Captain John's Dockside — Restaurant in Carrboro

We've driven past this restaurant dozens of times and finally decided to stop at Captain John's Dockside for dinner recently. Having read numerous reviews I was keeping my expectations moderate. Well, we were pleasantly surprised and the experience exceeded our expectations. The staff is friendly and well-intentioned, but I would not call the service well oiled and it's somewhat slowish. Now, when I get fried food I'm very particular about how fresh the oil is, and my fried platter was very good. And my better half said her broiled platter was excellent. And this place makes some of the best Hush Puppies I can remember eating. Don't know about dessert, because the dinner portion was such, that there was no room for dessert. Regarding the ambiance, the decor is pretty 1990's kitsch but the sound levels in the half full dining room were good, we had no trouble conversing with one another. You don't want to be rushed if you come here for dinner and it's not Cape Fear Seafood Company or Nantucket Grill. But the food was good, and the check was easier on my wallet than most seafood...

Disappointed! We went early about 6 pm on a Saturday. The dining room was condensed to the bar area where we had to listen to a bunch of old drunk men use "G D & FK" every third word! The seafood is frozen and low quality at best! The flounder filet was broiled but rubbery and smelled fishy. Flounder is not a fishy fish, that's why I like it! The fried popcorn shrimp was standard but good! The fried clam strips were cold, and the devil crab tasted freezer burnt!! My husband had the tuna steak he liked it. They actually cooked it quite well to a medium liking. The slaw was nasty, and our baked potatoes were over baked- hard on the outside. The hush puppies were very good if you like onions. My Greek salad was ok with some brown pieces of lettuce and the olives with the pit in them; glad I didn't break a tooth!! The building needs an update, and the food left a lot to be desired! We will not be returning. The owners did seem like nice people. I'm pretty sure she was tending bar, and he was in the kitchen. The menu online is not their menu, so no blooming onion...

After moving to the Chapel Hill area, Capt. John's was our first dinner out. I love fish, and well before dinner was over, I knew the place would be a favorite. We have been back numerous times, and the experience is always the same: attentive and prompt service, large portions, expertly prepared, and reasonable prices (most large-sized items under $15). We've tried many things: The fried flounder, crab cakes (lots of crab, and no filler), and clam strips are the best I've eaten. The steamed mussels, scallops, pasta, fish and chips, shrimp (fried or otherwise) are all super. Seldom do we eat here that Capt. John doesn't circulate through the dining room to check with every table. A few have not liked Capt. John's--no place is 100% perfect (I've given my share of low ratings to places others love). The average 4-star rating tells the tale--this is a terrific place, tended to by someone who cares about the product he puts on the table. No question we will back...