Part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Garland, Texas, is a close drive to many of the popular attractions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area like Dealey Plaza and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the down-home Southern style of Garland mixed with all the modern conveniences of a big city. Visit the open air Firewheel Mall or the historic Plaza Theater. While you're there, check out some of the local seafood restaurants.
Located in the Firewheel Mall, Fish City Grill is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with exposed brick walls and decorated with maritime art. The dining room is cozy and offers patrons a chance to relax and enjoy a seafood dinner. Start off with a plate of oyster nachos (chips and fried oysters in a chipotle tartar sauce and pico de gallo). For dinner, try the crab-stuffed shrimp. There is also a variety of salads, po' boy sandwiches and chicken dishes on the menu. Finish off the meal with a hot apple crisp or the homemade bread pudding. The restaurant also donates 15 percent of all sales to charity on the first Tuesday of every month.
Fish City Grill
445 Coneflower Drive
Garland, TX 75040
972-675-1600
fishcitygrill.com
Islamorada Fish Company is situated in a Bass Pro Shop facing Lake Ray Hubbard. The dining room features a 13,000-gallon salt water aquarium and a screened patio right off the water. Appetizers include venison-stuffed mushrooms, coconut shrimp and alligator. The dinner menu features dishes like popcorn shrimp, fish and chips, and the Sportsman's platter (fried shrimp, alligator and catfish). Or try one of the house specialties, such as the Islamorada Portofino (blackened tilapia served with grilled shrimp in a creamy lobster sauce) or the maple-glazed salmon. There are also several chicken and beef dishes. For dessert, enjoy a made-to-order cast iron chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
Islamorada Fish Company
1800 E. Interstate 30
Garland, TX 75043
469-221-2500
fishcompany.com
Less than 10 miles away in Richardson is Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Sit outside next to the blue-tiled fountain while enjoying a plate of boiled crawfish. This Cajun family-friendly restaurant offers diners a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of seating and an extensive menu. Oyster appetizers include the oysters Pappadeux served with crab, spinach and a hollandaise sauce, and the oysters St. Phillip (on a half shell baked with shrimp, roasted peppers, bacon and bread crumbs). The more adventurous can try the pan-seared frog legs served in spicy garlic butter. There are a number of gumbo dishes to enjoy like the Louisiana shrimp gumbo and the andouille sausage and seafood gumbo. For dinner, try one of the fried or grilled seafood dishes or a Cajun specialty like the crawfish etouffee served with dirty rice.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
725 S. Central Expressway
Richardson, TX 75080
972-235-1181
pappadeaux.com
