If you're a seafood lover, Daddy Jack's deserves to be near the top of your restaurant list on a visit to the Big D. The small menu is almost exclusively seafood here, although they do offer a beef filet if someone in your party doesn't like seafood.
The decor might best be described as "San-Francisco-warf-divey-charm." Neon lights depicting a lobster and a bowl of chowder hang in the windows on either side of the front door. Inside, red painted walls and white trim match the red and white checkered table cloths. A few booths are squeezed in among the simple tables and chairs. Snapshots of customers and staff, including photos of founder Jack Chaplin in the kitchen, grace the walls. It's slightly on the cramped side, but the atmosphere is casual and comfortable. Blues music is piped through the sound system at a comfortable level, loud enough to notice without being intrusive.
But don't let the casual atmosphere think they're not serious about the food here. They offer some great appetizers and salads such as crab cakes ($6), crab claws in marinara sauce ($7), and grilled portabello mushroom salad ($7). Entrees are in the $12-$19 range. My favorite entree has always been the atlantic salmon with dijon caper sauce ($15), the same dish that's offered at sister restaurant Daddy Jack's Wood Grill in Deep Ellum. On my last visit I ordered the stuffed shrimp ($14) for my entree, which was served with a baked potato and steamed corn. I was not disappointed.
They also offer a handful of daily specials. Tilapia and blackened swordfish were among the items on the specials board on my most recent visit.
The wine list is relatively small, offering perhaps two dozen names, and typical of what you'll find in many restaurants. Frankly, the wine list could be a little more extensive.
Reservations are highly recommended. Arriving without one is a bad idea. They'll try to fit you in if they can, but I know people who've been told, "Sorry, no can do." And since the dining room is so tiny, there's no room for you to wait. You'll be asked to wait at the bar next door called The Cavern. They'll phone the bartender when your table is ready.
Parking on Lower Greenville is a pretty hopeless endeavor. Take advantage of the complimentary valet parking Daddy Jack's offers. But if you're the type who cringes at the thought of handing over your car keys to a valet, it's sometimes possible to find free parking on Oram St. or Prospect Ave. between Greenville Ave. and Matilda (one block north and two blocks north, respectively).
Daddy Jack's is casual and cozy, lively without being loud, and the food is always delicious. Every time I return it's like visiting an old friend.
Hours are:
Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11:00pm
Sun 5:30pm- 9:30pm
My 1 - 10 ratings:
Food - 8; Service - 7; Atmosphere - 6