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Captain Anderson's

Jdarg avatar
SoWal Expert
12,425 views
My mom thinks this place sounds like heaven -keep in mind that her version of heaven is big plates of fried food, then they bring it to the table and she says "I don't know why they give you so much food. I can't possibly eat it all.":lol:

Anyway, is it an awful tourist trap, or is it decent? As good as Nick's in the Sticks?

Any tips?

Replies

70
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#52
I like to putz around, and it takes 45 minutes to get there with me driving. I think the doors open around 4pm, and you want to check out the boats coming in, while you are there. My suggestion is to avoid going during the first two weeks after they reopen for the year. Otherwise, it is crazy. Also, while restaurants in that area really don't have much difference in the crowds between the weekdays and the weekends, still try the weekdays, as the difference may still mean a slightly less wait to be seated. Snow birds typically don't like to drive after dark, so during this time of year, they like to be home by 6pm.
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#53
Almost forgot, I just saw a Capt Anderson's commercial on TV.
Jdarg avatar
SoWal ExpertAuthor
#54
I like to putz around, and it takes 45 minutes to get there with me driving. I think the doors open around 4pm, and you want to check out the boats coming in, while you are there. My suggestion is to avoid going during the first two weeks after they reopen for the year. Otherwise, it is crazy. Also, while restaurants in that area really don't have much difference in the crowds between the weekdays and the weekends, still try the weekdays, as the difference may still mean a slightly less wait to be seated. Snow birds typically don't like to drive after dark, so during this time of year, they like to be home by 6pm.

I kinda told her we would go Saturday, but your comment about the first 2 weeks is scaring me off, and I will embellish it enough to sway her as well. Will save it for her going away dinner.

Yay! Nick's! I get to go after all!
JUL avatar
Beach Fanatic
#55
The head on Peel and Eat Shrimp, Baked Oysters, and Grouper Sandwich at Hunt's are worth the drive. And Yes I do order all three for myself.



😱:yikes::yikes:yikes to the avtar...kitty is right summerwood
Beach Fanatic
#56
No offense to anyone but Captains Table or Uncle Ernies are not even in the same league as Captain Andersons. Having said that, I go to Capt Table much more than Captain Anderson's. It is primarily an oyster bar/fried seafood place and is not bad at all, but it's not Captain Anderson's. However, the crowds at CA are a pain in the azz. I've never eaten fried seafood there but the grilled bay shrimp and scamp imperial are exceptional. We quit going to Uncle Ernie's long ago but the location on the water is very nice.
Arkiehawg avatar
Beach Fanatic
#57
Aww, c'mon, Captain Anderson's in an institution. I once had an excellent broiled flounder there. I have also had mediocre fried stuff. Everyone should do it once;if for no other reason to watch the humanity, poke around the marina and see what it was like to dine out in the 1970s. :wave:


Did it once.....No more.

Overpriced for average food in a noisy hen house.

For the money....I'll stay on my beloved 30A and support Sowalers....
ShallowsNole avatar
Beach Fanatic
#58
jdarg, when you do go, I'd go with SJ's advice and go early so you can watch the boats come in. That is one of the things that has made CA's an institution.

You can also see what's fresh that way. While I don't have to see a cow walk by to pick a steak, I do like to see which fish I'm going to have. ;-)
Jdarg avatar
SoWal ExpertAuthor
#59
Went to Nick's. 😀 Yum! Saving the Capt. Anderson adventure for another night.

Don't worry Arkiehawg- 99% of Darg meals eaten out are consumed at 30A restaurants.;-)
pmd8 avatar
Beach Lover
#60
While Captain Anderson's may not be gourmet, it has consistently fresh seafood. The fried shrimp, scallops (bay scallops, not those huge ones) and oysters are excellent.

I've only been to Captain's Table once. The raw oysters were obviously not fresh and the fish was mediocre. That's why I've only been once.

Hunt's is not quite what it used to be but the oysters are almost always good.

The best crab cakes are at Uncle Ernie's

The best oysters are at Gene's Oyster Bar in Millville. Gene goes to Apalachicola himself to pick out his oysters.

Most restaurants in Panama City actually serve oysters from Louisiana because most Apalachicola oysters are shipped to other markets. That's not to say they're bad, just that they're not as advertised.

Edited

Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#61
pmd8,
Hunt's is back to it's old self. When they went to the new location, the restaurant totally changed and it received many complaints from people who liked the old Hunt's. Now they are back on target and doing well. Good oysters from Apalachicola.

