Dining at Hugo’s Seafood Bar: A New Favorite in Bishop Arts District

Birthdays call for something special, and this year I wanted mine to be a little trip back to Bishop Arts. It’s a neighborhood that holds so many memories, and with all the buzz around Hugo’s Seafood Bar, it felt like the perfect time to finally check it off my list.

The night started at Neighborhood Cellar, one of my longtime favorites, with a glass of wine and a dear friend. Just a short walk later, we landed at Hugo’s, ready to see what all the talk was about.

The Atmosphere at Hugo’s Seafood Bar

Hugo’s strikes the balance between lively and laid-back. With its warm lighting, sleek bar setup, and the buzz of conversation, it’s the kind of place you can go for a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal with friends. I hear it really gets buzzin’ on the weekends so I’ll have to report back on that.

The Menu & What I Ordered

I opened with a Mezcalita, shaken with roasted pineapple juice for the perfect balance of smoke and sweet. Across the table, the Winter Storm showed up bold with mezcal as well, but served up with Midori and a frothy matcha foam on top. Both cocktails were unexpected, delicious and fun.

We ordered some small plates to try a few popular items and honestly, it was the best decision.

• Caviar Sampler: Trout roe, paddlefish, and royal kluge caviar with crème fraîche and little phyllo cups. It looks like they alternate between serving it this way or on crostini so next time I’ll ask about it (didn’t realize it until I looked at their Instagram)
• Pasilla Pork Belly & Fried Oysters: A rich bite layered with a pasilla red wine reduction. It smoky, briny and decadent all at once.
• Lobster & Crab Croquettes: Crispy outside, creamy inside, a perfect bite between seafood platters.

The Cold Seafood Platter

Because it was my birthday, the Cold Seafood Platter was non-negotiable and it was better than I anticipated. Shrimp, oysters, tuna tartare, scallop aguachile, and yes, a whole lobster. It was top tier, and I paired it with a sparkling rosé toast to make the moment even better (you know sparkling rosé is my thing!).

The Surprise Ending

We almost skipped it, but I’m so glad we didn’t! I just happened to ask about the oyster shooters and we ended up with two to close the night. Aguachile, trout roe, and a mezcal michelada base made it the most unexpected, unforgettable bite/sip of the evening. A+ for presentation.

Why Hugo’s Seafood Bar Works for Dallas

Dallas is a city that doesn’t settle for one-note dining. Hugo’s fits right into that ethos by being versatile: perfect for date night, dinner with girlfriends, or even a solo treat-yourself evening. It’s approachable, with enough polish to feel special. The service was warm and personal, the kind that makes you feel known. Hugo’s is small (truly a nook), but that makes it feel special. Cozy, celebratory and worth coming back for. Next time, I’ve already got my eye on their entrées!

Visit Hugo’s Seafood Bar in Bishop Arts

If you’re in Dallas and craving seafood with thoughtful service and a lively atmosphere, Hugo’s should be on your list. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to wait for a trip to the coast to indulge in a seafood experience that feels fresh and fun.