Richardson just got a little closer to the coast. Big Shucks, the Gulf-focused seafood spin-off from the family behind Dallas’s Aw Shucks, has settled into town with a refreshed dining room and a beachy patio meant to deliver shoreline vibes without the messy part: sand.
Remodel, Reopen and That Shack-by-the-Sea Feel
According to Community Impact, the Richardson location reopened in April after a remodel that brightened up both the interior and patio with nautical rope railings and lighter finishes. Owners Nick and Eric Peterson told the outlet they wanted to keep the place “comfortable and inviting, just like a seafood shack on the side of the ocean,” with a focus on getting Gulf seafood to the table as fresh as possible. The outlet also reports that raw oysters are brought in from the Gulf multiple times each week to keep the half-shell service humming along.
Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail and Catfish on Deck
Big Shucks’ own menu highlights a house shrimp cocktail built from bay shrimp, diced avocado, red onion, tomato, cilantro, and serrano peppers, alongside raw oysters, boiled snow crab legs, and fried Mississippi catfish. According to Aw Shucks, the raw oysters arrive from Jeri’s Seafood off the Gulf of Mexico, and the restaurant offers weekday happy-hour discounts on oysters and boiled shrimp.
Decades of No-Frills Seafood in DFW
The Big Shucks/Aw Shucks family has been part of the Dallas dining scene for decades, and the formula has not changed much: shrimp cocktail, boiled seafood, and fried catfish remain the marquee draws. The Dallas Observer has previously praised the brand’s laid-back patio culture and boiled seafood, noting its reputation as a festive, no-frills stop for Gulf-style fare.
Where to Find It and What to Know
The Richardson Big Shucks sits at 103 S. Coit Road in the Dal-Rich Towne Square shopping center, and the family’s site lists operating hours along with online ordering options. For more on the location, menu details, and sourcing, check out Aw Shucks and the full menu at Aw Shucks.
