. The atmosphere was lively to the point of being loud, especially on a busy Sunday night, which might be a downside for those looking for a quieter meal. Still, the wait staff handled the crowd well and kept things moving smoothly. The decor is gorgeous—bright, welcoming, and thoughtfully done. The outdoor porch seating adds a great touch, and the full renovation inside and out really shows. If you’re hungry and in the mood for bold flavors and big portions, The Dock is worth the visit.

Melissa Nowicki

23/09/2025

I’ve been wanting to try this place ever since they close their doors in Joliet. I visited once in Joliet for happy hour and the food and service was great. The Mokena location is beautiful besides, the train can be loud. Love how clean and upscale the decor is. There’s outside seating. My husband ordered the prime rib sliders. They were not assembled according to the menu. They had pickled onions instead of grilled onions, which is a bummer, but my husband said they were still good. I ordered the buffalo cauliflower as my main meal and it was ok. I ordered a famous margarita flight which seemed to have been melted by the time it got to my table, but the blood orange was definitely my favorite.

Suzi Voss

21/09/2025

What a wonderful addition to downtown Mokena! The owners did a beautiful job with the building; it is bright and welcoming. Even though it was super busy when we went to dinner there, the service was on point and the food was delicious. I am still thinking about the filet sliders - they were THAT good. We had the burrata appetizer, which was drizzled with hot honey and served with a generous portion of prosciutto. The owner took time to stop by every table to say hello and check to see how everything was as well. Top notch.

Colleen Farmer

15/09/2025

I was so looking forward to the opening of the restaurant. We went on a Saturday night around 630, wait time was reasonable of 30 minutes. Headed over to Little Al’s for a pre dinner drink since the bar was full at The Dock, no much waiting area. Service was off to a great start once we were seated. Ordered an appetizer and was waiting for a while, after our second drink we were asked about if we ever received the board that we had ordered. We indeed had not, the waiter investigated and it’s because they were out of the ingredients, so we ordered the grilled shrimp and mashed potatoes- they were fantastic however the menu reads 5 jumbo shrimp and we received 4, we notified the waiter and response was “okay”. We enjoyed the rest of the meal with a bottle of wine. The Charleston burger was great and the pastrami Reuben was ok. Friendly atmosphere, a little loud but as the crowd diminished it got better. Overall good experience for a business that opened up 6 days before that. We would go back again to try the dishes that we wanted on the first go around. Great options that were just not bar food. The owners were friendly and asked about our experience. Great vibes going out to the business that Mokena desperately needs.