The weather is heating up across Texas and that means Gulf Coast beach time and eating our weight in seafood. Whether crab, oysters, catfish or calamari, Texas has a bevy of both charming seaside shacks and swanky restaurants for you to get your seafood fill.
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10. Boil House, Houston
Source: Yelp
Houston's Boil House brings Louisiana-style crawfish across the Texas border. The Louisiana-native owners tout fresh ingredients and a down-home atmosphere.
9. Shrimp and Stuff, Galveston
Source: Yelp
Opened in 1976, Galveston's Shrimp and Stuff is known for its shrimp po boys. The casual eatery is a local favorite and folks drive from all across the island for its famous sandwiches. Shrimp and Stuff also serves made-from-scratch gumbo, oysters and fish and shrimp tacos. If it's your first trip to Galveston, you can't beat Shrimp and Stuff for fueling up for a day spent on the pier.
8. The Blue Cove, Corpus Christi
Source: Yelp
Every Texan knows chicken fried steak is a diner staple, but Corpus Christi's The Blue Cove is making a serious case for crab stuffed shrimp. According to the restaurants official Facebook page, the popular dish is made with "jumbo lump crab, mounted ontop of our jumbo shrimp" and served with homemade lemon butter dipping sauce. We know just reading that made your mouth water.
7. Beach and Station Street Grill, Port Aransas
Source: Yelp
While Galveston and Houston reign heavy on this list, Port Aransas has no shortage of delicious seafood eateries. Among them is the laid back Beach and Station Street Grill. The outside is a dive bar, but the food is five-star cuisine. This local favorite joint serves to-die-for Amberjack (pictured above), gumbo and peel and eat shrimp. After a meal here, you'll know why the locals want to keep it all to themselves.
6. Pine Tree Lodge, La Belle
Source: Yelp
If you prefer your seafood served out of a humble seafood shack surrounded by swimming alligators, Pine Tree Lodge is the place for you. Located just outside of Beaumont on the Taylor bayou, the no-frills establishment offers fried gator, fried catfish, oysters and much, much more. Or just get the best of all worlds and order the seafood combination platter. Texas Monthly named Pine Tree Lodge among its top 5 Southeast Texas seafood shacks in 2013.
5. Reef, Houston
Source: Yelp
Houston's fine dining seafood restaurant, Reef, is no joke. The establishment was named the No. 1 seafood restaurant in America by Bon Appetit Magazine. But even the most upscale eatery can serve up some serious comfort food. And don't worry Reef's famous fried mac and cheese will pair just fine with a glass of wine. With a side of jumbo crab cake, of course.
4. BLVD Seafood, Galveston
Source: Yelp
This seawall staple is a must-experience island destination. In a city with top-notch dining options, BLVD does not disappoint. Named one of the top seafood eateries in Galveston by Trip Advisor, BLVD offers killer oysters and gumbo. Pair your entree with a seawall sunrise martini.
3. Irie's Island Food, Port Aransas
Source: Yelp
When in Port A, hit up Irie's Island Food for your fill of fish tacos. The place may be small but that doesn't stop them from slinging an insane amount of made-from-scratch tacos to locals and tourists alike. Irie's was named the No. 1 seafood restaurant in Galveston by Trip Advisor.
2. Gaido's, Galveston
Source: Yelp
Founded in 1911, Gaido's is part of the fabric of Galveston. The historic food joint knows what works and doesn't stray from what made it famous. Fresh fish, house made dishes and a friendly atmosphere is still the trademark of Gaido's over a century later.
1. La Fisheria, Houston
Source: Yelp
We return to H-town for the No. 1 pick. La Fisheria offers Mexican coastal seafood and the dishes are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The chic eatery, which recently moved to downtown Houston, serves up everything from fish filet to octopus to beer battered shrimp tacos. Oh yeah, and grilled octopus-topped potato chips. Yes, that's a thing. The Houston Press said, "there's absolutely nothing else like it in Houston, and likely never has been."
