Captain’s Cove

While visiting Starved Rock a couple week back my wife and I looked for a place to have lunch and a place to have dinner. We went to The Dog House, also reviewed, for lunch and came to Captain’s Cove for dinner.
It was extremely quiet since there was only 3 people eating there when we went in. In their defense we had an early diner. However, we were surprised that none of the employees were out at the time we walked in. We were wondering if they were open. A person from one of the tables told us that they were open and the server will be right back to sit us.
Once seated the staff was extremely friendly. Took our order and checked on us every so often to make sure we were fine. The views from the table was amazing overlooking the river on a rainy day.
We had 2 cocktails and they were pretty good. The salad bar we did not try because it was small and it did not look very fresh. However when order order came out the food was amazing. My wife and I both got shrimp and you can tell it was fresh and had a great taste. And the prices was not bad either. Pretty typical for that sort of restaurant.
I would go here again next time we visit the area.

It was our server’s first day. She was very nice. I ordered the salmon. It wasn’t cooked all the way. I cook salmon at home a lot. It’s supposed to be light pink and flaky. This was dark pink and mushy. When I let someone know about my salmon it was immediately taken from me and I was told «I’ll see what I can do» and no one ever returned. Our server returned about 15 minutes later and asked if I wanted something else. I said no thank you. She then brought us the bill and immediately walked away and disappeared. Probably because my salmon was still on the bill. I had to ask another server to grab my waitress and I asked why the salmon was on there. She said it was tested with a thermometer and it was fine and there’s nothing she can do. After I explained that I’m pregnant and can’t have raw fish she then proceeded to take half off.
I’ve been here a few times and never had a problem with the staff or food but it was unbelievable that they would tell me that the salmon was cooked all the way when it clearly wasn’t.

I’ve visited Captain’s Cove twice now, and I have to say it’s a very nice place with friendly staff! It has a Jimmy Buffet «Margaritaville» vibe to it, and seems very popular with the locals. Their sun-​deck overlooking the river and nearby Starved Rock makes for a beautiful view out back. Their servers are very friendly and personable, especially the server that waited on me twice, Alex! A very charming young man who seemed to pay close attention to detail and was more than happy to accommodate any special requests from patrons both at my table and surrounding tables. The food and drinks that I’ve tried thus far are excellent; I tried the rib-​eye steak sandwich and the monterey chicken sandwich — both very tasty! Their alcoholic specialty drinks are very good too — I tried the Strawberry Daquiri and a friend of mine tried their Pina Colada, she said it was the best that shes’ ever had! I would definitely recommend this place for anyone in the area, especially those hiking at nearby Starved Rock! Give Captain’s Cove a try!

Service was good. I had the chicken philly and the meat was so bad!!! Tasted stale, frozen taste and the onions and peppers were chewy (obviously old).
I gave two stars because of the good service. Otherwise, it would have been just one.

We came here for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. We sat out on the porch. It has a great view and it’s all screened in so no bugs. The service was great. Friendly waitress and fast service. We both got the Monterey chicken and it was fantastic! Our son got basket of fries and chicken strips and it was a huge portion. We also got the chocolate cake to share for dessert. It was ok. I personally wouldn’t get the chocolate cake again but they had a long list of other desserts. Overall a very nice place with great scenery, service, and food!

I stopped in with my hiking group after a morning of hiking around Starved Rock. I managed to fall both up and down the stairs because I am graceful like that. In all fairness though, it is a thin staircase at the bottom which throws off my equilibrium. Yea, that’s my excuse, not that I’m clumsy.
Anyway, it’s a cute little joint. The reason I like it is because of the sun deck looking out over the river. It’s screened in so there aren’t any bugs. It’s not a huge spot but we got lucky in that we showed up early enough to find a spot.
The burgers were good, the water tasted weird to me (I’m used to Chicago tap water so keep that in mind), the service was average. It’s really not a stand out place except for that view and the relaxation.
I’d go back again to enjoy an after hike meal and a little river watching.

This restaurant is a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The staff is helpful and quite on point! The food is great the drinks are awesome! Love the Long Island Ice Teas. The view during the day is beautiful. Irma and Donna are two of the best bartenders out there! Everyone come in and see them you’ll have an amazing time!
Oh yeaaahhhh if your going to come in with a big party make sure to call for reservations in advance they are more than willing to accommodate you. :D

If I could give minus stars I would. We were a large group of 24 people so we called ahead several days in advance and made reservations. We arrived just before one and walked out just about 2:30 still waiting on our food. After receiving our beverages our waitress never returned to fill water, replenish tea. Nothing. Two or three times someone would go up front and ask about our food and no one knew when it was coming. Many people on the patio and inside the main dining are were served while we waited and waited. Finally tracking down our waitress who was now tending bar. Another waitress was tracked down and asked about our food and she knew nothing. I called!!! the restaurant from the our table in the back dining area and asked to speak to the manager and was told no one was there. Again asked about our food order and was told it would be there soon. Not one single person came to our table to apologize, explain or even offer an appetizer or CRACKERS. Disgusted we got up and left. Not one member of the staff said a word to us as we left. Horrible attitude. Ridiculous wait. Absolutely no customer service whatsoever. We will never go back.

Stopped by this place at night and it was a fun bar like atmosphere (seemed like locals not tourists). Looks like it would be scenic during the day as it was right on the river. We tried to eat healthy (broiled fish, baked potato, etc.) and the food was just average. Some of the bar food that others were getting nearby looked much better.

We stopped in here for dinner not expecting much more than bar food. I was pleasantly surprised at the menu and loved the broiled garlic shrimp. Husband had the ribs and liked those too. Service could have been better as could the lousy music, but overall a nice place with a great view.