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Dallas › Downtown › St. Pete's Dancing Marlin
St. Pete's Dancing MarlinB+Worth Trying
2730 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
· Bar & grill, American restaurant, Pizza restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (723 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Deep Ellum staple for eclectic American comfort food, tuna specialties, and a quirky bar vibe; strong local love but uneven service and occasional quality lapses.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
St. Pete's Dancing Marlin delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in pastas and signature tuna dishes, backed by attentive service and appealing quirky decor that regulars love. However, inconsistent execution on fried items and occasional service friction prevents grade A territory, and isolated food safety reports add caution. It's a reliable go-to for families and comfort-food fans seeking Deep Ellum character, but not without occasional disappointment.
Restaurant Summary
Step into Deep Ellum and you will find a room that feels quirky and welcoming, plastered with vintage beer signs, stuffed fish, and neighborhood stories. Regulars call it a staple, and one summed it up as, "a friendly spot where the food and bar just work." However, parking can be tricky with nearby construction, and a few diners describe uneven bar interactions. The cooking skews hearty and familiar—think pastas, burgers, and fried seafood—with a distinctive house spin on tuna that fans rave about. Dishes like A La Vicki pasta and the chicken fried tuna feel playful rather than fancy, and portions are generous for the price. On the flip side, fried fish can run greasy on off nights, and when the kitchen slips, it feels like a different place. Families fare well here thanks to the kids menu staples (pizza, pasta, grilled cheese) and a wide comfort-food lineup. Picky eaters can keep it simple, while adventurous kids might try tuna tacos or a plain pasta. No formal kids atmosphere, but the casual vibe and options make it easy.
At a Glance
- Neighborhood staple vibe with loyal regulars and quirky decor
- Standout pastas and tuna specialties with hearty portions
- Service variability at the bar; occasional rude interactions reported
- Inconsistent fried fish quality and rare food safety complaints
- Broad menu and kids options suit mixed groups
What Sets It Apart
- signature_chicken_fried_tuna
- quirky_local_decor
- broad_comfort_menu
- longtime_regulars
What People Love
- Playful tuna dishes that feel unique
- Hearty portions at fair prices
- Eclectic, character-filled room
- Dependable pastas like A La Vicki and Diablo
- Friendly servers who keep things moving
Points of Concern
- Parking impacted by construction; expect to hunt for a spot or rideshare
- Several sharp complaints about rude bartender or host interactions
- Fried fish quality varies; a few reports of greasy or frozen-tasting plates
- Isolated but serious illness reports; management should double-check food safety
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$35-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For seafood lovers: Dancing Tuna Steak medium-rare; for comfort seekers: A La Vicki pasta; for kids: 6-inch pizza or grilled cheese with tots
Perfect For
- Pre-concert bite and beers in Deep Ellum
- Casual group hangs where everyone can find something
- Comfort-food cravings with a twist
- Solo bar meal with friendly regulars
Location Insights
Area: Deep Ellum arts and nightlife district with murals, live music, and bars; casual and lively.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked at peak times; typical nightlife caution late night.
Nearby: Near music venues, bars, and restaurants; construction reported affecting parking.
LakewoodLakewood is a well-established neighborhood characterized by its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. The dining scene includes casual eateries, family-friendly restaurants, and some upscale options, often attracting locals looking for relaxed and approachable dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:30–23:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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