Capitol Oyster Bar

Cute place but would only return for the water front seating. The food was either super good or left on the plate due to flavor or cooking style. The okra has pokey stuff in it that got stuck in my throat and the rice pilaf left a lot to be desired. The gator bites and the corn balls were a standout though. Notes: You cannot be seated until your whole party is there. Huge parking lot but lots of pot holes so slow down as you come towards it. Google will try to send you through a trailer park, instead keep driving straight when it wants to to turn in. It will reroute you.

$14 gets you SIX pieces of shrimp. The fried shrimp platter came with two sides (I got double fries) and two (small) hush puppies. The food itself wasn’t bad, though I didn’t care for the batter on the shrimp. I just can’t get over the fact that a $14 platter gets you six small to medium shrimps. I definitely left hungry.

It was awesome. The best burger I have had in a very long time and the seafood lunch platter was incredible

The waitress was extraordinarily friendly and gave good service. It’s a little hard to find and a unique experience, but go check it out.

A true hidden gem. My girlfriend and I happened up on this place passing through. The had some of the freshest oysters I’ve ever had. I didn’t like the limited selection but I did love what they had. Steak was very flavorful and tender enough to cut without damaging my paper plate. All and all the experience was very middle of the road. It was good enough to come back but I don’t see myself making a trip to Montgomery just to stop by.

Everything I ordered was as it should be and tasty. The gumbo is a blonde roux with lots of different seafood in it and sausage. It was very good. The only thing that I dinged the food for was that my catfish the crust of fell off of it still extremely good though but I like my crust on it, lol

We visited recently after a day on the river. This is only my second time to ever visit this location so I am not sure what is normal but the place felt like it was in the middle of a move or transition. The service staff was nice but when we ordered, she was not aware what the kitchen was out of and we were having an early dinner at about 430 but had to adjust our orders but all in all the food was good and I always enjoy eating near the water 😁

Sometimes a hole-in-the-wall is the way to go! This place is off the beaten path and trust me, you want to go here. We ordered the crab claws, a burger, gumbo, and oysters. Everything was incredible!! The owner stopped by to check on us, and he was a delight. Make sure you check out this hidden gem!!

Oysters are fresh and usually from the Gulf area, drinks are great and services are always on top.

And another eating place added to our favorites list! The Capitol Oyster Bar is tucked neatly between a bend near the river and a recreational vehicle park (Montgomery Marina RV Resort). It's not at all fancy-looking...the road quickly turns to hard pan and gravel and patches of pavement. We arrived on a Friday evening, at about 6:00 pm, and the place was busy. But, we found a parking space near the entrance, walked in, expecting a line, but no...a sign said sit anywhere there's a clean table! We considered eating out on the patio...nice view of the river, plenty of seating available, but it was a hot, humid evening (we're fresh from the high country of Idaho, so Montgomery climate is still challenging for us!). We found a clean table inside, and Heather quickly took our drink order (we recommend the Pineapple Margarita!). Big menu, lots of choices. We chose a couple of fish platters (Tilapia and Swai), and they were brought to our table, fresh from the grill, piping hot and delicious. Capitol Oyster Bar is definitely casual dining. The supper crowd filled the joint quickly (we had barely missed the rush!), but Heather paid close attention, checked on us frequently. and made us feel welcome and appreciated. We'll be back!

We came here as a party of three on a Saturday afternoon. We were seated quickly. It was a breezy day outside. The service was a little slow but we had a pitcher of Mango Cart so it was okay. Staff was kind. The cleanliness of this joint was substandard but is that to be expected? Definitely felt like Alabama on the river that's for sure. We ordered the fried blue crab claws, fried okra, fried frog legs, a dozen oysters, three shrimp jammers,and the gumbo. The oysters were delicious BUT my dad had a bad one and got food poisoning! My mom and I were fine. The blue crab claws were more for fun than to get the meat out and actually eat. The fried okra is always delicious but bland. I definitely don't love frog legs but I am glad I tried them. The gumbo was decent. I've definitely had better. The shrimp jammers were the shining star. Definitely order those. Capitol Oyster Bar is a must when in this part of town but I won't be returning.

Fun spot! Good food, service, great dive bar ambiance! Love the Fried blue crab claws.

