Things got started on a positive note when Captain Jay’s Fish and Chicken first arrived in the Indianapolis area.
At first, some residents were concerned about what would take place after the Detroit-based restaurant company purchased the old Hooks Fish & Chicken locations.
However, unlike many national restaurant companies, Captain Jay’s had the wisdom and foresight to invest in our community early. During its first week here, Captain Jay’s not only gave much-needed jobs to inner city residents, but also established a scholarship drive for area students and offered fun promotions with free food at its locations.
Since its grand opening, Captain Jay’s has kept what is perhaps its most important promise: selling affordable, decent food.
Captain Jay’s menu includes a variety of popular seafood selections such as catfish, perch, shrimp, tilapia and whiting, as well as fried and marinated chicken.
Fish or chicken can be purchased by the pound, ranging in price from $3.29 to $6.99, depending on what you buy. All of the fish options can be combined with wings or shrimp, and served with fries, coleslaw, bread and a drink for $9.99.
Wings are also available in different sizes, from three whole wings for $2.89 to $57.99 for 100, and wing dings ranging from 10 for $6.99 to 50 for $29.99.
Various combinations of fish and chicken with fries, coleslaw and a drink are offered at a discount for Captain’s Specials sold during lunch hours. These lunch specials are usually priced between $4.50 and $6.99.
What I appreciate about Captain Jay’s is that its items, especially the chicken, are not bland and seemed to be seasoned just right. In fact, patrons have the option of choosing what kind of seasoning they would like on their chicken and fries.
Other side items, available in different sizes, are potato salad, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, hush puppies, okra, mushrooms, cheese sticks and zucchini sticks. For dessert, patrons can enjoy banana pudding, cheesecake, iced cake and peach cobbler.
Your thirst can be quenched with soft drinks, Mistic and slush (also known affectionately as icies.)
Captain Jay’s has a fresh food market that sells items such as bread, cereal, juice, milk and other staples.
For a dollar per pound, the restaurant can also fry items for people who prefer to buy or catch their own fish. Their best-known slogan is “You buy, we fry!”
Honestly, it is recommended that (after your first visit) you place orders in advance, because the wait can be a little lengthy, especially during the lunch and evening rush.
However, sometimes the best things in life require a worthwhile wait, and Captain Jay’s is no exception to that rule. Regardless of what you get there, you and your family will be satisfied.
