Captain Ben’s Seafood Shack

This place has reopened at C’Beaux’s Country Kitchen. Blackened Chicken PoBoy was fresh and good but not blackened. And that’s probably a good thing.

Well it seems that this company has gone out of business. I wrote about their Stone Oak location being closed for good yesterday. Well I traveled back to the southside to their original location when this company first opened and they too are closed for good… sign on the door and all.

Excellent seafood fondue and although grilled catfish not on menu they made it for me anyway. Very clean dining room and friendly staff will keep me coming back as I love seafood!

I had been craving coconut shrimp all day and was excited to see that Captain Ben’s was the only restaurant near me that served it. After ordering the shrimp and my partner ordering the snow crab, we sat down. After wait 5 – 10 minutes, we were informed that they were «out» of the coconut shrimp. The woman working offered me a menu, but I asked for a refund for both items we ordered seeing as the shrimp was the reason I was there. She informed me that I could get a refund for the shrimp, but not the crab because it was «already made». We settled for the half refund and waited another 20 minutes for food that was supposedly already done. When the crab came out, the order was incomplete because they were out of the potatoes that were supposed to come with it.
As far as the crab went, it was subpar and the corn was clearly frozen corn. Also, the butter that came with it tasted like leftover movie popcorn butter. Nothing about this place appeared to be fresh or authentic. I wish I hadn’t have wasted my money at this place.

This place was excellent! Clean tables & clean BATHROOMS! The staff was very attentive and respectful. The food was fresh and had great flavour. Most def better than some other places I’ve been. I highly recommend the seafood nachos!!!

Food was pretty good ordered the fish and shrimp. side of stuffed shrimp and a plate of cat fish. the cat fish wasnt all that it haf a strong fishy taste like it was not so fresh… the rest was pretty good to say the least.

It was pretty late at night and my friends and I were just trying to find a place that was open. Stopped by this place and decided to eat here.
I ordered the fried catfish with some mashed potatoes, and another side that I cannot remember. Overall the food was bleh. The fish tasted like it had been frozen for way too long. I did like the mashed potatoes because they were seasoned fairly well.
Atmosphere of the place was welcoming and they had a bar but unfortunately it was not open because we came in so late.

This place is super slow. We were in here during a super slow time and it took half an hour to get our food. My dad asked for an extra piece of fish when we ordered and instead of it being delivered with his meal it was brought out 15 min later the waitress then Asked if he would like some more tartar sauce and never came back even though he said yes… Overall the food was alright but not something that would make me willing to return. They need to make the batter more crunchy.

This place is very. Try the shrimp nachos! It enough for two maybe three and very yum

Captain Ben’s isn’t the worst seafood place but it’s far from the best. Service is similar to what you get at Sea Island and prices are about the same too. But Sea Island gives you more bang for your buck. The shrimp and hushpuppies at Captain Ben’s are smaller and the fish I had was good until I was about finished which had more breading than meat. The steak fries are a bit too much, the sweet tea is okay but the Texas toast is good. I’m gonna give Captain Ben’s another shot to impress me so I won’t totally write them off. Instead Captain Ben will just get a demotion to Sergeant.

Hungry for seafood? Bypass the chains and set your sails for Captain Ben’s. This place is the real deal: a cute, squeaky clean spot with delicious fresh seafood options. It’s counter-​service, so step up and peruse the menu. If you’re going at lunch, ask about the lunch special. I loved my catfish po-​boy, which came highly recommended by other Unilocalers – a nice, large cornmeal-​crusted catfish filet with all the trimmings on top of toasted garlic bread with seasoned fries on the side hit the spot for lunch today but was way more than I could eat (and reasonably priced at $ 7.99). My friend enjoyed her crabcakes, which came garnished with roasted asparagus. I’ll be back to Captain Ben’s shack!

I came here on my lunch break and found the Blacked catfish, caramelized carrots and dirty rice on special for 5.99. This also included a tea with unlimited refills. The fish wasn’t too bad, however it could have been a but more blackened and not so overcooked. It was a bit under seasoned so I drenched it with lemon juice.
I loved the carrots and the rice was just okay. Decoy was very nice and seemed to be very clean. I will, no doubt, give them another shot if I am in the area.

