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    Tj Oyster Bar

    4.0 (962 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Tj Oyster Bar Photos

    Business Info

    TJ OYSTER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Good for kids

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    Oyster Taco, Smoked Tuna Fries
    Christel L.

    Hadn't realized how long it's been since I last visited this spot (I no longer frequent the area), but it's definitely been a hot minute. Parking situation remains the same: shared mall lot that gets busy all hours of the day. Came here for a quick bite that turned into a long wait/dine. It was busy and a little chaotic, but I managed to get a seat at the bar. Ordered the smoked tuna fries and an oyster taco. Since it's been a while, I can't really compare anymore from then and now, but they were both fine. Was a little difficult to get the bartenders' attention to order more drinks and when I also asked whether the channel could be changed on the tv to another sport, they said they would check but never got back to me. Perhaps I'll come back again but when I do it's likely to be another minute as there are other food options in the area. 3.5

    Christian E.

    Seafood tacos are not a thing that I would usually get, because people tend to cook it too well and it becomes too true. But oh man TJ oyster bar is fantastic. I usually do not get tostadas, but that was pretty good. I've never had stingray before, but it tasted like pulled pork. Also had octopus tacos, which was melt in your mouth compared to the overly boiled octopus I've had before. The spicy shrimp was amazing with tacos. Fast service as well! Literally took them 10 minutes and then our food was there.

    Diabla Ceviche Tostada
    Toni A.

    A super tasty spot!! We were visiting San Diego, and this was a great spot for Baja style seafood. We got the chicharron fish for appetizer, it was tasty with its dipping sauce. It didn't have a fishy taste at all, which is good thing. I got the ahi tuna tostada. This was my favorite, the avocado and the crunchy onions was a great combo. It felt so fresh. I also got the Diablo ceviche tostada, spicy and fresh. So much meat! It was a mix of shrimp, scallop and fish. My husband got the tacos, which were all tasty and saucy. The service was quick, the waiter was very nice. The ambiance is very casual, nothing specifically intriguing. Although the place was fairly full of people! We were seated quickly. Thank you!

    My N.

    Super fresh and delicious seafood! I had a fish taco and it was crispy, very good for the price. I also had the seafood appetizer half size. The service was fast. Not too much seating so i can see this being packed.

    Kevin T.

    TL;DR: quick, yummy seafood stop. all dishes go with their micheladas! Ordered 3 tacos: grilled ahi, fish, and the octopus. They were all delicious but the best by far, and most surprising to me, was the octopus! Normally, octopus tacos are either mushy or too chewy but the octopus taco at TJ oyster bar was phenomenal! Also ordered the verde aguachile - sooooo good! must get if you love raw seafood! And of course, a negra modelo clamato michelada was a must-get for me to wash down all the seafood! Delicious meal and would absolutely come back! Salud, TJ Oyster Bar!

    Jessica V.

    Service is fast and efficient, the ambiance (at the times I went) was lively and clean, and the food is UNREAL. EVERYTHING I ate was mind blowing. The flavor of the smoked tuna with cheese was a a match made in heaven. The calamari was perfectly fried. The tostadas offered a blend of freshness and crunch, and the shrimp aguachile is something I will dream about forever. This is a staple whenever me and the boo visit San Diego. This is a place you cannot miss.

    David Y.

    Really great seafood forward tacos! I've always looked forward to eating a variety of tacos inspired by ingredients from the sea and TJ's did a great job with pairing the delicious, diverse and deep flavors with my favorite vessel (the soft taco shell). Friendly service and great vibes at this location

    They try to pass this off as crab. =/
    Victor F.

    Went again last night to give it a second chance and once again it greatly disappointed. It took just under an hour, 50 something minutes, for a shrimp burrito that ended up getting me sick. The rest of our group got their food and were wrapping up when they brought mine out, so I just asked for it to go. Another huge disappointment and I will never return.

    Appetizer platter
    Christine M.

