Restaurant Review: Daddy Jack’s

Sitting elbow to elbow at community tables covered with checkered tablecloths, burbles of conversation interrupted by the occasional coo of a baby, it is easy to forget that this charming tavern is smack in the middle of trendy Lowest Greenville. This revered New England-style lobster and chowder spot has not changed much over the last 22 years. They’ve added a few items such as jumbo scallops and pecan-crusted trout, but it’s the classics that draw me back. One must start a meal here with either the lobster bisque or New England clam chowder. The complimentary spongy, white bread is perfect for soaking up the soup. While the salad with field greens, blue cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, hearts of palm, and roasted walnuts sounds tempting, skip it. You’ll be better served digging into a simple house salad, though you’ll need an extra side of the house balsamic vinaigrette for the heaping plate of crisp greens. The whole Maine lobster and the cold-water Canadian rock lobster tails are always reliable choices, but if cioppino is on the list of rotating specials, order it. The stew is a deep bowl of seafood stock loaded with tomatoes, saffron, a Maine lobster tail and claw, jumbo shrimp, clams, mussels, and sea scallops. Make sure to bib up before diving in.