Don't go here looking for luxury. Nothing fancy. Looks a bit questionable on the outside. Go here looking for good food served in a very friendly (Jennifer) atmosphere by welcoming ( Jennifer) and accommodating staff (Jennifer). The fried oysters were really good. Crispy, tasty and hot upon arrival. Outside seating is overlooking the Alabama River. Great find. Did I mention that Jennifer was a great server, made us feel welcome and had great ideas about what sights to see.

The scenery is really cute, laid back, with a touch of history. The service was immediate and it did not take long for our food to come. Let's talk about the FOOOD...Oysters Rockefeller-A++; Grilled Catfish meal with Fried oyster, coleslaw; Catfish PoBoy with fried okra and Rice Pilaf; Frog legs, fried okra and Baked Potato--Everything was DELICIOUS!!!! If yuh haven't been here before, you need to come.

Yelped this place while finishing a job. Visiting from Charlotte with 2 colleague. Our local team joined us also so there was 5 of us. We sat on the porch overlooking the lake which was quite picturesque! Started with 2 shrimp jammers each. They were crispy hot and tasty served with ranch. Great starter! Each of us ordered a lunch entree of seafood with 2 sides; I ordered the combo platter (fried oysters, fried shrimp, fried fish) with cheese grits and corn nuggets for sides. The food came out shortly after finisher our jammers. Some how managed to delete my entree photo. ‍ There was a common theme of FRIED with the exception of the cheese grits with this meal, and they knew what they were doing with batter and fryer. The portion size was "just right", and the corn nuggets were moist inside with cream style corn oozing out. Loved the FRIED oysters and shrimp. Fish was good in the tartar sauce provided. The service was excellent. They kept my Arnold Palmer full and even brought me a to go cup when we were finished.

Phenomenal atmosphere and fresh seafood! The batter is delicious and crunchy. Server was great.

Our second time stopping here on the way to Gulf Shores. It is right off of the interstate and on a lake. We like to sit outside and look at the water. It's a great little bar and grill and both times that we have been there it has been very busy. They have delicious gumbo! Get the full bowl but I do have to tell you that it is very filling. The oysters were great too. The atmosphere and the deck are awesome. It was busy (slammed) at 2:00 on a Friday but they handled it pretty well. I got a few stickers and I look forward to coming back next year.

Royal red shrimp, grilled triple tail and fresh fried oysters.. what's not to love! We are at the bar and the bartender was a hoot!

Fabulous rustic atmosphere along the Alabama river with fresh seafood and great sides. Cold cocktails and amazing staff. Off the beaten path but worth it.

I've often heard it stated that great BarBeQue comes from Restaurants one would describe as a "joint". The Capitol Oyster Bar doesn't serve BBQ to my knowledge, but it's "joint factor" is in the high end of the scale. Serving high quality seafood is something that the owner here clearly takes very seriously. I often eat seafood on the gulf coast, but the food quality here is often a cut above what I find in coastal restaurants. The half shell oysters are always exceedingly fresh, large and tasty. The steamed shrimp and fried seafood is always excellent. This place is located on the bank of the Alabama River and the views are great. The outdoor seating area is truly delightful. The wait staff are kind, attentive, and efficient. On my most recent visit, I encountered the largest half shell oysters I have ever eaten. They were fresh and tasty as well. Those big beauts were twice the dive of a standard saltine. They must have harvested these down stream from a steroid plant!! I'm telling ya, they were huge. I'll be back soon folks, you're doing a great job!

The oyster's Rockefeller were barely warm when served. The cup of "seafood gumbo" was more like a watery sausage soup, the only seafood in it was one or 2 popcorn shrimp, which we brought to our waitress attention. Her reply "It's usually good, you must have gotten what was left in the bottom of the pot" Not exactly what you want to hear in a $150 dinner.

Great food and ambiance! I had raw oysters and amazing shrimp. Fried okra and corn nuggets are the best!

Love this place. Don't let the outside fool you! It's a great place to eat out on the deck and enjoy looking over the river. Our waitress was great!!!! Very personable and very knowledgeable, loved her personality. For the shrimp plate , and it was a lot of food and so so good!!!!

