Fish City Grill Preston Royal

Dangling miniature Christmas lights and plastic fish combined with tin pails of saltine crackers on all the tables give this dim, narrow seafood eatery in the middle of the Park Cities a surprising slightly laid-back, urban seaport feel. Start out with a batch of iced, fresh oysters on the half shell. If the famous slither of the damp raw creatures doesn't do it for you, try the oyster nachos--tortilla chips topped with chipotle tartar sauce, fried oysters and pico de gallo. If you're not dieting, fried catfish tacos, a basket of thick waffle fries and a cold longneck make a glorious combination. Half Shells is tiny, and they don't take reservations, so plan on a wait during peak hours. The bar crammed in the back is a pleasant spot to pass the time--that is, if you can negotiate a seat.