Moby Dick's — nautical-themed family entertainment restaurant on Alister Street

The history

Ed Zieglar — local artist, sculptor, and entrepreneur — designed Moby Dick's as a complete family entertainment complex rather than just a kitchen. The restaurant is known for its distinct hyper-maximalist coastal aesthetic: massive custom-carved wooden sharks, pirates, and nautical relics across both the exterior and interior. It remains entirely family-owned and operated.

What Moby Dick's does well

• One of the most visually immersive, kid-friendly restaurants on the island — pirate statues, hanging fish, colorful tropical decor.
• Diverse land-and-sea menu — seafood boils, hand-cut USDA steaks, large burgers, and tropical salads. Works for groups with conflicting tastes.
• On-site gift shop and arcade — pass any wait time browsing eclectic island souvenirs or playing games.
• Fun tropical bar with pirate-themed specialty cocktails for the adults.

What to keep in mind

• Tourist-magnet premium — entertainment-complex pricing means a family dinner adds up quickly.
• Overwhelming sensory decor — pirate theme, neon, arcade sounds, family crowds. Not the spot for a quiet or intimate dinner.
• Peak season congestion — central Alister Street location plus high family appeal means long summer-weekend waits.
• Commercialized vibe — not the no-frills historic fisherman-shack experience.

What to order

• Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Basket — large Gulf shrimp in sweet coconut crust, fried golden, with signature sweet dipping sauce, seasoned fries, slaw, and garlic toast.
• Island Po' Boys — large hand-battered fried shrimp, fish, or oysters on a fresh sub roll with house tartar, lettuce, and tomato.
• Blackened Tuna Tacos — Ahi tuna rubbed with Cajun blackening spices, seared, in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and spicy mayo.
• The Swashbuckler Burger — half-pound char-grilled Angus topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss.
• Tropical specialty cocktails — Parrot Punch, Tipsy Dolphin, the Scooby Snack.