Capt. Benny's

The atmosphere is very homey and cozy. The staff is wonderful, attentive and personable. It just adds to the amazing and plentiful food they offer. Had the stuffed jalapenos which were good and hot! Hot temperature wise and spice wise which was great! Had the shrimp po boy that was stuffed with so much shrimp. Portion sizes are good and food is flavorful! Highly recommended!

Today, I came in around 1:50pm on 9/4/2025 to sit at the bar as I always do. I have been coming to this place for years and I’ve NEVER experienced what I did today. The bar was dirty and the usual seat that I sit had a styrofoam cup and crumbs all around it. There seemed to be two servers working at the time. One bartender and one waitress. I sat down at a cocktail table away from the bar and I heard the two employees debating if they wanted to take my table or not. After a few moments went by the bartender came to the end of the bar and asked me what I wanted to drink. I told him I wanted a Mexican coke with no ice. He popped the top of the coke and put the bottle on the bar top and wanted me to get up and get it. He looked like he didn’t want to even take my table nor serve me. Made me feel like I was a burden. I wasn’t sitting at the bar and no server ever came around to the table to greet me. So I got up and walked out. I’m not one to make entitled complaints but this was horrible customer service. I’ve been coming here for years. I don’t even know if I will ever go back there.

This place was just one of our random picks that we did for the day. Going by the reviews we figured we would try it. Why not? Well, we figured out why we should have dug deeper on the reviews. To building and decor was neat and different. The guys at the bar were nice and inviting when we walked in. Then came our waitress. For 11am, she must have already been having a bad day or something. She didn't really want to "wait" on us, she definitely didn't want to answer any questions about the menu. She kept trying to walk away before we finished ordering or asking questions. Then the food got there. We got the jumbo bacon wrapped shrimp, some crab stuffed jalapenos and then our meals. I will post pics but let's just say the shrimp on my meal were bigger than the jumbo bacon wrapped shrimp. Those were the size of my husband's pinky, if that. The crab stuffed jalapenos tasted or smelled like dog food. The tilapia fillet and fried shrimp was alright but there was no seasoning just cornmeal batter. The grilled redfish fillet was just that grilled, no flavor. Overall, the experience was sad to say the least. It may have been a little better if we had sat at the bar and had one of the 2 guys working it serve us. At least they were cheerful the whole time.

Man I've never stopped at the capt. Benny's off main st but it did not disappoint the food was excellent and Guy gave me great service and conversation.. I will definitely go back... stop by and tell Guy hello

Excellent fried shrimp. Delicious Mexican sodas. Superlative wait service.

Food is fresh and delicious 🤤!!! we’re from Dallas passing through H-town and had to try Capt. Bennys. The catfish and gumbo are 🔥 🔥 🔥 service was very welcoming, and they let us know food is fresh and made in house! You won’t be disappointed.

Wow this is authentic family style fish fry and seafood. Light cornbread seasoned battered shrimp. Baked oysters seasoned perfectly not smothered with stuff. It's the real deal!!! It's small inside but there is covered outside seating too. Ya'll I will be back. My husband said the crayfish etouffe (Cajun) was the best he has had in a long time.

Good crawfish served quick. The bartender named Guy was funny and he laughed at my jokes. Cool little non fancy spot and the food was fresh. You could see in the kitchen looked clean and busy but not out of control. They have a good staff it seems like.

Everything is GREAT! From the building boat facade, seating, drinks, seafood, ambience (tv's), staff, etc. You name it fried seafood hands down with broiled options now. It's a word of mouth type place were food will jot disappoint. Start of with an appetizer and live in to the main dish. Drunk are always cold and probably the best oysters in town. The place has been here since the 70's when the" Henimens" did this correctly. (May run into some pro players every once in a while.) Friday night might seem crazy but it's controlled kaos at uts best, people standing up passing around plates and enjoying each other company. Salud!

This is my 1st time back to this restaurant in many years and unfortunately I was greatly disappointed! The fish was mediocre at best and the shrimp tasted like it was deep-fried without any seasoning. On the bright hand, the staff and service for very good. Both service staff were attentive and accommodating. Unfortunately, I do not recommend this restaurant. GN3

I don't know why I missed this place which is like 5 min from medical center, and has been here for a long time. Food was good and service was very nice . Glad that I tried it and definitely recommended. Price range is very reasonable

I had been here a few years ago and I got a togo order. I remember not liking the fish then. This time it was a beautiful day outside so we sat out on their covered patio and the server brought us water & tea. We asked questions about the fish & shrimp combo basket, specifically if it was catfish and she informed us that it was swai. But that if we want catfish we should do the Mate's platter as that fish was catfish. That definitely improved our experience! We both got the catfish and fried shrimp and I got the sweet potato fries. All of it was hot, seasoned well and tastes good. Im glad I was able to give them another try.

