Seafood Shack in Dallas (2025)

Part market, part casual grill, TJ’s keeps it neighborhood-friendly with baskets, tacos, Gulf oysters, and Dallas’ favorite lobster roll. Frequently recommended by Eater Dallas and D Magazine, and the Dallas Morning News confirms this Preston Royal location remains the active flagship.

Family-run since 1981 in a renovated Oak Cliff house, this Mexican seafood classic is all about ceviche, pescado a la plancha, and fish tacos. Praised for decades by Dallas Observer and noted repeatedly by D Magazine for its coastal flavors and community roots.

A laid-back Dallas original for boils, fried baskets, and neighborhood hangouts, now with a Pleasant Grove outpost. Recognized by the Advocate as Best Seafood in Oak Cliff, it’s a local go-to for shrimp, crab, and spicy seasoning.

Cajun comfort with serious craft: chargrilled oysters, gumbo, and seasonal Gulf seafood on a friendly Oak Cliff patio. Eater Dallas highlighted its sustainability ethos, and D Magazine spotlights its patio seafood boils; Dallas Morning News noted its B Corp certification milestone.

A polished yet relaxed seafood bar from local restaurateurs Greg and Nik Katz: oysters, a standout fried grouper slider, and crudos. Covered by D Magazine and Dallas Observer, and welcomed by the Dallas Morning News as Knox Street’s new seafood anchor.

Since 1988, Nate’s has delivered Louisiana boils, fried baskets, Gulf oysters, and live blues to North Dallas regulars. Included on Eater Dallas’ crawfish list and honored by Dallas Observer readers, it’s a beloved, independently owned institution worth the short hop north.

Drive-thru, no-frills catfish in South Oak Cliff with a loyal following and deep local roots. Recommended by Thrillist’s Oak Cliff guide and backed by years of neighborhood word-of-mouth for crispy fillets, hushpuppies, and tartar sauce that fans rave about.

A South Dallas fry house serving hot, made-to-order catfish, shrimp, and oysters through a simple counter and drive-thru. Beloved by locals for value and volume; recent reviews confirm steady hours and that classic fried-fish-in-a-box experience.

Pleasant Grove standby for oversized fillets, shrimp, and oysters with a straightforward counter-service flow. A neighborhood favorite backed by plenty of recent reviews; expect big portions, bargain combos, and a steady line of regulars.

Lower Greenville’s easygoing spot for New Orleans standards—fried seafood platters, crawfish étouffée, and grilled oysters—carrying forward a longtime local lineage at the original Dodie’s address. Noted by the Dallas Morning News and appreciated by locals for its lively Mardi Gras spirit.