Captain Kidd’s

Thus was my first time here. I ordered the fish and chips. The flavor of the fish was good, but there was some downfalls. The food was too cold, the fried fish wasn’t crispy enough. My boyfriend ordered the lobster roll. The flavor of the lobster was okay, it was missing more salt. The highlight of lobster Roll was the actual roll. This place was okay but I don’t know if I’ll be returning

Delicious, affordable, sea food. We arrived in a Friday afternoon to find plentiful parking in the back lot and a short wait, around 10 min. It looks like a old, smelly, fishmarket, but the food is top notch. We ordered a lobster roll which comes with 2 sides, and calamari. The lobster roll came with a ton of lobster, though the sauce was a bit too creamy for me. It was still delicious. The fries were pretty average fries. We also ordered calamari and a drink. The calamari was delicious, nicely breaded and seasoned. Our total was a little under 30 dollars which is such a steal for seafood. Great place to eat a quick meal.

The sautéed shrimp and the steamed crab were pretty good but not exceptional. They have very few sides to pick from and what they do have is blah. The ordering process is a little confusing with three different lines to order different things. It took a while to get our food and once we did we had to go back a number of times for sauces that they didn’t include, drinks that needed refilling, sides they forgot to give us… And every single time we went back up there we had to WAIT in a line. It was ridiculous. On top of that, we paid a $ 78 for a piece of fried sea bass, 9 shrimp, a salad that the guy used his HANDS to put in the dish (so we didn’t eat it), some steamed vegetables with no flavor and rice pilaf that did not get eaten because it was so bland, and a small cluster of snow crab legs. We will not eat there again.

Should have gone to Quality Seafood instead of this place.
The last time I was here was 15+ years ago, and my memory dictated having a pretty decent time then.
It was time to come back. And what better time to come back here than Father’s Day.
Came here with my parents in tow. Parking was packed by the time we got here but got REALLY lucky since someone was leaving as we were pulling up.
We walked in and the first impression I got was: disorganized and chaotic. There are three different lines for three different things: a line for fish, a line for crabs/​lobster, and a line for everything else. So, I set up my strategy — I grabbed a number for the crab line and got in line for the «everything else» part of our meal.
It didn’t take long to get to the cashier to put in our order. I asked if the guys in the fish and crab/​lobster line still go with the number system since they don’t seem to be calling out numbers, rather, «Okay, who’s next?» (They were supposedly working on #91 when I got my number — #53. No way in hell there were 62 people ahead of me…) Anyway, Nicole, our cashier said, «They’re really terrible at it.» And suggested I should just catch someone’s attention if I wanted to put in an order of crabs.
We completed our orders on that part of the restaurant, got our drinks and grabbed a table. Went back to the crabs/​lobster area to get a dungeness crab as requested by the Father’s Day celebrant. They went back to using the number system (although the wall still shows #91) and luckily, I was next. Went ahead and ordered the crab. Was told it’d take about 25 – 30 minutes to steam (no problem) and that my number would be called. I was also asked if it was «for here» and told him it is.
Got our number called out for our food (sans the crab) about 10 – 15 minutes later. The fried combo platter was pretty good (considering we got 2 pieces of cod instead of one) but they pulled a booboo by giving us rice pilaf vs white rice. Whatever, no biggie.
The New England clam chowder was impressive. Plenty of clams in there and it was quite tasty! I’d recommend that, for sure.
The soft shelled crab platter came with 2 pieces. I thought it was a little pricey for just 2 SMALL pieces. However, the batter was not thick and they tasted really fresh. The coleslaw was a joke — I’m not sure what veggies they used, but they were a bit hard/​tough. If they’re going for the crunch, they went a little too far with it.
The lobster roll didn’t look like much at first glance, but I took a closer look and they didn’t skimp on the lobster meat. The mayo could have used a bit more seasoning, though, because it came out a bit bland. But it was pretty decent. The garlic fries could have used a bit more garlic flavor. I had a difficult time getting even a hint of that garlic aroma out of it. Not really sure if I’d order either one again.
So, at this point, I would have given this place an overall 3.5−4 stars.
The cause of the drop of stars is the staff at the crab area.
So halfway through the meal (as described above) my number for the crab got called. I went ahead and got my ass up to that area to pick it up. I asked to have the crabs cracked (so that way we won’t have to make a mess at the table.) They just kept passin’ me by, passin’ me by… I caught one of their attention, and he gave me the okay signal. TWICE. But he kept walking back and forth in front of me like he didn’t acknowledge me at all! He went to open up the steamer, took out newly steamed bags of crabs and lobster, then he checked receipts of other orders, went to the other side and took another order… like, WTF?! All I want is to get my crabs cracked — that would have taken all but a few seconds!
Someone else ended up crackin’ the crabs for me. At this point, the crab got a little cooler. Ugh, I hate crabs that get cold after it just got freshly steamed.
Overall, though, food was okay. Nothin’ spectacular. But having to deal with the chaotic disorganized staff just isn’t worth it. Their prices weren’t even that competitive.
Probably won’t come back.
Definitely stickin’ to Quality Seafood.

