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Hook Line & Sinker

4 star rating
based on 36 reviews

Category: Seafood  [Edit]

3103 Lemmon Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 965-0707
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Special Offer Nearby

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Category:
Seafood
Location:
Dallas, TX
Special Offers at Pappadeaux!

We always have great specials at Pappadeaux - click on our website to see our current offers! http://www.pappadeaux.com/home/

36 reviews for Hook Line & Sinker

Review Highlights   

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"I love the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail." (in 4 reviews)
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"Secretively, my favorite thing on the menu is the hush puppies." (in 8 reviews)
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"I've had the fried shrimp po' boy, oysters on the half shell, the Mexican…" (in 5 reviews)
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Photo of Frank D.

 

1

76

Frank D.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
9/29/2009

An obviously popular spot, with a wide range of clientele. Dropped in on a Tuesday night for a quick bite, and the line to the counter was always full. Service was quick and friendly, however, so no complaints there.
Wooden tables with paper towels and saltines crackers. Seat yourself and scarf down whatever it is you get.
Seafood gumbo was rich, and very good. Big bowl for less than six bucks. Catfish baskets looked really good. Not that over fried stuff you get at similar places around town.
Great place for a quick and good meal.

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Photo of Christopher L.

Elite '09

19

81

Christopher L.

Austin, TX

4 star rating
9/13/2009

Pops and I came to split a piping hot bowl of gumbo and one of their esteemed shrimp cocktails. The gumbo was a good dark roux, and spicyyy to boot! Tons of little shrimp, and none too mushy like at some other places where  the shrimp have been left in the soup pot all day. The cocktail was great. I'm not a great big fan of cilantro -- heresy, I know, in foodieland -- but I can honestly say I liked the flavor of it in this baby. Sweet, tomatoey, and with a lot of avocado! I add a dash of pepper. Also ordered a side of fried okra. a nice, flaky, thin batter with STEAMING hot okra inside. Juicy, not oily: a sign of masterful frying. AND they give you a lot!

Homemade coconut pie for dessert was tasty. It's a bit more of the pecan pie or lemon bar texture, a different spin from most other meringuey coconut pies. Mounds of shredded coconut on top, and served at the right temp for the texture and taste, has me tempted to try the buttermilk and chocolate varietals as well!

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Photo of Joe F.

Elite '09

77

169

Joe F.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
9/2/2009

We stopped in here the other night for a quick dinner before going out for the roommate's birthday (apparently seafood is a good idea before a big night out at the bars).

It reminds me a lot of Flying Fish in Addison. The set up, the way you order food at the counter and get buzzed to pick it up, the actual menu. . .if I didn't know better, I'd say those two were in cahoots together. Either way, I took this as a reassuring sign and began the difficult process of figuring out what I was going to eat.

The gf and I settled on splitting a dozen raw oysters and she got the shrimp po' boy while I ended up with the grilled shrimp skewers w/ a side of rice.

The oysters were as good as any other place in Dallas I've had them. . .not necessarily the most fresh in the world, but still great with good texture and no overwhelming flavor. Just as we were finishing up our oysters our buzzer went off. . .did they plan this? Is our timing really this amazing? Have they been closely monitoring our oyster process to ensure our food was delivered piping hot?

Doubtful, but it's nice to think things are more than coincidence sometimes.

The shrimp skewers were out of this world. They must have grilled the peppers and onions once before before putting them on the skewers because there is no way that they got that tender in the time it took the shrimp to grill. The shrimp itself was grilled just right, it wasn't chewy or emitting that semi-bitter taste that I've learned to associate from overcooked shrimp in my own grilling trainwrecks.

The side of rice was seasoned a lot better than any side I've ever found at Flying Fish, which wasn't particularly surprising considering my encounters with their beans and rice. It makes me wonder if maybe instead of brother and sister, the two restaurants are kissing cousins instead.

The gf's po' boy was delicious, but then again, it's hard to mess up a buttered roll packed with fried shrimp, isn't it? Add a little squeeze of lemon, a dash of hot sauce, some cocktail sauce and just a little bit of tartar. I didn't see any fresh horseradish on our table, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were hiding it at the other end. You can be sure I'll be on the prowl on my next visit.

Definitely a must visit if you're in the area.

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Photo of Scott L.

 

4

225

Scott L.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
11/19/2009

I live a mile from this place and have never been until last night.   Had fresh raw oysters and a pound of boiled shrimp!!  Fresh, tasty and simple.  I was pleasantly suprised of the food quality and staff friendliness.   Cheap beers.  
I'm goin back soon.

