"Lacking Flavor" 2.5... but you can't give half stars here (which needs to change, Yelp!) We are staying in town overnight and chose this location based off the photos of people eating by the water. It also didn't have terrible reviews, so we figured- worth the risk. Well. Not worth the reward. We ordered the steamed clams, as recommended by our waitress, which were pretty good. This was the only part of the meal which We actually enjoyed. The buffalo calamari was not crispy, pretty chewy, and the sauce was slimy. The crab cake sandwich was difficult to eat due to the size of the toppings- extremely thickly sliced tomato, huge onion slice- and the sauce (tartar) was not fresh. The cod tacos... beware. The cod pieces were large, which was nice to see for the price. However, they were clearly frozen fish pieces which were dry and actually hard to cut with a knife (no joke). The "slaw" was raw cabbage!! For $14, you'd expect more... or at least 3 tacos?! It's really a shame because I was looking forward to eating at a local spot with local cuisine. (Cuisine was anything BUT local) I truly wish our food was enjoyable. We would not recommend this spot to travelers. read more

Live in Somerset, but have family and friends nearby. Never have had a less than great meal here. My wife had a birthday party for me here 2 years ago and it was great. Leo read more

The Captains Inn is divided into two separate venues so I will review them both separately. Tiki Bar at Captains Inn 4 stars The Tiki bar is right on the water. The bar has great drinks at a reasonable price, the bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly and the atmosphere was pleasant. There was wonderful live music as well. The music was a bit loud, but the performer was great. We did not try the food, but it appeared to be your standard bar food. Captains Inn Restaurant 1 star The restaurant is actually across the street from the bar in a different building. I'll start by saying we had a reservation at 6:30. We were seated promptly upon our arrival. We were seated in a conference room style ballroom. When we sat down, we noticed leftover butter and condiments from the table before us set behind the chairs on the wall. We sat there for at least 10 minutes before we were approached by our server asking for a drink order. We were informed that there was no kegs for tap beer so only bottles would be served. After waiting 20 minutes our server came back with 3 of 4 of the drinks we ordered and said they were out of one of the beers we requested. We finally got our drinks around 7. By 7:45 we still had not received our food. Over the course of our evening, we were checked on a total of 5 times by the server. Once to get our drink order. Once to tell us they were out of the drink we wanted (a significant amount of time after ordering). Once to take our order. Once to deliver the food. Once to handle the check. We had to go to the bar in the restaurant to get another round of drinks several times when we ran out because our server was MIA. The bartenders on this side of the street were extremely rude and seemed annoyed to be bothered at all by a patron. One even made a snarky joke at us after we ordered. I will say that I understand during the post covid rush to get back to "normal", it's hard to retain staff or keep a full staff onboard. That being said, our server seemed to be the only one working of anyone in the restaurant. The other employees stood in a huddle near the POS and talked. I should also add that it was not a busy evening. There was only about 3-4 tables per server if they were all working. Somehow though, our server had most of the tables and the others were standing around. As someone who has worked in a restaurant, I am aware of the ratio between tables and servers and can safely say they were sufficiently staffed. As far as the food goes, it was descent. Very buttery, not cooked to order, but it did have good flavor. That being said, it was definitely not worth the wait. It tasted like expensive wedding venue food. I also want to address the feel of restaurant itself. The atmosphere is the complete opposite of its counterpart. It felt like somewhere your grandparents would enjoy going. It was dated and felt dirty. This was shocking as the bar across the street has a playful and youthful vibe. The two would do well to either separate under different names or sync up to be the same atmosphere. read more

I have been here a hundred times. My family and I always come by boat and the dock assistance is always great. It is a nice place to grab some seafood and a fun drink next to the water. The Captain's Inn is always busy on weekends so there might be a wait. There is always live music and fresh seafood available for purchase. The last time I went there, I ordered a pomegranate margarita and steamed clams.Everything is affordable and they change the specials often! Everything here is delicious, and perfect for the summer. You can also drive here, not just boat accessible. read more