Awesome environment with friendly service. Oysters are great!! Maybe be a little bit pricey but you pay for what you get. Quality is always better than price. I plan my work in the area when they are open. lol

Great food, Great service. Rustic building, but right on the river Oysters and steamed shrimp are outstanding. And the beer is cold.

Really good food.. laid back environment..nice people..you can drive by boat or car... dine in or on the patio.. you can even bring your dog...

Cool place and cooler bartender. Here on business and was looking for seafood and cold beer. Found it! The bar has a familiar hometown bar feel. My hometown is near Pittsburgh and I felt at home here thanks to the staff. Food was Great! Had a grilled catfish po boy and some Argentian shrimp. Oh and several cold Yuenglings!

Always a great meal and a great time! My favorite is the Argentinan shrimp. These were PREFECT. They were steamed just right and the shells just slid off. I chose some fried okra for a side and received more than I could eat. Music was excellent.

Fresh seafood. Specials daily. I got a fresh soft shell crab po boy hot out of the fryer to perfection. I like their hush puppies and homemade Cole Slaw. Iced Tea is great made fresh. Great atmosphere and owners work on site.

Good good. Laid back atmosphere. Solid service. The music can be a little loud. Prices aren't bad.

I would highly recommend that you pay for your drinks as you go to avoid the bartender overcharging. I had two glasses of prosecco, but got charged for three. The staff there has absolutely no problem calling you a liar or overcharging you because you, as a customer, mean nothing to them. You are a dime a dozen and they can replace you with another customer in two seconds. So, if you don't want to be overcharged or called a liar, don't go here.

So people need to appreciate that this place is a dive. A local place overlooking the river that serves in paper cups and paper plates. The food is ok and the service good but it's a shack and an old shack at that. The rave reviews are deceptive as we would never have come here had we truly known what to expect. That doesn't mean it's bad, it's not, but this is as far from fine dining as you can get.

So let me start off by precluding that my friend and I are both originally from Indiana...we are not locals. Why is this important....well because in light of the fact this is the south and we are knee deep in BLM....we were unsure if this place (from the outside) was a spot open to all... Boy were we wrong. Its definitely a locals type of spot. Nothing fancy but the beautiful natural sunset over the water. The staff was so nice and they have THE most amazing bartender who's ability to remember peoples orders are amazing. They also have this amazing fruity beer on tap that is to die for and fits so well with dinner though margaritas on the rock seemed to be local favorite. For today my friend got the shrimp po' boy, we shared a fried basked that had shrimp jalapeno cheese sticks and alligator. We loved the poppers and the cheese sticks were ok...alligator was uneventful. Her Po'boy was to die for...I mean I've had Po' Boys from N'lawin's and it wasn't as good as this one...the shrimp was just amazing I ordered the fresh oysters (half dozen), and the seasoned shrimp. The oysters were amazing. We sat at the end of the bar closest to the door, so we had first person view of them shucking oysters....so definitely VERY FRESH and very good. The season shrimp was just ok...it wasn't the Alabama red shrimp so that was a bit of a disappointment and I was hoping the seasoning had more of a kick...but otherwise very tasty. Did I tell you the staff was amazing...super fast and super sweet. The clientele was mixed...the view of the sunset from the back patio was to die for.... If I ever ended up at Montgomery...I will be back!

Simply one of my favorite places. Gumbo is awesome. As long as you understand the hours and sitting then it's a great place.

I would've left a higher review if my friend didn't get sick from her oysters. My seasoned shrimp was amazing. It was cooked just right, not over cooked like I've had in other restaurants in this area. However, my friends ordered oysters Rockefeller. They were raw. One friend did not even touch hers and the waitress offered her another meal and did not charge her (so that was great) but my other friend sucked it up and ate them anyway. Before we made it out the door, she was already in the bathroom upchucking them. It was awful. I felt so bad for her. We live on the coast in Florida and she knows what oysters Rockefeller are supposed to be... this was NOT it. Another friend had tilapia and he wasn't the biggest fan. I'm not sure how fresh or safely stored the seafood is. We were also with a party of about 9 and I'm not really sure how everyone else felt about their food. Our waitress was incredibly friendly and accommodating.

