Crustaceans at Captain Kidd’s – Redondo Beach

If it’s seafood you’re craving, Captain Kidd can be quite the catch. Structured like a fish market with all the good stuff OTC, the counters are crammed full of cutlets and crustaceans. Order a la carte to the left and get ready-made or made-to-order on the right.

One taste of Dungness Crab from the left counter will spirit you away to sea. It’s so good, you’ll be gone fishing after just a few bites. Those with anger issues should grab a mallet. Just know that although it may be both entertaining and cathartic to hammer and smash a crab yourself, it may take a while for the people next to and across from you to purge bits and pieces of your cathartic crab from their clothing. Just bring friends who aren’t too well-dressed.

If crab isn’t your thing, no problem – plenty to pick from. If you’re asking for a specific fish or shellfish, the variety is pretty impressive at Captain Kidd’s so they’ll rarely tell you to go fish.

My Soft Shell Crab Platter from the right counter was piled high with two large deep-fried crabs that definitely surpassed my expectations for size. The crab wasn’t the freshest I’ve ever had, but definitely no complaints in that respect. A little over-the-top on the grease factor, plus I made the mistake of getting the slightly-bland, too-thick Lobster Bisque and hard hush puppies on the side. Hardly a heart-healthy meal, but nothing tugs at my heartstrings like a good soft shell crab.

Tired of stuffy seafood restaurants but still want a fish you can’t get fresh in a regular grocery store? I think my favorite thing about Captain Kidd is the casual candor that only comes with seating yourself at a picnic table with a view of the ocean. So cast a line at Captain Kidd’s when you’re at the pier and see what you reel in.