NEVER EAT HERE, DISCRIMINATED AND KICKED OUT! On Saturday, January 4, 2014 at approximately 2pm my family of 4 walked in to the Captain Ben’s on SE Military in San Antonio, Texas. Upon entering, we looked over the menu and ordered a family meal of 8 Catfish filets and when asked by the cashier if we were going to take it «ToGo» I stated, «I am not sure, do I have to?» She stated, «We prefer that you do.» I thought this was weird, but I said to my wife, «I am sure if we decide to stay it’s not a problem.» The dining room was only about 10% filled as it was after the lunch rush. So there was plenty of seating. I even purchased a drink knowing my kids were thirsty. I was handed a number (#41) as she knew I was dining in more than likely. The expo (the person behind the cashier who sends out the food) looked over his shoulder and gave a smirk like he was up to something. This expo’s name was David, whom I later found out was the manager, but more on him shortly…
As my family and I were sitting waiting for our meal to be brought out, we decided that since my 4 year old was hungry and had we decided to take the food home, that quality wasn’t worth the wait since we live 30 minutes away on the opposite side of town, we’d just commit to staying at the restaurant. About 5 minutes passed and our food was brought out in white boxes and a plastic bag. Upon the food being delivered, David (the expo) said, «You’re not really going to eat it here, are you?» I stated, «Why?» He stated, «It is against policy to let people eat their ToGo food here. Our prices are low and if I let you eat here, I have to let all my regulars eat here. So it’s best that you take your food home.» I was appalled! I could not believe what I just heard! Let alone, I could not believe someone would actually ask a paying customer to leave the restaurant. I told David that my kids were hungry and we lived across town, he then stated, «I am sorry, but this food is only ToGo. You will have to leave.» I asked him, «Are you serious?» David said, «Yes, it is our policy.» When questioned about this policy, he could not produce any material, signage, text, lettering or any marketing that stated this. He did not even offer to refund my money since he could not render services paid for. He simply asked me to leave. He stated this loudly enough where other customers could hear him belittle me, my family and my children and as embarrassing as this was, we had to literally pack up our food, drinks and children’s «things» as if we were being discriminated against for eating inside the restaurant in which we paid almost $ 30 for lunch to eat.
On top of that, my wife and I are require supplement if we have not eaten for a while and we shake and get weak. So in addition to waiting for our food, driving to that side of town and now having to drive to the opposite side of town back home with our children crying and hungry, we put our health and the safety of our children in limbo because David had to uphold an intangible policy.
Upon exiting the restaurant, I apologized to the several patrons who had to hear us be embarrassed and let them know that they should not be supporting a business that kicks people out of their restaurant for changing their mind to eat their «ToGo» food inside the restaurant.
David chased me out and followed me to my vehicle and took a photo of my license plate number. Had he asked, I would have provided him my business card. I told him I had a large following on social media and he’d be sorry that he made a fool of me and my family. With a following of over 20,000 in the San Antonio area, I have now made it my mission to let everyone know what kind of business Captain Ben’s is. Ironically and insulting enough, they offer a discount to military and officers in uniform… I bet had I been wearing a uniform, this would have never happened!
Please, I beg of you and to you, do not support this business and their multiple locations. Do not allow them to discriminate and embarrass paying customers. Do not allow them to continue being in business… and please, do not eat there, you’re only supporting people like David and the management that kicks people out of their establishment. In all my years of business ownership, eating out and the thousands I spend every year on local, minority owned food & beverage businesses, I’ve never had a day like this even in the worst of times on the worst day from a business. Enemies would treat me better. I should have just gone to Cracker Barrel a block away.
On top of all that, this visit was based off referral as I do many of my small business purchasing and food critiques for future business opportunities. I made sure to tell that referral to never send people that direction again… what a disgrace to the Brooks City Base area. I hope their other locations learn from this. David truly needs to be looking for another job because he just landed in my sights.

Catfish Po’boy…every time I go for lunch, it never fails… the bread is delicious and the fish is scrumptious! You have to try it… I’m a southern girl, and catfish is a stable back home.

The California chicken plate with avocados on top is my favorite! Very good flavor and reasonably priced for the quality and amount of food.