We found this gem by accident on Father's Day weekend. My husband wanted seafood so we were in route to Wintzell's but since it didn't have the best reviews, I pulled over and searched again and this place came up. Talk about a find! This is a hole in the wall shack - think beach vibe but with Blues music and blues memorabilia everywhere! It's not fancy by any means but the food is top notch! We still can't believe it's in Montgomery! Sits on the Alabama River. The Argentinian shrimp are melt in your mouth, never want to stop eating them delicious. The Amberjack was thick and seasoned well. The raw oysters were some of the best we've had in awhile. And again, in Montgomery?! Go early if you are going on the weekend, we got in just in time. Right after us, came a long wait! We will be back!

Well like the little place but they close early, and not to mention we showed up and wanted a table for 3... was waiting on the plus 1 and they said they wouldn't seat us bc the whole party had to be here... It's ridiculous that a table with 4 chairs and you can't seat us while he's otw!? Like explain this? So yea first and last time here due to the attitude the hostess showed us yet we walk outside and then see ppl sat down and then another couple join them 10 min later. Little racist so it seemed for no apparent reason. Nice environment but poor service running the place.

I went for oysters. Most of The staff seem really personable. I did go in by myself and I suspect that this is like a cheers type of place. If folks know you, or are familiar with you your service experience is a bit better. Doesn't really make sense especially for a new comer. But because the oysters were exactly what I needed I'll give them another try. Maybe I just won't sit at the bar this time. Idk.

Great first experience!! It's right on the water and had really fresh seafood. We had the fried crab claws and royal reds (great taste but beware: they have the heads and all attached) and a local mango beer that was great too! We sat on the patio, so it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon on the river. We'll be back!

Love this place!! The oysters are fantastic- both the Rockefeller and Raw. The atmosphere is welcoming and they are very fat to get orders out.. even with a large group (15) we ate in less than an hour and everyone was happy with their food. With such a large group they were very accommodating to splitting the check, which we appreciated. Definitely a go-to place if you're in the Montgomery area and craving some good oysters, hush puppies or fresh fish!

Driving through Montgomery amd wanted to grab some lunch. Got the kiddo out of the car only to be told they were going to have a live band later and it was $15 a head to get in. Weird. Won't be back. Just went on to the next city.

Capitol Oyster Bar is a cute dive right on the water with outdoor seating on the deck if you can handle a little heat and maybe a few flies but there is also indoor seating with A/C. They have TV screens and it's nice relaxing atmosphere. The service is a little gruff but I guess that's their style. They don't take reservations but I did call ahead to give them a heads up and I showed up before the rest of our large party to give them time to put tables together (they won't seat groups until everyone shows). You may not know if you're in the right place but they have some eclectic old boats and signs to direct you to the dirt parking lot. If you like fried seafood, this is your spot! You can order everything brown on your plate and you may feel like fried food later but it's delicious. Just a heads up, the oysters are served on a beat up cafeteria tray and wine comes in a plastic cup. Fried catfish fillets and fried onion rings are delicious, light and not oily. They may not tell you the sides up front because they are afraid they could run out of an item before they plate your food. But to give you an idea of what could be available: - Onion Rings or Side Salad (for a slightly extra cost) - French Fries - Sweet Potato Fries - Rice Pilaf (nothing fabulous) - Coleslaw (full of stuff like celery, red peppers, etc.)

Great location and view. Service was OK, refills were slow and the kitchen was painfully slow. We were visiting with family so time passed quickly. Had the grilled grouper with crawfish sauce. The sauce was delicious, grouper was fair at best. Also had the fried alligator which was low quality meat, tough meat and the batter wouldn't stay on. Overall, a mediocre place.

Capitol oyster bar is a restaurant located in a really odd area next to a river. You drive past this unpaved lot with rusting gates and boats. It's kind of shack-like with a lot of wooden siding and signs. We sat outside in a group of three for lunch where they have heat lamps. It was medium busy at noon on Sunday. I got the gumbo soup to start which was excellent. Sometimes it is too sticky and thick, but this one was great. It was not too salty and still very flavorful. It had great chunks of crawfish and bay leaves for only $5. I got the fried tilapia, which was only $10. It came with a good portion of fries and rice pilaf. The sides were good - the rice pilaf was slightly sweet and also had a good balance of oiliness. The fish itself was very crispy and the inside was well cooked to be light, without a strong "fishy" or muddy taste. I added salt and pepper to taste which really made the food good. It also came with tartar sauce which I appreciated and made the light tasting fish taste even better. The extra food that I tried was also great. I loved the hush puppies, and the fried mozz sticks had a great texture. It wasn't rubbery like a mozz stick and the breading was good on the outside. The fried gator was also nice. I hadn't tried it before - but it was a very clean tasting meat, slightly chewy. Service was super attentive despite us being the only ones sitting outside. I liked the ambiance on the outside deck. I would definitely come back.

