17 Waterfront Restaurants In Texas That Rival Coastal Dining

Texas may not sit on an ocean coast, but its waterfront dining scene can easily hold its own.

Along shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and peaceful bays, restaurants serve fresh seafood, smoky barbecue, and cocktails best enjoyed with a sunset view.

Each spot captures a different side of Texas charm – relaxed, welcoming, and full of flavor. These are the kinds of places that turn a simple meal into an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.

1. Gaido’s (Galveston)

Since 1911, this Galveston legend has been slinging some of the freshest Gulf seafood you’ll ever taste. The building itself survived hurricanes and history, making every meal feel like eating in a time capsule.

Their stuffed snapper is the stuff of local legend, and the shrimp – caught right offshore – practically jumps from boat to plate.

You can literally watch waves crash while cracking crab legs, which is pretty much the Texas dream.

2. Miller’s Seawall Grill (Galveston)

Perched right on the famous Galveston Seawall, Miller’s gives you unfiltered Gulf views without the fancy price tag. It’s where locals go when they want killer fish tacos without pretension.

The crab cakes are ridiculously meaty, and their oysters come ice-cold and briny. Plus, watching dolphins play while you munch on fried shrimp might just be the most Texan thing ever.

3. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House (San Leon)

Hidden in tiny San Leon, this gem sits literally on a pier jutting into Galveston Bay. You’ll feel like you’re dining on a fishing boat, minus the seasickness.

Their oysters are shucked to order, and the crawfish when in season will make you forget New Orleans exists.

Bring cash, bring your appetite, and maybe bring binoculars for the pelican show happening right outside.

4. Opus Ocean Grille (Clear Lake Shores)

When you want to impress a date or celebrate something fancy, Opus brings the upscale vibes. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the marina while you feast on Chilean sea bass that melts like butter.

Their wine list rivals Houston’s best steakhouses, and the lobster bisque is velvety perfection. It’s pricey, sure, but watching sunset paint the water gold makes every penny worth it.

5. Topwater Grille (San Leon)

Right next door to Pier 6, Topwater keeps things deliciously casual. Think cold beer, hot fried fish, and zero judgment if you show up in flip-flops covered in sunscreen.

The blackened redfish sandwich hits different when you’re eating it dockside, watching shrimp boats unload their catch. Live music on weekends turns dinner into a full-blown bayou party, Texas-style.

6. Katie’s Seafood House (Galveston)

Katie’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to portions or flavor. This family-run spot serves Gulf Coast classics that’ll have you loosening your belt halfway through.

Their gumbo is thick, spicy, and loaded with actual seafood – not just filler. The stuffed flounder could feed a small army, and watching boats glide by while you eat makes you forget Houston traffic exists.

7. Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks (Galveston)

Part of the Landry’s empire, Willie G’s brings Houston-level polish to Galveston’s harbor. You can order a perfectly aged ribeye or go full Gulf Coast with their famous seafood platter.

The harbor views are postcard-perfect, especially from the patio where sailboats drift lazily past. Their turtle soup is controversial but beloved, and the key lime pie finishes things on a tart, sweet note.

8. Barge 295 (Seabrook)

Eating on an actual barge feels exactly as cool as it sounds. This Seabrook spot floats on Clear Lake, giving you 360-degree water views that landlocked restaurants can only dream about.

The menu leans fresh and creative – think seared tuna with unexpected twists, not just fried everything. Sunset here is pure magic, and the gentle rocking reminds you that yes, you’re literally dining on water.

9. Chelsea Wine Bar (Taylor Lake)

Who says waterfront dining has to mean seafood overload? Chelsea Wine Bar pairs an impressive wine selection with small plates and big lake views that feel surprisingly European.

Their charcuterie boards are Instagram-worthy, and the sunset views over Taylor Lake rival anything you’d find in Napa. It’s intimate, romantic, and proof that Texas does sophisticated waterfront dining beautifully.

10. Truluck’s (The Woodlands)

Famous for their Florida stone crab flown in fresh, Truluck’s brings serious seafood credibility to The Woodlands. The waterfront setting on Lake Woodlands adds that extra touch of class.

Everything from the Chilean sea bass to the lobster bisque screams quality over quantity. It’s date-night fancy without being stuffy, and the lakeside patio makes you forget you’re in suburban Houston.

11. Fajita Jack’s (Lake Conroe)

Sometimes you just need Tex-Mex with a view, and Fajita Jack’s delivers both in spades. Sizzling fajitas meet Lake Conroe breezes, creating the perfect Texas trifecta with margaritas thrown in.

The deck seating puts you right over the water, where boats cruise by and weekend vibes reign supreme. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and exactly what lakeside dining should feel like – fun and flavorful.

12. Sharky’s Waterfront Grill (Kingwood)

Kingwood locals know Sharky’s is where you go for no-fuss food and primo Lake Houston views. Burgers, seafood baskets, and cold drinks flow freely while jet skis zip past.

It’s the kind of place where kids can run around and adults can actually relax. The fried catfish is crispy perfection, and watching Texas sunsets paint the lake orange beats any fancy restaurant scene.

13. Brenner’s on the Bayou (Houston)

Right in the heart of Houston, Brenner’s sits on Buffalo Bayou like a hidden oasis. This isn’t beach dining – it’s lush, green, and surprisingly tranquil for being smack in the city.

Their steaks are legendary, cooked to absolute perfection, while the bayou views add unexpected romance. Turtles sunbathe on logs below while you sip wine above, creating a surreal urban-nature mashup only Houston could pull off.

14. The Oasis on Lake Travis (Austin)

Claiming the title of “Sunset Capital of Texas” isn’t humble, but The Oasis backs it up. This massive, multi-level complex towers over Lake Travis, serving incredible views to thousands nightly.

Sure, the food is decent Tex-Mex and American fare, but honestly, you come for the sunset spectacle. When that Hill Country sky explodes in orange and pink, you’ll understand why this place is legendary.

15. Hemingway’s (Possum Kingdom Lake)

Named after the legendary writer, this Possum Kingdom Lake spot brings unexpected sophistication to North Texas lake country. The views of PK Lake’s dramatic cliffs rival anything on the coast.

Their menu swings upscale with dishes that wouldn’t be out of place in Dallas’s best restaurants. Pair that with stunning water views and you’ve got a destination worth the drive from anywhere.

16. Quince Riverside (Fort Worth)

Fort Worth’s Trinity River gets its moment at Quince, where modern American cuisine meets unexpected riverside elegance. This isn’t your typical lake shack – it’s urban waterfront dining done right.

The menu changes seasonally, showcasing Texas ingredients with creative flair. River views add tranquility to Cowtown’s hustle, making this a refreshing escape without leaving the city limits. Brunch here is particularly magical.

17. HG Sply Co. (Fort Worth)

Health-conscious meets waterfront at this Fort Worth favorite along the Trinity River. Farm-to-table freshness pairs beautifully with riverside seating that makes you forget you’re dining in Texas’s fifth-largest city.

Their avocado toast is legendary, and the açai bowls rival anything in California.

It’s where brunching meets nature, proving waterfront dining doesn’t always mean fried seafood and beer – sometimes it’s green juice and good vibes.