Fried crap! You can’t even taste the food because it’s buried in a thick over-​cooked batter. I ordered nachos which were crap. I asked to substitute the shrimp for guacamole to make it veggie and they gave me a tiny little plastic sample cup size. The others ordered fried oysters and fish plates. They screwed up one order and gave them catfish instead of the pricier ocean fish that was ordered. Even the hush puppies sucked. You can get better food at Long John Silvers.
I overheard several people complimenting the place. Maybe they’re standards are different. Maybe they’re happy with this because it’s all they have. I would say if you’re in the mood for fried fair food, go here. If you want something that resembles seafood (or food in general), go anywhere but here.

Can I give them more the 5 stars?!
We found this place by accident.
We decided to get the family deal for $ 17.99 that had 8 pieces of fish, fries, texas toast, and tartar sauce.
We also took it to go as we had a trunk full of groceries.
OMG!!! We are SO going back there.
The fish was amazing. The fries were amazing. The fish has a bare hint of zing to the coating, and for me being sensitive to spice, I did not mind it at all. I actually enjoyed that smooth slow build up zing.
The tartar sauce is sweet, sour, creamy. The most perfect tartar sauce I have ever had.
One of the things that really endeared me to this place is the discounts.
Most every place you go will have a military discount. Cool. Awesome. I love the support they give the military.
Then there is the police discount. REALLY? I don’t belive the bullies with badges and bullets deserve discounts. I really can’t support a place that gives only cops discounts. They don’t really deserve or earn that.
BUT…They also give discounts to Paramedics, EMT’S, and Firefighters. FINALLY! A place that regonizes all men and women in what ever uniform they wear.
I love my Medic and am glad to find a place that gives him a chance to keep some of his hard earned money in his pocket while giving him a great tasting meal while he is pulling another 24 hour shift.
We will be coming here often.
Love the staff, they were very friendly.
And for all of you who are complaining about the time it takes to serve. They are doing the orders as they come in. The fish is not sitting in warming trays like at other places.
Keep up the good work. I am glad we found you.
You got us Hook Line and Sinker.

Pricey and most of their menu items fall short. The first time I came here, I stuck with my stand-​by fish & chips and they were alright. I could have ordered the same thing at J. Anthonys or Laguna Madre and it would have been better, cheaper and gotten out to me faster. This last visit, I wasn’t feeling seafood so I tried their burger while my husband ordered Shrimp Creole. First, my burger tasted like cafeteria food. It was absolutely flavorless and served with limp fries. My husbands dish (which was called Shrimp Cree-​ol-​lee according to lady who brought it out) tasted like shrimp in a kicked-​up marinara sauce. Womp womp.

I am giving this place 5 stars based on my one visit for lunch today, as everything was perfect. The place was clean and service was great, as it should be since it is a new restaurant.
I had the perfect lunch for only 6.99. The fish and shrimp basket was amazing in every aspect. The piece of fish and 3 shrimp were much bigger then I expected (the fish almost didnt fit in the basket). The batter was light and fried perfectly, the fish was hot and flakey. The hush puppies had the slightest spiciness that I loved. The tarter sauce must have been made in house, it had such great flavor. I substituted the hand-​battered onion rings for the fries. I can’t remember the last time I had better onion rings! It also came with Texas toast which I didn’t understand being that the hush puppies were included too. Besides, I was already way too full to eat the toast anyway.
I agree that some menu items were over priced. But for the basket I ordered, I couldn’t have asked for a better lunch at $ 6.99. Will def be back instead of driving to Rudy’s for fish/​shrimp.

A bit pricey is my first thought; but will wait for food before i rate.
After trying the lemon pepper tilapia, I have to say that I am not impressed. The portion size was good, but the garlic mashed potatoes were lukewarm. Wait, the entire plate of food was lukewarm. The heat was sucked right out of the food from the large white cold serving plate. Too bad, because the dirty rice really had potential to shine. All in all, there are other places to grab fish in this city, with many options available in this area. I’d like to see this place succeed, but I just don’t know how they’re going to, with rather unimpressive prices and cold plates of food. I’ll have to give them another shot when the dust settles.