"Truluck’s is an upscale seafood chain that feels more like the dining room of a luxurious cruise ship than a spot on a busy Downtown street. It’s a two-story space full of grand chandeliers, tall glass windows, and round leather booths. At any given time, the restaurant is filled to the brim with a mix of older Texans wearing suits, younger couples on dates, and nearby office workers stopping in for a 5pm martini. The seafood is undeniably fresh—your server will likely mention stone crab claws that were lounging on a Florida beach just days ago. However, many of the dishes seem mass-produced, designed for consistency, and delivered to your table for a standardized experience. The food doesn’t have a ton of flavor other than heavy doses of butter. Given that Truluck’s operates about a dozen locations nationwide, none of that is particularly surprising. This is old-school fine dining, where an ornate atmosphere and overly attentive service overshadow the food. Nothing on the menu will blow you away, but it’s a reliable choice for a date night or a fancy dinner charged to your corporate card—especially so the $36-per-piece crab claws sting a little less. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary
