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    Saltbox Seafood Joint

    4.1 (354 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Saltbox Seafood Joint Photos

    Business Info

    SALTBOX SEAFOOD JOINT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Jerrie A.

    Heard lots of great things about Saltbox and decided to make the drive out to Durham to try with my partner. For a Friday morning to afternoon, this place was hustlin' and bustlin' with a whole lot of customers!! Even though it was a little early for lunch time, plenty of people were in line for their fried seafood. Grouper was sold out by the time we came, so perhaps it's a popular choice here and should be tried next time. I ended up getting the shrimp platter with crispy potatoes and slaw. The fried shrimp tasted fine. Not as crispy as I'd like, but a nice crunch and no fishy smell. The crispy potatoes and slaw took my breath away though. I'd specifically come back for those items, but it'd be a waste not to have any fried seafood accompaniment lol. Their cocktail sauce was pretty good, abut watery and I didn't really pay too much attention to the tartar and mustard. Those two sauces were a little more watery than I'd prefer. Workers were all nice and really quick! No wasted time between taking orders, preparing food, and passing orders to customers. I was super impressed with the coordination of the server working the register and prepping orders for takeout and dine in. She moved fast and helped people get in and out quick! My overall experience here was a solid 3.5 but will round up. Prices were a tad high, but not surprised given how in land we are. I've had good fried seafood in SF and Monterey back in CA, so I had high expectations for a crispy batter layer for the seafood. It was a bit thin for my liking, but still a good experience overall! Plenty of seats inside and outside the business, and parking can get tricky during peak hours, but if you go past lunch time rush, you'll be a-okay to order and dine-in here. Crispy potatoes are 10000% worth it if you enjoy potatoes or French fries!

    Tye R.

    I've had Saltbox on my list for a while, and finally made a trip to Durham to try it, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We ordered the crab cakes with crispy potatoes, the spicy mahi sandwich, an order of hush-honeys, plus drinks: Uncle Waithley's ginger beer and an Arnold Palmer. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. You can really tell that all the sauces and sides are made from scratch--it elevates the entire meal. The crab cakes were tender and perfectly seasoned, the sandwich had just the right amount of heat, and those hush-honeys were the kind of sweet-savory bite you dream about later. The atmosphere sealed the experience for me. They had blues playing in the background, which gave it that warm, soulful vibe that just fits. I also loved seeing Uncle Waithley's (a Black-owned brand) as a beverage option: it shows intention and community in the details. If you've been eyeing Saltbox like I was, make the trip. It's one of those restaurants that not only delivers on flavor but also feels good to support. I'll definitely be back.

    Menu
    Angela Z.

    The food was fine (and you can get free hush puppies if you scan a sign near the register) but I think it's way pricey for what it is. We paid around $90 for three plates and a small Brussels sprouts. Fresh and a fun ambience but not worth it

    Grilled shrimp plate, Fried grouper sandwich, Hush honies
    Andrea A.

    Finally got the chance to try out this Durham institution! Overall, liked everything we got: grilled shrimp (tender & well-seasoned) + potatoes plate, fried grouper sandwich (too fishy for me unfortunately), and hush honies (get this!! loved the sweet-savory fried dough goodness). Ambiance is great: there's indoor & outdoor seating. Service was relatively fast. Free adjacent parking lot. 8.5/10 would recommend to try at least once.

    The menu but I think it changes often.
    Alan B.

    We heard this place had great fresh seafood and we were pleasantly impressed. We ordered grilled shrimp and fried cat fish. We also had a side of potatoes and greens. We ordered right when we walked in and the food came out pretty quick. I also had an Arnold Palmer that was outstanding. This place lived up to all of the hype. It's a must try and we will be back every time we are close to the area.

    Catfish platter
    Crystal A.

    I visited the original Saltbox when it was on Mangum street many years ago and remembered that it was delicious but pricey. I've been trying to find a seafood spot that's consistent but it's been a challenge. I ordered the catfish platter that comes with fries and slaw. The fries are served atop green peppers and onions and help balance the savory with the sweet from the veggies. The slaw was refreshing and mayo free. The catfish was well seasoned but just a little bit salty. The crust on the fish was a little thick so I would have liked the fish fried just a bit longer because it seemed a little doughy. I do wish that the meal came with hush puppies. Other than that, it was good and I'll be trying other items on the menu.

    Signage
    Hcc In Nyc X.

    Very mid experience. Had heard great things about the chef behind the brand and was excited to try! However, just did not meet our expectations. We were going to order shrimp and crab cakes which both were sold out for the day - it was around 4pm on a summer Friday. Went with the fish tacos instead! And waited close to 50 min for our order. The fish had the skin on which I did not love personally. I would recommend to add some type of crema with the fish taco, just wasn't doing it for me. The hush puppies & lemonade were the saving grace. We sat inside because of the heat but there is a cute picnic table area outside. I would suggest to maybe add umbrellas so it can accommodate for the heat. Also really debated mentioning this because I understand things can happen and it's summer time but when I turned on the bathroom light a roach scurried across the floor which just did not leave me with a good impression at all. Don't think we will be back!

