Captain Bills Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Town of Islip

We tried to make reservations but were told you can't for a party of 4. By the time we actually went, we were a party of 6. Trying to be objective as possible, here are the facts: We were told without a reservation, they could not seat us in the dining room Very nicely (not apologetically because we failed to make a reservation) told us we could sit outside or at the bar and get the same service. We chose outside. (Which had a view of the diningroom- which had multiple tables empty at all times) We were there for 3 hours (12:00-3:00) 5.After sitting for awhile our waiter came for our drink order-given only 1 drink list for a table of 6 we were still figuring it out. 6.We requested bread which arrived a bit later at which time we requested plates and utensils... after not receiving them we just did the best we could... picnic style. Orders were given another round of drinks ordered and a long while later lunch arrived. 8 We were celebrating and wanted to take a picture of the 6 of us. There was an empty deck area adjacent to the eating area, so as not to disturb the other guest we went there. Half of us were standing waing for the other half of the party to come when the hostess (I think) came running out stating we could not be there it was a private area they were setting up for a private event. We apologized and said we were just going to take a quick photo, She said okay This may seem like trivial things and over sensitive patrons....maybe, but all together it made us feel unwelcome, unrespected and even neglected enough so that 2 of our party felt the manager should be told of our treatment. Two of us left, two told the hostess they would like to speak to the manager, and two stayed back not to ”get involved” but to be present. And not to escalate the situation by making the manager feel like they are being "ganged up on." Chloe "One of the managers" came out and immediately was on the attack. Saying we made the wrong decision by not making reservations. Raising her voice and sending the hostess away and saying "I will not have you yelling at a seventeen year old", even though they just requested to speak to a manager knowing it wasn't the hostess's fault and no one in our party ever raised their voices but the ”conversation” deteriorated after that. 12 We were not looking for anything-just to be heard. We felt unwelcome, unrespected and even neglected and after meeting Chloe I can see why that was the vibe of the restaurant that day. That is exactly how we were treated.

When you pay $100 per person for lunch there is a certain level of service you expect. Captain Bills did not deliver. There are many good restaurants on the water in Bayshore. I suggest you try one of them ..I...

Oh Captain! You disappointed me...and on my birthday too!! My family and I have been enjoying the food, service, and atmosphere of Captain Bill's for several years. We've celebrated birthdays and anniversaries there or just chosen to get a good meal out. So, when my husband asked me where I'd like to have dinner on my birthday, it was an easy pick. Captain Bill's, of course. When we arrived, we were very surprised to see only a few patrons in the various rooms. Most of the tables were empty. Normally the restaurant has been jammed when we've eaten there. Our waitress was very sweet and her service, as well as those who assisted, was very good and typical of Captain Bill's. Unfortunately, it was the Chef who disappointed me on my birthday, of all days. Our first course was very good, but my main course was lacking in the usual culinary skills exhibited at CaptainBill's Restaurant. I'd ordered a special that night, which consisted of halibut over asparagus, corn, halved grape tomatoes, and gnocchi. It sounds delicious just writing about it. The corn and asparagus were cooked and flavored to perfection. In fact, I would have loved more of them because they were prepared so well. The Halibut, THE STAR OF THE MEAL and the star of a seafood restaurant, was shameful. It had entered into the over cooked zone. Though not completely dry, another minute of cooking would have made my Halibut completely dried out. As for the Gnocchi, which ever chef had been put in charge of making them, should NEVER be given that job EVER again. (Please!!) They were like little rocks of flavorless tough dough. I'm Italian-American. I know Gnocchi. I make Gnocchi. I love Gnocchi. In fact, the weekend before my birthday dinner, my husband and I met 6 Italian-American cousins in NYC, where we ate in our favored restaurant, and I ordered their Gnocchi in a creamed pesto sauce. It was an enchanting Gnocchi that was so soft and seductively enjoyable on the tongue and taste buds that I couldn't put my fork down. My cousins tasted my Gnocchi and I saw the joy blossom on their faces as they were hit by the flavor and texture of that restaurant's Gnocchi. That's what properly prepared Gnocchi can do for a patron, but the Gnocchi that was served with my Halibut at Captain Bill's was horrible. After just a couple of bites, I pushed them to the side of my plate and I never touched them again. How the head chef let the Halibut and especially that Gnocchi come out of that kitchen truly saddens me because I have always enjoyed Captain Bill's and have gladly recommended it to others, but I left the restaurant very disappointed with my birthday dinner there and will likely think twice about returning in the future. Pull it together...

I have to say that pre COVID this was our go to place for brunch. And I stress this point. The staff was great, the food was delicious and plentiful, and the selections were satisfying.

Unfortunately, my family and I went this past Sunday for brunch, and it was disappointing. No where near it's previous high water mark. The server was the WORST. Absolutely ruinous to our enjoyment.

Many of the food selections were at best barely warm, and a few were cold, and although what I did eat was very tasty, all the subpar remarks I've listed made it barely enjoyable. All rooky mistakes that at 40 bucks a plate should not have happened.

I ordered orange juice, that turned out to have a sour taste. When I told our server I'd like to switch because of the taste he simply said "okay" and then did not replace it with the desired apple juice until 3/4 through our meal. And the second cup of coffee my wife asked for was never delivered. We had to ask the hostess for help, and when the coffee finally arrived, it was old and burnt.

Near the end of our meal we tried to get dessert, but by then what was left of the desserts looked picked over, with many not being replaced because it was 1:30PM, and brunch ended at 2:30. Unacceptable.

And the final insult was the bill. Four plates at forty bucks a throw was 160 bucks, and thirteen dollars and one cent for tax. Total 173.01. But wait, there's a catch. Read the fine print on the recipe. I handed our server a credit card to pay, as I usually do when dining out. When he came back the charge was for 179.01. A six dollar difference.

When I checked the receipt again, I noticed I was levied a 3% increase because I used a credit card. The original 173.01 was if I paid cash.

What a gimmick. "Let's see, how can we print money?" And the answer is, "Let's charge people 3% if they use a credit card."

Without exception, most of the people there were there with friends and family; large groups. Next to us was a table of about fifteen people celebrating a birthday. At 40 bucks a plate are they going to pay cash? Absolutely not. They'll pay by charge card, and get zapped 3% over the printed total.

How is that even legal??

Capt. Bill just lost a loyal customer, who has had a wedding rehearsal dinner, birthdays and other large events there. From my point of view they're living off their previous excellent accommodations, service, and fair pricing.

Well,...