Seemor
Captain Kidd's Fish Market & RestaurantBWorth Trying
209 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
· Seafood restaurant, Fish & chips restaurant, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (3587 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual harbor-side seafood market with fresh-grilled plates, chowders, and fried classics; strong fan base, but inconsistent execution and service bottlenecks at peak times.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Captain Kidd's delivers reliable casual seafood dining with strong food quality in grilled fish and chowders, plus appealing harbor views that enhance the experience. However, inconsistent execution on fried items and service delays during peak times prevent it from reaching higher territory. The market-counter format and loyal multi-year patronage reflect solid neighborhood appeal rather than destination-level distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the marina, Captain Kidd's hums with a market-meets-cafeteria rhythm: order at the counter, grab a number, and watch the harbor. The scene feels casual and lively, with trays of grilled fish and chowder steaming past. One diner summed it up: "Easygoing spot by the water with fresh fish and plenty of seating." Off-peak it is breezy; at rush hour, expect lines and a bit of chaos. The cooking leans classic coastal: think simple grilled plates, fried staples, and clam chowder rather than chef-y flourishes. When the kitchen is on, halibut and swordfish come out juicy with straightforward seasoning, and the chowder lands comforting and clam-forward. Misses do occur—overcooked fish or thin chowder crop up in a minority of reviews—so aim for grilled white fish and the sides they do well (corn, slaw, rice) and you will likely leave happy. Families do well here. Kids can tuck into fish and chips, fries, or mild grilled fish, and the self-serve setup is forgiving. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, but affordable staples and sides (corn on the cob, rice, hush puppies) keep young diners covered, and the harbor setting gives them something to watch.
At a Glance
- Fresh, customizable seafood from market or menu with harbor views
- Chowders and grilled white fish earn frequent praise
- Service bottlenecks and occasional lost orders at peak times
- Inconsistent execution on fried items and occasional overcooking
- Market-price items can raise totals; check pricing before ordering
What Sets It Apart
- cook_to_order_market
- harborfront_setting
- longstanding_local_institution
What People Love
- Relaxed harbor vibe with plenty of seating
- Ability to pick fish and have it cooked
- Clam chowder that many call a standout
- Straightforward grilled preparations with good sides
- Fair value for quality and location
Points of Concern
- Peak-time waits and order mix-ups reported; off-peak visits are smoother
- Quality can swing from excellent to overcooked or bland depending on rush
- Some items called overpriced or small when ordered at market price
- Isolated food safety complaints exist but are not a consistent pattern
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose grilled halibut or swordfish ($17.99-$19.99) with corn and slaw for a balanced plate
- Start with a cup of chowder ($4.25-$6.50) before your main
- Value combo: Fish tacos with two sides ($11.99) if you want variety
Perfect For
- Casual seafood by the water after a beach day
- Groups that want mix of fried classics and grilled fish
- Families needing easy, counter-service dining
- Locals craving chowder and simple grilled plates
Location Insights
Area: Harborfront, tourist-friendly with locals, casual boardwalk vibe and ocean breezes; families and beachgoers.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during day and early evenings with steady foot traffic around the marina.
Nearby: Adjacent to marina, pier, hotels on Harbor Dr; large parking lots and coastal walking paths nearby.
Redondo BeachRedondo Beach is a vibrant beach city with a strong maritime heritage, popular for its pier, waterfront dining, and casual coastal atmosphere. The dining scene includes a mix of seafood restaurants, casual eateries, and family-friendly spots, attracting both locals and visitors seeking fresh seafood and ocean views.
Redondo Beach MarinaThe Redondo Beach Marina area is known for its active harbor, seafood markets, and waterfront restaurants offering fresh catches and casual dining experiences. It has a lively yet laid-back vibe, popular for both daytime visits and evening meals by the water.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–20:30
Tuesday10:00–20:30
Wednesday10:00–20:30
Thursday10:00–20:30
Friday10:00–21:00
Saturday10:00–21:00
Sunday10:00–20:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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