Along with chili, burgers, barbecue, and a few other things, seafood is one of those iconic Texas meals that we just can’t get enough of. If you feel like you’ve exhausted all your options, Gilhooley’s in San Leon is an oyster dive bar that’s unlike any restaurant you’ve ever been to in the best way possible – and we aren’t the only ones who feel that way. This unassuming seafood restaurant in Texas will soon become your new favorite eatery. See for yourself:
Named the best “Anti-Restaurant” in Texas by GQ Magazine, meaning a place where you’d never expect to find such delicious food, Gilhooley’s is definitely nothing fancy - but that’s what makes it so great.
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Beat-up license plates line the walls, waitresses holler out drink orders while sliding glasses across the bar top, and the “No kids, no pets, cash only” policy confirms the no-frills attitude of the joint.
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Obviously, oysters are the most popular item on the menu. Get ’em fried or grilled, topped with parmesan and garlic butter or spicy salsa, in a stew, or served as a combo with shrimp. The options are endless!
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And even if oysters aren’t your cup of tea, Gilhooley’s is still worth a visit. Try a bowl of gumbo or etouffe, a plate of crispy, tender catfish, some boudain and sausage, or even a good ol’ fashioned chicken-fried steak.
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Even Andrew Zimmern declared Gilhooley’s the “ultimate seafood dive bar in America” on an episode of “Bizarre Foods.” If he says it’s good, then it must be true.
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Gilhooley’s is located at 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539, and is open daily from 11am-10pm. So grab a couple of friends and head on over to enjoy a cold beer, some delicious seafood, and a lively atmosphere.
Facebook/gilhooleys To learn more about Gilhooley’s in Texas, visit their website or Facebook page.
Have you ever been to this unassuming seafood restaurant in Texas? If so, we want to hear all about it! Share your stories with us in the comments below! And if you know another amazing oyster bar in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
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To learn more about Gilhooley’s in Texas, visit their website or Facebook page.
Craving more delicious eats? Check out these amazing small town restaurants in Texas.
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Address: 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unassuming seafood restaurant in Texas June 11, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best oyster bars in Texas? Clark’s, located in Austin, is one of the best oyster bars in Texas. Step inside this vibrant yellow eatery and prepare to be amazed. In addition to their fresh and delicious seafood, this welcoming restaurant is known for its delectable shoestring french fries. Also in Austin is Deckhand Oyster Bar. Don’t be put off by it’s location. Just because it’s in a shopping center doesn’t mean they scrimp on quality. Here, you can get scrumptious oysters for a reasonable price. What are the best seafood shacks in Texas? Joe’s Oyster Bar and Grill, located in Rosenberg, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. Tucked inside this no-frills restaurant is some of the freshest seafood around. Everything here is finger-licking good – from the fish tacos to the po’boys. Come hungry and try a little bit of everything! There’s so much to love about this tasty little dining destination. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas? Nothing beats a meal by the water. For spectacular views and superb service, visit RiverBend in Karmack, Texas. This lovely restaurant sits next to Caddo Lake, and it’s very much a hidden gem. Munch on crispy fried catfish and chow down on jalapeno hushpuppies. You’ll never want to leave this scenic eatery. If you loved this place, you should also pay a visit to The Overlook Cafe in Burnet. This peaceful restaurant sits along the shimmering waters of Lake Buchanan, and it’s especially gorgeous during sunset. Enjoy a delicious plate of southern food and finish with a slice of cheesecake. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unassuming seafood restaurant in Texas
June 11, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best oyster bars in Texas? Clark’s, located in Austin, is one of the best oyster bars in Texas. Step inside this vibrant yellow eatery and prepare to be amazed. In addition to their fresh and delicious seafood, this welcoming restaurant is known for its delectable shoestring french fries. Also in Austin is Deckhand Oyster Bar. Don’t be put off by it’s location. Just because it’s in a shopping center doesn’t mean they scrimp on quality. Here, you can get scrumptious oysters for a reasonable price. What are the best seafood shacks in Texas? Joe’s Oyster Bar and Grill, located in Rosenberg, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. Tucked inside this no-frills restaurant is some of the freshest seafood around. Everything here is finger-licking good – from the fish tacos to the po’boys. Come hungry and try a little bit of everything! There’s so much to love about this tasty little dining destination. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas? Nothing beats a meal by the water. For spectacular views and superb service, visit RiverBend in Karmack, Texas. This lovely restaurant sits next to Caddo Lake, and it’s very much a hidden gem. Munch on crispy fried catfish and chow down on jalapeno hushpuppies. You’ll never want to leave this scenic eatery. If you loved this place, you should also pay a visit to The Overlook Cafe in Burnet. This peaceful restaurant sits along the shimmering waters of Lake Buchanan, and it’s especially gorgeous during sunset. Enjoy a delicious plate of southern food and finish with a slice of cheesecake. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Clark’s, located in Austin, is one of the best oyster bars in Texas. Step inside this vibrant yellow eatery and prepare to be amazed. In addition to their fresh and delicious seafood, this welcoming restaurant is known for its delectable shoestring french fries. Also in Austin is Deckhand Oyster Bar. Don’t be put off by it’s location. Just because it’s in a shopping center doesn’t mean they scrimp on quality. Here, you can get scrumptious oysters for a reasonable price.
What are the best seafood shacks in Texas?
Joe’s Oyster Bar and Grill, located in Rosenberg, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. Tucked inside this no-frills restaurant is some of the freshest seafood around. Everything here is finger-licking good – from the fish tacos to the po’boys. Come hungry and try a little bit of everything! There’s so much to love about this tasty little dining destination.
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas?
Nothing beats a meal by the water. For spectacular views and superb service, visit RiverBend in Karmack, Texas. This lovely restaurant sits next to Caddo Lake, and it’s very much a hidden gem. Munch on crispy fried catfish and chow down on jalapeno hushpuppies. You’ll never want to leave this scenic eatery. If you loved this place, you should also pay a visit to The Overlook Cafe in Burnet. This peaceful restaurant sits along the shimmering waters of Lake Buchanan, and it’s especially gorgeous during sunset. Enjoy a delicious plate of southern food and finish with a slice of cheesecake. This restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night.
