Some of the best meals hide in places you would drive right past without a second look. That is exactly what happens with a little seafood counter tucked into a shopping center in North Texas, hundreds of miles from the nearest beach.
You walk in hungry and maybe a bit doubtful, then you spot rows of glistening fish on ice and your stomach starts making plans. Here is why this spot deserves a place on your must-eat list.
A Seafood Counter on Royal Lane
Picture a busy corner in North Dallas where Preston Road meets Royal Lane. Tucked inside a shopping center at 6025 Royal Ln, Suite 110, sits TJ’s Seafood Market & Grill Preston Royal, a family-run fish market with a full restaurant attached.
Visitors admit it can be a little hard to spot at first. One traveler stopped by on the way back from Love Field and said it was easy to miss among the other shops, yet well worth the detour.
The setup is simple but clever. Up front, you will find a market selling fresh and smoked seafood, plus sandwiches and prepared dishes to go.
Behind it, a dining room serves plates built from that very same catch.
So you can grab dinner to cook at home, sit down for a meal, or honestly do both. For a landlocked city, that kind of choice feels like a small luxury worth knowing about.
Three Decades of Family Roots
Long before trendy poke bowls showed up on menus, TJ’s was already selling fish to Dallas families. Guests have shared that the business has been around for more than three decades, which makes it a true neighborhood fixture.
One diner described meeting Jon, the owner, who explained how the team was working to refresh and revamp the place. According to that visitor, you could see it, feel it, and taste it.
Longtime regulars talk about the spot with the kind of affection usually saved for a favorite aunt’s kitchen. Some have been coming with friends and family for years, through packed weekend rushes and quiet weeknights alike.
That history matters. A family business surviving this long in a big, competitive food city says a lot about loyalty, and about a kitchen that keeps giving people reasons to return.
The roots run deep here, and it shows.
Fish on Ice, Front and Center
Walk through the door and the first thing grabbing your attention is not a host stand. It is the market case, glowing with fresh fillets and shellfish laid out on ice.
Diners love this little touch. One first-timer said that being able to see the fresh fish was a huge plus, even though the market happened to be closed during that visit.
The owners have replied that seeing the fresh fish is what they are all about.
Guests also mention that seafood arrives daily. That means the selection shifts often, depending on what came in and where it came from.
Several visitors noted that everything tasted fresh and never frozen.
There is something reassuring about eating where the ingredients are right in plain view. No mystery, no guesswork.
You can literally point at tonight’s dinner before it lands on your plate, which is about as honest as a restaurant gets.
The Fishmonger Who Saves You a Fillet
Here is a story that feels like it belongs to another era. A home cook spent a whole day hunting for fresh trout around Dallas and came up empty everywhere.
Then came a phone call to TJ’s.
Staff said they had some beautiful trout, but only a few pieces left. They kindly held them until the customer could drive over.
That evening, the trout hit the grill with lemon, garlic, and herbs from a backyard garden, and the result was described as absolutely delicious.
Even better, the fishmonger invited this shopper to call ahead anytime and he would set fish aside.
That kind of personal service is rare at a big grocery chain. At TJ’s, it seems to come naturally.
If you are planning a special dinner, a quick call to 214-691-2369 might be the smartest move you make all week.
Lobster Roll Fame
Ask around about TJ’s and one dish keeps popping up more than any other. The lobster roll is the clear crowd favorite, and it is not hard to see why.
One guest called it the best lobster roll they had tried anywhere in the US so far. Another praised how the meat is lightly dressed in butter, letting the lobster do the talking, all tucked into a bun from a local bakery.
It is listed at market price, and diners describe it as fairly big and a decent value. Lemon wedges come on the side, a small detail one regular especially appreciated.
Not everyone ranks it as the top item, of course. One longtime fan preferred the fish and chips instead.
Still, if this is your first visit and you are unsure where to start, the lobster roll is the safest bet in the building.
Starters Worth Sharing
Hungry groups, take note. The appetizer list at TJ’s could easily turn into a full meal if you let it.
Lobster dip earns plenty of buzz, with one visitor loving it so much they ordered extra to take home. Crab cakes get praise for being packed with real crab and very little filler.
The shrimp cocktail is often called excellent.
Then there is the cold spread trio, a set of dips that diners pair with almost anything. Poblano corn hush puppies come with a bacon aioli that one guest called awesome.
Hot lava shrimp also has fans.
Opinions are not unanimous, though. A couple of guests found the lobster dip too rich or cheesy for their taste, and one felt the oysters Rockefeller were pricey for five pieces.
Order a few and share, so everyone at the table gets to pick a personal favorite.
Gulf Flavors Meet Tex-Mex Twists
Only in Texas would sea bass end up wrapped in an enchilada, and honestly, thank goodness for that. The sea bass enchiladas are a dish regulars rave about, with one fan calling them their absolute favorite.
