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Down seafood on a floating bar in Clear Lake or stay ashore with co*cktails in Galveston? Pick your waterfront dining adventure
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Willie G’s
Houston is not a coastal city by any means, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a meal by the water. Nicknamed Bayou City, H-Town and its suburbs offer plenty of dining establishments that offer a Southern, sometimes urban charm, with a dash of coastal tranquility. With serene bayous within the city and Galveston’s shores, it’s possible to still enjoy the gentle rhythm of waves, the sounds of seagulls flying above, and the calming sights of a water horizon. Here are some top spots that combine delicious food with eye-catching waterfront views.
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Part of the mixed-use development Hughes Landing, the Woodlands outpost of this upscale seafood and steak restaurant offers a swanky backdrop for dishes like miso-glazed sea bass, a filet mignon flight, and fresh stone crab claws. Take your pick from the impressive wine list while enjoying views of Lake Woodlands for a sophisticated dining experience.
Situated at the edge of Lake Houston, this laid-back restaurant offers nautical-themed decor and plenty of seafood dishes— some of which come with playful titles like the Great White Shark Burger and the Man Overboard fried mozzarella cheese sticks. For a well-rounded sampler, try the Treasure Chest combo, which comes with its Shrimply Irresistible fondue and garlic bread, popcorn shrimp, mozzarella sticks, and four Shark Bites, pepper jack cheese-stuffed shrimp that’s wrapped in bacon, lightly fried, and brushed with barbecue sauce.
This modern glass treehouse features sparkling chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a full view of nearby Buffalo Bayou Park and Lost Lake. Enjoy the sights while savoring the flavors of small Mexican towns with a Texas twist in dishes such as mole enchiladas, chile relleno, barbacoa, and street tacos al pastor, with the flan serving as the perfect finish.
Situated in a wooded retreat, the rustic yet elegant Brenner’s offers a view of Buffalo Bayou from every table of its two-story dining room in addition to its a cozy co*cktail lounge and wine cellar. The restaurant offers an upscale menu of proteins and prime cuts, including American wagyu rib-eyes and crispy leg duck fit, and wild game specials, that pair well with dishes like its beefsteak tomato salad with homemade Roquefort and French onion soup.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73440921/IMG_3417.0.jpg "12 Houston Area Restaurants With Waterfront Dining (3)")
Overlooking Taylor Lake, both the upper- and lower-level decks at Chelsea Wine Bar provide relaxing views of the water. Frequently visited by NASA astronauts from the nearby Johnson Space Center, Chelsea features hand-painted murals, jukebox tunes, an extensive wine and craft beer list, and pub fare such as shepherd’s pie, sliders, and flatbreads.
(281) 326-5282
(281) 326-5282
For a no-frills drinking and dining experience on the water, head to Barge 295. Open until 2 a.m. nightly, this lively two-story Seabrook bar floats on Clear Lake, offering a spacious patio, a laid-back food menu, featuring sandwiches, tacos, and seafood, and plenty of beer with sunset views. Catch its everyday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. when appetizers are half-priced and domestic beers are $3, and be on the lookout for its specials, like steak nights on Mondays and its all-you-can-eat fried catfish deals.
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Located in San Leon, this 2022 James Beard Award-nominated restaurant offers views of Galveston Bay and a menu centered on fresh seafood, with oysters coming straight from the owner’s Prestige Oysters, one of the nation’s top suppliers of Gulf oysters. After slurping down some raw oysters on the half-shell, try the wood-grilled yellowfin tuna or the pecan-crusted redfish. Then relish in the laid-back atmosphere on the outdoor patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation 30 minutes to an hour before sunset for a special view while dining.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73440922/Patio_by_Kirsten_Gilliam_07.0.jpg "12 Houston Area Restaurants With Waterfront Dining (4)")
Owned by the same family as Katie’s Seafood Market, this seafood house located on the Galveston channel serves up waterfront dining with fresh seafood that comes right off the boats to your plate. The menu features a stuffed crab platter, parmesan Texas gulf shrimp piccata, and a catch of the day fileted, grilled, and cooked in your choice of Creole, German Schnitzel, and Caribbean.
Willie G’s offers a view of ships coming into the harbor at Pier 21 from Galveston Ship Channel. The menu at the upscale restaurant focuses on seafood and steaks with items including blackened catfish etouffee, fried catfish, and a center-cut top sirloin.
Galveston’s Hotel Lucine boasts a spacious rooftop bar with scenic 180-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy co*cktails and light bites such as chilled shrimp, a Cobb salad, and a Greek yogurt parfait. Don’t miss the summer music program, featuring live performances every Saturday night through Labor Day.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73440923/Rooftop_Lounge2__1_.0.jpg "12 Houston Area Restaurants With Waterfront Dining (5)")
Located at Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 offers sweeping views of Offatts Bayou from both the dining room and the terrace with a casual island vibe. The menu includes prime steaks and locally sourced seafood, including wagyu tartare, a wet-aged center-cut filet mignon, and blackened shrimp and grits.