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Photo of Allison L.

Elite '09

83

177

Allison L.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
8/31/2009 3 photos

Strollin along Lemmon Ave lookin for some grub. Oooh, what's that over there? Hook, Line and Sinker...Seafood? Fried or Grilled? Po Boy Sammy's? Oysters? Broiled shrimp? Yummy Veggies? Homemade tarter sauce? Am I being punk'd? No really...

As I walk through the open patio and up the stairs, I think I see g-d. Then of course I must sit, starting to hyperventilate.
See they offer a Shrimp Po Boy...and Hush Puppies. Ok, I think I really need to lie down. As I order, I notice lovely little bottles of wine in Chardonnay, Merlot and Blush. All about 6oz. Interesting.

Pay. Take my buzzer thingy. Journey outside to a fine lookin table. My buzzer goes off about 5 minutes later and I walk up to the outside window. (No need to get all crazy inside with the other people that are hyperventilating). Grab my food...and more tarter sauce. Then proceed to stuff my face.  The hush puppies should come with a warning though...just sayin.

30 Minutes later. Leave satisfied and ready for a nap.

Next time i'll have the grilled tilapia and veggies, so I can actually make use of my Sunday.  But my Po Boy sure was tasty....mmm good.

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Photo of Nikki B.

Elite '09

599

222

Nikki B.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
8/15/2009

HLS is a great place if you live nearby and crave some quick seafood grub. It can get super duper crowded during peak hours, so finding a table is sometimes a mess...and it's a small space too.

My biggest love about HLS is that you can eat as bad or as healthy as you'd like. Of course there's the usual fried shiz...hushpuppies, shrimp, catfish, etc. And then there's healthier items, which is what I opt for...boiled shrimp, oysters, grilled tilapia and veggies, etc.

Another love? Their frickin' tarter sauce. It's bad ass. I don't like crap from a jar, and this stuff is homemade...and sooo good. Although I normally get the grilled tilapia and try to be all healthy, I usually turn it right back around and slop tarter sauce over the whole thing. *sigh* Someday I'll learn not to give it to the mayo.

I've never tried their pies, so I can't really comment on those. But I can tell you I've had everything from their oysters to jalapeno poppers and I've never been disappointed. Just bring an appetite and your patience (if it's high noon or dinner time), and be amazed at how fast they flip fish and bust out great food.

Oh - and beer! Yes, they do. After you order, make sure you grab a few beers (because getting back in line for one more is a pain) and find a nice table inside or a spot outside.

Simple, fresh and convenient. All I really want from a seafood joint.

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Photo of Lisa R.

Elite '09

18

71

Lisa R.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
7/27/2009

After years upon years of driving past this place and thinking "I should really try this sometime..." we FINALLY pulled in for lunch on Saturday. The place was pretty full and there was a steady stream in and out the whole time we were there.

The place is great, really rustic and low-key, and you can tell the clientele have been coming for years. The bulk of the menu is fried stuff (no complaints here!), but also features a good-sized section of grilled seafood items if you're looking for lighter fare. We opted for the platter of boiled shrimp and crab with corn & new potatoes ($23.95, plenty for 2 people) and a side of hush puppies -- I'm not a huge hush puppies fan, this just seemed like the  kind of place that would make pretty killer pups... and I was right!! They were awesome! And the crab & shrimp platter was equally delicious -- everything tasted super fresh., and we polished off the entire thing.

My only complaint? That I didn't see the "homemade pies" menu until after we'd ordered -- they had like 6 or 7 different varieties including homemade sweet potato pie. What?!?! Unfortunately I didn't leave enough room on this trip, but I'll be back soon for a poboy and some sweet potato pie. Yum!!

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Photo of Diego S.

Elite '09

30

212

Diego S.

Dallas, TX

3 star rating
8/7/2009

I really can't see the big deal about this place.  Sure, the food is fine but it's nothing to go on and one about.

I think HL&S has amassed this word of mouth over the years.  It's sorta like that game kids play where you say a sentence at the start of a line and by the time it reaches the end, the sentence is something completely different.

To me, that's HL&S.  Back in the day, a few people probably said Yah It's Aight...and through the years, that has morphed into OMG, you have to go!

I had a standard dish of fried catfish, hushpuppies, and fries.  Service was pretty fast considering the dining room was packed (It always is so expect it).  But, then again, all they do is throw that shit into the fryer for most orders.

The food is not bad by any means.  But, to me, it's just aight.

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Photo of Owen H.

 

1

21

Owen H.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/7/2009

Cheap, wide selection, great flavor, happy hour has 2.25 domestic 3.25 imports 4-7. Fresh oysters are great.