Thanks to Jack and his staff for special service even with the frenetic pace and style of Captain Kidd’s. When you have a party of 6, it’s like herding cats! One wants fresh crab, another wants cioppino, another wants the dinner special– different wait areas for each can be challenging for the host– in this case a family birthday celebration. Jack helped us run a tab, everyone was happy with their dinners, and who couldn’t be delighted with Manhattan Creamery ice cream cookies available for dessert???

Love love love! Options are great. Clean place, easy parking. Close to the pier. Fresh seafood.
I got the lobster roll which was deelish. comes with 2 sides. Fried oysters, clam chowder, cioppino, calimari, fried clams, raw oysters… hush puppies! All their fresh fish could be grilled, steamed or fried as you wish. Lots of variety.
Cannot wait to come back. YuM!

Fresh seafood that’s decently prepared and reasonably priced. You order and pick up your own food… If you like fish or seafood, there’s definitely a large selection. The place is completely low key with bench sitting. I wish they could do something about the flies and bugs… maybe clean up more often or take out the trash.

My parents and I bought $ 20 crabs that came down to about $ 150ish dollars.
The person serving us was phenomenal. We asked him to get us big crabs, 13 females and 7 males and he happily helped us.
We got the local grabs which were $ 5.99 per pound. The females were small but they had eggs in them which are awesome! The meat on the female crabs are much sweeter and more enjoyable to eat. The males are really big but their meat is not as sweet and it’s a bit more firm.
But overall this place is our go-​to to get fresh crabs for cheap!

3.5 is an appropriate rating for kidd’s.
We had the Halibut from central california, blackened, grilled, with white rice, and mixed vegetables.
It was all good.
29.00 for that meal, with .80 lb of Halibut and sides.
You stand up to order, pay, get a number, and they call it on the loud speaker.
It’s next to the pier, we walked over from downtown Redondo Beach.
Last time that I was here I had the salmon. That was OK also.

When eating seafood my favorite is usually eating Mexican or Peruvian Style … however here is where i make the exception .
Try the Shark Sandwich
The Cioppino Soup, Lobster Bisque, or any of the Sautéed Fish Plates.

Service was really bad. Young, not wanting to be there and yelling over customers if she could go on lunch to someone at the seafood counter and ‘why not as she was there first over the other guy’… LOL!!!
The food, delicious!
Tried:
Ceviche (so very lime-​y and good)
Shrimp cocktail (fresh, served with lemon)
Poke (so good but too much filler, EX onions, seaweed)
Beer and wine. Nothing fancy here. The beer was cold and the wine was served in a plastic cup, but good portion.
You can sit outside in the sun and overlook the harbor.
I loved the fish counter — so many beautiful, fresh things and despite lack of service, if I were a local I would be here practically daily.
***Returned some weeks later. Food was not as good, did not taste as fresh and the smoked fish was a waste. Service still the same. Husband tried to get a fresher portion of ceviche, was told they were all the same and some fish is rubbier than others? Down to 3 stars. For the price, we will try a new local fish place next time***

Great fresh seafood for seafood lovers this is a super casual place you order the food then sit and pick it up when they call your number only thing I wish they had fresh veggies such as grilled zuchinni or mushrooms more of a fresh side option would be great!

We had a great time after the 5/​10k race this morning. We sat outside, had beers and made our own mimosas. Good times. After awhile we had appetizers. Yummy. Cooked just right.

