TJOyster Bar (location #3)

All of us at mmm-yoso!!! wish you a good November. It's the time year with chilly mornings and evenings and clear blue, nicely warm daytimes.  Kirk is still on vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is busy out there.  Cathy is writing another short post.  

In 2012 and again in 2014, I wrote about a favorite small spot for Mexican seafood.  A second location had opened around the corner on the same block in August 2012, with table service, more space and a slightly different menu.  Then in October 2014 this third location, a few miles South, in Chula Vista, opened.Located in the same parking lot anchored by a Ralph's grocery store as well as a McDonald's, both the parking and seating situations are larger/better than the original location.

    The menu at the first and third locations are about the same.  Some items are served on paper plates, but most items here are served with reusable plates and cutlery.

The grilled fish salad ($9) here is quite large and filling.  The mildly seasoned and grilled fish is on top of a good size bowl of Romaine and has a Caesar-like dressing, about 1/3 avocado and basic salsa (chopped tomato, onion and cilantro) as topping.  Since we also ordered tacos with this, we decided to share a side of refried beans ($2.50), which were surprisingly good.  Unless you are ordering a plate, no items here come with refried beans (unlike at other taco shops, with beans and other items mixed in the burritos) and these were a really nice addition.
 The grilled fish taco ($3) was made with the same seasoned grilled fish, onion, cilantro and a dab of white sauce.  Again, enough to satisfy.    Simple, fresh, beer battered and crispy fried ($1.50/each) fish tacos are what started this business. Always good and quite large. Fried calamari appetizer ($8) is not overly large, lightly dusted with a seasoned flour and fried properly:lightly crispy with tender squid as the final outcome.   The fish ceviche tostada ($4) is quite satisfying, marinated in lime juice and mixed with the basics of tomato/onion/cilantro, it needs no additional condiments.    The 'fish chicharron' appetizer ($13.50) is basically breaded and fried fish nuggets, served with a savory fish sauce based onion filled dipping sauce and always good to share.    On chilly days, a bowl of shrimp soup ($9.50) hits the spot.  Plump, fresh shrimp in the tomato based, slightly spicy (just enough; not too much) broth, topped with cilantro is enough to ward off a chill.   I'm almost always ordering a Pescadilla ($9) at every visit and the craving for smoked fish was overwhelming one day.  Combined with the melted cheese, this really hit the spot.  

Always good and fresh here. cc has also been to this location and ordered different items. 

I hope your week is going well.

TJ Oyster Bar 601 East Palomar Street Chula Vista, CA 92111 (619) 421-4787 Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-7 Website

Comments

[nhbilly]

Looks awesome compared to my Costco can of sardines.

[Cathy]

Sardines have their place, Bill. The Mister just opens a can (in oil) and some salt and a fork and that's a meal. Mexican seafood is delightfully different-and so good!

[caninecologne]

They have a new mural of an octopus on their wall now!

[Cathy]

I saw that, cc! Very nice that they are doing a bit of decorating. This location is a good second choice when the original has no parking/a line out the door.