Good deal on the gulf oysters. They were all tasty, but a bit on the small side. I ordered a half dozen and upon seeing them- and eating them all so quickly- I ordered another half dozen. $10 for 6, $15 for 12. Good deal! I ordered the shrimp and scallop kabobs. There were green pepper and onions and some sort of red powder. Upon tasting the first scallop, I found the flavor to be funky. I eventually determined it was the red powder. Possibly Old Bay? IDK. Anyway, I scraped the powder off the remaining shrimp and scallops and found them to be much more to my liking. I could taste them, and not the powder. To each his own. Next time I'll ask for that to be left off. Under the kabobs was some delicious rice. Cole slaw was good but small. Service was very good and the place was clean. I'd come back!

It says it appears to be a total lost because of the fire and will become a Freddy's frozen custard & steakburgers

The best, freshest, hot seafood in Houston!! I live in Atlanta Ga. And hands down Capt Bennys is the best!! Prices are reasonable and my waitress, Stephanie was so sweet!! Had the catfish and shrimp with a cold beer!! I would eat there everyday if I had the opportunity!!

Decline decline decline, food has declined from the years past, new owner, no more chicken and sausage gumbo. Catfish and shrimp was way over fried today. Don't recommend

Oh, so good Garlic bread, fried tilapia, fried jumbo shrimps, and french fries. Captain Benny's, has always been known for good, fresh seafood drinks, with a small, cozy environment, and the old fashion service, service with a smile.

We heard about this restaurant from a friend who lived in Houston during the '70's and recommended their seafood. Turns out it is still there and the food is fresh and not expensive for what you get. We enjoyed the fried cod special and the grilled shrimp and scallops. We've eaten there twice since and will return again. Good choice!

It's a small restaurant but they do have good food and cold drinks. We opted to sit in the outdoor seating area just because it felt a little claustrophobic inside. Servers were friendly and attentive.

Waiting almost an hour for terrible food terrible service don't waste your hard earnings valuable money on this crap

Ordered broiled catfish plate. Everything was good, plentiful but salty. Service was slow even though we arrived before the noon crowd but took awhile for food to be delivered. Plenty of parking available. Outside seating also. Cozy dining area

Service was great and the food was exactly what we came for. Most importantly they had crab fingers! They are so hard to find in Houston. Capt Benny's did better with the sautéed version which were tasty. Ask for horseradish to kick up their cocktail sauce. Their drinks are inexpensive. Definitely a weekday dinner option worthy of the trip.

Everything we ordered ( raw oysters, broiled crab claws, fried seafood combo plate, fried calamari , gumbo) was so delicious, oh and the Michelada was soooo refreshing and yummy as well. Our waitress was very attentive...Can't wait to go back !!!!

I went here back in the 80's and it was the best Seafood ever. Had an UBER delivery and it was the worst experience ever. Food nasty, Uber delivery terrible and not safe. The bag containing the food was wet all over The delivery from Uber was a disaster but Capt Bennys was just as bad. I had to trash everything.

Everything was very good. I ordered online and other than a slight delay in picking up my order there were zero issues. Easy to get in and out too. Will definitely go again.

We went to Capt Benny's when visiting Houston. Frankly I was not sure what to expect but an oyster po'boy was calling my name. It is a unique restaurant that is part diner, with outdoor seating, and part dive bar, all in the shape of a oyster fishing boat (lugger?). Anyways, the place was fun. The staff was friendly and attentive and we enjoyed talking with some of the other customers. Then we got our food. Maybe it was because we got there late and they had extra oysters, but I couldn't see the bread underneath the mountain of fried goodness. They say they get their oysters fresh each day from the gulf. I believe it as they were excellent. We went back a second time before we left.

Oyster's and shrimp are my go to. Catfish is so good. Friendly service. Clean little restaurant.

If you're in Houston, want a true Texas gulf coast experience, want oysters and don't mind rubbing elbows with blue collar workers coming off an honest day's work....there's not a better place. December-March is peak oyster seafood. And get the gumbo....unless you're from southern Louisiana and a gumbo snob.

A Houston institution! I've been eating at Capt Benny's literally my entire life. The food is always fresh. The service is always superb. I particularly enjoy this location because the staff is always so warm and welcoming. By far my favorite dive seafood spot in Houston! Give them a try.

We were looking for something casual but good local seafood. This was the perfect spot! Sat at the counter, and our waiter, Guy, who has been there for 20+ years, was super helpful, entertaining, and friendly. We ordered the baked oysters, which were super tasty, and the shrimp and scallop kabob. It came with a delicious shrimp and veggie rice. We also had fried shrimp and stuffed crab. Everything was fresh, and the prices seemed fair. Can't wait to come back on our next visit to Houston.