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Photo of zambak z.

 

0

19

zambak z.

Plano, TX

4 star rating
9/23/2009

This is a place like in movies.
Those 80s police movies that take place in NY or SF.
A great neighborhood eatery, great staff, and great food.

What a gem.

In the middle of the yuppiness, and pretentiousness of uptown a la cart mckinney the 30K millionaire district, Hook Line is the spot that matches the reality of existence. Modest, cheap, right to the point.

Great food, great location, great environment.

Try the poboy, the grilled fish dish with veggies, cole slaw, the shrimp basket. Can not go wrong with any choice off the menu.

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Photo of Kristie A.

Elite '09

137

136

Kristie A.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
6/5/2009

Great raw oysters!
Great fried shrimp!
Great crab legs!

I've been meaning to try this place forEVER.  I'm glad I finally did.  I love that the crab legs come on tray with potatoes and corn on the cob.  It was all very good.  I can't wait to go again and sit on the patio!

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Photo of Erin B.

 

7

46

Erin B.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
9/1/2009

A pound of crab legs and a pound of shrimp for $23? I'm in any time! Just moved to uptown, and I love that this hole in the wall has survived amidst the yuppie trendiness of the area. I found the seafood to be fresh, and hey, what doesn't taste delicious when dipped in melted butter?? The gumbo was super spicy, but had an ocean's worth of baby shrimp in it. And can't have Cajun food without some hushpuppies. Only downside is its hard to get a table, but the food was well worth the wait.

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Photo of Jeff M.

 

2

34

Jeff M.

Dallas, TX

5 star rating
6/1/2009

I grew up in a fishing town in FL, so I know "fresh seafood."  For over 10 years this has been my FAVORITE seafood restaurant in Uptown and nearby areas!

I also like the vibe of the place, rusted out fence and outboard motors hanging from them and all.  Reminds me of most of the restaurants in the town I grew up in actually...lol.

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Photo of Drew Z.

 

16

38

Drew Z.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
2/28/2009

Love Hook Line & Sinker and never think about it.  One downside is that even though they have some very healthy options with grilled fish, etc. It is really hard to go there and not get something fried and yummy.  Between the smell of fried shrimp and hush puppies it is hard to be good.  

Great place and it reminds me of summer year long.  Not many things better than sitting outside with a cold beer and some greasy food. Summer can't get here quick enough.

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Photo of Stan L.

 

2

96

Stan L.

Dallas, TX

2 star rating
8/23/2009

my buddy and i came here for lunch today.. and there was a huge line throughout the dining room.. always a good sign i guess.. but apparently i was wrong..

for starters.. we shared stuffed jalapenos and a mexican cocktail... the jalapenos were cheesy.. but it didn't really have any bite.. the cocktail itself was pretty decent.. the sauce isn't too sweet.. the avocado and shrimp tasted fresh.

we then got an order of fried catfish.. it came with fries and hush puppies which were far from impressive.. the catfish was breaded and fried nicely... but it was completely flavorless.. the tartar sauce was goopy..

overall... the food here is remarkably bland.. the prices are decent.. but you would be better served if you found a british pub that serves up fish and chips properly...

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Photo of Clayton R.

 

1

9

Clayton R.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
2/24/2009

I love the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! It's the best in town. My hubby loves their tilapia. I actually ordered their burger a few times and was very happy with it as well.

This is one of our favorite casual spots!

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Photo of Kristen C.

 

17

30

Kristen C.

Lewisville, TX

4 star rating
Updated - 6/29/2009

Finally took my parents to this spot.  I knew they would love it.  Most everything lived up to expectations and we all enjoyed our meal.  I even ate fried catfish and I never eat catfish. The breading and frying are just that good.   I have to say that the fries were disappointing and I wished someone had ordered the onion rings.  Also don't bother with the pie.  Highly disappointing.  My dad pointed out that the pies were not out on display.  Duly noted.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    11/14/2008

    I love a good dive.  This is a great little seafood shack right in the heart of Dallas.  We opted to… Read more »

Photo of Tricia S.

Elite '09

103

231

Tricia S.

Dallas, TX

5 star rating
11/10/2008

This place is a great little seafood dive.  I love it because it's so convenient--I can even walk up, order at the side window, and eat on the patio if I'm out walking my dog and am suddenly struck with an urge for catfish and hush puppies.