I've really can't believe how I was spoken to by such a rude girl who looked liked she annoyed by the fact that I asked if there was anything for 2 people just now. I did not have a reservation. But there is way of being nice to someone and telling them in a nice voice that there is only room at the high top table. I would of sat there if she would of said it nicely. Instead she actually yelled out that I only have high tops ! I wouldn't want this one working in my establishment turning away people with her attitude! Honestly, with the prices they charge they need to remodel this relic. Thank you for doing so I will be sure to pass you wonderful work ethic to my friend . I didn't get her name but she had blond hair and was working in Monday at 5:00 August 9th 2021. Hope this one gets a better attitude. read more

Was a great place at one time but now it is over crowded loud and expensive with mediocre food.

Had lunch here with friends a month ago. Ordered flounder dinner and it really wasn't very filling, however, dinner rolls were good. Friends had crab cakes and enjoyed them. Ordered take out of lobster mac and cheese...Excellent! May go back another time to try different food. read more

First off, we looked the menu up online before going, that was the 1st mistake... we got there and they gave us a small paper menu with very little choices on it. We finally picked something and what a disappointment!!! Calamari- tasteless, crab cakes-tasteless (even the broccoli was tasteless! Very very disappointing! read more

I have been here a hundred times.... (outdoor tiki bar)the BEST chicken wings and quesadillas I've ever had! great burgers too! I always get my wings boneless with BBQ sauce and I can't get enough of it! The serving is generous so you can share...quesadillas are on steroids! Stuffed and large! Yum yum! read more

Tried this place for the first time. It was extremely busy. The food was pretty good and service was good as well. Tried it again a week later. Had vegetable primavera. The same dish was better the first time. My family got coconut shrimp the first time and second time. They said it was VERY good and got a double order on our 2nd visit. It's casual dining nothing fancy . I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because it could use some decor updating and a little cleaning up. read more

Awesome food, drinks and service. The crab dip was amazing along with the shrimp tacos made my mouth do a happy dance. Ms. Allison, the best waitress ever,provided my family with superb service and hospitality. I can't wait to have the clam strips and crab cakes, they looked divine!!! Oh yeah, the soloist made the entertainment music to my ears. It is a definite plus to have live singing ( Bob Scaggs sound) during the dining experience. read more

Disappointing meal! Food was not that great and overprice! Website is misleading regarding waterfront dining. The tiki bar is waterfront but the restaurant is not. Service was mediocre and the waitress is not very friendly. Overall disappointing experience read more

One of,if not,my favorite restaurants.excellent food,large portions,nice presentation s.my husband and I have take friends,relatives,business acquaintances to the Captains Inn for at least 15 years,if not more.have yet to have a meal that was less then perfect,delicious and satisfying.top of the line.best filet mignon on the planet.an epicurean delight. read more

We went their yesterday around 4 o'clock and were able to sit at a table in the bar. I wanted a surf and turf, but with a filet minion which was not on the menu. The waitress asked the chef and they were able to accommodate my request. Excellent food and service...highly recommend. read more

We had an exceptional waitress who kindly gave individual checks to our book club members. She was very attentive and was happy to serve lunches, appetizers or dessert. Some ladies had drinks and others did not. There was never pressure to order drinks or more food. Or to get out so they could flip the table. Everyone seemed pleased with their meals and the service. read more

I have had many great dinners here in the past. Today I ordered the mates special. Lobster was non existent. It was a shell with no meat. Shrimp, scallops and fish were under cooked and was jelly. Service took way to long. I have also given this establishment five stars. Tonight was not your best. I will come back and hope to be redeemed. read more

