Kemp's Seafood House
115 Page Pt Cir,
Raleigh NC
(919) 957-7155

July 10, 2005
By Mimi (ZSpotlight Restaurant/Nightlife Editor)

What can I say about Kemp's Seafood House in Durham? If you want to feel like you're in the hustle and bustle of a real seafood house on the water in Southport, then this is definitely your spot. I found this place following the RTP crowd at lunch, wondering how so many hungry and harried professionals could fit into one restaurant without reservations, and get back to their desks in an hour. This sprawling and rustic restaurant, it seems, has more rooms than the Biltmore Estate, and an eager staff ready to handle a full capacity all day every day. It is indeed a sight to see.

You start with lightly sweet hush puppies mixed with just the right amount of onion. If you opt for a salad, you'll be happily surprised to see careful attention is given to every detail. The grilled salmon salad had the freshest mix of greens, green peppers, red peppers, red onion, carrots and cheese I've seen in years. And then of course there's the g enerous servings of fresh seafood – fried, grilled, blackened, poached -- you name how it's prepared. Best is their Calabash-style, lightly battered and fried to perfection, on a platter large enough to share.

Most remarkable is that Kemps has the most attentive and efficient service in the Triangle, surpassing merely "prompt". What do I mean by attentive? It is rare to see a glass of sweet tea or soda go below half-full before a new full glass is on the table. Your basket of hush puppies will not go empty. You cannot go a minute without a runner or server, all willing to help, passing by your table with an attentive smile. All without feeling rushed or badgered.

Keep in mind Kemp's is non-smoking, family, fresh seafood and no frills whatsoever. I'm thinking Family Reunion plans next year will point here. If you want seafood and it's date night, 42nd Street Oyster Bar or Gino Russo's are would likely suit you better. If you or someone in your group isn't into seafood, then I'd also suggest you look elsewhere because their non-seafood items are disappointing in comparison. They have one specialty -- fresh seafood -- and they do it well. And believe me, according to the hundreds of people who visit this establishment daily, that's all they need to do.

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