How can something that's been around for more than 80 years be underrated, you ask? Well, when was the last time you heard someone talk about Quality Seafood? 

And, that's a damn shame too. Because the fish market/eatery/bar is one of my FAVORITE spots in town. And, if you recall from a previous post I'm not the biggest seafood eater out there. But, I do love me some oysters. And luckily, eating at Quality Seafood is the perfect spot for a bivalve admirer.

When I head to the fish market, I immediately beeline for the bar, for reasons I waxed poetic about in Austin Monthly's Best of ATX issue. The service from the bartenders is incredible. Not only are they extremely friendly, but they are sassy AF. And, they have the heaviest of pours when it comes to wine, and that's always a friend in my book. When you go, definitely eat at the bar! I sit there so often and chat with all the wise-cracking ladies so much that I jokingly refer to one as my aunt. (It's cool--she calls me niece back!) 

Now, the food. The seafood is all super reasonably priced (pick up some lox to go--Rockstar Bagels sources it from here), but the happy hours are legit crazy. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., you can get peel-and-eat shrimp for 25 cents a piece. Seriously. And $1 Gulf oysters and $5 for three blackened salmon tacos. It's like totally ridiculous. (Don't forget $3 house chardonnay.)

I like to go to Quality Seafood for happy hour and then indulge in some of the regular menu, like their grilled oysters. Holy shit, y'all. These are the best in town. I love the lemon and garlic ones. They're perfectly buttery and garlic-y. The Rockefellers are always great as well. Ask for the grilled bread too! 

TBH, I never really eat anything other than a shitload of oysters here (and all the white wine), but their menu is really robust if you're a big seafood eater. Just make sure to sit at the bar! No, seriously. Just do it.

And tell Janie the bartender that Niece Darcie sent you.