Discovering Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern: A Westville Culinary Landmark
Nestled in the heart of Westville, New Jersey, at the familiar address of 1416 Crown Point Rd, Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern stands as more than just an eatery; it is a genuine local institution. For many in the community and those who travel specifically to experience its unique atmosphere, Capn Cats represents the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot where quality seafood meets unpretentious hospitality. This establishment has carved out a significant niche in the regional dining landscape, drawing patrons seeking authentic flavors and a relaxed environment far removed from the pretense of high-end dining.
The appeal of Capn Cats lies in its dedication to tradition and its commitment to serving fresh, well-prepared dishes that honor classic coastal American cuisine. It successfully bridges the gap between a casual tavern setting and a serious seafood destination. Whether you are stopping by after a long day or planning an evening out with friends and family, the welcoming vibe immediately sets the tone for a satisfying experience. The location itself, situated conveniently on Crown Point Road, makes it an accessible and reliable choice for locals throughout Westville and the surrounding South Jersey area.
What truly defines the experience at Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern is the consistent quality delivered across its menu, focusing heavily on the bounty of the sea while maintaining a comfortable tavern feel. It’s a place where the conversation flows as freely as the beverages, and the food speaks for itself through its freshness and preparation. Understanding what makes this location a staple requires looking closely at the elements that contribute to its enduring popularity and reputation among discerning diners.
Key Highlights of the Capn Cats Experience
Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern has cultivated a loyal following by focusing on several core strengths that resonate deeply with its customer base. These distinguishing features ensure that a visit here is memorable and encourages repeat patronage:
Authentic Coastal Flavor Profiles: The menu strongly emphasizes fresh seafood preparations, often featuring local or regionally sourced ingredients prepared using time-honored methods. This dedication to authentic taste ensures that dishes like their signature clam preparations are consistently excellent, providing a true taste of the coast right here in Westville.
The Tavern Atmosphere: Beyond the food, the ambiance plays a crucial role. Capn Cats maintains the warm, convivial spirit of a classic neighborhood tavern. It is a place designed for lingering, socializing, and enjoying simple pleasures, making it an ideal spot for casual dining rather than formal occasions.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: Diners frequently note the noticeable difference in the quality of the seafood served. This focus suggests a rigorous selection process behind the scenes, ensuring that whether you order shellfish or other main courses, the foundation of the dish is built upon superior raw materials.
Community Integration: As a long-standing fixture at 1416 Crown Point Rd, the establishment is deeply woven into the fabric of the Westville community. It serves as a reliable meeting point, fostering a sense of belonging and local pride among its regulars.
These pillars—flavor, atmosphere, ingredient quality, and community connection—are what elevate Capn Cats from a simple restaurant to a cherished local landmark. They represent the core values that the management consistently upholds, ensuring a high standard of service and culinary execution.
A Warm Invitation to Experience Westville's Best
Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern is more than just a location on a map; it is an experience rooted in tradition and dedication to quality dining. For those seeking genuine seafood served in an unpretentious, welcoming environment, a visit to 1416 Crown Point Rd in Westville, NJ 08093, is highly recommended. The tavern successfully delivers on its promise of excellent food coupled with the relaxed camaraderie that defines the best neighborhood spots.
Whether you are a long-time resident familiar with every corner of the menu or a first-time visitor drawn by local reputation, Capn Cats offers a consistently satisfying culinary journey. It stands ready to welcome you into its fold, offering a taste of authentic coastal dining tradition right here in the heart of New Jersey. Come discover why this establishment continues to be a celebrated destination for seafood lovers and community members alike.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Sport
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern
ron n
20-12-2025
Mussels need red sauce in a big bowl with bread... it will be a winner!! Bloody Mary's are excellent More
Jay Porch
28-11-2025
This place is diverse. Very clean place and good atmosphere. New England Clam chowder was pretty good waiter said it made fresh in morning then kept hot. Fried shrimp wasn’t good at all and same with crabcake. I recommend the clam chowder over anything. More
Caleb DeJesus
19-11-2025
While I certainly can get the charm and appeal to this local restaurant, I unfortunately was underwhelmed by my experience. My wife and I tried a couple items on the menu and were disappointed overall in the lack of flavor. We thought that … More
Lisa Smith
13-11-2025
Had the most wonderful server and food was amazing. Was visiting family in town from Florida, and the seafood was fantastic! More
Roy Dawson
04-10-2025
I hadn’t been to this location in years, and I forgot how good they are! Great service, the bartender is the Best! The oysters Rockefeller is my favorite! The fried shrimp platter is also delicious !
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Sally Kivilis
26-09-2025
First time dining at this legendary spot. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection! Our server was Makayla. She was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about each food item. We will definitely be back!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Reservation
Reservations not required
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people, 9+ people, Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Martha Baker
14-09-2025
Keep giving them another chance but no more. Food was warm and mediocre at best. Specifically said no cocktail sauce only tarter. Nope they only gave me cocktail! More
Hannah Rae
31-08-2025
The food is fresh and the service is quick and fantastic!
