Captain's Quarters

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  You won't be getting a culinary epiphany here but what you'll get is a spectacular view of the river and amazing outside seating (if you don't mind waiting for it).  The food is good but on the pricy side.  
  
  The steak is very large, topped with beautifully colored carrots, white baby onions and no A1 sauce needed!  The small filet of Seabass artfully sits on top of quinoa salad but tastes a bit fishy to me (not a sign of freshness).  I love the sides that accompany the Mahi Mahi but the fish itself is a bit overcooked.  Both fish dishes are not worth the 20 something price tags.  The Ceviche is lacking and the clam chowder is decent but not spectacular.
  
  I come here mostly for the atmosphere.  The boats/yachts dock here for dinner/lunch, the sun sets directly in front of you, lawn chairs in the manicured lawn provide closeness to the river that not many other restaurants in town can provide.
  
  If you want to enjoy the restaurant for cheap, they now got a small food stand that sells hot dogs, burgers, etc. and drinks for under $5.  Sit down at one of the law chairs or benches by the lawn to enjoy your fares.  The river will sparkle and the warm summer breezes will sooth your soul.

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  Posted on 10.05.12 Thao T.

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  The deck and the view are top-notch, A-1. The food is decent. I had the fish tacos which were alright but had about 3x as much cabbage as was necessary. The service was meh...fairly inattentive, but not utterly atrocious. I really liked the entertainment (guitarist/singer). And really...the view at sunset is unbelievable.

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  Posted on 09.14.12 Kathy V.

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  Captain's Quarters, like other restaurants I've eaten at with a view of the Ohio River, has bad food.  I really can't communicate that fact more clearly than that.
  
  Their version of a Louisville Hot Brown is shameful.  Every piece of bread is supposed to be toasted but the lazy cook at Captain's Quarters decided to cover one of the pieces of bread with about a half-pound of cheese thinking I wouldn't notice, but I noticed.  It was the most pathetic attempt at a Hot Brown I've ever seen or tasted.  I use the title of cook instead of chef for the person who is responsible for that mess because a chef could make a better hot brown blindfolded with one hand tied behind his back.
  
  The scenery is nice.  But, if you want nice scenery and a meal better than what you would find at Captain's Quarters then drive through Taco Bell, Arby's, or grab a pizza at Little Caesars and throw a picnic blanket out on the shore of the Ohio and dig in.

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  Posted on 08.21.12 Jake P.

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  The place is down right enormous. I love that it gives you the feeling of escape in land locked Louisville and the dinner cruise is a rare find in our humble little city. It really makes you feel like you're in a sweet harbor town and the live music is pretty great. There is never a lack of liquid confident filled dancers on the patio which makes for great entertainment.
  
  I wish it appealed to a younger early 20s crowd, because I would be there everyday, but sadly, it doesn't. It is usually filled with 30s-50s folks.
  
  It is great for large groups of people, family dinners and I love that you can pull the boat right up and throw a rope around a cleat. Great way to end a day on the river!

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  Posted on 07.18.12 Kelly Ann J.

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  What a find!  I have been completely unimpressed by breakfast places in Louisville.  I'm desperate to like other brunch places, I really am.  But I'm just never satisfied.  Usually the ambiance is lovely, but the food just falls short.  It is pretty much that way across the board.  Oh, with the exception of the Fish House.  That hit the spot.
  
  I didn't even know that Captain's Quarters had brunch.  Took a nice bike ride out there, so my opinion on the food may be a bit jaded because I was in dire need of food by the time I reached the restaurant.  However, there were so many options as part of the buffet.  I can't exactly remember the price, but I know it was around $15, which is costly, but it is all-you-can-eat - so be prepared to eat.  
  
  You can get an omelette cooked-to-order or a waffle with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.  You can have fried chicken and green beans.  How about some sausage and roasted potatoes?  Want fresh fruit?  How about biscuits and gravy?  No, not enough?  Try some of the desert, I'd go for the pecan pie if I were you.
  
  Also, the patio would be a perfect place to spend eating brunch on a crisp fall morning.

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  Posted on 07.18.12 Brittney H.

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  I came to Captain's Quarters this summer it was a beautiful day we got great outdoor seating area  but they only take reservations inside but not outside and had wonderful views also you saw people with their boats and you hear live music but one down side was our server we order and he didn't come out with it and he act like he did not like us.
  
  I got the Scottish salmon it was ok, i really love the atmosphere they had it's good for groups of people i'll just say overall it's it's the place to go when it's nice weather and if you wanna great place to dine out by the lake.

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  Posted on 07.13.12 William K.

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  3 1/2 stars.  The food is ok. The service was slow, but the view and the outside atmosphere were  wonderful. We will go again, but likely with reservations (it was very crowded by 6pm on a beautiful 80 degree Thursday evening), and for an early dinner. (not a very diverse crowd though, in case that sort of thing bothers you).

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  Posted on 06.16.12 Emily Y.

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  I stopped by Captain's Quarters on the suggestion of a couple of guys that I do some business with.  We headed in for lunch.  It was a little busy for a Friday, and they were already on a wait.  We were given the option of sitting out on the massive outside deck near the bar, which we took.  
  
  Captain's Quarters is huge.  I was a little amazed by even the size of the parking lot.  Inside, it's really a beautiful restaurant.  We didn't spend very long inside, however, as we sat outside on the deck overlooking the river.  It was a beautiful day to sit outside.  The deck overlooks a lawn area that I am told is packed shoulder-to-shoulder for major events.  There's also several boat slips where you can drive your boat up to the restaurant and they will page you when your table is ready (or you can just take it to go).  The views are beautiful, the atmosphere is pretty laid back (at lunch), and it was a pleasure to sit out on the patio and watch life go by.  Being a fan of waterfront restaurants, I really enjoyed this aspect.
  
