Saltbox Seafood Joint

What a shame. I loved the style of this place; counter-serve, focused menu, picnic tables, etc. We came on a recommendation to get the shrimp, but when we got there they were out. I respect that they are using fresh food, but for a place with only a handful of options to be out of their top seller by mid-day was disappointing. With that said, I love scallops so I went with the hush honeys and scallop sandwich. My friend got the oyster sandwich, and both of us asked for no slaw. We were warned about the 30 minute wait, so no issues there. When the food came is where the disappointment started. Despite asking for no slaw, we both got slaw, and the whole plate looked like a total mess. It looks like they literally grabbed a handful of everything and chucked it into the styrofoam container. The scallops tasted fresh but were otherwise bland and strangely chewy. Oysters were also lackluster. Finally we asked to use the restroom and were told "It's back there but it's locked and I'm too busy to get you the key". I strive to support local businesses but I also expect to be treated with a modicum of respect as a patron, especially when this place is NOT cheap. The hush honeys were actually pretty good, so if I came here against my will at some point in the future, I'd probably just get those.

Nicely seasoned fish and chips. Really enjoyed my fried trout and the chips were also fantastic. Chips were closer to oven-baked & thinly-cut potato chips, but I really liked them. Everything was light on the seasoning and a touch of cajun powder on the trout was also well-executed. Portions were not huge and it wasn't necessarily a very filling meal, but it was perfect for lunch.

Sat outside for a quiet lunch today. Loved the vibe and the food was amazing as expected. Was a little let down that the hush honeys weren’t more “homemade” tasting but didn’t stop me from devouring them covered in honey! Shared a oyster roll with my husband and by far the best fried oysters I’ve ever had. Slaw was unique but loved it too. The quaintness of this place makes it even more charming and unassuming that something that delicious can come out of any kind of establishment. That’s a big compliment!

Pleasantly surprised . I love seafood and not everyone knows how to prepare it well. This place exceeded my expectations!!! The food was good , the proportions were large and the meal preparation time was quick, as it was cooked to order. I will be back!

This was a wonderful addition to this community. Now closed. Yesterday was the last day😔 Another downtown staple becomes condos crammed into a small lot. You can still visit their other location across town.

I took one bite of the food and declared it my favorite place in Durham. My boyfriend liked it too and he normally doesn't like fish. I will never want hush puppies without honey again. The oyster and flounder rolls were great. And the staff was super friendly.

My wife and I aren't from Chicago and we went to this restaurant because of the great reviews and let me tell you they definitely came through. We had the shrimp and drum was amazing and super great. We definitely recommend this place!!

How is this place always so good!? Every local, fresh fish they get their hands on becomes a banquet of deliciousness. My wife and I went the other day. We hadn’t been in a while and we decided to go while we both had a day off. She got grouper and I got clams on a roll. The slaw, the spices, the breading were all incredible. Of course, we got hush honeys as well and they were out of this world. On a cold day, this is just what a person needs to feel a little warmth and comfort. We’re both excited for the second location to open. Hopefully that will be soon.