Food was disappointing to say the least. Great service but horrible tasting fried catfish.

Maybe we went on a bad night but dinner at Captain Benny's was disappointing. They were very busy due to the rodeo crowd but it could hv been better managed if they were more organized. Nobody at the front to greet you and show you where to sit and when the 2 of us found a table after some patrons left, a waitstaff said we couldn't sit there cos it was a table for 4. All the while she was shouting to the customers walking in not to come in cos the place was full. Very chaotic. To be fair when we finally sat down, our server was very nice but told us the food will take 45min since they were very busy. It didn't take 45min more like 30min but the Raw Oysters appetizer came out after we were done with our Broiled Seafood Platter. The fish was fresh but the shrimp and scallops were rubbery. I like how the food is not overly salted. The sides of shrimp rice and coleslaw were good. The Raw Oysters were smaller than expected and we didn't like the fact they rang up to be $11.99/doz instead of the quoted price of $10.99. It was a messy establishment and the place had a weird smell, smells kinda like bad breath. Def won't be going back. read more

Capt Benny's - Broiled Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great Gumbo! Husband says it's second only to mine. Very good hush puppies. The fried shrimp were good, not greasy, but appeared to be 'pre-battered frozen' type. Great SWEET tea. Staff very friendly. A bit crowded inside but Good outdoor seating. read more

I love this place! In town on business and have come back for a second time! Catfish, shrimp rice, and seafood gumbo is on point! This is a must taste! read more

Capt Benny's - Broiled catfish and shrimp rice! Heaven! - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

Absolutely loved this place. I had the shrimp basket and substituted the fries for dirty rice and was delicious!! The micheladas are the 2nd best I've had in the city and the oysters were very fresh. We sat at the bar and were greeted and helped immediately. Will return to try their catfish and eat more of their hush puppies. Fast and friendly service. read more

We really enjoyed the oysters on a half shell and shrimp etouffe!!! We sat at the counter in this boat shaped restaurant. Great food, service and funky atmosphere. We will go back:) read more

Bad customer service. I just called to place a to go order. The guy gonna tell me, " call back in 20 minutes to place your order, it's loud in here." Excuse me I'm hungry now that's rude. Take your orders in a quieter location why does my stomach have to suffer. I hardly ever comment but that, i had to after that. No, i won't call back or go there again. read more

I admit that I judged this place by the interior. I should not have. This place is AWESOME. The staff is great. Oysters and boiled shrimp were delicious. I also had the 6 jumbo shrimp platter. So much food! If I am in Houston again, will definitely return. read more

I went here reading the reviews trying it out and then it was in the middle of shift change so I understand it was hectic but under the circumstances they should not act unprofessional. We ordered a dozen oysters and they didn't give us a dozen. They only gave us 10. So we told them and they brought out extra, but then we ordered another baked set and they did the same thing so I called the manager over and he apologized but I will not be coming back here. read more

I can't eat atmosphere. Sometimes I want to revel in the ambiance, but most times I only want really good food. Cap'n Benny's is all about the later. If you read their reviews, I always start with the single stars, most downers are about the service. Truth be told, I have nothing to contribute there, as I always saddle up to the bar. And last night the tune that rose above the old school piped in on the sound system, was the crack and shuck of Frank & Johnnie's knives laying bare those sweet, succulent oysters. Mine were raw on the half shell, (don't rinse'em, I want the briny sea taste, not chlorine and fluoride). My wife had the Parm, neither of us shared. Then we dug into a crab and shrimp stuffed flounder, broiled to perfection. One was enough for two, which allowed us to enjoy the oysters without gluttoning out. I'm in Houston from Dallas often and have enjoyed many a white linen and candle evening, this ain't that. But, we left fat and happy. Made even better because Monday and Tuesday are $1.99 craft brew nights. I like hoppy IPA's while she goes for lighter Pilsner, lager types, they had both. Don't let the kitschy boat exterior dissuade you, inside UA all about lipsmack and yum. read more

Outstandingly fresh oysters on the half shell. Fried shrimp was excellent. I thought the fried fish could have been better. The fish had a faint odor and was a bit fatty tasting. Overall I thought the place was great. Very friendly and personable service. read more

Freshly shucked oysters. Cold beer. It was great.