  We waited for what seemed like a long time for our server, who was also the outside bartender.  She appeared to be covering the bar and all the tables on the patio.  That seemed to be a little too much for her to handle, as she was constantly apologizing for the delays during our meal.  Several times I had to wait for a refill on my soda.  It seems like a restaurant as large as Captain's Quarters could be better served having an extra pair of hands here during the lunch period.
  
  I had the fish sandwich, which was really tasty.  It's two fried pieces of fish on a nice large bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and sauce.  The fish was nicely breaded and very crisp.  Inside, the fish was piping hot and fresh, still very juicy.  The bun was nice and big, but didn't overpower the fish.  It really is a huge sandwich.  It came with chips and cole slaw as well.  The chips were crisp and full of flavor... I couldn't stop eating them despite being full!
  
  If you look at price based solely on what you're brought on the plate, you'll be a little disappointed.  But if you factor in the location, and the views, you'll see the value in it.  
  
  The restaurant itself was clean and tidy.  I really enjoyed the nautical theme.  Fishing chairs at the bar, boating stuff as the decor around the outside bar.  Lots of wood everywhere.  It's very nicely done.  This was almost a five-star review.   Too bad the slow service killed it.

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  Posted on 05.13.12 Kyle B.

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  Food is only average and expensive for the low quality. The only obvious reason to eat here is to dine alfresco. Stick with the hamburgers or fish sandwich. Servers are friendly. The outdoor bar area is nice. Good for a late afternoon beer.

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  Posted on 04.30.12 Frank S.

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  Fantastic situation on the river -- truly outstanding.  The restaurant itself, however, is filthy.  The service is lax and disinterested.  And the food is absolutely atrocious -- perhaps as bad as it gets anywhere in Louisville.  Go there for a drink on a beautiful evening, nothing more.

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  Posted on 03.21.12 Peyton R.

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  The best thing about CQ is the phenomenal outdoor deck over the river.  If you've never been to CQ, go on a beautiful spring day for lunch or a pleasant summer evening with a cool breeze for dinner and sit outside.  I've been to CQ 5 times and have never eaten indoors.
  
  Of course, the food is good though a bit pricey for the portion size (you're paying for the view).  My favorite is their Bibb and Bleu Cheese Salad with grilled salmon (the salmon is optional).

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  Posted on 03.21.12 Tom R.

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  Captain's Quarters is a wonderful place to BE.
  Fun atmosphere, beautiful views, plenty of space outside to enjoy said views...
  
  That said, it's not such a great place to EAT.
  The food is decent, but it never quite lives up to my expectations.  I find it to be a little pricey relative to the execution.

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  Posted on 12.20.11 Sarah W.

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  Laid back. southern style waterfront dining at its best.  
  
  This place is just a pleasure to visit on a slow warm day.  Drinking a pint and watching the boats go by.  
  
  Place transforms itself throughout the day.  Early part is elderly types taking in their 3:30 dinner.  Then is the after work crowd, followed by the twenty and thirty something who close the place.

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  Posted on 10.09.11 Anthony S.

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  Food is average.
  
  Party is fun.
  
  There is not a lot of places like this...what a time.

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  Posted on 07.19.11 Justin F.

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  CQ has always been a favorite of ours, and it just keeps getting better all the time.  We are huge fans of outdoor seating, and CQ has that in spades!  They have also upgraded the outdoor bar, where they often have live music...also something we love!  Rest assured, however - the music is NOT overwhelming if you are sitting outside; just good ambiance.  The food - awesome!  We love the tuna appetizer.  Last time we were there, they offered a swordfish special for $18.00 that was delicious.  (Most entrees are a little more pricey, though they do offer sandwiches for less.) You really can't go wrong, no matter what you choose...

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  Posted on 07.08.11 Charlotte F.

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  I love CQ food!  Not to mention the great fun & people there~!

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  Posted on 03.12.11 Jim H.

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  CQ has really, really gone downhill in the past couple years. True, the atmosphere is outstanding - beautiful location on the Ohio River with plenty of outdoor seating. The food does not do the surroundings justice, however.   First, we got serious attitude from the hostess stand when we asked to switch our reservation to outside seating when I'd been told when I made the reservation that we could do so.  We were told it would take an hour to accommodate us - yet on a Monday afternoon, there was a TON of outdoor seating available.  So, we ate inside.  Then, in my entire party of more than 10 people, not a single one of us would have rated our entrees better than mediocre.  Veggie sandwich was more stale bun than vegetables and sans the goat cheese that was to accompany it; fish tacos were deemed by both in my party that had it as, "worst fish tacos they'd ever eaten;" onion rings were chewy; need I go on?  A gratuity was added to the check, which would be fine for a large party IF they had told us they were doing so.  If you choose to go for the atmosphere, stick with appetizers, as those were decent (but be warned: cocktails are super watered down). Better yet, pack a picnic and head to Cox's Park. Your view of the river will be comparable and the food far superior.   Such a disappointment - CQ is cutting corners and it shows!

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  Posted on 06.02.10 Kim B.

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  I have not been here for years now, but the food and patio are fantastic. A sweet place to go in the summer months.

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  Posted on 10.06.09 P W.

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  The atmosphere is great here.  Tons of outside seating and frequent live music.  Sunday nights are always hopping outside.  They have Rogue Dead Guy Ale on tap.  Great stuff if you have never had it.  They have a great refreshing lunch dish of chicken salad in a pineapple boat.  Very good.  I had the Demer Fettucini recently and it was outstanding.  Tasty and light.  Perfect for summer.

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  Posted on 07.10.08 Jay R.

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