Put your claws together and celebrate, Dallas, there's a new seafood spot in town, and it already has this girl hooked. It was love at first sight, as the welcoming resort-style interior made me feel instantly island-side. Even better: the food. Each dish stands on its own and has already made me go back for more.
The new concept by Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing has taken over the former Rex's Seafood space at Inwood and Lovers. This is the second concept by the duo (the first was Shinsei).
Executive Chef Aaron Staudenmaier is captain of the kitchen at the new seafood haven. His menu is full of seafood classics you'd expect with some tasty surprises thrown in. He explained his approach simply; "It's all about starting with a beautiful product and not screwing it up. Do it well and do it every day."
The seafood on the menu comes from all over the world. Depending on what's freshest, you'll find fish from New Zealand, British Columbia, Honolulu, the Florida gulf, Louisiana, Great Lakes, or really, anywhere on the globe! Whatever is good and fresh, you'll find it at the market or on the menu.
Appetizers like Spicy Pimento Cheese, Grilled Shrimp Dip, Calamari, or Thai Style Mussels and Clams are great to share as you set sail on your meal. The Cajun Fried Oysters (shown above) are some of the best in town. Next, warm up your fins with a bowl of gumbo or clam chowder.
With entrees like fish and chips, fish tacos, lobster rolls (pro tip: try it Dynamite style!), and po' boys, there is obviously plenty for the seafood lover. Landlubber types will still find plenty to eat, as there is a gorgeous sounding Cajun Roasted Half Chicken, Tenderloin, Hot Chicken Sliders, and a Burger on the menu.
Lovers Seafood features a full bar and also a take-home dream: the market, which provides fresh seafood and shellfish for your own in-home dining experience.
Don't skip the desserts at Lovers, Pastry Chef Ty Bohoney has a menu full of tantalizing sweet treats (see below). Bohoney most recently worked with Kent Rathbun Concepts, creating menus and making pastries and breads for catered events.
The gorgeous and airy coastal resort chic space was designed by Greg O'Neal of Philosophy Design. Flanked by ship lap lumber walls, the decanter chandelier is a stunning focal point in the restaurant.
Angling for more? Keep scrolling for photos.
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| Salad |
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| Lobster Roll (Dynamite Style: Charred, with Sriracha Mayo) & Truffle Fries |
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| Roasted Poblano Grits |
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| Brussels with Malt Vinegar and Bacon |
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| Charred Broccoli with Cajun Ranch |
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| "The Elvis" (Peanut butter and banana pie!) |
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| Key Lime Pie |
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| Chocolate S’More Pie |
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| Vanilla Cheesecake |
“We couldn’t be more excited to share our new concept with Dallas,” said Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing. “This is our neighborhood, and when the opportunity presented itself, we knew we had to jump on it. We’re looking forward to providing our friends, neighbors and the entire city with great food, drinks and the freshest market catches in a fun and relaxed setting.”
Lovers Seafood is now open for lunch and dinner daily.
5200 W Lovers Lane
Dallas, TX
