Crab Station Oyster Bar cleared to open third Dallas location
Built WorldThird Dallas location gets its mixed-beverage license
3 days ago: Crab Station Oyster Bar cleared to open on Commerce StreetNew here? Follow stories to track developments over time. Create a free account to get updates when stories you care about change.
Overview
Updated YesterdayThe Crab Station Oyster Bar, a Cajun-style seafood chain, received the license it needs to open a third Dallas location. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued a mixed-beverage permit for 2813 Commerce St. on Aug. 28.
The address is in Deep Ellum, one of Dallas's busiest entertainment districts. The permit clears the restaurant to serve beer, wine, and cocktails, but it does not set an opening date. The company still has to finish the space and announce when it starts serving.
Why it matters
The license lets The Crab Station serve alcohol at a new Deep Ellum address, expanding dining options in one of Dallas's busiest neighborhoods.
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Organizations Involved
Cajun-style seafood restaurant with two existing Dallas-area locations.
State agency that licenses and regulates alcohol in Texas.
Timeline
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Crab Station Oyster Bar cleared to open on Commerce Street
Latest LicensingTexas ABC issued a mixed-beverage license to The Crab Station for 2813 Commerce St in Dallas.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
Repeal of Prohibition and creation of TABC (1933-1935)
The 21st Amendment ended federal Prohibition in 1933 and gave states control over alcohol. Texas passed the Texas Liquor Control Act in 1935 and created a state board to license sellers.
Every Texas business that wanted to sell alcohol had to get a state permit.
That permit system still governs all alcohol sales in Texas, including restaurant mixed-beverage licenses.
The Crab Station's Aug. 28 license is an artifact of this system; the state controls whether and when a restaurant can serve drinks.
Deep Ellum's boom, bust, and revival (1920s-2000s)
Deep Ellum grew in the 1920s as Dallas's Black entertainment district, packed with jazz and blues clubs. It declined after mid-century, then saw waves of artists, clubs, crime, and redevelopment.
The neighborhood cycled between vacancy and nightlife energy.
By the 2000s, redevelopment made it a dense entertainment and residential district.
2813 Commerce St is in Deep Ellum, so the new restaurant is part of that district's current commercial phase.
