Locals Seafood Restaurant & Market

I have purposely waited to share this review. Just as I paused and reflected after every bite I have been in reflection since I ate the tuna melt and smoked fish dip and crackers at the locals.
I'm a vegetarian who on occasion will eat fish due to the underwhelming options as a vegetarian that may exist on any particular menu. I have never preferred to eat fish over a well-prepared vegetarian option.
Fish was always a backup plan sometimes a hail Mary so that at least I could stomach my meal while others thoroughly enjoyed theirs. So when I saw Locals seafood and market in the Durham food Hall I took my time and ordering something that I thought would be simple and uncomplicated, palatable. As a vegetarian occasional pescatarian I've had plenty of tuna melts and tuna salad sandwiches in my life because it was the only option for a somewhat prepared dish that wasn't raw vegetables or raw roughage.
So when I took that first bite of the Locals' tuna melt, I was so shocked, that for the first time in a long time I had no words to describe what I was experiencing I chewed that first bite and evaluated my palate and had a very deep and emotional moment with myself with one question. Have I ever actually eaten a tuna melt before or had I been eating adulterated shredded paper.
The first word that came out of my mouth after 3 minutes of silence was refreshing the next word was clean. Even the Swiss cheese was subtle but clear.
I thought to myself if I had a complaint it would be that the bread might be too thick. That was a baseless assumption, because when I took that first bite the ratio of bread was actually perfect. The manner in which the bread was toasted allowed for it to be the vessel of transport but as soon as you begin to chew it gave way to the surprising fullness and freshness of the tuna.
I still don't quite have words or clear enough words to describe that sandwich. But I do have the words to describe the joy that I felt. I was literally dancing in my chair. If you have children you can remember or you can currently observe that when they have a food that just delights them their bodies starts to move and it is lead by their tummy they first begin to sway back and forth from their midsection and soon enough this sway or movement moves all the way down to their toes you can see the elation through their whole body. That's what happened to me a grown woman sitting at a table covered in meals. And I began to have my happy tummy dance. As you move through life as you near the closing chapters there's not many things that can surprise you or delight to you and that's what the Locals Seafood and Market did they surprised and delighted me.
And yes I will also mention the smoked fish dip and saltine crackers. Such a simple appetizer but it really made me question just as the tuna melt, have I ever had smoked fish dip and crackers. I can answer that definitively now I have. And I thoroughly enjoyed them at the Locals

Fish dip was fantastic and staff was beyond. Had family in town from Asheville in the wake of the hurricane. They refused payment from my family. The world needs more people like this.

A little pricey for lunch but the quality and quantity of food you get is great! I had a grilled flounder sandwich that was fantastic. I would definitely go back!

Always kind and social. Fantastic fish sandwiches. Can’t beat it.

Oysters & Clams! OMG! Excellent...Red Drum was cooked to perfection! Craig and the crew provided EXCELLENT service! My first time but I'll be back!

My husband and I split the whole snapper meal and what a treat! The fish was perfection cooked and the coleslaw wonderful. Ate our meal at the bar in the market and had an overall delightful experience.

The softshell crab sandwich was a masterpiece. Including the oil spread on it, vegetables, and bun. Glad I accidentally got this before heading to the airport.

We had Locals shuck oysters onsite at our wedding and 10/10 would recommend this service. On time, efficient, friendly folks and delicious oysters. The couple hundred of them went real quick. I'm unfortunately drawing a blank on the names of the pair who were onsite on 4.20 but please extend our appreciation again--they were great. Thanks y'all!

Not a place I would eat again nor recommend . The fish sandwich I had was very plain and simple. Nothing spectacular or delicious. Just plain, very basic. The coleslaw needs improvement also.The “fresh” fish display looked neglected and not very well kept The very small selection of fish they had dis not looked fresh at all.Finally, the prices are high for the quality of the dishes. It is unfortunate to waste such a premium location.

My favorite place to grab a dozen raw oysters. Always fresh and always clean!

Super cool staff behind the counter. Had the Monkfish Katsu sandwich (the special that evening) and it was absolutely delicious!

Menu is always fresh, and options are all delicious. I appreciate the gluten-free fried and broiled options. It's hard to find good gluten-free fried shrimp in this area. Locals Seafood never disappoints!Edited 1/29/24: Still keeping the 5 stars because the food is delicious but it would be nice if you posted somewhere that only raw oysters are available in the last hour before closing. I arrived at 5 minutes after 5pm on a Sunday when 6pm was the stated closing time only to be informed that I could not get fried shrimp because they close at 6pm and only raw oysters were available in the hour before closing. I understand it but was disappointed as I had gotten mine and my husbands hopes up for shrimp and didn't see this info posted on the website anywhere or else I wouldn't have bothered. If I missed that this information is posted somewhere, totally on me. However, if it's not posted it may be nice so folks know that the last hour is just raw oysters.

Very good food, a little pricy though

Excellent! Fresh seafood, amazing flavors, friendly service. Fast too!

The first thing you will notice when you walk into the Durham Food Hall. Stop walking! Their seafood is delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed their huge bowl of chowder, but found it to be on the saltier side. Their oysters were also amazing. I would stop by every once in a while to treat myself.