6 Texas Seafood Restaurants Locals Quietly Avoid & 6 Tourists Truly Enjoy
Texas coastline offers a bounty of seafood options, but not all restaurants serve up the same quality experience. Locals know which spots to skip, while visitors often flock to places with flashy attractions or convenient tourist-area locations.
This guide reveals which seafood joints Texans secretly avoid and which ones visitors can’t stop raving about.
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – San Antonio River Walk
Movie memorabilia covers the walls at this Forest Gump-themed chain restaurant. Locals steer clear of the predictable menu and inflated prices that come with the prime River Walk real estate.
The long wait times during peak tourist season make it a no-go for San Antonians who know better seafood options exist just blocks away.
The food isn’t terrible, just unremarkable compared to authentic local Gulf seafood.
2. Aquarium Restaurant – Downtown Houston
Giant fish tanks surround diners at this underwater-themed Landry’s property. The spectacle attracts camera-wielding tourists, but locals know the seafood doesn’t match the wow factor of the decor.
Houston residents typically visit once for the novelty, then never return. The broadly generic menu tries to please everyone but impresses few, especially considering the premium prices charged for the aquarium views.
3. Joe’s Crab Shack – Galveston Seawall
Perched across from the beach, this national chain lures sunburned tourists with bright colors and dancing servers. My family used to go here after beach days until we discovered how mediocre the crab really was.
Locals grimace at the inconsistent quality and tourist-trap pricing. The frozen seafood and assembly-line preparation can’t compete with fresher options nearby that serve authentic Gulf catches at similar or lower prices.
4. Landry’s Seafood House – Kemah Boardwalk
Corporate seafood dominates this waterfront location amid carnival rides and souvenir shops. The restaurant relies on its prime position rather than culinary excellence to fill seats.
Galveston Bay locals bypass this spot, knowing the seafood lacks the character found at independent eateries.
The cookie-cutter menu items arrive consistently mediocre, while prices reflect the premium Boardwalk location rather than the actual food quality.
5. Fisherman’s Wharf – Galveston Harbor
Situated near the historic tall ship Elissa, this restaurant capitalizes on location over culinary merit. Tour groups flock here after harbor excursions, enticed by the maritime atmosphere and harbor views.
Island locals roll their eyes at the predictable Landry’s menu that’s nearly identical to their other properties.
The seafood arrives consistently underwhelming, with preparations that mask rather than highlight Gulf freshness, all while charging premium prices for the waterfront setting.
6. Fish Tales – Galveston Seawall
Massive second-story balconies overlook the Gulf, drawing beachgoers seeking post-swim sustenance. The tourist-focused menu features fried everything, served by hurried staff managing vacation crowds.
Galveston residents know the kitchen prioritizes speed over quality. I once waited 90 minutes for a table only to receive lukewarm, greasy seafood that tasted like it came straight from the freezer section.
The restaurant banks on one-time customers who won’t return to notice the decline in standards.
7. Gaido’s – Galveston Seawall
Family-owned since 1911, this Galveston institution has perfected Gulf seafood across generations. The historic dining room exudes old-school charm with white tablecloths and seasoned servers who know regular customers by name.
Tourists appreciate the signature pecan-crusted mahi-mahi and legendary seafood platters.
The restaurant maintains high standards despite its popularity, serving fresh catches daily and making everything from scratch, including their famous bread pudding that deserves its own fan club.
8. Perla’s – Austin (South Congress)
Oak trees shade the expansive patio where Austin’s hip crowd mingles with visitors over oyster platters.
The seafood arrives fresh daily from both Gulf and coastal waters, expertly prepared with minimal fuss to highlight natural flavors. Tourists love the see-and-be-seen SoCo location and impressive raw bar selections.
The wood-grilled fish with simple herb butter lets quality ingredients speak for themselves, while the knowledgeable staff guides guests through the ever-changing menu of sustainable catches.
9. Water Street Oyster Bar – Corpus Christi
Gulf oysters take center stage at this downtown Corpus institution where salty air enhances the dining experience. Tourists line up for the massive seafood platters showcasing the day’s freshest catches, often harvested just hours before serving.
The restaurant maintains a casual vibe despite its reputation for excellence. Blackboard specials change daily based on what local fishermen bring in, while the gumbo recipe remains unchanged for decades, earning loyal fans who drive hours just for a bowl.
10. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House – San Leon
Waterfront views of Galveston Bay complement seafood pulled from those same waters at this dockside gem. The restaurant partners directly with local fishermen, ensuring what’s on your plate was swimming that morning.
Visitors marvel at oysters harvested from visible beds just offshore. The unpretentious setting belies serious culinary credentials, with wood-fired cooking that enhances rather than masks seafood flavors.
Their Gulf cioppino has converted many tourists into regular return visitors whenever they’re back in Texas.
11. Clark’s Oyster Bar – Austin
Nautical blues and whites create a Cape Cod atmosphere in this intimate West Austin jewel box. The carefully curated menu focuses on impeccable sourcing rather than endless options, with oysters from both coasts properly shucked to order.
Tourists love the refreshing departure from Texas-sized portions. The pan-roasted black bass with brown butter ranks among Austin’s most photographed dishes, while the caviar service attracts special-occasion diners.
Their lobster roll sparks fierce debates about whether the warm butter or chilled mayo version reigns supreme.
12. Lotus Seafood – Houston
Plastic bags filled with spicy, buttery seafood boils create an unforgettable Houston experience. This no-frills spot has expanded from a tiny takeout counter to multiple locations based on word-of-mouth from tourists who discovered their legendary “Crack Sauce.”
Visitors come for the social media-famous seafood but return for the genuine flavors. The kitchen blends Cajun, Vietnamese, and Gulf Coast influences into something uniquely Houston.
Prepare for a delicious mess – the bibs are necessary, and the food is worth stained shirts.