I originally heard about Captain John's from a friend who claimed this was the place to go for some of the best friend fish in the Boston area. So naturally, on my last day in Boston, I came in very excited for this to be everything I heard of and more... And they absolutely delivered! Wonderfully pleasant folks serving beautifully fried fish and incredibly tender scallops. It was so good, I ended up finishing a whole seafood platter by myself. The music and laughter from the bar also really builds on the small town atmosphere that adds another level to the experience. I would recommend this to anyone who has the chance to stop by!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter
Daniel Dickey
Saint Patrick's Day Special is always the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
marg kell
Captain John's has the best seafood around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SLI
Our impression was that this is a dive bar that sells food.The interior doesn't seem especially pleasing or attractive. It's utilitarian. Don't expect any charming touches. The carpet probably should have been hauled out and burned years ago.As for the food and service, the server and other staff were very pleasant. And the food was pretty good. But it took a long time to arrive, and it wasn't hot when when got it.There's a few well-know places in eastern Massachusetts that do a good job with fried seafood. This place seems to be that sort of restaurant. In our opinion, it's not among the best of them, mostly due to the atmosphere, but it's also less expensive than those places, which is worth keeping in mind. So, if you're in the neighborhood, and you're just hungry . . .Finally, it's worth noting that soon after we were seated, a cold breeze began to blow over our table, accompanied by the smell of cigarette smoke. Maybe people were standing outside an open door to have a smoke? We couldn't really tell. But one of us hates cigarette smoke, and it made the meal unpleasant for her.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Stephanie Nou
Always heard good things about this place & it’s crazy because a good portion of my life I lived so close to this restaurant but I’ve never tried it up until today!! Told my husband I wanted to try a different restaurant this time & I actually decided on this place. Wish I got the waitress’s name.. she was such a sweet ol’ lady! Even besides her, everyone else was super nice! My husband & I felt comfortable there; just a cozy, chill place. Got the fried shrimp, fried scallops & onion rings; it was delicious!! I would definitely come back here again & I did tell the lady the same thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rick
Give it 5 starts but 30 minutes+ to get an order was a bit much. Food was excellent with large portions. Found parking on the street.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Baked Haddock
Walter Fortado
Where to start-- well, here goes:My last experience here was AWESOME, but that was before COVID. We don't go out to eat much, and hardly ever do we spend what worked out to almost $38 each for a take-out meal, but after talking my wife into trying it we decided to splurge. We got two of their Fried Seafood Platters, added Onion Rings to one, forgot it was Cash Only so I got hit with a service fee from the ATM they have in there, and were charged for extra Tartar Sauce. Had this been the meal I was anticipating I could forgive the charge for the ATM and possibly even the one for the Tartar Sauce- but this was NOTHING like I remembered the last meal I had there. The clams were tiny and full of sand, the fish wasn't skinned, and everything except for the Scallops was overcooked- badly overcooked. The Tartar Sauce was also nothing like before as it was almost just straight Mayo.I highly doubt I will be returning as this was not worth the money at all
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Walter Fortado
Where to start-- well, here goes:
My last experience here was AWESOME, but that was before COVID. We don't go out to eat much, and hardly ever do we spend what worked out to almost $38 each for a take-out meal, but after talking my wife into trying it we decided to splurge. We got two of their Fried Seafood Platters, added Onion Rings to one, forgot it was Cash Only so I got hit with a service fee from the ATM they have in there, and were charged for extra Tartar Sauce. Had this been the meal I was anticipating I could forgive the charge for the ATM and possibly even the one for the Tartar Sauce- but this was NOTHING like I remembered the last meal I had there. The clams were tiny and full of sand, the fish wasn't skinned, and everything except for the Scallops was overcooked- badly overcooked. The Tartar Sauce was also nothing like before as it was almost just straight Mayo.
I highly doubt I will be returning as this was not worth the money at all
Michelle A
First time there,and last! Waited exactly an hour and a half for food and I had way better elsewhere
Lauren Gauthier
We have eaten here before and it’s always been good . Not this time . We spent over $80 on 3 meals and everything tasted like bland batter and oil . Nothing was good except the tartar sauce.When I picked up my food I asked for extra tartar sauce . It’s an extra charge they said .? I just bought $80 worth of food and you want me to pay for 2 extra containers of tartar sauce.? No thank you . Will not be coming back .
Since moving to Lowell a few months ago I'd heard great things about this place, so I was excited about trying it. Visited the restaurant alone, early on a quiet Monday evening, and ordered the fried sea scallops with rice and broccoli. (I wanted onion rings, but they were "sold out" - strike 1.) The scallops were large, plump, and mercifully not overcooked; but rather than being either pan-fried/sautéed or deep-fried and crispy (either prep would have been fine) these were soggy and oily - strike 2. Not only disappointing but especially unfortunate considering how lovely and delicate large scallops can be; what a waste. Nothing about either of my two sides was noteworthy or redeeming in any way. A frustrating, mediocre meal, for which I regret throwing away $30. I do not expect to return anytime soon to this "iconic" seafood restaurant.
George Price
We happened to go a quiet time. The stars given were deserved by restaurant and it's people. Definitely will be back.Parking: We got front door parking, by luck.Wheelchair accessibility: You shouldn't have an issue.
Long wait to order, then another for food. Scallops were tough, rest just ok.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
George Alexandropoulos
Had the fried seafood platter. OUTSTANDING!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fisherman's Platter, Fried Clams, Baked Haddock, Fish and Chips
Greg Alex
Oh my goodness - Captain John's food is so good. The place lives up to the reputation.Dive bar. Cash only. Incredible food. No atmosphere or pleasantries here. Go for the food. No other appeal.The fried fish platter was one of the best ive ever had.Parking: Difficult section of Lowell to find parking.