This is a seafood restaurant I really enjoy going to. It has great catfish! I loved the way they cook it. I am in love with the gumbo! No place in this entire area that I have been, have gumbo this good. The service is friendly and the atmosphere inviting. Can't wait to go again! read more

I went back to Captain Benny's after 45 years - I used to go to the original location on Holcomb across from the Shamrock Hilton. Not much has changed: Ambiance: causal, clearly local folks, and very friendly. The place was packed and we sat at the only empty table outside but quickly were moved to a table top for 4 inside. Astros on TV on all wall monitors. Service- Tuna was our waiter and he took great care to see we had drinks as soon as we sat down. He checked on us regularly and took our order for oysters on a half shell, boiled shrimp and stuffed jalapeños to get us going. Appetizers were brought quickly and he came back to take our dinner orders, refill our drinks . Food- jumbo boiled shrimp were cold fresh and delicious along with red sauce and tartar sauce. Gulf Oysters were plentiful and fresh, well accompanied by horseradish, redsauce, hot sauce and limes- also delicious. Stuffed jalapeños were tasty stuffed with crabmeat and not too spicy, We shared the fried shrimp which were amazing- lightly fried, not greasy, hot on a platter with delicious fries, cold slaw, fried oysters and stuffed shrimp and finished it off sharing a slice of key lime pie. Everything was as I remembered it including the music in the background, the attentive staff shucking oysters and tending bar. I'm glad I went back and brought my family to enjoy this feast of comfort seafood. I'd rate this meal a 9.9/10 tonight only because I don't think I've ever rated anyone 10/10. We'll be back! read more

The fried oysters were not only HUGE, they were amazing! But probably the best thing I had was the fried scallops. Melt in your mouth. And don't get me started on the gumbo, it was great too! Ok, you get the point. Fresh oysters, awesome fried fish, great service, etc..."I'll be back!" read more

It's around the corner from my office. I come here if I'm craving raw oysters or it's cold outside and want some gumbo. Fast friendly service read more

My wife travels around Houston for work and we were in the mood for oysters. We found this place and decided to give it a go. We sat by the windows and it took to while to get anyone to come help us so we found 2 open seats around the bar area. We moved and we're immediately helped. We ordered the Parmesan baked oysters and they were amazing!!! We shared a big plate and a bowl of gumbo and I was amazed with everything. Big portions and food was great. Will definitely come back again. read more

The first time my boyfriend and I went, it was super packed and we were told to just grab a seat wherever and a server would come. We sat in the patio and waited for awhile and no one ever came to us even when my boyfriend got up to ask the cashier if we could have a sever. The group next to us had to ask their waiter if anyone was coming to serve us because they noticed we were waiting for so long. We understood it was busy so we weren't really mad about getting ignored. Finally, a server came up to us and asked us if we were helped. She then went on to say "yeah it's really busy right now, it's going to take like 40 minutes so do Yall wanna wait?" It was as if she was hoping we would say no so she wouldn't have to serve us... So of course we left. We decided to give this place another chance because my boyfriend really likes oysters. We got the garlic Parmesan baked oysters which were alright. Service was better than the first time but personally, I won't be back. read more

Love this place. Always great service. Great tunes today. Jamming out with the Motown. The place is very clean. Great food. Reasonable prices. Love the staff. And they have craft beer. Miguel was our server today and he was tremendous. Thank you guys. What a great day. read more

Food was fresh and hot! The waitress was very nice as well. Will definitely be coming back to try the boiled options

Not far at all from the medical district. Wishing we could go to Galveston, but this works. Just ordered oysters and they were out in no time at all. Also a good price. Had to ask for silverware and plates, but they came straight out of the dishwasher, so at least they're clean. Oysters are awesome! They ran out of etouffee so we had to order something else. Went with gumbo shrimp and captain's platter. Really just the same batter on a different piece of food, BUT, the stuffed crab was SO good. I would recommend this place if you can't make it all the way to the coast. Waitress was good. And we're on our way to our fat pants. I give it a 7. Definitely needs to add some veggies to the menu for a healthier option. read more

Capt Benny's - Interesting enough. - Seafood Near Me - Houston, Texas

Service is sooo slow... such a disappointment. Food is ok. I would rather drive a bit further to go to captain Toms. First and last time.

