Let’s be honest: when you think of Arlington, seafood probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You’re likely here for the game, the concert, or that massive water park. But between touchdowns and roller coasters, you still need to eat—and sometimes, only a perfect plate of oysters or a buttery lobster roll will do. Good news: Arlington’s hidden gems deliver. We’ve found them for you.
Big Ez Seafood & Oyster Arlington
$ | (682) 259-7018 | WEBSITE
Atmosphere isn’t Big Ez Seafood & Oyster’s main draw, but this bustling seafood spot at least excels where it matters: delivering generous portions of fresh seafood that’s flavorful enough for a satisfying dinner. For a place that serves standout dishes like charbroiled oysters that rival New Orleans’ best and perfectly seasoned crab cakes, Big Ez is efficient like a well-oiled machine.
Everything arrives promptly, so you can enjoy your meal and still catch happy hour specials, but we suggest making time for Big Ez’s garlic noodles and a plate of their highly recommended seafood boil.
Thrills Turkey Legs, LLC
$$ | (682) 410-0176 | WEBSITE
Of the many seafood spots in Arlington, Thrills Turkey Legs stands at the peak of the flavor-meets-value mountain. For years, this black-owned institution has been serving incredible turkey leg creations at reasonable prices. Go for the mac n cheese surf turkey leg—essentially a sampler of their most popular seafood-infused turkey on one generous plate.
But if you know precisely which stuffed masterpiece you crave (or which ones you don’t), you could also just settle in at the counter and order all the à la carte turkey legs your appetite demands, while watching the helpful owner and staff prepare succulent, falling-off-the-bone meat with consistent care.
Flying Fish
$ | (817) 303-3335 | WEBSITE
Flying Fish is situated in the bustling heart of Arlington, but it’s the kind of cozy, reliable seafood joint this area truly needs. You’re coming here for perfectly cooked seafood: the salmon fillet grilled in garlic butter is simple, buttery perfection, the crawfish chowder is spicy and memorable, and the Caddo Plate Special is worth planning your evening around. Plus, most dishes hover around the $25 range.
Flying Fish offers sit-down service with a fast, friendly staff, but the space has an intimate feel, so “massive family reunion” this isn’t—use it for date nights or a small group outing.
El Viejon Seafood & Bar
$$ | (682) 270-0043 | WEBSITE
Navigating Arlington’s sprawling strip malls isn’t always glamorous, but dinner at El Viejon makes the suburban trek completely worthwhile. This Mexican seafood spot serves vibrant, generously portioned dishes bursting with fresh flavors and lively spices.
The Pescado relleno comes with a perfectly seasoned, herb-stuffed fish, the Tacos El Viejón are packed with octopus, shrimp, and scallops in a buttery arbol pepper sauce, and the ceviches—like the classic ceviche and the Aguachile—are just as refreshing. You might leave with a bit of lime juice on your fingers, but the bustling dining room and its open-view kitchen action make El Viejon one of the most enjoyable seafood dinners in Arlington.
HACIENDAS TACO SHOP
$ | (817) 823-1540 | WEBSITE
The location of Haciendas Taco Shop is convenient, but these authentic Mexican tacos are worth seeking out. These cooked-to-perfection tacos burst with flavor, and the fresh brisket tucked inside is tender with addictive seasonings. The standard brisket tacos always satisfy, but our favorite is the roast beef quesadilla, which is generously filled and comes with amazing salsas and sauces.
The friendly staff provides passionate service in a clean, inviting atmosphere, making every visit feel genuine. We’re already planning our next trip back, especially once those upcoming tamales arrive.
Pappasito’s Cantina
$$ | (817) 795-3535 | WEBSITE
Pappasito’s Cantina in Arlington is the rare Mexican spot that makes you want to linger over a long, leisurely meal. Not only does the vibrant, welcoming restaurant have some of the best margaritas in town, but they also serve exceptional Tex-Mex dishes. We especially love the sizzling fajitas with white wine garlic butter, the bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp brochette, and spicy shrimp Diablo.
You could hypothetically be in and out of Pappasito’s within an hour (most entrees arrive promptly and cost around $20-$25), but we suggest coming for dinner with no firm end time to properly enjoy the authentic flavors and festive atmosphere.
