Main entry, order around to the left. See the fresh fish?
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Caplinger's Fresh Catch

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A family-run fish market and cafe serving over 150 years of combined experience, offering fresh seafood, unique dishes like alligator, and celebrated ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Main entry, order around to the left. See the fresh fish?

Caplinger's Fresh Catch

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-run fish market and cafe serving over 150 years of combined experience, offering fresh seafood, unique dishes like alligator, and celebrated lobster rolls.

"This is the first restaurant here in Central Indiana that's worth dining at."

TIP

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-peak times, though expect some busyness even then.

Don't Miss the Lobsta Roll

Their Almost Famous lobsta roll is a must-try, bringing a taste of Maine to Indiana.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 8PM

Cuisine

Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(317) 288-7263

Address

7460 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46250, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Juicy & Tender Catfish Nuggets

Juicy & Tender Catfish Nuggets

Experience perfectly cooked catfish nuggets that are juicy, tender, and delightfully crunchy. A true taste of perfection!

Google Review
Almost Famous Lobster Roll

Almost Famous Lobster Roll

Savor a taste of Maine with their renowned lobster roll, packed with fresh lobster and a perfect remoulade.

27 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis in
Extensive Fresh Fish Selection

Extensive Fresh Fish Selection

Explore a wide variety of fresh seafood options available by the pound, from local catches to exotic finds.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-peak times, though expect some busyness even then.

Don't Miss the Lobsta Roll

Their Almost Famous lobsta roll is a must-try, bringing a taste of Maine to Indiana.

Ask for Side Recommendations

Highly recommended sides include okra and green beans, perfect complements to your meal.

Consider the Caplinger Special

The Caplinger Special Dinner offers Basa fish pieces with hush puppies and two sides.

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

Avoid long waits by visiting during non-peak times, though expect some busyness even then.

Don't Miss the Lobsta Roll

Their Almost Famous lobsta roll is a must-try, bringing a taste of Maine to Indiana.

Ask for Side Recommendations

Highly recommended sides include okra and green beans, perfect complements to your meal.

Consider the Caplinger Special

The Caplinger Special Dinner offers Basa fish pieces with hush puppies and two sides.

Credit Card Surcharge Warning

Be aware of a potential surcharge for credit card use; inquire about cash pricing upfront.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Caplinger's Fresh Catch is lauded for its incredibly juicy and tender catfish nuggets, excellent lobster roll, and a wide array of fresh seafood options. Customers frequently praise the friendly service and the generous portion sizes of both main dishes and sides. However, some reviews mention concerns about the walleye being pricey, and a few diners have noted issues with cross-contamination in the fry oil and a credit card surcharge.

"My goodness....This is the first restaurant here in Central Indiana that's worth dining at. My catfish nuggets were so juicy and tender yet crunchy and flavorful, not overcooked and hard, just perfect. I'm savoring every bite of it 😋. Even the sides were super delicious. I highly recommend the okra and the green beans. I will definitely be back again. My meal was worth every penny plus more. Brought back good childhood memories 😌 And the customer service was excellent! All around 5 stars!"

Theresa

"We purchased a certificate from Fox 59 and finally made it here before it expired. I was not aware of how many different options they had. I didn't look at the menu before coming. The staff was all very pleasant and patient while I decided what to order. I ordered the fish and chicken meal. I was excited I could get the chicken grilled and the fish fried. Everything we ordered was AMAZING! Can't wait to go back!"

Christina Thompson

"Our food was tasty, my walleye fillets didn't smell fishy at all, they gave big portions of sides as well. A lot of fresh sea/lake products here are very interesting. The place feels clean too, definitely recommended if you feel like eating fresh seafood"

Soleil

What People Like

Juicy and tender catfish nuggets
Amazing lobster roll and crab cakes
Friendly service and generous portions

What People Dislike

Walleye can be pricey
Potential credit card surcharge
Concerns about fry oil cross-contamination

Frequently Asked Questions

The juicy and tender catfish nuggets and the 'Almost Famous' lobster roll are highly recommended by patrons. Many also rave about the crab cakes and clam chowder.

27 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis inGoogle Review+1

Yes, they offer chicken and pork tenderloins, but be aware that all items are fried in the same oil, which may be a concern for those with strict dietary needs.

Google Review+1

Absolutely! Caplinger's Fresh Catch is also a fish market, offering a wide selection of fresh fish by the pound to take home.

Google Review+2

It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours. While it can still be busy, the wait times are generally shorter.

Google Review

Some customers have noted a surcharge for using credit cards. It's advisable to inquire about cash pricing upfront to avoid surprises.

Google Review

Patrons highly recommend the okra and green beans as excellent side dish choices. Hush puppies are also a popular accompaniment.

Google Review+1

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The Best Markets In Indianapolis

This seafood market provides many fresh water delicacies that include lobster, octopus, clams, alligator, colossal king crab and more. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch is a family-owned business that has over 150 years of combined experience among their staff.

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Nick Caplinger, Andrew’s father, and business partner, previously operated the 56th Street Fish Market. In 2017, the restaurant was named one of the top twenty-five places to get a lobster roll in the country!. The Caplinger’s Special is the restaurant’s number one selling sandwich served with fried or grilled fish.

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Indy's 50 Best Restaurants

Great seafood doesn’t have to be expensive, and Caplingers serves it for the people daily. You can get fancy with a dozen oysters on the half shell, or a fried whitefish sandwich, plus a fish market so you can take home some seafood for DIY cooking.

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50 Best Restaurants in Indianapolis, IN for 2025 (Top Eats!)

7460 Shadeland AveIndianapolis, IN 46250(317) 288-7263 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch is a family-run fish market and cafe in Cranbrook Center that serves a variety of seafood, sandwiches, and side dishes.

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Stacker

Highest-rated Seafood Restaurants in Indianapolis by Diners

- Rating: 4.3/5 (858 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 7460 North Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana - Categories: seafood markets, seafood- Read more on Yelp

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