Recently, the Family Chow made it a mission to find a family-friendly, budget-friendly place to indulge in some golden-fried seafood goodness. Mom and Dad asked the kids to research our options, and after a brief check online, they chose Matt’s Cape House in Clifton Park.
1663 Route 9, Halfmoon
Food 4.5 C’s (out of 5)
Service 4 C’s
Family friendliness 4.5 C’s
The unassuming brick building tucked off of Route 9 reminded us of Wee Packet one of our favorite seafood joints on Cape Cod. The restaurant was just as unassuming inside and almost empty on the night we arrived probably because Lent had yet to start. Though simply decorated, the space was exceptionally clean with comfortable seating and several small TVs in the corners of the room.
We placed our orders after a quick glance at the huge menu board above the counter. The menu included baked or fried seafood dinners (scallops, shrimp, crab, oysters and more), several Cape House specialties (shrimp scampi, lobster in rolls, broiled or baked, and one surf ‘n’ turf option), seafood-heavy appetizers and homemade sides including baked beans, rice pilaf, baked potato and coleslaw. For landlubbers, there were some token options of a hamburger, hotdog, chicken Parmesan sandwich and chicken tenders. One pleasant surprise, which we have yet to find elsewhere, was the kids meal age of “under 15.” Their menu included seven options (fish fry, burger, dog, grilled cheese, tenders, shrimp and clam strips) each priced at $5.50 with fries and a beverage.
We decided to start with a bowl of clam chowder to share ($4.50), except for Son who stuck to land and ordered the chicken tenders kids meal. The rest of us ordered from a separate menu board of $10 dinner specials (including two sides). Mom chose the fried haddock, Dad and Daughter the fried clams and shrimp combo. We grabbed ourselves drinks from the cooler and a table for four. Dad set us up with ketchup, utensils and napkins from the condiments table.
We didn’t have long to wait for our chowder to arrive in a bowl, on a plate, surrounded by several packets of oyster crackers. Though the chowder was the perfect temperature and contained just the right amount of tender clams and toothsome potatoes, it was a bit under-flavored and over-thick for Mom’s taste. Dad and Daughter approved though, and Son enjoyed the crackers. Mom’s main dinner was a big hit. The large piece of haddock was expertly fried without a trace of leftover grease, but with a crunchy, light coating covering the tender white fish. She also loved the side of fresh coleslaw not too sweet or saucy.
Dad and Daughter both raved about the fried clams, which Dad proclaimed were “the best clams I’ve ever had.” Both commented on the balanced clam-to-coating ratio, the perfectly cooked shrimp and the delicious sides in their dinners. Daughter liked the flavor of the baked beans and Dad enjoyed his potato salad. Son was happy with his fries and chicken tenders and described the chicken as “moist, not dry.”
Mom appreciated that the tarter sauce arrived cold, in individual serving cups, though Dad thought it could have used a bit more flavor.
Though Matt’s Cape House is a counter-service establishment, we noted the friendliness of the staff and appreciated them checking in with us several times during our meal. The dinner portion sizes were generous, so we decided to skip out on dessert even though we were tempted by the options of several cheesecakes, milkshakes and some thing called an “apple blossom.”
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed Matt’s Cape House. We have tried several fish fry places where the fish comes in a distant second to the fry. Matt’s fish was fresh and left us wanting more. Add in the very friendly service, wi-fi access and a kid’s menu to include the teens and we count ourselves big fans.
We give Matt’s Cape House 4 C’s for service, 4.5 C’s for family friendliness and 4.5 C’s for food.
The Family Chow hails from the Capital District and will be contributing regular reviews of area restaurants based on service, food and family friendliness.