Captain Bill's | Seafood Restaurant

two days ago was our first time we went to this magnificent restaurant. But It is no doubt not the last. We had a good time with the efficient service, with the first-rate food and booze and with the friendly price. We will absolutely visit there again.

Food is good (nothing we've found is exceptional, but it all passes as decent Midwest seafood). Service the last couple times we went was awful - very slow, not responsive, didn't seem to be trying. I'm writing because the most recent time we got take-out... we got there when they said it would be done. We had a hard time finding someone to help us out. It wasn't done for another 45 min after we got there. Serving staff was rude. They did nothing to compensate for us having to wait 45 min beyond when they said it would be done. An bare minimum apology was offered in passing. We have no plans to go back.

Would have been 5 stars, but a $7.50 plate charge (which was described to us as 'nominal') for splitting was over the top. That's just for the plate, no extra sides, and not kitchen split. The food was excellent, but we'll definitely think twice before going there again and paying half of what an entree would have been for an empty plate.

I had an extraordinary time in this spot. We liked the extraordinary environment and the food. The waiters were very affable. I am glad we finally decided to visit here.

Decided we wanted a fish fry, and a friend from work recommend Captain Bill's. When you first walk in, it's kinda cozy. The waitress was friendly and very helpful.

This place is obviously one of the coolest restaurants in the region. Every time I go there I am so happy. They always keep their high level service and the highest level of dishes they provide. You always win with this place. Highly recommended.

I hate leaving this review, especially because we have grown up loving this resturant. But, we so look forward to resturant week and decided to make this one of our dinners. My lobster tail was overcooked and rubbery as was my husband's. We barely saw our server. Never given rolls, had to flag her down for water and when we paid the check we didn't even get a pen to leave a tip. Had to wait to see her again to even sign and leave one.

No bread for the bread plates, no water for the water glass, and listening to employees argue over who has to help customers. Nice

Not sure why this place has poor reviews. We had a great meal here with friendly service. Big fireplace in the middle made for a nice date night. Recommend the coconut shrimp.

I love captain bills! Seafood lovers will be very happy!

Great food and a very cozy atmosphere. In the summertime the deck is wonderful with a view of Lake Mendota.

Great food and fantastic staff made this a great evening. Cocktails were excellent.

Whenever we are in Madison we go to Captain Bill's, once a week, with our grandchildren. Our 6 year old grandson eats an entire order of the peel ‘n eat shrimp with melted butter and then half of a salad with blue cheese dressing. Our two year old granddaughter eats the other half of the salad and a yummy hard roll with butter. The staff is always very kind, the kids are happy to look at the bunnies, the boats, the birds, the lake, the fish trophies, the old boats... No, it is not farm to table dining, but neither is the price that goes along with that. We almost always just eat off the appetizer menu. The shrimp and clam chowder and crab cakes are delicious and the portions are generous. The decor is definitely old, but it is charming and non institutional. Captain Bill's definitely works for us.

Really good Lake Perch! Will be back. Great server!

Have been going to Captain Bill's for many years and have always enjoyed it. HOWEVER, it seems like it's changed hands because the food was unremarkable and the organization of staff was sub-par. We sat on the deck and looked up to see all kinds of weeds growing in the rain gutters. Come on Captain Bill's make us proud of you again!!