Captain D's Seafood Restaurants in South Carolina
Where to find Captain D's locations across South Carolina
Captain D's operates casual seafood restaurants in South Carolina where you order at a counter and eat in a dining room or take food to go. The chain serves fried and grilled fish, shrimp, and other seafood alongside sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and fries. Locations vary by region—some areas have multiple restaurants, while others may have none. Your best approach is to search "Captain D's near me" on Google Maps or visit the Captain D's website to see which restaurants operate in your part of the state and their current hours.
Most Captain D's locations in South Carolina sit in smaller towns and suburban areas rather than downtown centers. The restaurants typically occupy standalone buildings or small shopping centers with parking lots. Hours often run from late morning through early evening, though this varies by location. Some locations close on Sundays or operate on reduced hours certain days of the week.
Key Takeaways
- Captain D's is a counter-service seafood restaurant where you order at the register and can eat in the dining room or take your meal with you.
- The menu focuses on fried and grilled seafood—fish, shrimp, and combination platters—with sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and french fries.
- South Carolina locations are scattered across the state, so checking Google Maps or the Captain D's website tells you whether one operates near you and when it's open.
- Most restaurants offer both dine-in and takeout service, and many have drive-through windows for faster ordering.
- Prices are generally moderate, with individual entrees and combo meals available at different price points.
What to order and what to expect
Captain D's menu centers on fried seafood platters, which come with two sides and hushpuppies. The fried fish platter is the signature item—typically battered Atlantic cod or similar white fish. Fried shrimp platters, fried oyster platters, and combination platters mixing different proteins are also standard. Grilled options exist for those who prefer them, including grilled fish and grilled shrimp, though the fried items dominate the menu and the restaurant's reputation.
Sides include french fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, green beans, and corn. Hushpuppies—fried cornmeal balls—come with nearly every entree. The restaurant also serves po'boy sandwiches, which are fried seafood on a long roll, and appetizers like fried shrimp baskets or fish and chips. Beverages are standard soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Desserts are limited, usually frozen items or pie.
The dining experience is casual and quick. You stand in line, order from a menu board, pay at the register, and either sit in the dining room or take your food to your car. The restaurant handles the cooking, so there is a wait of several minutes for your order. The dining room typically has booths and tables with plastic or vinyl seating, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and informal.
Pricing and payment methods
Individual fried or grilled seafood platters typically cost between $8 and $14, depending on the protein and current pricing at that location. Combo meals that bundle an entree, side, and drink run slightly higher. Po'boy sandwiches and appetizers cost less than full platters. Children's meals are available at lower prices. Prices vary by location and change over time, so checking the menu at your nearest restaurant gives you current costs.
Captain D's accepts cash and major credit cards at most locations. Many restaurants also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Drive-through windows, where available, operate on the same payment methods as the counter inside.
Dietary considerations and allergen information
Most items on the Captain D's menu contain seafood, so the restaurant is not ideal for people with shellfish or fish allergies. The kitchen handles seafood regularly, which means cross-contamination is a real concern if you have a severe allergy. The restaurant does fry items in shared oil, so fried foods may pick up flavors or particles from other proteins cooked in the same fryer.
Vegetarian options are limited. Sides like french fries, coleslaw, and corn can be ordered separately, and some locations may accommodate special requests, but the restaurant is built around seafood. If you have specific dietary needs or allergies, call the location directly before visiting to ask what the kitchen can prepare safely.
When Captain D's fits into your South Carolina dining plans
Captain D's works well for a quick, casual meal when you want seafood without a sit-down restaurant experience. The counter-service format means you are in and out faster than a full-service restaurant, making it suitable for lunch breaks or family outings where speed matters. The prices are moderate, so it is affordable for families or groups on a budget.
The restaurant is less suitable if you want a quiet, upscale dining experience or if you have complex dietary needs. It is also not the place to go if you want a wide variety of non-seafood options. However, if you are traveling through a smaller South Carolina town and want fresh fried fish or shrimp without hunting for a local restaurant, Captain D's is a reliable choice.
Parking and accessibility
Most Captain D's locations have dedicated parking lots, so finding a spot is usually straightforward. The restaurants are designed for easy access from the parking area to the entrance. Many locations have drive-through windows, which means you can order and pay without leaving your car—useful if you have mobility concerns or simply prefer not to go inside.
If you need to enter the restaurant, the dining room is typically on one level with a clear path from the entrance to the counter. Restrooms are usually available. If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead to the location lets you confirm what the restaurant can accommodate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Captain D's have a drive-through?
Many Captain D's locations have drive-through windows, but not all. Check the location details on Google Maps or call the restaurant directly to confirm whether the one nearest you has a drive-through window.
Can I order online or by phone?
Some Captain D's locations accept phone orders for pickup, and a few may offer online ordering through the website or third-party delivery apps. Availability varies by location. Calling the restaurant directly is the fastest way to find out what ordering methods they support.
Are there vegetarian options?
Vegetarian options are very limited since the menu centers on seafood. You can order sides like french fries, coleslaw, or corn separately, but the restaurant is not designed around vegetarian dining. Call ahead if you want to discuss what the kitchen can prepare.
What time does Captain D's typically open and close?
Hours vary by location, but most open around 10 or 11 a.m. and close between 8 and 10 p.m. Some locations close earlier or have different hours on certain days. Check Google Maps or the Captain D's website for the specific hours of the location you plan to visit.
Is the food fresh, or is it frozen?
Captain D's uses frozen seafood that is thawed and cooked to order in the restaurant. The food is prepared fresh after you order, but the raw ingredients start frozen. This is standard practice for casual seafood chains and keeps costs lower than fresh-caught daily operations.