First and last time coming here.... took almost an hr to get food and the place was near empty when we got there. Don't waste your time coming here read more

Now I will say Captain Benny's caught me off guard lol. I thought, oh, this is going to be like any other seafood place with fried foods. I was slightly wrong. It is somewhat of a dive bar but the food was great. They have an early happy hour, which I believe started at 2pm. We came mainly for the oysters, which we thought were decent, and I think $1, maybe a lil more, a piece. I tried a few of the hot ones, maybe 3, 1 of each flavor. The hot oysters were okay. They cost a bit more, I probably wouldn't order them again, I would go for the raw ones. My husband ordered a baked fish dish with rice, all the entrees come with shrimp friend rice, and vegetables. I ordered a sample of the poboys for my entree, the oyster, fish, and shrimp. I also had fries with mine. Note that the poboy sampler is not on the menu but there is a flyer posted near the register for the special, running at $15. You receive what I understood to be three slider size poboys however you can easily stretch them into three meals if you have a side(s). We both enjoyed our meals. The waitress said the tartar sauce was really good and it IS! The service was pretty good, except a couple hiccups. We had about 45min or so for our meal and then needed to head out for the airport. My husband ordered a michelada and the waitress left the beer upside down in a class for a while before we had to finally remind her it was there. Also, she forgot to put in our oyster order. Once we got all our items every went well, the food was very good. A couple came in and sat beside us who mention the waitress was nice. She was we enjoyed her, but we didn't really have as much time to enjoy our food since we had to head out for the airport. We really enjoyed the food so Capt. Benny's is now on my list of places to visit when in Houston. read more

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The wait staff was not very good. The food was good, but be warned if you order anything broiled instead of fried, you will have to wait at least 20 minutes before your food arrives. read more

Horrible service !!!!! DO NOT COME HERE!!!! The waitress at the bar got upset when I asked her to clean the table. Then it took them over ten minutes to clean my table and get me an ice tea. Then another ten min to place my order. After 30 min on waiting for my food I got and asked a manager because I never got a refill or got my food. I saw 4 other customers get there before me and received food and beverages. I spoke with the manager who couldn't give me a good excuse on my way it took so long. This is a poor managed establishment and would encourage everyone to go down the street to Pappas Seafood. #BennysSucks read more

$12.99 3 catfish fillets fried. I guess that's a pretty fair price they were fried up nicely I would say on the rather smaller side though for that price. I prefer my French fries a little more crispy I didn't ask for and that way mine came out pretty soft and mushy. Also the food really did take quite a long time the restaurant wasn't even full. A lot of people hide this up so maybe might 3 stars and the fact that I'm complaining about the serving time was long might make people upset but I don't care this is my review. read more

The seafood here I excellent, friendly staff, great music. Going to be one of my go to places. My husband left his ray bans on the counter a week ago, we went back and they had them! Thank you Jenifer, read more

Nope! Usually head to Stafford location and love that location. We both ordered the combo fried shrimp and catfish. Very small shrimp and thinly sliced catfish. Paid $30 for two lunches with drinks so I expected a little better. Staff is friendly, restaurant is clean. read more

The staff was super friendly when we walked in. It did take a while to get waited on though. But the food was amazing!! I would definitely go back again for real, legit seafood. read more

Friday night during rodeo season, place was crowded, led one cowboy to declare, "we need a bigger boat." Captain Benny's is always good, affordable, and entertaining. Sit at the bar and have random conversations with good peeps. Oysters were big, and flavorful. Beer is cold. You can't go wrong if your in the mood for inexpensive fried seafood or raw oysters. read more