The fried fish is great, as are the tartar and cocktail sauce accompaniments.  To counteract the batter, order grilled veggies (squash and zucchini) with your order--made fresh, like everything else.  The fries are also a good bet, as are the hush puppies (careful when you order a side of them, because they give you a whole basket of delicious hush puppy fingers!)  Another tasty item is the mexican shrimp cocktail.  It's always very fresh, and great on a hot day.  You can even tell them how spicy to make it.

They have grilled fish as well, but I haven't yet been able to resist the fried stuff so I'll have to get back to you on that one...

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Photo of Danielle D.

 

20

22

Danielle D.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
10/27/2008

This is a not so hidden gem.  The location is great and walking distance to everything if you live in Uptown.
Secretively, my favorite thing on the menu is the hush puppies.  A couple of times a year I put on my secret agent coat and mosey on over to the to go window and snag myself some hush puppies, they come with the best tarter sauce too.
If I ever decide fat is fabulous, I would eat them daily.  

Until then, I will stick with the grilled talapia and veggies.  I have them hold the lemons on my plate as they tend to put a half dozen or more on it when I don't.  ;)

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Photo of Justin B.

Elite '09

20

86

Justin B.

Tulsa, OK

4 star rating
9/4/2008

Well, I'm a fish fan and good fried fish always puts me in a good mood (well, I'm not sure I've ever been in a "not good mood").

The fish is white and flaky and delicious.  Hush puppies are tasty and the fries are crispy.  I've eaten here about 6 times (had a girlfriend down the street) and it was good every time.  I've even tried some pie here - and you know pie is exactly what you need after fish, chips, beer and hush puppies...

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Photo of Bob O.

 

2

3

Bob O.

Omaha, NE

4 star rating
7/12/2009

Great place!  Had crab legs and catfish basket, both were very tasty.  I would definitely go  back.

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Photo of Neal J.

Elite '09

5

70

Neal J.

Littleton, CO

4 star rating
10/12/2008

Another one of my "not your freaking chain" restaurant visits while on business travel.  I went here with a group of coworkers while I was visiting Dallas in early October.  The thing I found ironic is it seemed everyone who was there was not from the local neighborhood, as if this gem is somehow lost to those whose noses it is right under.

The place looked fun at first blush with lots of outdoor seating.  We ordered a few beers, and each of us had the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail...which I highly recommend.  I also had the Shrimp Po Boy which was also delicious.  Fries have to be spectacular for me to like them, and theirs were a bit disappointing.  

The food is very reasonably priced.

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Photo of Nick S.

Elite '09

55

69

Nick S.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
6/2/2008

I like this place!  The food is cheap, good and quickly prepared.

I love the grilled trout platter that comes with squash and rice.  They spice it to your taste and it's quite healthy as well.  

I've had the fried shrimp po' boy, oysters on the half shell, the Mexican cocktail and other grilled fish varieties and I've never been dissatisfied.  

The location of Hook, Line and Sinker is a bit ironic.  Tucked in the heart of uptown, it's passed up by local douches, though it's frequented by the office lunch crowd.  There's nothing hip about it.  It is what it is -- a no-frills seafood shack.

But the food is good and the prices are great!

Bottom Line:
If you love seafood and are annoyed at having to pay at least $20 to get a decent catch in uptown, give Hook, Line and Sinker a shot.

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Photo of Michelle M.

 

2

10

Michelle M.

Irving, TX

5 star rating
6/23/2009

This is a great place to order an inexpensive bucket of beer and a crab basket and just sit on the patio. It's very casual and laid back and the staff is friendly. They also have excellent fried okra.

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Photo of Brian N.

 

1

12

Brian N.

Golden, CO

5 star rating
4/17/2009

The best fried jumbo shrimp I've ever had. Busy during lunch and tough to get a table, but it's well worth the wait.

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Photo of Julie R.

Elite '09

35

104

Julie R.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
9/12/2007

I love it when I get to review first, I'm surprised no one has reviewed before me.  We love this little spot for fish.  When we are being good they have a great grilled salmon that is served with fresh grilled veggies and rice.  They have an excellent Mexican shrimp cocktail with avocado that we love.  And Great fried fish... I'm not a fan of catfish, my husband loves it here.  This place is my favorite place to get shrimp po-boys and I think its the same batter its the light corn mealy type and its light and delicious, not that heavy greasy crap you get at other places.  We've had crawfish and peel and eat shrimp and its all good... pretty descent gumbo too but I'm not really experienced with Cajun food.  cheap beer by the bottle and great lemonade... excellent prices!

They won best catfish with Dallas Observer in 2006.

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Photo of Matthew M.

Elite '09

61

131

Matthew M.

