Captain Curt’s Siesta Key: A Visitor’s Guide to the Crab and Oyster Bar
Captain Curt’s Siesta Key restaurant, officially Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, has served fresh seafood and its award winning New England clam chowder from 1200 Old Stickney Point Road since 1979. It opens daily from 11 AM to 10:30 PM, takes no reservations, and shares its property with the Sniki Tiki outdoor bar, which stays open until midnight with live music every day, according to the Captain Curt’s FAQ.
This visitor’s guide covers what to order, when to go, and how to get there from our vacation rentals without hunting for a parking space. Every detail comes from Captain Curt’s own website and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.
Where Is Captain Curt’s on Siesta Key?
Captain Curt’s sits at 1200 Old Stickney Point Road on South Siesta Key, and the restaurant describes its spot as “under the giant American Flag, just over the South Bridge.” That places it in the South Village area, which the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce locates immediately west of the South Bridge at the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road.
The property is more than one restaurant. Alongside the main dining room you will find the Sniki Tiki outdoor bar, Captain Curt’s Coffee Shop, the Orange Octopus ice cream shop, Siesta Key Bike & Kayak rentals, and the Tiki Trading Co. gift shop, all listed on the Captain Curt’s website.
What Should You Order at Captain Curt’s?
Start with the New England clam chowder. Captain Curt’s says its recipe won the Great Chowder Cook Off in Newport, Rhode Island, and the current Captain Curt’s menu serves it by the cup or the bowl.
Seafood lovers should look at the raw Gulf oysters on the half shell, the Maryland style crab cakes made with lump crab meat, and fresh Gulf grouper, which the kitchen serves grilled, broiled, or fried as an entree or a sandwich. The menu calls file fish a house favorite. The Captain’s Platter combines broiled file fish, sea scallops, and Gulf shrimp for anyone who cannot pick just one.
Not everyone in your group has to want seafood. The Siesta Key Chamber listing notes that ribs, burgers, and wings are on the menu too.
What Is the Sniki Tiki Bar at Captain Curt’s?
The Sniki Tiki is Captain Curt’s casual outdoor tiki bar, open from 11 AM to midnight every day. According to the Sniki Tiki page, the bar menu includes the same clam chowder plus fish tacos, loaded nachos, a double cheeseburger, and chicken wings.
Frozen daiquiris come in banana, pina colada, blueberry pomegranate, and strawberry, and there is a nonalcoholic blue raspberry version for kids and anyone skipping alcohol. A foosball table and a pinball machine give younger guests something to do while the adults finish their drinks.
When Is Live Music at Captain Curt’s?
Live music plays at the Sniki Tiki seven days a week in two daily sets, from 1 to 5 PM and from 6 to 10 PM, according to the Captain Curt’s FAQ. Karaoke runs on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 10 PM, and a late night karaoke session for guests 21 and over starts every Saturday at 9:30 PM.
For a quieter meal, aim for lunch soon after the 11 AM opening, before the afternoon set begins. For the full party atmosphere, come for the evening set and stay for a nightcap at the tiki bar.
Is Captain Curt’s Siesta Key Kid Friendly?
Yes. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce describes Captain Curt’s as a kid friendly seafood restaurant, and the restaurant promotes a casual family fun atmosphere. The kids menu, for ages 12 and under, covers burgers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, fried shrimp, and mac and cheese, each served with fries or applesauce and a frisbee to take home.
Dress is island casual, though shirts and shoes are required for dining. After the meal, the Orange Octopus ice cream shop on the same property makes an easy dessert stop.
Do You Need Reservations at Captain Curt’s?
No. Captain Curt’s does not accept reservations and is walk in only, though its FAQ says the staff can host large walk in parties easily. Takeout is available from the full menu if you would rather eat on your own lanai or carry dinner back to the beach. Call 941 349 3885 with questions before you go.
How Do You Get to Captain Curt’s Without a Car?
The free Siesta Key trolley is the easiest option. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce trolley guide says the open air 77 Siesta Islander route runs from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, arrives about every 30 minutes, and serves both South Village and Siesta Key Village. Our Siesta Key trolley guide explains how to use it during your stay.
Golf carts are another fun choice for short hops between the Village and the South Bridge area. Read our Siesta Key golf cart rental guide for prices and the rules on which roads carts can use.
If you drive, the Chamber notes that most South Village retail locations offer free parking and that several paid lots sit nearby. Captain Curt’s does not publish its own parking details, so allow extra time on busy weekend evenings.
Is Captain Curt’s Siesta Key Worth a Visit?
Captain Curt’s leans casual, affordable, and family focused, which makes it a strong pick for a first night on the island or a relaxed lunch after the beach. For more relaxed places to eat across the island, see our guide to casual dining spots in Siesta Key.
Plan your trip around easy dinners like this one. Browse our Siesta Key vacation home rentals, with listings near Siesta Key Village, Southside Village, and Stickney Point, or contact us to find dates that fit your group, or call us at 941 422 2716.
Frequently Asked Questions About Captain Curt’s Siesta Key
What are Captain Curt’s hours on Siesta Key?
Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar is open daily from 11 AM to 10:30 PM. The Sniki Tiki outdoor bar is open daily from 11 AM to midnight, and Captain Curt’s Coffee Shop runs from 8 AM to 3 PM.
Does Captain Curt’s take reservations?
No. Captain Curt’s is walk in only and does not accept reservations, but the staff can host large walk in parties. Takeout is available from the full menu.
What is Captain Curt’s known for?
Captain Curt’s is best known for its New England clam chowder, which the restaurant says won the Great Chowder Cook Off in Newport, Rhode Island. Raw Gulf oysters, crab cakes, and fresh Gulf grouper are also menu favorites.
Is there live music at Captain Curt’s?
Yes. The Sniki Tiki hosts live music seven days a week from 1 to 5 PM and 6 to 10 PM, with karaoke on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 10 PM.
Where is Captain Curt’s located on Siesta Key?
Captain Curt’s is at 1200 Old Stickney Point Road on South Siesta Key, just over the South Bridge near the intersection of Stickney Point Road and Midnight Pass Road, in the South Village area.