While working locally, and friend and I opted out of our catered lunch to try some local Fish n Chips.
We asked several locals working at the fish market and were told that Captain Kidd’s was the place. So, off we went.
It was a mid weekday at 2:00 and the place was dead! 3 other patrons total. Normally this would cause concern, but the folks at Quality Seafood (couldn’t eat there as it is under renovation of the kitchen area) recommended this place, so we ordered our Fish n Chips and sat down.
The service, I should note, was great!
When our orders arrived, they looked a bit oily. The fish had a nice crunch to it, but the fries were soggy. Both were bland and in desperate need of seasoning. Salt goes a long way guys, try some.
While it wasn’t the worst I have ever had, sadly, it was far from the best.
Don’t think I’d go back.

Our usual spot «Quality Seafood» was closed for renovation so we ended up here, been meaning to try this place out for a while. I still prefer our OG spot any day. Here’s why:
Pros: they have almost everything under one roof. The dungenous crabs we got were super meaty! The fried tilapia was perfectly fried. Condiments were free (butter, lemons, Tabasco, and Louisiana hot sauce)
Cons: if you want shrimp fried from the case, you have to pay an extra $ 5.00 for cooking. The clam chowder was served cold and had more potatoes vs clams. Even when I got a new batch, it was warm at best. The white rice was not fresh and the mushroom rice pilaf had no taste. I had to go back twice to the counter to ask for things we noticed was missing.
After spending almost $ 250.00, the only thing that was worth the price was the crabs. Other than that, all the quality of the other foods and sides were just «average» I rounded up to 3 Starts but really 2.5 is more like it.

Dry fish with bones! Boring sides. But really decent oysters.
We ordered the grilled mahi mahi/​fries/​macaroni salad ($ 14), rock cod/​rice pilaf/​side salad ($ 13), and ½ dozen oysters ($ 10).
The mahi mahi had major BONES in it! Not sure if the bones were intentionally left in there (to demonstrate how «fresh caught» the fish was??), but it was really disturbing to me the number of bones and the SIZE of the bones in such a small serving of mahi. Don’t order this for the kids.
The rock cod was super dry! I was astounded how dry and rubbery the cod was for the restaurant being right next to the ocean… taste-​wise, i wouldn’t be surprised if the fish was straight from the freezer!
The most edible items to me were the garden salad and the oysters. The oysters were small, but plump and juicy!
Overall, if i ever come back, i’d stick with just the oysters.

*****60^th Review*****
Oh man. This is where you go when you want a bomb lobster roll sandwich. They definitely know how to throw it down. So they have a seafood market on the left and a restaurant on the right. In the market, you can also have them steam/​cook your seafood!
There’s a nice enclosed patio in the back of the restaurant with an ocean view. Love this restaurant! Definitely come here if you’re craving seafood! It’s so good!

What a great spot! We’ve passed this place a couple times, but never thought to stop by until today.
I was amazed to see the amount of seafood dishes presented in their menu clearly feeling as if I were in seafood heaven.
Raw oysters $ 9.99/ half dozen. What a steal! It wasn’t exactly thee best I’ve had, but as long as I don’t get sick from it, I’ll eat it! The cioppino was good, but I wished it were piping hot!
There’s plenty of bench seating inside the indoor patio area.
I didn’t like the shared bathroom too much with the men’s urinal in my face (gross), but I just thought, «happy thoughts» to make that yucky feeling go away. Sorry guys!
All in all it was a good meet with the Captain.

Mmmmm. Crazy good seafood for about a third of what u’d pay at other LA restaurants. Had oysters, scallops, shrimp, a 5 LB spider crab with 4 sides for about $ 90. Amazing selection of fresh fish. Not fancy, no special sauces, just lemon, butter, ketchup, Tabasco.
I personally would want to bring a chimichurri sauce, some thai chili oil, or other yum yums to dress it up. Do urself a favor and minimize the sides, go for max seafood.
Oh yeah and they have a harbor view and outdoor patio. In terms of value, and ability to bring a family and have fun, this place kicks Gladstones and Santa Monica Seafood’s ass!
Walk around the harbor after, cheap parking in the area, shops, live music… Make a day of it.

Seafood of any kind, yes, I love it so much. I was brought here for a dinner and just the fresh smell of the ocean made me think I was back home. The view of the sunset was amazing. So close to the sea!
We picked jumbo shrimps, salmon, hush puppies, fresh fruits and coleslaw and all paired with white wine. All grilled and it was great. It wasn’t a long wait because it was Wednesday evening.
People are nice and there’s a free slice of cake for a birthday celebrant!