Awesome food! I didn't understand the negative reviews and I still don't. I just moved to the area and was in search for a new place to eat. This place is phenomenal. All the food (we ordered sea bass, scallops, clams, and crab cakes) is cooked literally to perfection. The prices are way to good for everyone on here to be complaining about. Everything I ordered was $15.95 each and you get so much! Let's not forget about dessert...the carrot cake is massive and so delicious. The strawberry shortcake...amazing. The tiramisu...amazing. I will absolutely be coming back! read more

Great views and great food always have a blast when I go to Captains Inn. It's great for large parties as well. Have ordered pasta invited shrimp but everything is simply delicious! read more

Great food good service calamari was great along with the fried clams the island chicken wrap was OK not great chicken was way overcooked

Limited menu with just ok over priced food. Sat by the door so there was a lot of foot traffic.

I would give 0 stars if I could. Went there last night with my boyfriend and his mom. I got a winter specials. It was a salad and soup with a petite filet mignon. The salad dressing I ordered was Caesar. When the salad dressing came out it was the consistency of glue. Gross. Then we got Our entrees. They both got the one of The seafood combos. I left with a stomach ache that settled 2 hours later. 2 out of 3 of us got violently sick. My boyfriend puked violently for hours. I would say unless your looking for easy food poisoning avoid this place at all costs. read more

Captain's Inn, 304 East Lacey Road, Forked River. Captain's Inn score and grade was good. Food nutrition was good. Amount of food was good. Menu prices was good. Service was good. read more

My wife and I had dinner last evening. We were very impressed. From Chef Bob to our server Christine. The food is spectacular from the shrimp cocktail,New York strip steak, monkfish over angel hair and a tremendous carrot cake and drinks the atmosphere service and the overall experience was exceptional. We live 35 minutes away and will make this trip again and again and again. We highly recommend. Thank you to the entire team at The Captains Inn for doing a GREAT job!!! Keep up the great work. Don't ever lose your work ethic and skill set.You guys are exceptional God bless. read more

We went to the captain's in for my grandmother's repass. The food was great and the staff were friendly. We did buffet style so I cannot comment on ordering and timely delivery if food. I would recommend this place to cater. read more

Was visiting the area and thought we'd check this out. We had appetizers which were good. The bartender was nice and the beer was cold. Glasses were clean and the bar was also. Overall good experience here. read more

Food is mediocre service is wonderful especially bartender Kathy! They should really revamp the menu go with fresher foods specifically seafood, especially since it's on the water. read more

Great place right off the water, and there are a few spots where you can dock your boat if you come by water. It's often packed but doesn't take too long to get a table. Palm trees and live music take you to a tropical setting, and even better we found a coconut that we knocked down from one of the trees. Food consists of standard bar fare and awesome fresh seafood. Fresh shucked oysters and clams, crab meat cocktail and coconut shrimp... so yummm! They even have steamer clams! In New Jersey? Whaaaa? I usually have to go to New England or a Legal Seafoods to get me some fresh steamers! read more

Horrible service and food! We took our family to the Captain's Inn on Saturday afternoon Oct 5. Walking in, the place had a strong fish odor and seemed dirty but we proceeded anyway. After waiting awhile we were shown to our table that was next to a wall where loud music was playing. It was cold outside but the air conditioner was on full blast and we were freezing! There were stale crackers on the table and 2 pieces of bread that look like they were left there by the previous diners. I asked the waitress for bread, she said it was in the oven which we never received! After waiting TWO HOURS we finally received our food which wasn't very good. I will never go to the Captain's Inn again, it was HORRIBLE! read more

Slowest experience ever. We came Post prime lunch after 1 pm. The restaurant was about 1/2 filled, primarily all patrons over the age of 70. Our server was very sweet. The food took forever. The dinning experience was well over 80 minutes for lunch. The potato chips were stale. The crab cake was good. read more

Love Captains Inn, both the inside restaurant, and outside tiki style bar! The food is excellent, service is good, and if you like to hang outside for bands, the bar is the place to be. We've gone several times, by boat and by car, and each time we've been very happy. They also have a banquet facility onsite - we've attended several events in the banquet room, and the food & service are both very good. Sometimes, in beach towns, good food & good service are hard to find, especially both in one place. Captains inn manages to master those very well! read more

