Mariscos DJs - Don Juan Seafood — Restaurant in Tyler

We started eating pretty regularly at Don Juan's downtown when we moved to Tyler. Because we kept ordering the specials, the staff recommended we try Marisco's, which is more Mexican than TexMex. They serve different foods, but we love them both.

Every time we've been to Marisco's we've had a scrumptious meal. We've ordered several things. Standouts are any of the fish stews, the whole fried tilapia, and the mango margarita. Let me tell you about that drink first.

Last time we were there the people behind us ordered a beautiful drink. So we asked our server what it was, and she said it was a specialty margarita, while offering all of the different fruit flavors. I chose mango, and it came in a lovely cup with an orchid on top, and the rim dipped in Tajin for that spicy/salty/sweet flavor. Our server packaged up some of the Tajin, along with their homemade spicy tamarind mix that goes in those margaritas, and for the following week I enjoyed both on fresh mangos. Yum!

Now the fried tilapia, I had no idea tilapia could have so very much flavor. Dig through those crispy outsides and pull off the tender flesh and say yum. Keep on going, and when you're done, flip it over and surprise (!) there's a whole other side of the fish to enjoy. It comes with their rice and beans, which are great, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas.

Now the stews, that's where Marisco's really shines. Any of their specialty soups and stews are your best bet. The fishy bits are tender, and the broths bursting with flavor. And they're large! Get a bowl, make yummy noises as you eat your fill, and when you decide you'll burst then take the rest home.

I apologize for sounding like a shill, but I wrote ad copy for a few years. I truly think this is a star restaurant in Tyler and I hope you don't go there so we can keep getting...

Our first time coming here, walking in it appears dark, poor lighting or not all the lights on. But that's not the only reason we won't be coming back here, I was served BAD raw oysters, they smelled and tasted BAD, I ate ONE and it was at that point I realized. He ordered steak fajitas and then a fish/fries kids basket for my daughter. Food presentation, lighting, chips/salsa, and the inability to safely serve ANY kind of seafood is the reason we will NEVER be back. I don't know why Google isn't letting me upload pictures to this review, but as soon as I get it figured out I'll be uploading the pictures of the bad oysters.

We STILL paid for our entire order, including the bad oysters, the ability to pay for our meal has never been a problem, what's concerning is that there is NO possible way someone in that kitchen did not KNOW these oysters were bad, just the visual appearance and smell should of indicated they were bad. The only reason I had even ONE was because I wasn't paying attention, waitress just sat it down, was talking etc. I don't know how this place has all the 5 star reviews it does.

Update I figured out how to upload pictures, In one of the pictures I had removed the oyster off the shell to get a better picture of the shell as well. I've ate oysters many of times, love oysters and have never seen any that look as...

It's a restaurant that could be good. But needs work and better cooking, recipes. To start, the Tamarind margarita is not worth being charged $12. Just not that good. The Green salsa served with chips is okay, but watery. Need to give a Red salsa with the chips also. Got a Shrimp cocktail as a starter. Way too sweet. Needs a better base of a good bloody Mary mix. But plenty of Shrimp given in it. I got the Shrimp & Fish soup. Was good, bit heavy on the paprika in that broth base and in the soup they put unpeeled shrimp. So had to peel shrimp as I'm eating my soup. Need to put peeled shrimp in soup. Our other dish was the Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp. Tilapia way over cooked, dry. Plus no sauce? Flavor or seasoning. Please cook bit more gentle plus put a butter cream sauce with maybe sauteed jalapeno or cilantro on it. Shrimp we're good. Just need to work on details. Now comes our biggest TexMex issue. Why does every Mexican restaurant serve Beans & Rice? How about a side of sauteed fresh vegetables instead. A little side Mexican flavored salad or coleslaw? Not that hard and be a better plate served to the customer. I'm willing to come back in a few months, see if anything has changed. I hope so. Restaurant has potential if menu items and recipes fixed,...