Red Crab – Juicy Seafood
$$ | (817) 385-0037 | WEBSITE
There are seafood spots, and then there are the flavor-packed feasts you get at Red Crab – Juicy Seafood. This restaurant tucked away in Arlington serves its clean, well-seasoned seafood with great service, and prepares each Juicy Special to order with their signature mild seasoning, and customizes each meal with a side of rice. While some find the sauce a bit salty, it remains a favorite for many.
The Low Country Boil comes loaded with snow crab, shrimp, sausage, red potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and corn. The breaded lemon pepper wings are also a hit for those who don’t usually eat seafood. Overall, Red Crab – Juicy Seafood offers a great dining experience in a spacious, clean environment with a cool, upbeat atmosphere.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Arlington
$$$ | (817) 465-3700 | WEBSITE
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar in Arlington might not have the intimate ambiance of a high-end steakhouse, but it offers other comforts for a celebratory dinner: attentive servers who remember birthdays and delicious drinks that complement the meal. The steaks arrive cooked to order when the kitchen gets it right, and the appetizers come fresh when prepared with care.
The Keg’s Arlington location also has a spacious dining area that runs through the restaurant, which means that even on busy nights, you shouldn’t worry about spending too much of your evening waiting for a table.
King Crab House
$$ | (817) 548-9009 | WEBSITE
King Crab House is a bustling seafood spot that feels refreshingly genuine amid Arlington’s chain restaurant sprawl. It has a lively dining room that hums with Friday night energy, a soundtrack of upbeat Southern tunes, and a counter where you can watch the kitchen crew expertly handle steaming crab pots. We suggest prioritizing the seafood classics up front.
The straightforward menu features perfectly fried catfish with a flavorful crust, saucy crab boils with Cajun spice that earn top marks, and delish hushpuppies. Stop by when you crave some honest seafood and a dose of Texas hospitality.
Herbs Indian Restaurant & Bar
$ | (817) 476-6002 | WEBSITE
Herbs Indian Restaurant & Bar is a full-service Indian restaurant from the same team behind popular local eateries. While many Indian spots focus solely on dinner service, Herbs offers both lunch and dinner, so as flavorful as its evening meals are, if you’re looking for a midday meal in Arlington (or a relaxed dining experience that fits into your schedule), Herbs is the ideal choice. While we enjoyed the chicken platter we sampled, the Indian buffet should be the priority here.
Our current favorite is the vegetarian section featuring a delicious garlic butter Naan that tastes like a bread we’d devour too much of during a cozy weekend brunch.
Cut & Bourbon
$$$ | (682) 277-4950 | WEBSITE
Cut & Bourbon is the dictionary definition of “special occasion.” This upscale seafood and steakhouse is housed in what looks like a modern brick building with valet parking out front, but inside you’ll find a lively dining room with warm lighting and polished wood accents. The menu revolves around standout dishes like crab cakes, filet mignon, and mushrooms.
For your main course, you’ll find perfectly cooked seafood and steaks (we love the crab cakes or the tender filet mignon) and, for dessert, the highly praised carrot cake that the attentive staff recommends. Each of these impressive meals costs around $50, but the impeccable service and mouthwatering food make them feel worth the splurge.
Apna Food Truck
$ | (817) 360-7554 | WEBSITE
Arlington is a food truck haven, but there is only one “Spicy Chicken Tikka Wrap.” That’s the name of Apna Food Truck’s signature dish that easily satisfies you and a couple of friends. The sturdy naan wrap on this generous portion holds a generous amount of tender chicken tikka and flavorful sauces, and each order comes with a side of seasoned fries.
And, if you’re looking for something different or don’t care for fusion favorites, order one of the classic Chicken Shawarma plates which always hit the spot.
Hersheys Palace Wangs and Thangs
$ | WEBSITE
There are so many wing joints in Arlington that we felt compelled to rank them, but if you’re going to have one, you might as well (spoiler alert) eat the best one. Hersheys Palace’s perfectly crispy fries with that sweet-spicy narnacue sauce are our favorites, and their spot has a simple counter setup where you can grab a stool and eat those huge chicken tenders at their best: straight out of the fryer.
