 "Photo: Chuck Fain")
In the depths of frog country, on 612 N. University Drive, there is a little oyster bar serving delicious deep-fried seafood, gumbo and, of course, oysters.
J & J’s Oyster Bar is an intimate little hideout that has a Joe’s Crab Shack-type atmosphere. It’s basically what it would be like if you shoved a Joe’s Crab Shack inside an old Taco Bell.
The wait staff is very friendly, so much so that you’ll need to make room at your table for them as they cozy up next to you to take your order.
Also, expect for someone to call you “hun.’”
They are quick to notice if you’re in need of refills or extra condiments, which isn’t too surprising given the size of the place. I never went thirsty on my visit.
The prices are reasonable, most dishes were less than $10, and the beer was about $3 a glass. They also have an array of lunch specials, which change daily, for $8.75.
The oysters are infamous to those who know of J & J’s, both the raw and the deep-fried variety. The hand-made tartar sauce is stuffed with tangy goodness, and their “skin-on” fries are a perfect complement to any of the entrees.
The whole catfish (minus the head) was prepared and presented perfectly. The shrimp po’ boy was good, but I felt it was on the small side. I’m used to Louisiana po’ boys where the shrimp falls out of the sides in delicious handfuls when you pick the sandwich up, and you still have enough left between the bread to make a massive sandwich.
J & J’s po’ boy did not have this distinction. Though the shrimp they used were full sized instead of a mound of popcorn shrimp, I still thought there could’ve been more seafood in that sandwich.
They also have a gumbo po’ boy, an invention I’d never seen before, that included a sausage dressed with gumbo on top. Though I didn’t get to sample this myself, it looked delicious.
If you’re into seafood served in a laid back, friendly atmosphere, this is the place for you. J & J’s Oyster Bar has everything a seafood lover could want – from bisque to crawfish, frog legs to mahi mahi, J & J’s has it all.
Be the first to comment on this article!