(409) 572-2650
(409) 572-2650
Take in the beachfront view at this Italian restaurant in Galveston’s San Luis Resort. Inspired by an Old Country trattoria and classic Italian cooking, Grotto delivers a charming ambiance and a savory menu of classic Italian dishes such as ravioli bolognese, linguine pescatore, and lasagna al forno.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73440924/View_1.0.jpg "12 Houston Area Restaurants With Waterfront Dining (6)")
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Part of the mixed-use development Hughes Landing, the Woodlands outpost of this upscale seafood and steak restaurant offers a swanky backdrop for dishes like miso-glazed sea bass, a filet mignon flight, and fresh stone crab claws. Take your pick from the impressive wine list while enjoying views of Lake Woodlands for a sophisticated dining experience.
Situated at the edge of Lake Houston, this laid-back restaurant offers nautical-themed decor and plenty of seafood dishes— some of which come with playful titles like the Great White Shark Burger and the Man Overboard fried mozzarella cheese sticks. For a well-rounded sampler, try the Treasure Chest combo, which comes with its Shrimply Irresistible fondue and garlic bread, popcorn shrimp, mozzarella sticks, and four Shark Bites, pepper jack cheese-stuffed shrimp that’s wrapped in bacon, lightly fried, and brushed with barbecue sauce.
This modern glass treehouse features sparkling chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a full view of nearby Buffalo Bayou Park and Lost Lake. Enjoy the sights while savoring the flavors of small Mexican towns with a Texas twist in dishes such as mole enchiladas, chile relleno, barbacoa, and street tacos al pastor, with the flan serving as the perfect finish.
Situated in a wooded retreat, the rustic yet elegant Brenner’s offers a view of Buffalo Bayou from every table of its two-story dining room in addition to its a cozy co*cktail lounge and wine cellar. The restaurant offers an upscale menu of proteins and prime cuts, including American wagyu rib-eyes and crispy leg duck fit, and wild game specials, that pair well with dishes like its beefsteak tomato salad with homemade Roquefort and French onion soup.
Overlooking Taylor Lake, both the upper- and lower-level decks at Chelsea Wine Bar provide relaxing views of the water. Frequently visited by NASA astronauts from the nearby Johnson Space Center, Chelsea features hand-painted murals, jukebox tunes, an extensive wine and craft beer list, and pub fare such as shepherd’s pie, sliders, and flatbreads.
For a no-frills drinking and dining experience on the water, head to Barge 295. Open until 2 a.m. nightly, this lively two-story Seabrook bar floats on Clear Lake, offering a spacious patio, a laid-back food menu, featuring sandwiches, tacos, and seafood, and plenty of beer with sunset views. Catch its everyday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. when appetizers are half-priced and domestic beers are $3, and be on the lookout for its specials, like steak nights on Mondays and its all-you-can-eat fried catfish deals.
Located in San Leon, this 2022 James Beard Award-nominated restaurant offers views of Galveston Bay and a menu centered on fresh seafood, with oysters coming straight from the owner’s Prestige Oysters, one of the nation’s top suppliers of Gulf oysters. After slurping down some raw oysters on the half-shell, try the wood-grilled yellowfin tuna or the pecan-crusted redfish. Then relish in the laid-back atmosphere on the outdoor patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation 30 minutes to an hour before sunset for a special view while dining.
Owned by the same family as Katie’s Seafood Market, this seafood house located on the Galveston channel serves up waterfront dining with fresh seafood that comes right off the boats to your plate. The menu features a stuffed crab platter, parmesan Texas gulf shrimp piccata, and a catch of the day fileted, grilled, and cooked in your choice of Creole, German Schnitzel, and Caribbean.
Willie G’s offers a view of ships coming into the harbor at Pier 21 from Galveston Ship Channel. The menu at the upscale restaurant focuses on seafood and steaks with items including blackened catfish etouffee, fried catfish, and a center-cut top sirloin.
Galveston’s Hotel Lucine boasts a spacious rooftop bar with scenic 180-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy co*cktails and light bites such as chilled shrimp, a Cobb salad, and a Greek yogurt parfait. Don’t miss the summer music program, featuring live performances every Saturday night through Labor Day.
Located at Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 offers sweeping views of Offatts Bayou from both the dining room and the terrace with a casual island vibe. The menu includes prime steaks and locally sourced seafood, including wagyu tartare, a wet-aged center-cut filet mignon, and blackened shrimp and grits.
(409) 572-2650
(409) 572-2650
Take in the beachfront view at this Italian restaurant in Galveston’s San Luis Resort. Inspired by an Old Country trattoria and classic Italian cooking, Grotto delivers a charming ambiance and a savory menu of classic Italian dishes such as ravioli bolognese, linguine pescatore, and lasagna al forno.
- Where to Sip co*cktails Poolside in Houston
- Houston Rooftops for Dining and Drinking With a View
- 17 Must-Try Steaks in Houston
