They say timing is everything. And in the case of Dry Dock’s return, this adage holds.
For the past five or six years, Luke Holden, co-founder of Luke’s Lobster, has been reaching out to his longtime friend, former classmate, and culinary peer Matt Ginn with the same question: “When is it time to link up and do something together?”
Last summer, the two decided the moment had come. Luke had a big idea—bringing Dry Dock back to life—and Matt was ready for something new. After two decades holding the knife at acclaimed restaurants including Evo, Chebeague Island Inn, The Good Table, and Twelve, he was ready for one team, one mission, under one roof.
The two started talking, and after a conversation on the deck of Luke’s Lobster, Matt walked away thinking, “What’s not to love about this space and what they’re doing here?” From there, the collaboration took off.
In July 2025, Dry Dock reopened after a seven-year hiatus, restored and reimagined as a seaside tavern that feels both rooted and refreshed. Matt now serves as General Manager and brought on longtime colleague Mike Carney as lead chef. Together, they shaped the menu by asking one simple question: If we were sitting on these decks, what would we want to eat?
“That’s where we got the wide range, from a fried chicken sandwich to a seafood tower with oysters, bluefin tuna, and halibut ceviche,” Matt said. When pressed for his personal favorites, he gave a quiet nod to the smoked bluefish pâté, the blackened fish, and the chicken wings featuring a sauce that lands somewhere between Carolina BBQ and Buffalo. “I really do love it all,” he added. “I stand by every dish on the menu.”
Classic Maine staples like chowder and a boiled lobster remain, paying homage to the restaurant’s 35-year legacy as a working waterfront favorite. For those who frequented the old Dry Dock, the vibe isn’t lost. Some of the original wood beams and brickwork remain, as do the views that made the place a legend. Originally opened in 1983 in a 120-year-old building, the restaurant was a staple for locals and visitors alike until its closure in 2018.
Today, it’s back with double the deck space and distinct dining experiences: a casual beverage and cocktail bar on the lower level and a full-service restaurant deck above. As Matt puts it, “You can tailor your experience to what you want and need. Grab a Caesar salad and crab roll for lunch, or make a night of it with the raw bar, appetizers, and a halibut entrée.”
The drink list is just as thoughtful, offering everything from a cold beer to a bottle of Crémant, and a subtle tribute to Maine’s rum-running past with a few standout cocktails.
But beyond the views and menu, what matters most to Matt is the way people feel when they’re there. “Our number one job, from me to the dishwasher to the bartender, is to make sure people are enjoying themselves and having a good time. And that begins with them feeling welcome.” That could mean his young kids popping in to say “hi,” or a couple celebrating something special over oysters and Champagne.
That sense of hospitality extends to the staff as well. “We have a great team that dove right into the training and the work,” Matt said. “I was very impressed by the dedication,” adding, “There have been a few comments where I’ve gone to a table and the guest has just raved about their server. Not just the service knowledge, but just how warm, kind, and welcoming.”
That kind of feedback tells Matt they’re doing something right.
He also wants guests to know they’re part of Dry Dock’s story. “This restaurant will evolve, but it won’t be because of us. It’ll be because of the guests who come in and tell us what they love.”
Early on, Matt was already feeling the impact of this approach. “We’ve had people come in three or four times in a single week,” he said. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive and humbling.”
What’s unfolding isn’t just a reopening. It’s the rebuilding of a special gathering place, a Portland icon. “It took a seven-year break, but it's so nice to be back and to see people excited about Dry Dock’s return. What was once a past staple will now become a future one as well.”
Dry Dock is located at 84 Commercial Street in Portland. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with indoor seating and two expansive outdoor decks. View the full menu and make reservations at drydockportland.com
It’s so nice to be back and to see people excited about Dry Dock’s return.