    I love restaurants that are in a shopping plaza, easy parking! We arrived and were seated outside, which was fine since they had a heat lamp that worked great. We ordered: Shrimp and fish tostadas - one order is definitely good to share with someone else. they give you extra chips to eat with. It was fresh and tart. fried oysters - fried well, but could have done without, or maybe do fresh next time. tried aquachile for the first time - it was good! tart, sour, the shrimp was good though! sample platter - this was huge! the fish bites were delicious. I thought we were going to be so full and feel heavy from the fried items, but they were all fried really well. The shrimp was yummy and so was the calamari. Their sauce was a perfect accompaniment. tamarind michelado - THIS IS A YES, soooo good. I don't like beer but this hit the spot. Thank you to the waiter for being honest, and told us we probably ordered just right and to wait on ordering more. We were so full! Wish we had room to try some tacos though LOL. but overall super satisfied and happy to have tried new things. They were very nice and checked on us often. Outside seating was kind of cute, since there was a water wall? LOL next to us.

    Delicious! Oyster Tacos, 6 of them $30 ish dollars. Expensive. But, very Good. Received Good Service! Everything ran Smooth. Highly Recommend.

    Eddie C.

    Finally getting to quell my urge for their Jamaica drink. I ordered 2 shrimp chipotle tacos. They come with cheese between the shrimp and tortilla and thats it. Wife ordered 2 Fish tacos which come with cabbage, tomato and a white sauce. Tacos were served pretty quickly. Ate our 2 tacos and then we decided on another fish taco for each of us. Service wasn't the most attentive tonight by our waitress. Music was way too loud and could definitely be lowered as people were trying to hold conversations. We were seated quickly and were in and out in about 35 minutes. Didn't have one tonight but you have to try their Tamarindo Michelada. Refreshing and very delicious with your favorite type of beer.

    Trying this place
    Joan S.

    The place is hidden next to Vons in a shopping center . The food was good but their other location on Palomar was better in flavor and the service was way better and faster. The seven sea seafood was good and I loved the salsa in a green bottle. Very spicy and citrusy. The red salsa was not as spicy as the green one but was good too. The green salsa gave the 7mares a better flavor to enjoy the soup. The food is holding up their rating. For being a bigger business, the service here wasn't the best and our waiter delayed in several things. We waited for a moment for him to bring our food and drinks... Luckily our food was warm when it got to our table but would've enjoyed to have the missing items we ordered and more drinks. When the check came, we told our server to please remove the items that we didn't receive, off of our check and he assured us he had taken them off. He then had us pay on the electronic pad and when we asked for the itemized receipt, we still were charged for the food that was never brought to our table... This took a moment to fix which was a little overwhelming since we had been waiting for the waiter for a while for refills on drinks. This place was busy, noisy and a little unorganized. They only had the men's bathroom available because the women's was out of service.

    Welcome board
    Jeff T.

    While I cannot confirm the oysters at the bar are the best, I can praise how good the tacos and smoked tuna fries! They were not too salty, but they tasted fresh from the sea. Additionally, the happy hour deals are great! This bar is great for fun/ casual hangout. With a modern design and dim light, this bar was chill. The service is fast, even with the busy happy hour.

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    4 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    5 hours ago

    Tasty shrimp and fish tacos. Good value. Service was friendly and efficient. I'd go more often if they were closer

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    It's ok. The fish taco was hot but not super good. Next. tj oyster bar tj oyster bad th

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    Page 1 of 25

    Tj Oyster Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tj Oyster Bar

    Are reservations required?

    No, we always walk in. Sometimes there is a wait, but it seems to move quickly.

    Do they still offer rock shrimp during happy hour?

    Yes.. I was there about 5 months ago

    Do they have tequila or just beer/wine? thanks

    Just beer & wine. No full-bar there.

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    Tender Hooligan

    Tender Hooligan

    4.0
    (87 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $

    Cozy pit stop with sandwiches for $7?! Yes please…read more Food: 5/5 We came in here to check out the vinyls, and when we saw the sandwich for $5.99, we HAD to get one. We got everything in it, and added avocado for $1. The peperoncini was free to add on the side. The sandwich was yum, but for $7, it is the best I've ever eaten. Service: 4.5/5 The person who took our order was so kind, offering us water when we didn't order any drinks and making sure we needed nothing else while we ate. Atmosphere: 4.5/5 It's so so cozy in here! I think it turns into a bar after dark, and the place is the right ambiance for both AM and PM. It was decently packed, and there are games to borrow! I would recommend this place for a casual lunch, a coffee run, or a third-space hang out. Amazing, no notes. Final rating: 4.67/5 (rounding up to 5 on Yelp)