I'm definitely a fan! If it hadn't been for Yelp reviews, I never would have stepped into this restaurant because it seemed kind of cheesy being shaped like a boat and all. But, the service is super friendly. Our waiter constantly re-filled our sodas and check up on us just enough (not too much or too little). It's pretty small inside but we found a high top near the window looking out onto Main Street. Started off with some Texas Gulf coast oysters and east coast oysters. Both fresh and fairly priced. Then we shared some spicy boudain which was some of the best boudain I've had in a restaurant. I ordered the broiled platter and at $16.99, I'm not sure if it was completely worth it. It came with 4 scallops and 4 shrimps which were good and then a large piece of tilapia, seasoned shrimp rice, garlic toast and coleslaw. The seasoned rice is really what killed the dish. It was hard and not that tasty. I should have subbed fries for it. Overall, it was a really fun and comfortable atmosphere with good quality seafood for a lot less than you'd spend at bigger chain restaurants. We'll be coming back for sure! read more

Look, it's in the shape of a boat. It'd be fair to fear a throng of screaming kids or some touristy nautical nonsense. Fear not. The staff was very friendly, the price was fair and the food was good. My only gripe, really, is that service can drag a little at times. It's not the best seafood you've ever had (I hope) but it's good and it's in the neighborhood. read more

Fried shrimp, fried oyster and tartar sauce!!! Occasionally I'll get the catfish, too. I have ordered the same meal since I was a child, and have seen the same friendly staff in there - as well. The only difference is before I could only have lemonade, and now I can drink at the bar. The captain never fails to make it happen!! read more

If you want cheap seafood, especially oysters, this is the place to be! Their dozen oysters are about $8 a dozen if I remember correctly. It used to be $6 but they raised the price a bit. I wish they served the oysters a bit colder so it can taste better, but I guess that's alright. This place is usually always crowded so prepare to wait in line. Fortunately, their service is fast and people go in and out. Their michelada here is also the best one in Houston that I've tasted yet! Their fried shrimp and seafood are also very good. Especially the shrimp, it's flavorful and huge! Their stuffed crab cake isn't a must for me but it's not bad. I've tried their crab fingers once, it was alright. Not something I have to get whenever I go. Their gumbo is really good though! Best in Houston! read more

Don't waste your time..... Sat in there for 45 min.... They served three other people before giving us our food..... Then when we asked about our food, they shrugged it off like it wasn't anything...... I've never wrote a bad review about any place, but this place isn't worth the time of day.....if you could save you money do so..... Sorry not sorry..... read more

Good friendly atmosphere, fresh seafood snd ice cold beers! Not bad for seafood on a budget. Lol

Was visiting in town and went to this place twice. Great deal on oysters and the service was super great! Will definitely be back to Captain Benny's. read more

Ahoy mate! Get on-board for some Captain Benny seaside tasty treats. My friend and I weren't sure what to expect, but we bellied up to the oyster bar and had a dozen....very fresh, shucked right in front of you. I had the gumbo....it is a broth based not a roux, so don't expect NOLA gumbo. It was tasty and had a lot of seafood in it. I had a half plate of etoufee that was very tasty....not a bad size for $6.99. My friend had the catfish basket....very good as well. The hushpuppies had a little spiciness to them that I really liked. All-in-all a very good experience. I will return. read more

Ok, it's a Sunday evening... After 6. Kinda quiet and quaint. The staff is polite and friendly. My oysters were hot and crunchy. Several wait staff stopped by to see if everything was ok. That was nice. I got one oyster that tasted thick and bland. The rest were just the way I love them; brown and crunchy. I don't care for fries and bread any where I go, but they looked fine. My waitress paid more attention to the male customers; a little too friendly. I guess this tactic gets a better tip. One male customer had his left over packed for him but I was given an empty tray with a paper bag. Oops, there goes the tip! read more