    Scallops Plate
    Zachary V.

    Ambiance: 4/5 sticky table but pretty. Service: 4/5 I guess? Food is fast but that's it. Just pick up. Food: 3.5/5. Alright. Would try again

    Fried Brussels
    Jeff D.

    I want to start off by saying I love Dive Restaurants that have awesome food! When James Beard casted out to this place they hooked a winner! The place is very unassuming, few decorations except for the James Bread Award hanging on the wall! The menus are on chalkboards above and change out by the seasons. This may not be a first date place, take her here on a second date, if she likes it she is a keeper! We went as a family, so we wanted to try a little bit of everything. We had Grouper bites (Amazing) Fried Shrimp (Very Good) Spicy Mahi (It was hot) also had the Spicy Mahi Roll (Much better in the roll, reduced the heat). Crab cakes (Awesome). Sides included Fried Brussel Sprouts (Not my Jam) and then the Legendary Hush Honeys! They are sooooooo good! We got 2 orders of those! After that there was no room for dessert, they do have Lemon Pie. The Service was Awesome, T took care of us! As I was leaving I thanked him for everything, and he thanked me by calling me by my first name! Nice touch T! When I'm back in town T, I'll be stopping in! If you live close by what are you waiting for! I'm Hooked!

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    1 month ago

    seafoods have decent batter and flavour. Love the potato wedges more than the chips they used to have. a little pricey but good taste.

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    4 months ago

    Food and service is great. Fish is brought in fresh from the NC coast and fried or grilled to perfection.

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    10 months ago

    Excellent seafood and large portions. It is truly a joint, but a good one. Highly recommend.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Saltbox Seafood Joint Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Saltbox Seafood Joint

    Can you order a combo plate?

    They have plates with the main fish and you choose the sides. You can also make your own but you pay for the sides which are pricey and honestly small portions. If you look at any of the menu pictures it has what fish plates they have that day.

    When can you actually order takeout?

    NEVER! They have old messages that say 9-2-22 at 6:02pm. False!

    I have been to the original dozens of times since 2012 but as of the past 4-6 months it has been ridiculously slow. Does the Shrimpboat location have the same longer-than-usual waits that seem to plague the original at this point?

    At lunchtime yes no doubt you will wait a long time. just a small staff it would appear to be about three

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    Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen - Chicken and sausage gumbo

    Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen

    4.5(150 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Okay, We're from New Orleans so when we see a "New Orleans style" restaurant, we always question…read morethe authenticity of the claim. In the case of Succotash we feel we have found the holy grail... Friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff? check Homey and a little funky atmosphere? check cool soundtrack? check BUT what about the food? We first came for brunch... I had the 'Brisket and Grits'. It was a very tender brisket with cheesy, garlicky grits, scallions with fried egg. The best part? They drizzle some of the brisket gravy over the grits... Oh man this was delish. We got talking about South Louisiana food with our server and he told us they bring in Leidenheimers french bread from New Orleans for their po-boy's. What's the big deal? ...I'll tell you! The bakery was founded in 1896 and it is the ONLY bread that marks a true po-boy to New Orleans natives. Why? Because of it's unique texture. Their loaves have a pillowy soft interior and a crunchy crust that isn't found in most french breads. It's the gold standard for po-boys. So today, I came back to Succotash for an Oyster po-boy. And the Verdict? Five stars mon ami! Leidenheimers bread with a very generous amount of perfectly fried oysters. ...I like mine simple with just lettuce, tomato and a little hot sauce. This was I can honestly say, the very best oyster po-boy I have found outside of NOLA. ... so yeah, I've found a new home... thanks and a tip o' the hat to Chef Juan DiGiulio and the great staff he has brought together!

    Succotash is a bit in the cut if you're not familiar with the area…read more I almost passed the restaurant. The staff was welcoming and gave suggestions when I asked. I enjoyed the catch of the day corvina with a side salad and potato's. This dish was delicious. I got the fish blackened and this was a bold flavor with a spicy and deep smoky flavor. I enjoyed the peach bread pudding for dessert with a decaf coffee. The bread pudding presentation and taste didn't match but I wasn't disappointed. Everything was great.