Regarding Gene's, I posted about eating at Gene's before, but I am rethinking my decision. Last time I was there, I ran into people I know from Destin. With Gene's having only 15 seats, we need to be very selective in who we tell, so that we can have better chances of getting a seat when we go. Gene seems to be doing pretty good, since his recent triple by-pass surgery.

I'll always give you my seat at Uncle Earnie's, as I am not a fan, especially since they have been busted for selling Asian Catfish as Grouper, and upcharging for the Grouper! My guess is that after being checked twice, and reported on the local news ch 13, WMBB, they may walk a tighter line. Fraud is a major killer in the restaurant industry. I cannot remember Uncle Earnie's response to the accusation, but they had an excuse like the server may have picked up the wrong plate out of the window, mistakingly serving the other fish as the grouper. That is very possible, but if I order Grouper, and they upcharge me for grouper, I don't want a server mistake of giving me a cheap substitute.

Has anyone been over to St Andrews lately? That place is being built up quickly.
seaside2 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#62
Long story short, but ate there last Sept. Food was ok, definitely a high volume operation.

They could not figure out how to make a Citron Martini or a Lemon Drop Martini.

So much for a good bar!:bang:
Matt J avatar
SWGB
#63
While Gene's is good, to say that other places use Louisiana oysters is kind of absurd. That's like buying beef from China. Most local oyster bars do use Apalachicola oysters, in fact I've arrived at local bars such as Dusty's, Hunt's, and even (shudder) Shuck 'em's to be told it will be 3o minutes to an hour before the owner gets back from Ap-cola with fresh oysters. Something tells me they are driving to Ap-cola.

Unlce Ernie's has been off my list since the waitress came out and read off the specials, highlighting the "med-a-loons of scamp".
criolla man avatar
Beach Comber
#64
I absolutely love Captain Anderson's, always have. All of the Patronis family are incredible individuals and they are passionate about guest satisfaction.
They are also very supportive of other restaurateurs.

As chefs we get to play with exotic ingredients and do all kinds of fun combinations of cuisines. But secretly, I am as impressed with the Captain Anderson's grill chefs and their ability to perfectly grill Scamp hundreds of times a night, as just about any other restaurant phenomenom.

IMO, Captain Anderson's and the Patronis' are classics that stand the test of time.
joho avatar
Beach Fanatic
#65
I absolutely love Captain Anderson's, always have. All of the Patronis family are incredible individuals and they are passionate about guest satisfaction.
They are also very supportive of other restaurateurs.

As chefs we get to play with exotic ingredients and do all kinds of fun combinations of cuisines. But secretly, I am as impressed with the Captain Anderson's grill chefs and their ability to perfectly grill Scamp hundreds of times a night, as just about any other restaurant phenomenom.

IMO, Captain Anderson's and the Patronis' are classics that stand the test of time.

criolla man,
It just so happens I will be eating at Capt Andy's tonite........any suggestions? :idontno: It's my first time. 😀
Beach Lover
#66
joho:

Try the grilled scamp... love it simple. Also, make sure they provide ample hushpuppies... they'll go fast if you're with a group.

Little Fish
Beach Bimmer avatar
Beach Fanatic
#67
Ask if Rosa can wait on your table...choose the Scamp Imperial...and enjoy a glass of Cakebread Napa Chardonnay with it. One of our sons worked there...
seaside2 avatar
Beach Fanatic
#68
Ask if Rosa can wait on your table...choose the Scamp Imperial...and enjoy a glass of Cakebread Napa Chardonnay with it. One of our sons worked there...


Good stuff, especially the Cakebread.

LUV it, Luv it, Luv it:wub::wub::wub:
criolla man avatar
Beach Comber
#69
criolla man,
It just so happens I will be eating at Capt Andy's tonite........any suggestions? :idontno: It's my first time. 😀

Sorry but my reply may be after you have left for the drive there. Definitely Grilled Scamp and the Greek Salad. Have fun and say hello from all of us SoWallers.
joho avatar
Beach Fanatic
#70
Update:

I had the broiled fresh flounder with crab stuffing. ($25)
It was served with the tail on and inside bone.
Absolutely wonderful!!!!!

I will certainly go back..............:clap:
ameliaj avatar
Beach Fanatic
#71
Update:

I had the broiled fresh flounder with crab stuffing. ($25)
It was served with the tail on and inside bone.
Absolutely wonderful!!!!!

I will certainly go back..............:clap:

That's my favorite thing there.:wub: I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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