The Crab Station – Arlington
$$ | (682) 238-3099 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Arlington’s bustling dining scene, The Crab Station is a go-to spot for weekend seafood feasts and family celebrations, but weekday evenings offer the perfect chance to snag a table for some consistently great crawfish and shrimp. The restaurant’s lively dining area is less packed, so you can actually hear the upbeat music as you dig into lobster rolls, crab legs, and Cajun fries drizzled with that delicious shazam sauce.
Bayou Cat
$ | (817) 274-4100 | WEBSITE
This family-friendly seafood spot has been serving up Louisiana flavors for years, but because of its authentic crawfish and welcoming atmosphere, Bayou Cat is as popular as ever. Come any evening and you’ll find families and seafood lovers waiting to enjoy the best-priced seafood in Arlington. The service is quick and efficient, ensuring you’ll get back home in time for whatever plans are on your schedule.
Tjs Catfish & Wings & BBQ
$ | (817) 572-1600 | WEBSITE
Full disclosure: you won’t casually stumble upon this Arlington seafood spot because it’s tucked away in a modest strip mall, surrounded by parking lots and unassuming storefronts. But when you do find Tjs, you’ll get a hearty, standout meal of classic (albeit reasonably priced) Southern comfort staples. There are perfectly fried 3-piece catfish fillets with delicious tartar sauce, brisket nachos that burst with smoky flavor, and 40 hot wings that you’ll want to devour with friends.
The baked beans are the best you’ve ever had, and the shrimp dishes receive high praise for their well-seasoned batter. The staff is friendly and attentive, the place is clean and welcoming, and it’s family-friendly with high chairs available. Everything is served in generous portions that leave you satisfied without breaking the bank.
Flavors Wings N Daiquiris (Wings, Daiquiris, & Catfish)
$ | (817) 583-6517 | WEBSITE
If you know you’ll be grabbing a quick bite between errands today, you better find something tasty to satisfy that craving. That’s where Flavors Wings N Daiquiris comes in. The welcoming spot in Arlington offers a few tables where you can enjoy some of the town’s best wings, but it also functions as a well-oiled takeout operation. Everything from the flavorful catfish to the hot lemon pepper wings is excellent, but our go-to is the Hot Suga wings.
They’re one of our favorites, even if some would quibble if they’re spicy or sweet.
Catfish Sam’s
$ | (817) 275-9631 | WEBSITE
There’s often a wait for a table at Arlington’s beloved catfish house Catfish Sam’s during the dinner hour, but once you taste their perfectly breaded, fresh-fried catfish, you’ll see what the fuss is about. The standout dish here is the catfish plate, cooked with just the right timing to keep it crispy without a hint of grease. Honestly, you can’t miss with any of the fried catfish options (the fried catfish dinners feel like a comforting Southern feast) or the gumbo with its balanced spice.
Round out your meal with an order of hush puppies as you watch the kitchen fry each piece of fish to order behind the counter.
Crispy’s Great Chicken
$ | (817) 460-2442 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Arlington, this long-standing fried chicken spot works perfectly for a satisfying takeout meal. The menu is packed with classics you likely know well, like spicy catfish and fried gizzard, plus some standout specialties (like the tender combo with spicy chicken). Either way, the food at Crispy’s Great Chicken delivers consistent and delicious flavors that make each bite taste freshly made.
If you’re searching for a solid starting point, order the giant shrimp or the 12-piece crispy chicken tenders family meal. If you’re dining in, anticipate a no-frills setup with basic seating and straightforward service.
Shrimp Doc
$ | (682) 323-5045 | WEBSITE
We love a few simple shrimp dishes for lunch, but sometimes we crave extra flair. That’s exactly what Shrimp Doc specializes in. This small, counter-service spot has multiple shrimp varieties and each one is more dressed up than a member of KISS. There’s spicy ranch shrimp mixed with creamy sauce, a “shrimp and waffles” with maple-cinnamon glaze, and the “blackened shrimp baked potato” with rich seasoning stuffed inside.
These elaborate dishes are on the pricier side, but we’ll pay for some extra flair every now and then.