    Photos
    Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen - Main dining area

    Main dining area

    Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen - Their signature succotash with andouille sausage

    Their signature succotash with andouille sausage

    Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen - Lemon pound cake with berries

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    Lemon pound cake with berries

    Nerra - Tuna , sesame crusted, miso sauce

    Nerra

    4.4(38 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Came here to Nerra for their Salt, Sea, and Lime dinner--a four-course prix fixe experience--and it…read morewas such a treat! The ceviche was bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced, and the chips served alongside it were oh so good. The tortilla soup was the next course...and it was nicely spiced, comforting, and warming. The braised beef short rib tacos were great--the pickled veggies really added a punch of flavor that tied everything together beautifully. As far as the cocktails go...the winter pearita was delightful--I could have happily had a few more of those. Dessert surprised me the most. I'm usually not a tiramisu person since I'm not big on coffee, but their Mexican chocolate tiramisu won me over. The coffee flavor wasn't overpowering at all and it had almost horchata-like vibes. Overall, the menu felt incredibly thoughtful, cohesive, and delicious from start to finish. The restaurant itself is super cute and perfect for a date night. Service was fantastic as well--our server, Mikayla, was attentive, on top of everything, and made the experience even better. Would absolutely recommend.

    Service was excellent. Staff was very friendly. Outdoor seating was nice as the seats inside were…read morevery close together. The band started and my friend and I had to yell at each other. We had the special drink that was yummy. Mint, strawberry and gin. The ceviche was overcooked and rough which is weird as it is ceviche. The calamari was meh. We split the shrimp and grits. It was really great and way too salty. I enjoyed the brussel sprouts.

    Photos
    Nerra - Inside

    Inside

    Nerra - Brussel Sprouts

    Brussel Sprouts

    Nerra - Cajun Seafood Pasta

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    Cajun Seafood Pasta

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Oysters three were jalapeños and 3 were garlix and parmesan.  Awesome.

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

    4.0(127 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar in Durham sits in a shopping center where the parking is posted as…read moreone-hour, but if you're a customer, you can stay longer without issue. That's the first thing you notice--plenty of parking. I had no trouble finding a spot on two separate visits this week. Inside, it's a cozy setup with a bar, table seating, and an outdoor patio area. It has that laid-back oyster shack feel. The patio looks like it could be dog-friendly, though I didn't confirm. The place is clean, and the staff are genuinely friendly across the board--welcoming without being overbearing. Food-wise, it delivers. On my first visit, I had steamed clams and steamed Gulf shrimp. Both were phenomenal. The clams were sweet and perfectly cooked, and the shrimp was just as impressive--simple, fresh, and done right. Second visit, I went a different route and ordered a hamburger--yes, at a seafood spot. Running keto, I skipped the bun, and it turned out to be a great call. Cooked exactly to order and full of flavor, it held its own against the seafood. Whether you're coming in for oysters on the half shell, fresh seafood, or even a solid burger, this place covers it. Make sure to check the chalkboard specials--that's really where the menu shines, with daily deals that are worth the visit.

    We were greeted warmly by Renee as soon as we walked in. She told us to sit wherever we'd like. We…read morechose a high top. There's bar seating and a main seating area with about 8 tables. It's small, but comfortable and inviting. Renee single handedly with ease and a smile served 6 tables while I was there. She never seemed rushed or overwhelmed. We started with the Happy Hour special (4pm - 6pm) raw oysters (or steamed) for $1.50 each. They were good. We then ordered our entrees. I had the Fried combo with oysters, shrimp and fries...absolutely delicious and fried perfectly. My daughter had the Lobster Roll and fries. She said it was really good and was pleasantly surprised. We had a great dinner and loved the service Renee provided!

    Photos
    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Main seating area

    Main seating area

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Fish-N-Chips and Cold Crab Dip sampler.

    Fish-N-Chips and Cold Crab Dip sampler.

    Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - The restaurant.

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    The restaurant.

    Squid's

    Squid's

    3.8(265 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    $$

    Squid's is a long-established restaurant in Chapel Hill, and while it has been on my list of…read morerestaurants to visit, I'm glad I finally got the chance to try the seafood dishes. I ordered the Spicy Fra Diavolo which is a spicy tomato sauce/parmesan linguini pasta topped with calamari and shrimp. I also tried the fried seafood combination of local catfish and shrimp. The fried seafood combo was cooked to perfection. The catfish tasted fresh, without any of the fishy taste that catfish can sometimes have. The batter was crisp, while the fish stayed tender and juicy. The shrimp used for the fry were large and tasty. The pasta was the highlight of the meal, as generous heaps of shrimp and calamari paired well with the balanced flavor of the white/red sauce blend. I look forward to my next visit to Squid's. Pros: Large portions at reasonable prices. Fresh seafood cooked well with pasta and as a batter fry. Cons: None