Food: 4…
More
tammie harley
17-08-2025
It is was good. Even though there was no one there but me and boyfriend. Then eventually two other parties came in...but it was empty due to Covid-19...I will definitely go again...
James Durkin
12-08-2025
Captain Cats is a great no frills clam bar and fish place. Nothing fancy but atmosphere is great and fast service. I've been going there for several years now and always found a great dinner value. More
Thomas Convery
02-08-2025
Lived in the area my whole life . Still love the location, and atmosphere!! My family were regulars for years . Last two visits there were very disappointing, especially the crab cakes, and the steamed dungenous crab !! They both were our favorites !
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
5-8 people
Wait time
No wait
Dorothy Gladden
24-07-2025
Love this seafood place! I started going to Captain Cats since sophomore year in HS @ 50 years ago. Then took my daughters there. Love all the old license plates on the walls!🥰🎉👍🏼
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Private dining room
Parking space
Plenty of parking
JB1 TRUCKING
22-07-2025
Excellent service
Nice employees
Excellent food
Had crab and clam chowder both Excellent
The taste stood out
Nice intimate atmosphere
The price is reasonable and fair
Family business that's been around though this is a newer location from the original it's the same Family
Very nice has a separate bar and dining area also options for you to purchase frozen seafood
All kinds of frozen seafood crabs clams etc
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Clam Chowder, Dungeness Crab Legs, Snow Crab Legs, Alaskan Snow Crab, Alaskan King Crab
Noise level
Very quiet
Mazz man
14-07-2025
I loved the food.Nice place inside.If your a seafood lover.This is a great spot.
nunya biznes
13-07-2025
My girls brought me here for Mother's Day. I don't like seafood so was only going to order chicken. I decided on the fried haddock instead. It was breaded perfectly, cooked perfectly, and absolutely delicious! More
Dave Weinman
05-07-2025
I love Cap'n Cats to my core. They get the seasoning on the snow crab legs just right without being weird or saucy. The soups are great, and the drinks are cheap. What more could you want? More
Jamie Fox
03-07-2025
Clams? Bar? These are a few of my… Seriously this is a great place. I pigged out on top necks, Dungeness, and smoked whitefish while watching Eagles. Could not be better.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
riley
26-06-2025
Great food and service! Been coming here for years and it’s always good
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
riley
23-05-2025
Great food and service! Been coming here for years and it’s always good
Price per person…
More
Heather Roth
22-05-2025
Incredible food and amazing service. We sat at the bar with a great bartender. Don’t skip on the crabcakes they’re so good!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Kib Isima
09-05-2025
9/23/25: Great all around again. We love the ambiance, antiques, paintings. Amanda was an excellent waitress providing us with first hand knowledge of the local history we asked about. Verga, Horse Radish, Cap'n Cats locations, ownership … More
Hannah Rae
09-05-2025
The food is fresh and the service is quick and fantastic!
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Michael Olsen
04-05-2025
Food is excellent, price is fair and waitress each time I been there were very good, friendly and professional, I highly recommend this place!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
John Burke
16-04-2025
Where else can you sit at the bar and have clams, chowder, and shrimp, with perfect bar service??? Place is great 👊🏽 … More
tyuiopp74
10-04-2025
I have to say... Their seafood is so awesome. The service told me that their seafood are shipped from bay every single day. I very recommend their big neck clam.... You can taste the most fresh, native flavor from it.
Matt Jones
03-04-2025
Only picked up shrimp and cocktail sauce, but they were both delicious. The shrimp were jumbo and I think ran about 18$ a pound which to me seems a tad pricey, but not bad. The cocktail sauce was a few bucks I think and the taste was less … More
Leonard Mccarron
02-03-2025
Got the lobster bisque Oyster Rockefeller and fried oysters highly recommend I go at least once a month More
Michele R
02-03-2025
Alittle bit of a drive but the food was delicious! Steamed clams were good, broiled scallops and broccoli were a 10! Server was a sweetheart!
JB1 TRUCKING
31-01-2025
Excellent service
Nice employees
Excellent food … More
Lekia Danay
27-01-2025
I absolutely love this place! I come here often for the best clam chowder in the world! Also their lump crab is awesome! A hidden gem! Don’t forget to try the oysters and the blue crabs as well!!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Donna Coco
17-01-2025
The food amount was quite skimpy. Uncle had oyster soup, which is why we came here. Very good and a huge portion. I had scallops, broiled. It was very good, not excellent, though. They were nice size and had to cut in half to eat, but not many for the price. Hubby had sword fish. It was very small for the price and serving size, but tasted good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4
Pete Del Rossi
04-01-2025
Old time bar atmosphere...just go for the fried shrimp platter and crabs...a side of corn on the cob is a must!! More
Jack Hand
30-12-2024
Food is ok. Nothing really special.Based on price of the seafood it should have been better.
Reviews Capn Cats Clam Bar Tavern