    My best friend and I were walking by this place on our way to dinner and couldn't help but stop by…read more The place has relaxed, chill vibe with a wall of records against one wall and multiple seating areas. They serve coffee during the day and alcohol at night. Since we came at night, we tried their cocktails. I was impressed with the variety of alcohol choices from sake, soju, wine and mixed cocktails. I chose So Fresh and So Clean, which exactly was the taste when I sipped this drink. The garnishing was minimal, so I was a little disappointed that the presentation wasn't that great. I ordered Just like candy and I loved the candy garnish as this was a fun twist to this drink. I did want the cocktails be a little more alcohol forward since I didn't feel it very much. Service was okay as we had to flag someone down to place another drink order. This place will reopen again soon and I'll try the cocktails again. Nice place to relax and unwind before or after dinner or in the morning with your coffee.

    Photos
    Coffee bar
    Coffee bar
    Tender Hooligan
    Kingston and chai

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    Kingston and chai
    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.9
    (398 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    First and foremost Orlando is the best! He is very attentive and provided the best service on…read moreMother's day! The staff is exceptional in a wonderful atmosphere! Thank you for making our visit special!

    We went to Kalaveras for Happy Hour and we really enjoyed it! This was the Chula Vista location on…read more3rd Avenue, used to be the old Fudruckers. Parking shouldn't be an issue, they have spots in the front but then there's the big garage right behind it, and it's free. There's also street parking but you might have to pay. The place itself is very spacious and clean. They also have an outdoor patio for dogs. I do know later in the evening it gets louder and more like a club vibe, but it's not bad. Service was perfectly fine. I had no issues at all. Staff greeted us with a smile when we walked in. They were always checking up on us when we needed things. No issues at all. I thought everyone was doing their jobs. Happy hour is so worth it here. $1.99 tacos! I had the carne asada, birria and Chicharonnes tacos! While the meat portions look small, y'all need to realize this is happy hour street tacos! Adding some salsa from the self serve bar, it was so worth the price. We had 11 tacos, cheese nachos, 2 beers and 1 margarita and it was about $50! So worth it! I highly recommend Kalaveras for Mexican food. Great vibes. Great happy hour prices. I think this place is good for large groups also. It may not be kid friendly later into the night but it's very worth it!

    Photos
    Kalaveras Chula Vista has the best Sunday Brunch in town from 10am-2:30pm
    Kalaveras Chula Vista has the best Sunday Brunch in town from 10am-2:30pm
    Ceviche Sunday Brunch at Kalaveras Cantina Urbana in Chula Vista, CA.
    Ceviche Sunday Brunch at Kalaveras Cantina Urbana in Chula Vista, CA.
    12/6/2025 - San Diego Water & Sex on the Beach

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    12/6/2025 - San Diego Water & Sex on the Beach
    Lime in the Coconut

    Lime in the Coconut

    3.9
    (245 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    We visited Lime in the Coconut for the first time to celebrate a birthday, and unfortunately the…read moreexperience was very disappointing. From the start, our server was inattentive and seemed completely dismissive when we mentioned we were celebrating a birthday. There was no acknowledgment at all, which made the occasion feel overlooked. To make matters worse, on a Friday night they were out of all draft beer, which was surprising for a restaurant and bar that promotes its tropical cocktails and lively atmosphere. Dessert was the biggest letdown. The mango sticky rice was honestly one of the worst versions we've ever had--poorly prepared and lacking flavor. The chocolate cake was so dry that it was practically inedible. The tropical décor and hidden tiki speakeasy "X" are interesting concepts, but the poor service and disappointing food overshadowed what should have been a special birthday celebration. We left feeling let down and will not return.

    My wife and I came here for dinner on a Friday night and had a really solid experience. It wasn't…read moretoo busy, which made for a relaxed atmosphere. The inside has a nice jungle/plant vibe -- warm, inviting decor that feels intentional without being overdone. Service stood out right away. Our waiter was attentive and checked in often without hovering. I ordered the Pupu Platter during happy hour, and it's a smart move if you want variety. It's just enough food for one and gives you a sampling of different menu items. The Korean-style wings had good flavor and just the right level of spice, though I wish they were a little crispier. The sliders were straightforward -- nothing groundbreaking -- but well made and satisfying. Fries came out crispy, which I always appreciate. My wife had the poke nachos, and those were the sleeper hit. I was skeptical about the pico at first, but it actually added depth and balance. The sauce tied everything together nicely. We also ordered a mocktail and one of their signature drinks, and both were well crafted. Overall, a great dinner with good energy, solid execution, and attentive service. A few small tweaks could push it to five stars, but we'd definitely come back.