They come with a good-sized side of slaw.
Tacos are another hit. Diners say you can order them on corn, flour, or a lettuce wrap, and choose fried or grilled.
One guest called the shrimp tacos phenomenal, and fish tacos got thumbs up for freshness and value.
A visitor from out of town was surprised Dallas had so many excellent Gulf Coast style seafood spots. TJ’s fits right into that tradition, blending coastal cooking with the bold flavors Texans grew up eating.
If you like your seafood with a little personality, this corner of the menu deserves your attention.
Entrees From the Daily Catch
Halibut lovers, you are in for a treat. One first-time diner called the halibut phenomenal and fresh, and another guest’s spouse enjoyed it so much it became the highlight of their night.
Hunter’s King Salmon also wins compliments, along with salmon served over creamed corn and broccolini. Mike’s Mussels and curry mussels show up on tables too, though one diner wished the lunch portion came with more sides.
Regulars suggest asking about the market catch, which changes with what arrives fresh. Others swear by the fish and chips, the seafood wrap, or a tuna poke bowl.
To keep things honest, a few dishes have drawn mixed comments. The salmon grain bowl and seafood gumbo did not land for some guests.
Sticking with the simpler fresh fish plates seems to be the move that keeps most people smiling.
Surprises Beyond the Sea
Ordering chicken at a seafood restaurant sounds a little silly, right? One guest thought so too, then tried the chicken sandwich and called it the best they had ever eaten at any restaurant.
The owners even call it a sleeper hit.
Salads bring their own surprises. A Caesar topped with smoked salmon left one visitor saying they would come back weekly just for it.
Another raved about the house salad with both wasabi and champagne dressings.
There is also a smoked salmon board that fans keep mentioning, perfect for nibbling. Clam chowder gets warm words as a cozy starter.
The takeaway is simple. Even friends who are not big on fish can find something they will enjoy, which makes picking a group dinner spot much easier.
Nobody has to sit there pushing a lonely side dish around the plate.
Homemade Sweet Endings
Save a little room, because desserts here are made in house. That alone makes them worth a peek at the menu.
Key lime cheesecake is the one most often mentioned. One diner named it their top pick of the night, while another found it less tart than expected.
Taste buds clearly vary on how zippy lime should be.
Chocolate pie also earns kind words. The bananas foster dessert is a lighter spin, reportedly using a cake that one guest compared to angel food, though another felt it was a bit chewy.
A molten lava cake has shown up too, with one visitor finding it quite sweet but enjoying the ice cream alongside it.
A shared slice is a nice way to finish. Grab a few forks, pass the plates around, and settle the cheesecake debate for yourself.
Weekly Deals and Brunch Plans
Bargain hunters, mark your calendar. Sunday nights bring $2.50 oysters, a deal the owners mention again and again.
With oysters being one of the most talked-about items, that is a pretty sweet offer.
Monday is Lobster Night, according to the owners, which pairs nicely with the restaurant’s lobster obsession. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday brunch gives you a reason to sleep in and still eat well.
Plan around these nights and you can stretch your budget while still trying the good stuff. Just keep in mind that special nights may mean more people, so arriving early could help.
Fun fact: oysters have been a Gulf Coast favorite for generations. Slurping a few in North Dallas on a Sunday evening connects you to that same coastal tradition, no road trip required.
Atmosphere, Service, and Who Feels at Home
Friendly faces make a big difference, and guests constantly name servers who went above and beyond. A general manager once moved a party to a better table so they could relax over lunch.
Attentive water refills and helpful suggestions come up often.
The space is described as cute, clean, and welcoming, though it gets noisy when packed. A patio offers outdoor seating, even if the strip mall view is not exactly scenic.
Busy times can stretch service. Some guests mentioned waits or a stretched-thin server during dinner rush, and one longtime fan suggested planning around peak hours.
Who will love it? Couples on a date night, families with seafood fans, and anyone who enjoys chatting with staff.
Prices lean upscale, so many treat it as a special outing. Others suggest lunch for a calmer, easier experience.
Hours, Budget, and the Final Word
Ready to go? Doors open at 11 AM every day.
Sunday through Thursday, the kitchen runs until 9 PM, and on Friday and Saturday it stays open until 10 PM.
Budget wise, expect higher-end prices. One lunch for two with a starter and dessert came to about $81, which that diner called a splurge but worth it.
Using the Sunday oyster deal or going at lunch can help keep costs friendly.
Find it at 6025 Royal Ln #110 near Preston Road, call 214-691-2369, or check tjsseafood.com before heading out.
So, is it worth the trip? Most signs point to yes.
Not every dish is perfect, and busy nights test the staff. Still, a fish case this fresh, a lobster roll this loved, and service this personal make a strong case.
The coast may be hours away, but dinner does not have to be.
Share this story
