Captain Chuck A Mucks Ship

Set sail with the Captain and crew with a bunch of friends for a Saturday night dinner.  I was disappointed they didn't have oysters, but understand why they won't serve local ones in warmer weather. My crab cakes and crab soup were both excellent. My wife's sauteed shrimp and scallops combo were tasty, but the portion was a bit small for the money, and oddly served on a thick slice of toast. Service was excellent. Visiting out of the way joints featured on DDD can be hit or miss; this was a big hit.

I almost missed out on this little gem because it was getting late and the sun was going down over James River and as I left the Hampton area via the bridge, I had to stop and snap a few pictures! So lovely.

After driving through a dark, windy, country road for half an hour, I finally pulled up to this restaurant next to a marina. It was featured on Diner's, Dives and Drive-Ins so I had to make the trip. I'm happy I did. I was lucky enough to meet the man behind it all, Chuck. And what does Chuck eat for dinner? A steak covered with onions and damn near the size of that dinner plate.

Why not seafood, I inquired? We have good seafood, he told me. It's very fresh. But if it's not the best of the best, I don't mess with it. I'd rather eat a really good steak. I felt right at home here, to be honest. Seated at the bar, talking to the waitresses and Chuck.  Originally I sat outside but the bugs were eating my legs so terribly I asked to move inside.  The waiter had no issue!

At each table, alongside the menus, was a prayer menu. It explained that the family owned business is run by Baptist Christians and the menu provided several suggested prayers.  I thought that was pretty bold and interesting!

I couldn't decide what I wanted and I hadn't had fried fresh seafood before, so I got the seafood platter. It had shrimp, oysters, scallops, hush puppies, rice, beans and fish. It was good, but fried fish is fried fish. Lol. I really liked the fried oysters.  I also ordered a root beer. Just so you know, soda's come in a can. No refills here.  I'd also heard or watched via Triple D that the Key Lime Pie with homemade toasted coconut is to die for. So at the urging of my hilariously flaming waiter (who had a brief spat with Chuck over his snapping at other employees), I obliged.  It was pretty good. I'm not a big key lime pie fan though, so I wouldn't get it again.  All in all, great experience. Worth the trip!

After viewing this restaurant on a repeat of Diners,  Drive In's, and Dives,  I had to visit. It's very close to my home... I arrived- in a small fishing village across the river. I wouldn't have known that a film crew ever visited, the restaurant certainly didn't show or share any of the experience which i felt was a mistake... I should have known better to continue!!

The show boasts of the crab cake, and of course, I had to have it. I bought it as a "a la carte" because I really wanted their shrimp and scallops which i ordered. Though the shrimp and scallops were fresh and tasty, I only had 4 of each for over $20 served on top of a random thick piece of bread?!?

The reason for my visit- the crab cake- was awful!! it was like they had a ball of filler, sliced it in the middle- stuffed a few pieces of lump crab, smushed back together, and pan seared. The flavor was off... it was yellowish... and it tasted awful. Looked way different than the tv episode. I was shocked... you can't do mediocre crab cakes in hampton roads... its just wrong. Take it off your menu please!!!!!

The home made key lime pie was amazing and made up for that awful attempt of a crab cake i ate moments before...

Service was great. Food was hot, prepared quick. place was clean and quaint. I did find my Triple D' moment- Guy signed a cap barely hung in the gift shop just up the hill from the restaurant. The kind cashier showed it to me in protest when I shared my disappointment in not seeing anything Triple D related.