Had not been to Captain Lou's in a number of years but I remembered a great location on the river in South Haven. It still is a great spot for some decent food and cold drinks to enjoy the boat traffic! My biggest gripe was the perch/ pike on the menu. I asked if the fish was indeed yellow lake perch and was assured by our server that it was. Sorry but they do not serve "Yellow" lake perch! Like the kind they catch in Lake Michigan, right down the street! What we had was ok but certainly not what I hoped for. Our service was great the ambiance wonderful. Too bad the item we came for was not the real deal! Next time Clementines? read more

This place was PACKED on a late Saturday evening. We found a tiny table in the corner of dollar bill room. Our server was on it right away. She was friendly and quick. We had drinks and water within minutes. Our order was out quick and our server was like a mind reader. We didn't have to ask for another round or the check. She was awesome. I wish I could comment more on the chow here but I totally had a throwback to being 12yrs old for the night and had chicken tenders. Yes... they were good. But how much can you really say about chicken tenders. Lol. The fries have a good seasoning on them. A friend I was with had the perch dinner and she loved it. So I can at least suggest that too. This place was totally hopping, very casual and we had a nice chill dinner. Thank you for the great, attentive, friendly fast (but not pushy, trying to turn the table) service. read more

Captain Lou's - Tasty adult beverages - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

Year after year, my favorite place in South Haven. I look forward to eating here every summer. Try the Cajun seasoning on the fish, it's delicious! Being right on the river, the ambience is great just sitting back watching the boats go by! read more

Great townie place! Service was great, big drink menu selection, and a water view. I had an assortment of their special cocktails all good! For lunch I had the fried perch wrap and I chose the Cajun style. I was very impressed, and there fries were seasoned great and extra crispy how I like. I come here each time I visit south haven! read more

Captain Lou's - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

See all

LOVED THIS PLACE!!! Excellent service and delicious food! We were lucky to sit by the water. I never wanted to leave! Chris our server did a nice job. Make sure you take a peek inside......WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

My family and I loved this place. A cool outside bar/restaurant on the water close to Lake Michigan. Their specialty is the perch. So we all got the perch, and it was good. But this is a great place to hang out even during Coronavirus. It would obviously be even better with no virus, but we were able to stay distant and outside and get a sense of normal during this crazy time. Check it out if you're in South Haven. read more

See all

Very quaint and tiny bar with outdoor seating and a few spots inside. Went here on a Friday night and they were very busy, but they were using a "seat yourself" method... which does not work when the place is slammed and tables aren't getting bused and the line is so long to just see where you could possibly sit. So we waited in line for about 30 minutes watching tables not be bused, people not be served and drunkards throw up in the bathrooms. Then we left. Maybe its Covid, short staffedness, or both. But they need to get it together. read more

Disappointed by their response to Covid, or lack there of. There is an obnoxious, ignorant sign when you enter stating that if someone isn't wearing a mask then they will assume it's for medical reasons (we all know what happens when you assume). I was there to pick up a takeout order, otherwise I would have immediately left. None of the bartenders were wearing masks- do they only hire staff with medical conditions? The perch I rate a 5. Get it from Clementine's next time. I'll never be back. I thought this would be common sense, but if you want to run a successful restaurant, keep your political beliefs out of it. read more

Captain Lou's - Entrance sign - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

I was surprised to see that I had never commented on Captain Lou's. I would love to say everything they have is good but sadly I have been there maybe 10 times or so and have never had anything other than the lake perch dinner. It's the reason I have gone there every time so why would I try anything else. I think it's the best lake perch dinner anywhere that I have tried in the area. Update: The lake perch dinner is the 2nd best thing they have. The Cajun lake perch dinner is the best. It has just the right amount of heat. read more

As you enter you are welcomed by a sign that basically says you can mask up if you want, mocking the current state of health. Yet they only serve burgers well done. Two stars, barely, for hypocrisy and over cooked beef. Health only matters when you can sue Lou for it. read more

Took forever for drinks and food. And there's nothing special about this place. You're probably better off going dow the road across the river. read more

Tues 12 July 2022 The view of the Black River was fantastic. The food was, meh... Would have been better if served hot. The service was poor. The waitress took our order and then went to go work the bar. There must have been a disconnect during the hand off. We waited as others that were seated after us ordered/received/ate/paid for their meals and then leave. We received our meal only after I asked the 2nd waitress to check on it. After we were done eating we sat for a while... I asked a 3rd waitress for the check which was delivered by the 2nd waitress-with some attitude. Overall, I thought it was an expensive meal for canned beer, warm food served in a plastic basket, and pre-packaged plastic utensils sized for children, not adults. I've heard good things about Capt Lou's, jut didn't experience them for myself. We would not go back... read more

Great spot for meeting friends and having fun. Drinks are good but you can tell there is a shortage of staff as the poor workers really have to hustle to take care of everyone- but they get it done and your food and drinks will get to your table eventually! Food is very basic, with a few nice surprises. They let us purchase jars of the delicious pickles used in their special bloody Marys, pretty amazing! Love sitting by the river outside and being part of the scene. read more

Captain Lou's - River front outdoor seating. - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

This place has an awesome atmosphere!!! The food was soooo delicious. I gave it a 4 Star because the bathrooms need serious attention. read more

Captain Lou's - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

Party of four. Waited over two hours for food. Waitress ignored our table during that time. No drinks for some of us and offered no refills for those of us who did get drinks. After two hours they admitted they confused our table as being part of a larger party. Gave the other table our food. Gave us excuse after excuse of why they forgot our food. Restaurant ended up picking up part of the tab. Awful, awful service. read more

I've never had a bad meal here! The atmosphere is fun and I love that it's right on the water with a view of the drawbridge. You might have to wait a bit for a table, but I say go for it!! read more