    Photos
    Christmas decor (Dec 2025)
    Christmas decor (Dec 2025)
    Fried Masubi Balls
    Fried Masubi Balls
    Coconut shrimp

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    Coconut shrimp
    Chiefs Da Crab Shack

    Chiefs Da Crab Shack

    4.3
    (79 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Favorite crab boil spot in SD. Food is great, service is great, and the staff and owner are great.read more

    When our nephew told me he was celebrating his graduation party at Chief's Da Crab Shack, I thought…read morewe were eating seafood in a plastic bag with our choice of spices. Chief's is one of those type of restaurants, but what I didn't know about Chief's is that it is a sister restaurant to JJ's Island Grindz and Chief's Da Tiki Bar. The food that was served came from JJ's Island Grindz and Chief's Da Crab Shack, and both served delish grub. Besides the tasty food, I really enjoyed the Hawaiian vibe inside, the tunes emanating from the House DJ made me want to dance, and I appreciated the hustle from the hard working staff. If you're looking for a restaurant for a party or a graduation celebration, check out Chief's Da Crab Shack. Chief's Da Crab Shack is located in South San Diego, specifically Bonita, and it can be reached utilizing the 805 freeway and driving east. The restaurant can be found within an outdoor strip mall that contains the following businesses: Chief's sister businesses, JJ's Island Grindz and Chief's Da Tiki Bar; Franco's Flapjack; Wells Fargo; Colima's Mexican Food; and Fresheria. There is plenty of parking in this shopping center. As you enter Chief's, you immediately notice the Hawaiian decor and fisherman imagery with dryed grass skirt material hanging over their seating booths, netting holding crustaceans and seashells, thick ropes, fish as light fixtures, and ocean birds. This is a spacious restaurant with indoor booth seating, tables and chairs, distressed wooden tables for group seating, and outdoor seating. There were televisions around the restaurant showing World Cup soccer. I appreciated the diligence of Chief's staff who hustled while handling my nephew's graduation party and regular customers visiting. Before making my first visit to Chief's Da Crab Shack, I thought we'd be grubbing on seafood that are boiled and placed in a plastic bag with your choice of seasoning. That is what Chief's primary business is, but since it's affiliated with JJ's Island Grindz, my nephew's graduation party had a buffet line that featured Hawaiian and Asian food, which came from both Chief's and JJ's. The following dishes from Chief's were waiting for our tummies: mini pork lumpia shanghai, buffalo lemon pepper wings, garlic noodles, and white rice. The following dishes from JJ's were calling our name: spam musubi, salt and pepper chicken wings, teriyaki chicken, kalbi beef ribs, and red rice. The spam musubi is spam wrapped with seasoned sushi rice and nori seaweed. The spam musubi was a tasty bite in a small package. The mini pork lumpias were packed with ingredients and flavorful. The salt and pepper chicken and the buffalo lemon pepper wings were crispy and wok fried with green onion, fresh minced garlic, crush red pepper, and lemon. I devoured those chicken wings, which ate well with the two types of rice. The garlic noodles were yummy and had an abundant amount of garlic flavor. The red rice complemented all of the protein I ate. The kalbi beef ribs were okay and I wished they were more tender. My nephew and in-laws made appetizing choices for the graduation party and I happily consumed two plates of the food. 4.5 stars because the kalbi beef ribs weren't as good as the other food items. When we were told that our nephew was celebrating his gradution at Chief's Da Crab Shack, I was looking forward to experiencing seafood seasoned in a plastic bag. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Chief's is affiliated with JJ's Island Grindz and was able to grub on delicious Hawaiian and Asian entrees from JJ's and Chief's. Next time, I'd like to visit both Chief's and JJ's and try entrees that they're known for.

    Photos
    Chief's Da Crab in Bonita, CA
    Chief's Da Crab in Bonita, CA
    Chief's King Crab Garlic Noodles
    Chief's King Crab Garlic Noodles
    Here for the all you can eat seafood brunch today at Chief's Da Crab In Bonita, CA

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    Here for the all you can eat seafood brunch today at Chief's Da Crab In Bonita, CA

    Tj Oyster Bar - seafood - Updated June 2026

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