Healdsburg, CA

3 star rating
3/11/2008

The name is hilarious!!  When I first saw it I must admit I laughed.  The food here is nothing special and not as good as the many gulf coast style seafood restaurants around town.  I did not like the breading on the shrimp.  The grilled fish is good and fresh.  This is a great spot for any group dining in uptown.  The surrounding are like being on a pirate ship, with its old wood look and pictures of surfboards and fishing tackle spackled all over the wall.

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Photo of Van P.

 

66

299

Van P.

Dallas, TX

2 star rating
12/17/2007

The food is so-so.  I had led a group of coworkers here a few months back, and almost everyone found their lunch fare blah. Considering the uber fried factor, a lot of items are not that tasty, and the coworkers couldn't shake the sneaking suspicion they would develop food poisoning by 3 pm.  

Personally, I like it fine.  I keep the number in my phone to call in orders of plain grilled fish with a side of veggies for whenever I feel like being a good girl.   Though Fish City Grill just opened a new branch just down the street from me, now that I think about it.  So HLS just lost even that place in my restaurant portfolio.

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Photo of Tom C.

Elite '09

45

107

Tom C.

Richardson, TX

4 star rating
7/19/2008

I'm a fan. I love to do a fried combo - you can do fried shrimp, oysters, and/or catfish, which comes with fries and hush puppies. I think they have the best fried shrimp anywhere around - they butterfly them before they are breaded and fried so you get lots of surface area, but equally enjoy the other offerings. Cole slaw is tasty and sweet as an additional side, with tiny pineapple chunks inside. Cocktail sauce is a bit bland, but there is horseradish right on the table so can kick it up to whatever kick you want. Its so not Uptown, which just adds to its charm. I like sitting at a picnic table under the misters even on the hottest days.

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Photo of Lisa P.

 

89

51

Lisa P.

Dallas, TX

2 star rating
4/18/2008

When I roll past The Sinker these days, I gaze wistfully out my window and wonder "What went wrong?"

Am I the only one who has noticed that it's just not as good as it used to be?  There was a time when I would drive across town (before I lived in the area) just for the catfish po' boy.  Sure, there might be a wait if you actually wanted to enjoy your seafood *sitting down*, but that was all part of the charm - and a sign of the restaurant's popularity.  Then, a few visits changed my opinion for good.   The quality just wasn't there, and the service was lacking.  Slowly but surely, I just stopped pulling into the adorable, ramshackle restaurant that always made me feel a little like I was in the Keys.

Oh, what I wouldn't give for the good ol' days...

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Photo of Kathryn E.

 

114

226

Kathryn E.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
1/15/2008

Very reasonably priced seafood in Uptown/Oak Lawn area.  Can go for the fried everything plate or eat healthy here as well.  Love the grilled fish or shrimp and the grilled squash.  I could exist on the grilled summer squash alone with a touch of butter - yum.  And I love the casual Key West style decor with old boat engines and wooden porch - it is so anti-Uptown scene.

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Photo of Kathryn S.

Elite '09

32

111

Kathryn S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
6/26/2008

Yum yum yum. Cute name + delicious seafood = sold. Thanks.

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Photo of Brian R.

 

3

74

Brian R.

Irving, TX

2 star rating
5/26/2008

Don't know if there's something wrong with me, but I just don't like it. Everybody in my office raves about it, but the two times I've eaten here, I've had negative experiences with parking, overcrowding,, surly service, and most unforgivable, greasy, tasteless catfish.  I much prefer Seafood Shack on Webb Chapel when I have a craving for shrimp cocktails or catfish.

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Photo of Josh K.

Elite '09

13

83

Josh K.

Addison, TX

4 star rating
1/14/2008

This is my favorite place to chow in the Dallas Uptown area other than Pastazio.  I usually get their grilled shrimp on skewer, Mexican cocktail, fried fish, and fried okra.  Just writing these items make my mouth water... m mm.  The price is right and the atmosphere is laid back.

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Photo of Frank Y.

 

15

137

Frank Y.

Richardson, TX

4 star rating
12/3/2007

Drove by this place so many times but just this weekend I went in for the first time.  What a great place -- good food, good prices, laid back atmosphere.  There's all the basic seafood stuff, but we also got pie and wine.  This will be on my short list of dinner choices when I come to this part of town.

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Photo of David C.

Elite '09

22

169

David C.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
10/10/2007

Love, love, love this place for seafood.  Always order too much here but my wife claims I order too much everywhere I go.  Prices are reasonable but seating is kind of hard to find at certain times of the week.  That's a good sign in my opinion.

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