Peter H.
Yelp
OK, so it's the beginning of my spring cleanse and I was also in the mood for oysters, so I decided to hit up Capt. Benny's on Hwy 290.
Short version: a very quaint locale with a lot of Hispanic customers and pretty decent oysters, but be armed with patience and a good bottle of hot sauce.
Long version: I was craving oysters and the billboard outside Capt. Benny's on 290 advertised a dozen for only $11.99. SOLD!
The sign inside says "Seat Yourself" so I did. I went to the oyster bar and asked for a menu and a water to start with.
Here's where things go a little loco. I had no idea who my server was! One girl asks me for a drink order, then she disappears after delivering my water and I never see her again.
Then a Hispanic guy behind the oyster bar asks me for my order. Uh, who dis be? So I order a dozen on the half shell.
If there's one thing I don't like, it's not knowing who your server is. ZAP - one star gone.
Now, the one good thing about this place - hence the 3 stars - are the oysters. Not only were they freshly shucked and fat, but also delivered with a ton of lemon and lime wedges. Pic attached as proof.
The oysters were OK but could have been a little saltier. Given the fact that they were so fat, I would guess that their oyster supplier probably didn't let them mature in salt water. Let me explain:
You see, in Southeast Texas and all across southern Louisiana, oyster beds are usually started in freshwater so that the oysters can grow quicker. Then, about a month or two before being harvested, they are transplanted into salt water so they can absorb the sodium and make for a delicious bivalve.
Not these oysters. They were too flabby and sweet, which necessitated a good douse of Tabasco and lots of lemons. In this instance, size didn't mean anything to me. (Yes, I know what I said, bitches!)
Anyway, the oysters were the high point of the lunch.
I ordered the po' boy and gumbo lunch, which is a steal at $9.99. I decided on an oyster loaf with the gumbo.
The gumbo was served piping hot, which was great. However, it was probably the blandest I've ever eaten. On top of that, it was not served separately from the rice, which is how gumbo should be eaten.
Plus, it too needed a lot of Tabasco to pick it up. This experience is rare for me - I've had gumbo from Danton's and Jax Grill, both of which were infinitely better. Heck, even the Pappas people know how to make gumbo - and you already know how I feel about them.
Bottom line - If a seafood restaurant can't make a decent gumbo in Texas, then it's a badge of shame to be worn. ZAP - second star gone.
The oyster loaf was good. The oysters - 4 or 5 in all - were breaded in cornmeal and quick-fried, then served on a dressed bun like they do in New Orleans. Not bad! The french fries were crispy and not greasy at all.
Again, pics are attached. You decide for yourself.
What really bothered me was the whole "barrio" atmosphere here. As some of the previous Yelpers have noted, service is either hit or miss. And on top of that, you could tell who the regulars were from the way the bar staff was treating them.
Other posters are correct - this is a place where being a gringo is not exactly kosher. When you've got vatos here drinking micheladas and yelling "en espanol" across the room, it's not exactly a pleasant dining experience. Hey, it could have been worse - I could have been wearing a MAGA hat. But I digress.
So - will I return? For the oysters, maybe. For the po' boy, maybe. I'll have to see if there is anything else worthy of notice here. Stay tuned, Yelpers!