Captain Lou's came through for us again today. The perch basket has 5 pieces of perfect fish plus fries or tots. The bartenders were very friendly and provided excellent service (we sat in the shade at the back bar). Great meal, very satisfied. read more

Dropped into this older nostalgic restaurant on the marina in South Haven for lunch during the blueberry festival. Very rustic old school charm with outdoor seating and river views. Food was poor. Ordered a club sandwich and was not impressed. Offered no taste, must have gotten the sandwich meat at the grocery store. This place is worth visiting for a cold beer on a warm day. read more

Captain Lou's - Club sandwich - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

Great little bar by the bridge. Don't let the looks deceive you, stop in and have a perch Reuben and get the sweet potato fries too! The fries are thin and crispy and also taste good. If you want perch in South Haven, this is the place to get it! Also try the grapefruit mule. We had such a friendly waitress; I wish I had asked her to buy a lou's your mind sweatshirt. read more

First the location:Great spot! The atmosphere is really chill. Good for friends to hang out at or even a family to swing by! They have funny dollar notes left on the walls! Had the bang bang shrimp was good. Just fried a little to well. The main sauce was good spicy flavor ordered it on the side. The perch just wow! Got it Cajun style. Warning it is hot! I think it's best to go half regular and half Cajun. Very fresh, hot and fast. Will definitely order again! The staff was really good makes great drinks and friendly! Always came at the right time and never over bearing. read more

See all

Great bar and food menu on the river. Staff is great and don't make you wait. Recommend lunch and fish dinner is awesome

"Try it Cajun Style" they say about the fried Perch basket! Let me tell ya... it was delicious going down... but it was like a ring of fire coming out... for both of us who ate them! Consumer beware! Otherwise a great dive joint with excellent service and tasty drinks and food. Just remember... I told you so!! read more

This little dockside place is right by the draw bridge in South Haven along the Black River. They feature Perch caught out of the lakes. We had the fish tCos and the perch basket. The meal was really good and the view by the canal awesome! Give them a try if your in town. You will like it! read more

A must visit every time we are in South Haven. During our most recent trip, they were definitely swamped, but our server was awesome and attentive. The food is spectacular. The perch basket is the best. Drinks are also great every time. Parking is always an issue, so it might be best to plan on walking or biking! read more

Beautiful spot on the water. Great service, and the perch is good. The drinks are incredible. This is our go-to spot.

My husband and I love this place: you will get exactly what you'd expect at a little bar on the water, and we love that. We've split a lighthouse wrap with tots and coleslaw here for years and never been disappointed. The wait staff is always awesome, kitchen consistent, and we've never waited more than 5 minutes for another side of ranch or a beer. Stop by here if you ever want quality drinks and bar food! read more

The best real estate in town. Located below the drawbridge, Captain Lou's offers a spot right on the river where you can watch the boats go by while enjoys drinks and food. While the menu offers "bar food" there are many tasty healthy options on their menu. The salads are excellent as are their burgers; their are veggie burger options also. A definite "must do" if you are visiting South Haven. read more

Meh. pretty much sums it up. The location is really the best part about this place - the food was alright, drinks were drinks, but OMG was the service horrible. The barley 18year old - good looking gal, but zero experience in customer service - was very reactionary. Once we asked, she wiped down the table; we asked for menus, she gave us ones that were soaking wet; never refilled our waters and rarely checked on us. Heard they have live music often... I have a feeling that it's a much better "fun night out" location than place for lunch or dinner. read more

See all

Small bar/restaurant you will want to sit outside on a nice day by the lake. The lake view is the reason to mostly eat here for the view. They have bar food as in Burgers,wing,taco,ect.. The seating is seat yourself so be ready for that, the waitress was very quick and the food didn't take to long to get out. Overall good place with fast workers, we will be back read more

See all

Great place for a drink. We ordered the Salmon Dip app and were very disappointed. Very little salmon with too much mayo and greasy pita chips. Will stop back in for drinks read more

Captain Lou's - We go out to eat 3-4 times a week and this salmon dip is The single worse thing I have ever ordered off any menu. - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

If you are going to get perch in South Haven, then this is the place you have to visit. Sit Ana watch the boat parade go by and enjoy the outdoors. read more

This bar was fun!! Delicious food and good music! View also great right on the water!

Great place on the harbor. It is a dive for sure. Good service but can get a little slower at night when the place is packed full during the summer! During the day get a table harbor side and watch the boats coming and going. Love the fish fry and the burgers. Whenever we're in town it's a must stop. read more

This seems like it is a perfect place for covid to spread! I love the food but will not go there now or in the foreseeable future! Just too small and too much of a drinking crowd! read more

Awesome Perch! Great friendly place, excellent service! Right on the water, fun watching the bridge go up and down for boats... great beer selection. read more

Captain Lou's - New American Near Me - South Haven, Michigan

Discustingly filthy place! Wondered why the staff was so rude until I met the so called "manager"! Food was edible at best!

Service was fast and the staff was friendly. However, my burger had no flavor. My husband and my son's fish was cold. Awesome atmosphere but not the best food. read more

Great dive bar in a vacation spot! Open late, often have live music, and great priced beers. Lots of outdoor seating, gives you the feeling like you are far from home even though you are just in Michigan. If we had stayed longer vacationing then we would have gone back for sure! read more

The menu said they had a GF burger, but they were "out" of buns, and do not offer a lettuce wrap. My son and I ended up sharing an $8 basket of tater tots which was the size of a regular side order at most restaurants. Husband liked the fish plate, but they offer coleslaw OR fries, not both. A little stingy for the price was they charged. Cute venue, might be nice to just go for a beer and watch the boats but not bother with a meal. read more

Great food (try the cajun perch). Be patient with seat yourself. It is worth it. Everyone was very friendly.