Came to Captain Benny's after getting a flat on one of Houston's many, many attricious pot holed roads. Obviously I wasn't in the best of moods but I was hungry. From the outside Benny's looks a little "rough" it doesn't exactly scream eat here, but it's here so why not. I was immediately greeted and sat at the Bar. Marcus was Sent from heaven with his courtesy and graciousness. Truly customer service employees from around the world should take a class in etiquette from him. The sign outside said oysters so I ordered 1/2 dozen Benny's and 1/2 dozen parm. While waiting I witnessed many orders come out which looked divine especially the catfish in hindsight, I should have gotten that. While waiting the staff at Benny's went above and beyond to provide excellent service. They truly turned my frown upside down. However... Yes you knew a but was coming cause it's a 3 star review. These were without question the worst oysters I have ever had they were small, burnt, so unbelievably salty, and truly the worst oysters I have ever put in my mouth, nearly inedible. They should be ashamed putting them on the menu. What's worse is they barely had any meat in them. Petite oysters (size of a penny) at $30.00/dozen omg! There is many great oysters in Houston these are not them. Why would you bake oysters without any liquid? No butter or anything to keep them moist (this review would have been zero stars if it was purely based on food) I wouldn't even bother with raw oysters from this place. That being said I would gladly come back and try other items on the menu which all looked good and got raving reviews, but AVOID THE OYSTERS AT ALL COST. Its like literally throwing money down the drain.

The only reason I gave it a 2 star was because of the hospitality I got from the waitress, I do like the space it is not small like other competitors. Even with the shortage going on the prices and food quality does not go together. Food wasn't great, it tasted it old and not fresh. My michelada was not all that. I ordered Diablo Shrimps, I felt like I was at popeyes, they were so small and no flavor. I wish I could have taken pictures.

Been waiting over on hour for our food. Just now they tell us they're out of fries!!! Worst service ever!!!

I'm from Louisiana and the food here is much better than most other local seafood places. The service is always great. No much atmosphere but the prices are great

Delicious Gulf seafood served up hot and fresh at this outpost of CAPT Benny's on Main Street south of Kirby Dr. We had an appetizer of 6 oysters in the half shell, large fat plump briny gulf-y goodness!! For lunch I had the 1/2 oyster po'boy with a cup of seafood gumbo. Gumbo roux was dark as night and chock full of crab and shrimp, with a nice splash of rice. 10/10 would get this again. The oyster po'boy was also loaded with fat perfectly fried oysters - I think I had 8 in my 1/2 sandwich. The bread was perfect - fresh and not crunchy, soft like po'boy bread should be. Baked oysters with CAPT Benny's seasoning were DELICIOUS - would definitely recommend those for oyster lovers! 6 was perfect for lunch. Fried shrimp platter served with fries was similarly delicious - they know how to fry here for sure. None of our fried seafood was greasy. 5 delicious gulf seafood on a budget stars!

My wife and I went for dinner and the oysters were about as small as you could serve. There was a man that came in that was using profoundly language and cussing at another woman. I ask the manager to take care of the problem with him or I was going to cancel the order but she responded with telling me he comes here a lot and he is waiting on his to go order and she did nothing about the situation. Very poor management due to I'm sure I spend a lot more money in that place than he does but will not be returning. The lady that served us was the best part of our dinner as she handled herself well in the uncomfortable situation. I would FIRE that manager immediately if this was my restaurant!!! Worst 100.00 meal I've ever had!!!

My husband and I came by after setting up for cook off. Food was subpar and restaurant was dirty. The guy working the bar was the best part. He was singing along to music and chatting with everyone.

Food was very good. But it gets 5 Stars because the service was SO HOSPITABLE! From the time you walk into the place & you feel welcome & at home. And again the food is good. LOL

Had a great lunch at Capt Benny's! Fresh Oysters, fried oysters, fish AND shrimp! Everything was fresh and made to order. The service was friendly and easy. There is counter service as well as table service. Will definitely be back for the food and great service.

The first time I ate here was 7 years ago and fell in love with the food, service and atmosphere. The staff is more like family then servers. I walked in and the same waitress was still working and remembered me!

Been coming from out of town to MD Anderson for 2 weeks. Best food we found yet! Oysters were AMAZING!

When first walking up I saw the oyster shells on the floor outside which was pretty cool. Upon walking in was greeted and than proceeded to find a table to sit. The server came sometime later and asked about drinks and than talked about menu. We ordered Shrimp poboy, chicken tender basket, and combo platter. appetizer was fried alligator. Food was good. Everything had its own unique taste which was good. Service was friendly and checked on us from time to time. I would recommend to family and Friends. I'll be sure to visit the other 7 locations they have when I'm near.