Some of the funnest memories were made at Capitol Oyster Bar in Montgomery, Alabama. Crab claws and oysters are always my favorites but what really makes this place on the river special, would be the vibe, especially on Sunday afternoon/early evenings. Great place to wrap up a weekend with live music, friends, and food.

When your 95 year old aunt practically begs you to take her to the dive bar you know you have to do it. She tells me it's very important that we go on frog leg night. Personally, I don't think I care for them but apparently it is important to her that I go and try that. So in the next few weeks, t my 2 beautiful aunties will be escorted in Royal fashion to the capital oyster bar and traded to Frog legs, margaritas, and anything else desire, they desire

Fried crab claws are a treat. Royal red shrimp in season is amazing. Homemade onion rings. It's tasty. Lovely porch in a shaded outdoor area affords a view of the river. Used to be a bit of a dive but is has improved its game. Service was on point even when the place is busy.

BOMB!!!!! Hidden gems. Totally worth the visit!! I had fried oysters, fried catfish, okra, cheese grits,'hush puppies, fried crab claws.

The food and the service was impeccable. Everything about this was perfect. And the crab claws and shrimp were on point.

Great food and even better service. It's a local institution I recommend to anyone, especially if they're from out of town.

Food is fresh and special, next to the AL River. Service is good, worth the money. Definitely will come back and recommend this place.

I am not personally the biggest fan of oysters. But If you decide to go, take a friend who is and have them coach you. This place has some amazing food choices otherwise. Try the fried oysters and you will be pleasantly surprised. My wife loves them and she said she loves this place. So most likely we will return again for another date night.

I was hesitant to eat here at first given it's divey appearance, but what can you expect for an Oyster house next to the boat yard. Holy crap, the food will blow your mind! And for the price?? You can't beat it! You can sit inside or outside with a view of the Alabama River. The owner and servers make you feel welcome and right at home. The oyster shuckers are working their magic at the bar, can you say fresh?? I love the Oysters Rockefeller, try it out! My husband isn't a seafood guy so he ordered the ribeye not having high expectations given the specialty of the restaurant. We were both blown away at the amazing flavor of that steak! I have yet to find a better Oyster house that's not on the coast.

I love this place. The catfish filet is my favorite it's always fried to perfection. It's always chill and laid back and the servers are great.

I knew a recommendation would not steer me wrong! These oysters were incredible! I also ordered the seasoned shrimp! Very happy we dined here!

I came here on a Saturday afternoon in hopes to cure my hangover. Capitol Oyster Bar is a bit hidden but if you have navigation, trust it! The restaurant looks tiny from the outside but actually provides a quite large dining area and a beautiful outdoor dining area as well. Patio dining area provides a live band once a week, corn hole, the river, and some super friendly cats! I ordered the combo appetizer which starred gator tail, mozzarella sticks, and shrimp jammers (jalapeño, cheese, shrimp poppers). For my main course I ordered the shrimp po boy. I wasn't really impressed with my appetizer but I really loved the remoulade dipping sauce. My po boy was delicious and filling but the coleslaw side was pretty bland and basic. I'd come here again for the atmosphere alone and to try some oysters and probably inhale the po boy once more. I give this place a 3/5 stars solely based off of the fact that the service was very slow and I was not very impressed with my appetizer. But the po boys are worth it and the cats are pretty freakin cool too.... unless you don't like cats ...

Wow what an awesome place to eat in Montgomery! I loved the service and ambiance and the food? Delicious! This is the place to go for a really awesome lunch. Gulf shrimp fresh and fried to perfection and it was so much food! Let me also say, I had the largest, freshest Alabama raw oysters I've ever had in my life here! Jesus! They were amazing! Do not walk, but run here if you are in the Montgomery AL area. This is the spot!