    I came in on a Sunday evening and was surprised to see a full house within 30 minutes of opening! I…read moreguess Squid's definitely is a staple to the Chapel Hill neighborhood for seafood fixings! My partner and I weren't feeling up for a dine-in, so we decided to do a takeout. We ordered their spicy fra diavolo which was packed to the brim with calamari rings! If you don't believe me, take a look at my picture for proof. After 10 minutes of digging through the pasta, I still managed to find 10 calamari rings, lol. No complaints here though! Just surprised at how bountiful the calamari rings were for the pasta. The sauce wasn't spicy, despite the name stating so, and was sufficient to coat each strand of pasta noodle. As for our second dish, how can we NOT get fried seafood?! So, we decided to go for their combo for any two items. We were pleasantly impressed with the size of the battered catfish. It was MASSIVE! The shrimp, on the other hand, wasn't anything special. Quite small. Not really juicy. If calamari was an option for this combo, we'd definitely go for it! Seasoning was a little salty, but the breading was nice and crispy. Not burnt tasting or oily, and complimented well with the cocktail and tartar sauce. Fries were normal, but quite small in portion. For $30, I'd imagine either a little more fries if shrimps are only 6 pieces, along with a piece of catfish. Food was pretty good! I can't speak for service because I did take out, but it seemed okay. The inside was really clean and had lots of tables! Maybe I'll bring my friends the next time they come visit here.

    Photos
    Squid's
    Squid's - Spicy Fra Diavolo with Chicken

    Spicy Fra Diavolo with Chicken

    Squid's

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    Capital Seafood Market - 3 Wings with French Fries and Tea

    Capital Seafood Market

    2.9(71 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $

    My Parents wanted some Fried Croaker Fish & Capital Seafood Market didn't miss! Although this is a…read moreseafood market, they also have a restaurant attached. (So you can basically pick out your seafood and have them cook it how you like! ) The croaker plate came with 3 pieces of fish & 2 sides for $11.99 plus tax. The restaurant part closes at 5pm and the store closes at 8pm. All in all, my Parents were VERY SATISFIED with their selection and are talking about what they will get next time! The manager on duty lady took the order and was very customer friendly and knowledgeable! We shall see you all again next week!

    Not happy! I've patronized this restaurant for several years and have been very pleased with their…read morefood and customer service. Today was very different! I ordered a dish with modifications that were not actually filled. I was not happy about this and didn't notice error until the dish arrived home. Missing food!! I immediately called the restaurant and was told that corrections would be made and we needed to come back and pick up the missing food. We retuned to pick up the food, it was not ready!! This in my opinion was not good customer service and was not acceptable to us. I feel really bad about this review. Please try to do better and train your customer service people on correct protocol. When you know that your business has not correctly filled an order...refilling of the order should be priority!!

    Photos
    Capital Seafood Market - Fried catfish plate with greens  and mac & cheese

    Fried catfish plate with greens and mac & cheese

    Capital Seafood Market - Chicken wings

    Chicken wings

    Capital Seafood Market - Oily salmon cakes

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    Oily salmon cakes

    Seraphine - "Dragons Style" Broiled Oysters

    Seraphine

    4.6(117 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Twice I've been to Seraphine, and twice I've had a superlative experience. If you like Louisiana…read morecuisine, this is the place for you. Divine seafood dishes? Check. Creative and fun cocktail list? Check. Varied and unique sides/salads? Check. To top off the fantastic food, the service is always perfect. Everyone knows the menu backwards and forwards, and truly love what they're serving. When you're at Seraphine, you're getting an experience. As far as specific food recs, try the shrimp & grits, Boudin sausage, Frenched chicken breast, pickle plate, and Beignets. But I have a feeling anything from their menu is stellar.

    I was visiting Durham and heard great things about this restaurant so I decided to stop in. The…read moreservice was outstanding. It was a little confusing finding the restaurant and the hosts kindly walked me through how to get there. I sat at the bar and the bartenders were very attentive. They frequently checked in and made sure my water never got too low. I got the broiled oysters drogos style and they were AMAZING. There was so much parmesan cheese and the garlic butter was so good I could almost drink it. I just wish I got more bread so I could enjoy the cheese and butter more. Not that it matters too much but I was expecting charbroiled oysters on the half shell like in New Orleans, but these oysters come already shucked without the shell. The NC Catfish on the other hand was good, but not great. The catfish was crispy. The beans, rice, and pork were perfectly cooked. However, the meal tasted very bland and underseasoned, which was so surprising for a New Orleans inspired restaurant, and the pork portion was extremely small

    Photos
    Seraphine
    Seraphine - Broiled Chili-Lime Butter Oysters

    Broiled Chili-Lime Butter Oysters

    Seraphine - Drink post game. Durham Bulls. 8/24

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    Drink post game. Durham Bulls. 8/24

    Saltbox Seafood Joint - seafood - Updated May 2026

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