Captain's Quarters - A shout out to the tried and true

Sometimes in our rush to embrace the "Next Big Thing" we tend to forget about the "tried and true". I am just a guilty of this as the next person, which is why I wanted to take a moment to recognize one of our "tried and true" establishments here in Louisville...Captain's Quarters.

I recently (along with Dan Thomas) had the privilege to judge the CQ's first (and I hope not last) Chili Contest. During the course of the afternoon, it dawned on me just how much they have to offer and how much I REALLY enjoy the place.

The "CQ" was -the- first place we dined when we were considering moving to Louisville and I still think the Hot Brown I was served that afternoon was the best I've ever had. Since that first visit the CQ has become one of our "go to" places...particularly when we have out of town guests. Want a great Burger ? CQ's got a good one...Not a burger afficanado ? No problem, there is something for EVERYONE on the CQ's menu. Looking for a wonderful place for some relaxing al fresco dining...NO one can beat the CQ. Looking for a place to party ? You can't beat a summer evening on their outdoor decks. Got a wedding or corporate event ? What could be better than an afternoon or evening cruise on the 96ft "CQ Princess". You want Sunday Brunch ? One of the best in the city is right here at Captain's Quarters. Service ? I've never had a bad experience at the CQ, the staff from top to bottom is as solid as they come. Beer/Wine list ? Nahhhh, they can't hold a candle to any of the "40 tap" places BUT they do have an excellent selection of beer and wine with something for everyone's tastes. Throw in an attitude of giving back to the community (the CQ has hosted the last two Hotbytes "Throwdowns") and Captain's Quarters comes out with 5 stars in my book.

[Robin Garr]

Great review! I agree with all of it ...

Throw in an attitude of giving back to the community (the CQ has hosted the last two Hotbytes "Throwdowns") and Captain's Quarters comes out with 5 stars in my book.

Steve,
I've been wanting to try out the CQ since I first heard of it. I am truly in love with any place with a river,lake, ocean view before I even walk in the place.

I don't know what a Hotbytes "Throwdown" is. Cooking competition between Hbyters? I can just barely cook an egg but I'd love to witness or even participate in such an event. Let me know if such an event is in the offing. Cheers!

I agree with you 110% Steve. CQ was the first place my wife and I dined when we were preparing to move to Louisville. I also think the hot brown is the best I've had including the one from The Brown. We have since dined there many times and were never disappointed.

Certainly a great post for a well deserving restaurant. Many times the tried and true favorites get lost in the shuffle with all the new restaurants opening and we don't want that to happen.

Agree 100%. CQ is a class act from start to finish. We area humble folk, so CQ is a "Wow" destination for us, particularly when entertaining out of town guests. Amazing view, great atmosphere, incredible food, impeccable service, CQ has it all.

One of Louisville's very best!

Agree 100%. CQ is a class act from start to finish. We area humble folk, so CQ is a "Wow" destination for us, particularly when entertaining out of town guests. Amazing view, great atmosphere, incredible food, impeccable service, CQ has it all.

One of Louisville's very best!

Its my priority place for out of town guests during the warm months. The place never fails to impress.

What amazes me is that on a perfect night they will be absolutely packed, I mean jammed with a full restaurant, full bars, and an hour wait, yet they deliver. Hats off to the Mastersons and Alan Hinks.

What amazes me is that on a perfect night they will be absolutely packed, I mean jammed with a full restaurant, full bars, and an hour wait, yet they deliver. Hats off to the Mastersons and Alan Hinks.

Ditto. Never had a sub- par experience there but have had many a great time.
And banana peppers. Corn meal breaded, deep fried banana peppers. OMG!
Hats off to you guys, see you on Thanksgiving.

Forgot to mention that the CQ does an -awesome- Thanksgiving Buffet Cruise...For $46 bucks ($31 for Children) ya gets a great meal -and- a 2-plus hour river cruise on the CQ Princess. Here's the link.

http://www.cqriverside.com/Specials/Tha ... Cruise.htm

...and the menu:

Marina House Salad
with Assorted Dressings
Waldorf Salad
Penne Pasta Salad
Fresh Fruit Salad
Cranberry Relish

Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing
Grilled Salmon with Passion Fruit Sauce
Roast Porkloin with Sweet Tomato Chutney

Candied Yams
Sautéed Fresh Green Beans and Tomatoes
Fresh Mashed Potatoes
Giblet Gravy
Chef's Choice Seasonal Vegetables

Yeast Rolls

Pumpkin Pie, Derby Pie, Chocolate Torte, and New York StyleCheesecake

I gave this very buffet a big shout out in the Thanksgiving recommendation thread. In my humble opinion it is the single best spread in the city. We have been blessed to dine there two years in a row and I am hoping I can convince the wife (what with a new baby and all being such a busy time), that we might make it a third...

Ronnie, we're in the same boat...more or less. The youngest daughter has taken an interest in cooking over the past year and wants to participate in preparing dinner this year. Otherwise we'd be at the CQ for the buffet as well. BTW, I was there for there normal Sunday Buffet last weekend and it was -very- good.

What amazes me is that on a perfect night they will be absolutely packed, I mean jammed with a full restaurant, full bars, and an hour wait, yet they deliver. Hats off to the Mastersons and Alan Hinks.

Ditto. Never had a sub- par experience there but have had many a great time.
And banana peppers. Corn meal breaded, deep fried banana peppers. OMG!
Hats off to you guys, see you on Thanksgiving.

Really?? I got the fried banana peppers the last time i was there and thought they were the worst I ever had. I was like a whole banana pepper cut in half and fried like a fish filet, no seasoning in the breading, way too much breading, banana pepper dry and tasteless. Saint's in St. Matthews would be a good fried banana pepper IMO. Little rings, still juicy when you bite into them, good breading and hot marinara dipping sauce.

In fact I found my whole meal underwhelming on my last visit. And service was abhorrent. Must have hit them on a bad day if everyone on here is still impressed with them. I'll give them another shot.

Personally, I have never had a bad meal there- have loved the place for years.

That being said, it is a huge establishment, with a lot of moving parts. And they get hit- daily and very hard. It wouldn't be out of the realm of reason that one could catch a server or cook that was on thier way out...

Definitely give them another shot!

Thanks everybody for the kind words
Like everyone else whom is the hospitality industry that contributes to louisvillehotbytes.com it takes a caring staff to make things happen and I am blessed to be a part of it

Steve, Dan and Jeremy.....everyone had a blast at the cook off and there are already plans for a monthly challenge ( of course different categories ) and cannot thank you you all enough

Hope to see everyone on the river soon