Not bad - not great. Locals kind of joint with mostly fried seafood & raw oysters. I'm not fond of hearing the shuckers brag about not wearing gloves to shuck the oysters. We only ordered apps & the portions were impressive. I cannot recommend the calamari - over-cooked calamari turns to rubber. They are very stingy with dipping sauces, and on that note, the cocktail sauce is rather catsupy. Service is slow and apathetic, although it appears the locals who they know clearly got a different level of service. I get that & I'm okay with it to a certain extent. The restaurant looks like a fishing boat, and it is very small. It reminds me of the restaurant run by Rip Torn in Summer Rental. The beer was super cold & served with frosted mugs. Big plus. Boudin balls are great as are the gator bites, fried shrimps, and stuffed jalapeños. I could have just as easily gone with three stars. I'm not sure about this joint.

Oysters on half shell The best Gumbo Very good Boudiin Very good Service Very hood Value Very good

We had five of us for dinner. We had the stuffed flounder plate, stuffed jumbo shrimp plate, a 12 piece shrimp platter, a fried catfish plate and a captains platter. Everything was excellent minus the flounder. The flounder was burnt completely including the stuffing. Which is a shame because I love flounder. The outdoor seating is nice in an enclosed plastic windows surrounding the space. The waitress was very friendly and took the orders quickly but seemed to get lost when it comes to drink refills. I believe it is a nice restaurant but you may want to watch out for anything not fried.

Came here before the Texas Bowl and was not disappointed. Service is great. We had crab fingers, broiled oysters and seafood gumbo. Then finished with the shrimp lovers special. All was superb

Capt. Benny's is more of an establishment than a great place to eat. The table wasn't clean, the server was inexperienced, and the kitchen team was doing their best to help the front of the house too. Our food came out in waves for a party of three, but a kitchen guy quickly caught it and brought it to us. Food was good, not great but overall a nice meal.

Excellent fried shrimp, fish, seafood gumbo. Fries are crispy. Service is great. Reasonably priced.

The best service great food. No complaints wl be back. The prices are great as well. Definitely recommend. Ask for Marcus great server.

I went here during lunch with a friend. It was very busy. I must say that busy atmosphere did NOT stop the customer service. The waitresses are so nice and personable. They make sure your experience is a great one. The fried alligator as an appetizer is wonderful. I highly recommend it. I also had the shrimp etouffe but I just admit the Mae's platter is a better choice. My friend had the platter which seemed like a more fulfilling plate. This is a great cost effective place to eat and they make sure to clean everything before you sit down.

if you like whole fried catfish look no further. This is your place. Today Captain Benny's was spic and span and the service spot on. My wife loves fried shrimp and tells me her's were really good. Fresh, good brewed ice tea, sweet and unsweetened. we left full and happy. P.S. Price wise, it's a bargain.

Nice place, simple menu. The staff was nice and the food was good. The place is shaped like a shipwrecked boat and pier. Really cute.

The fried shrimp were delicious! The service was great, however, the prices were high.

Great music to match the visit and food. Ambiance is part of the experience, and it is a happy place to visit. So during Rodeo '22 on an early Saturday afternoon, we ventured to a wonderful wonderland of food. Baked oysters and calamari to start off, great palate introduction! Our server, Renee, felt like an old friend; so welcoming and sweet, always making sure we were not missing anything. We started with delectable baked oysters and yummy calamari, a couple of Modelo Micheladas and we were off to a grand gastrointestinal journey. For entrees there was gumbo, étouffée and a packed shrimp poboy. All these were very flavorful and satisfying. A small and almost insignificant knee t pick were the fries. Crispy and golden, but oddly the interior did not taste cooked. Odd. Overall, a great place to enjoy seafood!

We were staying in the area and found them...in business over 60 years. I had fresh cod and stuffed shrimp and my wife had gumbo and shrimp wrapped in bacon and jalapeño. The waitress had a good rundown of everything on the menu and everything was great. It appears to be a great local place to eat. Portions were large, the fried food was obviously done in fresh oil. We will be back next time in the area!

July 31 2023 Food is fantastic. Service from the waitress was the worst we ever received. We ordered drinks and never got them. The food was ready but she didn't pick it up and deliver to the table until it was cold. She didn't give us what we ordered. The bartender was trying to make up for her lack of service. I heard her telling every table "Sorry" for not taking care of them as she should have. The thing is the place wasn't even busy!!!! Unfortunately just because of the service we won't be returning.

Everything we ate was very fresh and flavorful. The shrimp was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. The staff was very friendly, helpful and food came out quickly. The gentleman running the place was so kind to my daughter when she spilled her drink. Definitely worth the stop. I am so glad we decided to eat here! I can't say enough good things about this place. Huge portions for very reasonable prices.