The early evening sun was shining bright as we headed over the Dunlawton Avenue bridge. We rounded the corner into the down-under area and were happy to find a parking spot quickly. Parking can be at a premium down under, but the crowd had not started arriving yet. We had gotten there before 7 p.m.
A small warning: At times, the smell from King's Seafood can be a little strong, but with it right next door to the restaurant, you know you're getting fresh seafood.
What did you order?
As usual my wife wanted raw oysters, non-"r" month be damned. The waitress checked and assured us they were good. One other note: If you get there after 7 p.m. or anytime during the busy tourist season, expect to wait in line anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour to place your order. Fortunately Memorial Day had come and gone, leaving us with no line to wait in. Our oysters came out quickly and the waitress was even quick to retrieve some extra horseradish for us. The service usually is pretty good.
How was the food?
While we have had a time or two when the oysters disappointed us, this night they were plump and went down easy. The shrimp and fish were great, the stuffed crab was incredible.
My wife reminds me to mention the hush puppies, which she swears are some of the best you can find. While I don't usually like scallops, they were pretty good, although a little on the small side. The shark bites, I'm afraid, sound more exotic than they taste, but DJ's serves a good sauce with them.
How much did it cost?
We splurged a little bit more than usual. I had a platter. Diane had a fish and shrimp dinner. Sam had shark bites and onion rings. It's a teen thing. With a pitcher of beer and a coke, and the tip, it was $64.61.
Frugality note: You and a friend can enjoy the great seafood at DJ's and spend less by having a fish or shrimp sandwich and splitting a basket of fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, and even with a pitcher of beer and a tip, it's less than $30.
Anything else to add?
DJ's probably feels more like Florida to me than just about any place we go in this area. It has just the right blend of rustic charm and incredible beauty. Watching the sunset over the Halifax River is one of the most glorious sights you can see as you sit outside by the river, enjoying an evening meal.
DJ's Deck
WHERE: 79 E. Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
MISC: DJ's is handicap-accessible, has a full bar and takes credit cards.
CONTACT: 386-760-2277, djsdeckfl.com