A wonderful experience all around! Debbie and her staff are absolutely amazing. My fiancé and I planned a very impromptu wedding ceremony at the courthouse and wanted to take our immediate family out for dinner. With just three weeks to plan everything, we were on a very tight schedule. My mother recommended the Captain's Inn and being familiar with its popularity, I called them up to see if they were available for our day. Luckily, an event they had planned had been postponed and they were available for us. We met with Debbie to discuss the menu options- we could choose from their entire menu which gave us so many delicious options. They provided appetizers, soup, salad and a choice of six delicious courses; they even provided us with a wedding cake, which was totally unexpected! They gave us a great price because it was on a Thursday and included the five kids' meals for free! On the day of our wedding, we arrived, were greeted warmly, and all of our requests were promptly filled. The wait staff was wonderful- friendly, patient, and kind. They provided us with colored napkins to match our theme and a customized menu with our names. The cake was even decorated with flowers to match! The food from start to finish was absolutely amazing!!! The bacon wrapped filet mignon, stuffed lobster tail, and maple bourbon sea bass were a hit with everyone. I personally had the sea bass and it had to have been one of the most delicious meals I have ever had. Light, yet filling, and oh so tasty. We all left happy and content. Upon paying the bill, Debbie gave us a wedding card with a Captain's Inn gift card- such a sweet and thoughtful gesture. Thank you Debbie and the Captain's Inn staff for making our small, but special day all that much more special. You have far exceeded our expectations, and for that, you have customers for life. We will be sure to continue spread the word about how amazing you are! Update 7/2018: we had my mother's 60th Birthday here this past May and again we had a wonderful experience! The wait staff was amazingly attentive, pleasant and accommodating. My husband and I return every year for our anniversary dinner. The food is always amazing, the staff friendly and we are never disappointed. Hands down one of our favorite places to go! read more

Spent a sunny Saturday driving to here. We met with two members of our family and were seated at a nice sunny table. The room was bright, friendly and clean, But the fried flounder wasn't very good and after picking two human hairs out of it, my wife stopped eating. My brother's scallops were not very good either. My sister and I had sandwiches which were okay. We did complain about the flounder and it was taken off the bill. My rice pudding was served in a sundae glass and if I had turned it upside down the rice pudding would have come out and stayed in the shape of the glass... the top and sides were dried out. So, although we have eaten here quite a few times since 1969, this time may be the last! read more

Our favorite go to restaurant for delicious seafood, quality service and great atmosphere. We love to entertain guests at the Captain's Inn.

Great place to enjoy a fine dinner whether a special occasion or not.Food is top quality & prepared to your liking.Roomy enough to ensure safety. Recently celebrated 90(ninety) year birthday party with friends enjoying great atmosphere & super food & service (OLIVIA). read more

Love this restaurant!!! The food is always so good! They have a great variety of dishes here too! I would definitely recommend....

Not a lot of choices in this part of 'Jersey. Pros: can drive up your boat, dock nearby & dine. Fresh seafood, vintage nautical decor, not too noisy. Cons: food is never better than very good, often just good or average. read more

Great atmosphere! fun place to unwind after work for good food with great people! Get there early to get a good seat for their live music or to just watch the boats on the inlet. Never a bad time! read more

Awesome food, atmosphere, and staff. A lucky stumble across restaurant while passing through read more

Captain's Inn - Bars Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

Cannot give stars since we haven't eaten here. I called to see if they take reservations. The nice young girl said no we don't, sorry it policy. I inquired was there a time when it wasn't as busy. She said: How I know, I don't have crystal ball. You come get beeper and wait. I then proceeded to say NO THANK YOU! read more

Food and service are excellent. During the summer you must make reservations if you want to eat before eight.