As the crawfish season draws to a close, so too does the beloved J&J’s Oyster Bar, a cherished seafood destination in Fort Worth.
After nearly half a century of service—approximately 48 years—J&J’s Oyster Bar (612 University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-367-9792) is set to close its doors. The community is mourning the loss, holding onto fond memories of cold drinks, spicy chili, and engaging conversations with the proprietors, Jim and Cathy Schusler.
Recently, news of the impending closure began circulating among local food enthusiasts. The confirmation came through a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, which has since garnered 463 likes, 200 comments, and 143 shares, reflecting the establishment’s deep-rooted connection with the community.
“J&J’s will be closing at the end of May. We appreciate the support we have received from our customers. Please come visit us!” the post read.
And indeed, many have heeded the call. Given its proximity to our offices, several staff members consider it a favorite gathering spot, conveniently located across from a Starbucks, which we jokingly reference as a source of free Wi-Fi. However, many of us prefer J&J’s for its beer selection. For those unfamiliar with the term “third place,” it refers to a social environment that is neither home nor work.
On my latest visit, the restaurant was bustling with more patrons than usual. The manager, Kristi, was even engaging customers in an informal auction for memorabilia, with items like the neon Coors sign attracting bids exceeding $200. Perhaps a painted rock will suffice for those looking for a keepsake. As for the iconic bull sculpture at the entrance, it is expected to find a new home at a local Fred’s once the establishment closes.
During my lunch, I had an impromptu conversation with Jim, who shared stories about his passion for the Steelers and his efforts to craft wooden car toys for a local nonprofit. As he watched workers trim palm trees, he mentioned that he planned to donate them back to the original source, allowing the trees to thrive even after the property is redeveloped. The new owners plan to demolish the existing building, previously a Taco Bell, to make way for something new.
With numerous media outlets covering the closure, we felt compelled to highlight our favorite dishes from J&J’s, encourage patrons to dine there one last time, and allow Jim to express his sentiments to the community.
“You should write a love letter to Fort Worth!” I suggested.
“Yes, a letter to the city!” he responded enthusiastically.
After clarifying that I meant a farewell letter rather than a complaint about city infrastructure, Jim agreed it was a wonderful idea.
Ultimately, Jim sent us a heartfelt note expressing gratitude to his staff.
“Being in this business for nearly 50 years is no accident,” he wrote. “It comes from being blessed with good, honest, dedicated employees who show up and enjoy our customers. I have also been blessed with a manager who has been with me for more than 25 of those years. Our staff knows every customer by name and what they like to eat and drink. Our customers have shown our staff their appreciation with good tips and kind words. At the closing of both the Hideaway and the Blues Bar, every employee successfully moved on because they were good, honest, hard workers. Now, as I close the Oyster Bar, I wish each of my trusted employees the best in their future opportunities.”
J&J’s and its dedicated staff will undoubtedly be missed.
This summer will feel different without J&J’s, particularly missing their shrimp salad and the classic oysters with a variety of delicious toppings. Here are eight more menu favorites that will be sorely missed.
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things
1.) Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger
It might seem odd to order a cheeseburger at a seafood restaurant, but our brand ambassador, Clint, insists J&J’s cheeseburger, served with “everything but lettuce,” is the best. Given the divisive nature of seafood, it’s essential to have options that cater to all tastes.
2.) Crawfish Sausage & Gumbo
The unique sausage featured in the Jim’s Special po’ boy is a creation of Jim’s own imagination, crafted in partnership with his meat distributor. This is a dish you won’t want to miss!
3.) Deep Fried Love
Whether it’s fried mushrooms, crispy French fries, or chicken strips, J&J’s consistently delivers perfectly fried dishes, showcasing their chefs’ dedication to quality. The fried okra is especially noteworthy—arguably the best around.
4.) Mango Madness
For grilled items, I often opt for chicken and shrimp, which are served alongside grilled squash, zucchini, and pilaf-style rice. The addition of spicy mango salsa elevates these dishes to another level.
5.) Me and My RC
Being from the Midwest, I have a fondness for RC Cola, which stands on its own in the soft drink hierarchy. As a diabetic, I appreciate J&J’s offering of diet options, including the recently added Diet RC, which is a delightful surprise.
6.) Oh, Balls!
Two standout appetizers are the boudin balls and crabcakes, both available as entrees. While the balls are traditionally fried and the cakes grilled, one time J&J’s fried the crabcakes for me, resulting in an unexpectedly delicious treat.
7.) Seasonal Offerings
Though I am not a fan of eating crawfish, I eagerly await J&J’s seasonal offerings. In warmer weather, their mayo-based shrimp salad returns, while colder months bring housemade brisket chili topped with cheese and jalapeños. Even their desserts transition between Key lime pie and pumpkin cheesecake.
8.) Shrimp Brochette
These large shrimp are stuffed with cheese and jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, and served on a skewer. Accompanied by grilled veggies and rice, this dish is my absolute favorite at J&J’s.
