Squid's Seafood Market and Restaurant

07/03/2008 Posted by CaryLaura

I live in Cary, but I love going to Chapel Hill to eat. We love 411 West and Top of the Hill. Squids is hopping every time we pass by, so I figured, we are missing something. I got the most popular thing on the menu, the horseradish crusted tilapia,. I thought it was very greasy. I really dislike the ambiance. Tables were right on top of each other. I didn't feel like I could talk to my husband without the two tables next to us overhearing. Also, we had a 7 pm dinner reservation, but when arrived at 7, we had to wait 15 minutes. They sat 2 groups of people before us - did they all have 7 pm reservations? I am not going back again. If you want a basic seafood place, it is o.k. but we don't eat out very often, so I am going to move on and find a better seafood restuarant.

Pros: Just an average restaurant

Cons: Just an average restaurant

02/19/2008 Posted by cjincarolina

Our first time at Squids and it won't be our last. I called ahead to get on the "list" and arrived at the appointed hour. When we arrived, it was packed! The as-promised 20 minute wait in the noisy, crowded bar area went by pretty quickly. If crowds are not to your liking, don't go after a Carolina home game. Judging by the light blue garb of the patrons, a large component came from the basketball game. Don't be put off by the look of the exterior. My husband said it looked like a trailer! We were escorted to our table in the surprisingly large dining room and were able to have nice conversation with a wonderful meal. The service and the wine list were fine, but the food was outstanding. Seafood lovers have extensive choices on the menu and the meat lovers had good choices also. Judging by our experience, you cannot go wrong. We all had salads that were very fresh, with good dressings. I had the grilled shrimp with lemon scented risotto with spinach and artichokes and it was fabulous. My husband proclaimed the trout the best he had ever had. Our out of town guest had a very rare piece of tuna and was happy and the carnivore at our table had a chicken dish that was judged to be wonderful. The portions are good sized at Squids and beautifully and artistically presented. We did not have room for dessert, but judging by our dining neighbors choices, they look wonderful. We will be back as often as we can go. Highly recommend this landmark restaurant!!

Pros: Great food! The best.

Cons: Does not take reservations, but uses a call ahead list. Seated after 20 minutes..

12/15/2007 Posted by canileavenow

.I've been going to Squid's for years, long before I moved to Chapel Hill. Over the years when I'd come up to visit my parents, we always tried to make room to go to Squid's during my stay. I think consistency of food and service is what helps Squid's maintain its popularity. The cod has always been flavorful and moist, and the braised spinach that comes with it is cooked just right, never over-done. The tilapia has just enough horseradish to add zing, but not obscure the taste of the fish. The simpler tilapia dish, broiled with olive oil and white wine, is also one of my favorites. Squid's wisely concentrates on (surprise!) the fish, and has a short list of side orders and vegetables that come with the meal. For those worried about "greasy fish" (as mentioned in a review above), well, don't order fried fish! You can get it broiled or baked, ya know! Squid's has always been a good choice to take out-of-town relatives and friends, and I think the consistency of simple fish cookery, good sides, and friendly and knowledgable wait staff is what makes this restaurant a favorite. It pays to get there early (5:30 or so) to avoid a longer wait for a table.

Pros: Large selection of fish, good simple side dishes, great wait staff

Cons: Could wait a while (half-hour or so) for a group of five or more

09/23/2007 Posted by mr_merv

One of the few seafood places around that has more than just fried fare. Grouper, snapper, salmon, sea bass, tilapia, mahi, tuna and more. They have no problem making it the way you want it. Don't leave without trying the chowder.

08/22/2007 Posted by yahooer

I am a big fan of the group who owns the restaurant. We love 411 West and go often. We like the food and atomosphere at Spankys. And when we're in Raleigh, 718 is always a consideration. And the parking lot is always full. You'd think they were doing something right. Wrong. Just our opinion but this is a cheap fish place without the cheap prices. Hushpuppies are dry. Service is indifferent. Fish is no better than fair. We certainly expected more from Squids. And the only reason I gave it two stars is the fish was reasonably fresh. In other words, it didn't make us sick. But it didn't make us happy. Makes me wonder why there are so many sushi bars and so few seafood restaurants around. Maybe it's just easier to cut it up than cook it.

04/23/2006 Posted by allie1

Their seafood is NOT your typical fried seafood! Try the trout or talapia it is very good and it is not fried. Oysters are served during happy hour and it is a great time to pick up cute guys in the bar area.

Pros: Happy Hour, Cute waitstaff

Cons: Crowded, Thursdays Seniors

08/12/2005 Posted by villein

Previous review seems pretty accurate. A pretentious setting featuring boring and very expensive seafood. Over-rated. On the lower range of average.

08/12/2005 Posted by cprg_2000

I thought this place was overhyped. It is always packed and honestly the food is not that great. The food is quite greasy so definately not the place to go if you are watching you waistline.

Pros: Location

Cons: Greasy Food, Crowded