Waterfront Dining
Looking for a guide of must-see waterfront restaurants? These local favorites each offer an incredible dining experience while serving up some of the best waterside and sunset views around the Bay Area.
Here's where to dock and dine with a view
Clear FAVORITES ON CLEAR Lake
Sundance Grill II
Sip from a refreshing glass of wine on the deck of Sundance Grill II, nestled among the sailboats and trees in Waterford Harbor Marina and accessible by car or boat. Chef Hans Mair–owner and founder–and his team serve fresh, hot plates of seafood like Hanzee’s Crab Cakes topped with Charon sauce or shrimp bimini, a Hanzee selection from his island life. On Sundays, nurse a mimosa or two and enjoy their well-loved Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Opus Bistro & Steakhouse
A local sensation–much like Opus Ocean Grille–Opus Bistro & Steakhouse serves up gourmet dining with Southern hospitality and Texas flair. This beloved restaurant is located at the South Shore Harbor Resort, just above the pool and overlooking the marina. Sample plates of lobster risotto, chicken fried veal, or Cajun shrimp and grits while enjoying marina and waterfront views from your table.
Opus Ocean Grille
Located within the Watergate Yachting Center in Clear Lake Shores, Opus Ocean Grille offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes including oysters on the half shell, Alaskan King Crab, Chilean Sea Bass, and more. You can dine right by the water on their outdoor patio or dine indoors and still have a perfect view of Clear Lake through wide glass windows. Just don’t mix it up with its’ sister-counterpart, Opus Bistro & Steakhouse.
Cabo Clear Lake
Cabo–a two story bar and grill situated on the shores of Clear Lake—welcomes you with a lively atmosphere and breathtaking waterfront views. Feast on handcrafted burgers and Ahi avocado tacos, or visit during their popular Thursday steak nights. Listen to live bands and DJs play on the weekends while on a date night or hanging with friends.
Schafer's Coastal Bar & Grille
Enjoy the casual outdoor patio with friends, savor a meal with Gulf Coast flair, and quench your thirst with a refreshing cocktail at Schafer’s. Watch boats dock and dine while you relax in the cozy ambiance of the restaurant. Try the creole crab dip or blackened Mahi Mahi fish tacos and splurge on Schafer’s signature apple crisp dessert.
Barge 295
Located at the end of a pier on Clear Lake, Barge 295 offers live entertainment, cold drinks, and fresh food. Wave hello to the boats that cruise by as you dine on the first or second floor of the restaurant. Try boiled deep-water jumbo shrimp and Cajun pork sandwiches, or sip from Texas-crafted draft beers. Don’t miss the Yard, a new outdoor music venue adjacent to the pier, that hosts local artists and DJs weekly.
Sam's Boat
Known as Seabrook’s No. 1 destination restaurant for all things sports, Sam’s Boat serves fresh food, cold beers, waterfront views, and the best crawfish in Clear Lake. With dozens of TVs tuned in to sports channels and live entertainment every weekend, there’s never a dull moment at Sam’s Boat. Try a ‘Sam’s Specialty’ like the Snapper Pontchartrain or shrimp brochette and complete your meal with praline sauce stuffed beignets topped with candied pecans and powdered sugar.
Frenchie's Villa Capri
Known for breathtaking sunset views on Clear Lake, stunning banquet halls, and romantic atmospheres, Villa Capri is the perfect place for date nights, receptions, and weddings. Feast on savory Italian dishes like the shrimp piccata or chicken marsala or good old-fashioned spaghetti & meatballs and top off the night with handmade Villa Capri almond cake. After your meal, walk through a bountiful garden and onto a sweet pier that leads out onto the water.
Gorgeous Galveston Bay Views
Topwater Grille
Just steps away from the waters of Galveston Bay in San Leon, Topwater Grill has a casual atmosphere, including comfortable patio seating complete with gliding benches. Dine on smoked swordfish dip or a delectable whole stuffed flounder and watch boats and jet skis come and go. The restaurant operates its own fleet of shrimp and oyster boats, so you know the seafood on your plate is Gulf Coast fresh.
Noah's ark bar & grill
Family-friendly Noah’s Ark is a large tiki hut restaurant overlooking Galveston Bay. The sunset views are a great backdrop as you dine on their huge outdoor patio. Stop by in the morning and try “Noah’s Benedict” topped with homemade lemon cream shrimp sauce, or sample local dinner favorites like the savory crawfish étouffée or fresh seafood platter with a side of hushpuppies. On the weekends, party with live music and karaoke in their upstairs “Parrot’s Nest” palapa bar.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
Pier 6 offers tide-to-table cuisine and is fast becoming a local legend for their fresh and flavorful Gulf Coast oysters. From chilled raw oysters to grilled oysters prepared with toppings like grated Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh herb shallot butter, they’re the perfect start to any meal. If you’re looking for a mouthwatering entrée, try the crispy red snapper or spicy Piri Piri grilled shrimp cooked up by renowned Houston-area chef, Joe Cervantez. Expansive views of Galveston Bay offer a fitting backdrop to this restaurant dedicated to elevating seafood.
waterside Kemah PICKS
Landry's Seafood House
Turn your day into an adventure at Kemah Boardwalk, where amusement rides, carnival games, and waterfront dining await. Sit outside and enjoy the boardwalk and sunset views on the patios of favorite seafood restaurants like Bubba Gump or Landry’s Seafood House.
Enjoy panoramic waterfront views from outside on the patio or inside in our beautiful dining room. No matter where you choose to sit, the view of the bay and the parade of passing boats will provide an unforgettable dining experience.
Tookie's Burgers
Sink your teeth into signature, super-sized burgers at family-favorite Tookie’s Burgers. Declared as some of the best burgers in Texas in 2008, Tookie’s is situated off Kemah Boardwalk’s Marina and offers a variety of burgers to choose from, like the Squealer (a handmade beef and bacon patty) and the #99, a burger patty marinated in wine and topped with Tookie’s special blend of spices.
Other Local Hangouts
Chelsea Wine Bar
Overlooking the waters of Taylor Lake, Chelsea Wine Bar offers an easy, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy colorful sunsets on pristine upper- and lower-level water-view decks. Choose from over 100 hand-selected wines and 24 rotating beer taps. Try house favorites from their comfort food menu, like Chelsea cheeseboards, baked goat cheese, and homemade Shepard’s pie, or roast marshmallows with your very own s’mores kit. Visit during Friday and Saturday nights for live music and entertainment.
Boondoggles Pub
Bring your furry companions to pet-friendly Boondoggles Pub, home to wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and a selection of over 40 craft beers on tap. Ask for the Puppy Patty and share a meal with your pets on Boondoggles’ outside patio. Come during weekly Grill Nights on Wednesdays and choose from tender New York Strips and Prime Ribs or try fresh, gourmet pies like the spicy Fajita Pizza or the cheesy Quattro Formaggio.
Marais
Transport yourself back to 1940s New Orleans with Marais’ glamour-inspired restaurant. Located alongside Dickinson Bayou, Marais offers Cajun influenced cuisine, steaks, and seafood. Savor Cajun shrimp and grits or lump blue crab beignets in the upscale indoor dining area, take a swig of craft beer at the pirate-themed bar inspired by Jean Lafitte, or relax in the beer garden overlooking the bayou. Want some whimsy? Try a specialty cocktail at Benson’s bar, where you can sip your favorite drink from the comfort of your very own swing. Reservations are recommended.