I originally heard about Captain John's from a friend who claimed this was the place to go for some of the best friend fish in the Boston area. So naturally, on my last day in Boston, I came in very excited for this to be everything I heard of and more... And they absolutely delivered! Wonderfully pleasant folks serving beautifully fried fish and incredibly tender scallops. It was so good, I ended up finishing a whole seafood platter by myself. The music and laughter from the bar also really builds on the small town atmosphere that adds another level to the experience. I would recommend this to anyone who has the chance to stop by!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Platter
Saint Patrick's Day Special is always the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Captain John's has the best seafood around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our impression was that this is a dive bar that sells food.The interior doesn't seem especially pleasing or attractive. It's utilitarian. Don't expect any charming touches. The carpet probably should have been hauled out and burned years ago.As for the food and service, the server and other staff were very pleasant. And the food was pretty good. But it took a long time to arrive, and it wasn't hot when when got it.There's a few well-know places in eastern Massachusetts that do a good job with fried seafood. This place seems to be that sort of restaurant. In our opinion, it's not among the best of them, mostly due to the atmosphere, but it's also less expensive than those places, which is worth keeping in mind. So, if you're in the neighborhood, and you're just hungry . . .Finally, it's worth noting that soon after we were seated, a cold breeze began to blow over our table, accompanied by the smell of cigarette smoke. Maybe people were standing outside an open door to have a smoke? We couldn't really tell. But one of us hates cigarette smoke, and it made the meal unpleasant for her.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 4
Always heard good things about this place & it’s crazy because a good portion of my life I lived so close to this restaurant but I’ve never tried it up until today!! Told my husband I wanted to try a different restaurant this time & I actually decided on this place. Wish I got the waitress’s name.. she was such a sweet ol’ lady! Even besides her, everyone else was super nice! My husband & I felt comfortable there; just a cozy, chill place. Got the fried shrimp, fried scallops & onion rings; it was delicious!! I would definitely come back here again & I did tell the lady the same thing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Give it 5 starts but 30 minutes+ to get an order was a bit much. Food was excellent with large portions. Found parking on the street.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Baked Haddock
Where to start-- well, here goes:My last experience here was AWESOME, but that was before COVID. We don't go out to eat much, and hardly ever do we spend what worked out to almost $38 each for a take-out meal, but after talking my wife into trying it we decided to splurge. We got two of their Fried Seafood Platters, added Onion Rings to one, forgot it was Cash Only so I got hit with a service fee from the ATM they have in there, and were charged for extra Tartar Sauce. Had this been the meal I was anticipating I could forgive the charge for the ATM and possibly even the one for the Tartar Sauce- but this was NOTHING like I remembered the last meal I had there. The clams were tiny and full of sand, the fish wasn't skinned, and everything except for the Scallops was overcooked- badly overcooked. The Tartar Sauce was also nothing like before as it was almost just straight Mayo.I highly doubt I will be returning as this was not worth the money at all
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Where to start-- well, here goes: My last experience here was AWESOME, but that was before COVID. We don't go out to eat much, and hardly ever do we spend what worked out to almost $38 each for a take-out meal, but after talking my wife into trying it we decided to splurge. We got two of their Fried Seafood Platters, added Onion Rings to one, forgot it was Cash Only so I got hit with a service fee from the ATM they have in there, and were charged for extra Tartar Sauce. Had this been the meal I was anticipating I could forgive the charge for the ATM and possibly even the one for the Tartar Sauce- but this was NOTHING like I remembered the last meal I had there. The clams were tiny and full of sand, the fish wasn't skinned, and everything except for the Scallops was overcooked- badly overcooked. The Tartar Sauce was also nothing like before as it was almost just straight Mayo. I highly doubt I will be returning as this was not worth the money at all
First time there,and last! Waited exactly an hour and a half for food and I had way better elsewhere
We have eaten here before and it’s always been good . Not this time . We spent over $80 on 3 meals and everything tasted like bland batter and oil . Nothing was good except the tartar sauce.When I picked up my food I asked for extra tartar sauce . It’s an extra charge they said .? I just bought $80 worth of food and you want me to pay for 2 extra containers of tartar sauce.? No thank you . Will not be coming back .
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Since moving to Lowell a few months ago I'd heard great things about this place, so I was excited about trying it. Visited the restaurant alone, early on a quiet Monday evening, and ordered the fried sea scallops with rice and broccoli. (I wanted onion rings, but they were "sold out" - strike 1.) The scallops were large, plump, and mercifully not overcooked; but rather than being either pan-fried/sautéed or deep-fried and crispy (either prep would have been fine) these were soggy and oily - strike 2. Not only disappointing but especially unfortunate considering how lovely and delicate large scallops can be; what a waste. Nothing about either of my two sides was noteworthy or redeeming in any way. A frustrating, mediocre meal, for which I regret throwing away $30. I do not expect to return anytime soon to this "iconic" seafood restaurant.
We happened to go a quiet time. The stars given were deserved by restaurant and it's people. Definitely will be back.Parking: We got front door parking, by luck.Wheelchair accessibility: You shouldn't have an issue.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fisherman's Platter, Cole Slaw, Onion Rings
Long wait to order, then another for food. Scallops were tough, rest just ok.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Had the fried seafood platter. OUTSTANDING!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fisherman's Platter, Fried Clams, Baked Haddock, Fish and Chips
Oh my goodness - Captain John's food is so good. The place lives up to the reputation.Dive bar. Cash only. Incredible food. No atmosphere or pleasantries here. Go for the food. No other appeal.The fried fish platter was one of the best ive ever had.Parking: Difficult section of Lowell to find parking.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fisherman's Platter