Kemah, TX is the kind of place where the salt air sharpens your appetite and the docks practically promise good seafood. Spend an afternoon here and you’ll learn quickly—everyone has an opinion on the best shrimp, the freshest fish, and the spot with the tastiest hush puppies. The variety is impressive, and yes, it’s easy to get swept up in the delicious chaos.
I once strolled along the Kemah Boardwalk at dusk, watching boats glide by, the scent of grilled fish drifting from open patios. Each stop reveals something tempting, whether it’s a massive platter for sharing or a dish that’s simple but perfect. With so many choices lining the waterfront and side streets, finding the best takes a bit of know-how. That’s where this guide comes in. With a bit of local flavor and a dash of experience, you’ll find honest, clear advice here—enough to help you pick the right table and leave with a story worth repeating.
1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. brings the spirit of Forrest Gump right to the Kemah Boardwalk. You feel the movie’s whimsical charm from the second you spot the memorabilia on the walls. It’s lively, welcoming, and never short on laughs—this is where seafood feels like an experience.
What makes Bubba Gump stand out is its inventive approach to shrimp. The menu is loaded with choices, but the Shrimper’s Heaven platter is a reliable pick if you want variety. Think fried shrimp, tempura shrimp, and more, all on one plate. The “I’m Stuffed!” Shrimp—plump shrimp stuffed with crab and baked—shows how playful yet tasty their dishes can be.
For a family outing or a casual night with friends, Bubba Gump is tough to top if you want good seafood with a side of fun.
2. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack
Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack is the spot where bold flavors and big personality rule. The energy hits you at the door—quirky décor, lively crowds, and music that makes you want to stay late. It’s never quiet, but that’s the fun of it.
The menu is a festival of Gulf classics. The boiled crawfish are the main event when in season, perfectly seasoned and spicy without being overwhelming. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the shrimp platter—grilled, blackened, or fried, each choice brings that Cajun-inspired snap to your plate. The sides add comfort, whether you pick the corn, potatoes, or hush puppies.
My last visit involved passing baskets of shrimp and laughing until it hurt. The Swamp Shack is made for groups, celebrations, and a setting where no one leaves hungry.
3. Landry’s Seafood House
Landry’s Seafood House blends Gulf Coast charm with a polished dining experience. The view of the water from the dining room immediately sets the scene for a leisurely meal. It’s the type of place where time slows down, and the conversation lingers as long as the sunset.
The menu balances classics and a few welcome surprises. The Snapper Hemingway stands out—pan-seared, crisp, and light enough to make you feel like you’re on vacation. The grilled shrimp skewers deserve applause for their smoky flavor and perfectly tender bite. For something to share, the seafood gumbo is loaded with flavor and always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s easy to forget the world outside once you’re at Landry’s, and that’s the draw. Come for the food, stay for the unwinding.
4. Aquarium Restaurant
Aquarium Restaurant is more than a meal—it’s a show. Dine beside a towering aquarium, where sharks and angelfish glide past, making every table feel like a private oceanfront seat. It’s hard not to get swept up by the blue glow and gentle movement all around.
Seafood is the headliner here, always fresh and beautifully presented. The grilled Mahi Mahi with mango salsa is a highlight—clean flavors with a tropical twist that keeps things light and lively. The blackened tilapia, plated next to crisp vegetables, is another solid choice, especially if you want something classic yet satisfying.
Aquarium Restaurant is an easy pick for a celebration or when you want a meal that wows on every level—even before the food hits the table.
5. Sundance Grill II
Sundance Grill II delivers easygoing marina vibes, the kind that makes you want to linger long after your meal is finished. This spot is all about relaxed meals by the water, casual service, and a menu that keeps locals coming back. The outdoor seating puts you close enough to the boats to catch every breeze off the bay.
For those who love starting the day seaside, brunch here is a treat. The grilled shrimp and avocado salad makes a light but flavorful lunch, while the catch of the day—grilled to highlight the fish’s natural taste—shows their knack for keeping things simple and fresh.
I once stretched a late lunch into an early dinner, letting the afternoon sun linger. At Sundance Grill II, meals are unhurried, and that’s half the pleasure.
6. Joe’s Crab Shack
+1 281-334-2881
Joe’s Crab Shack is the classic pick for seafood lovers who want dinner to feel like a party. With beachy décor and fun-loving staff, it feels made for families and groups who want to dig in, get a little messy, and not worry about it.
The crab buckets are a must—piled high and steaming, bursting with Gulf flavor. Try the steamed snow crab or Dungeness clusters paired with fresh corn and potatoes for an authentic, hands-on feast. There’s joy in cracking open shells and sharing stories at the table here, especially with bay views in the background.
I still remember the laughter and butter-slicked fingers from my last visit. Joe’s is made for big appetites and bigger moods.
7. Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen
Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen feels like a local secret where regulars greet each other by name. This place stands out for its low-key comfort and kitchen-fresh seafood that focuses more on flavor than flash.
One visit and the appeal is clear: generous portions, friendly faces, and a menu that leans into Gulf favorites. The catfish platter is a standout—crispy, never greasy, and always perfectly seasoned. Pair it with a side of coleslaw for a full taste of coastal comfort. The grilled fish plate is another simple winner, bringing out the true Gulf taste with nothing to hide.
Joe Lee’s is a reminder that good seafood doesn’t have to shout. Sometimes, all you need is a fork, a view, and a lot of heart.
8. The Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman is a longtime favorite for those drawn to the water’s edge. The view is reason enough to visit—boats drifting by and sunlight dancing off the bay, every seat feels like the best in the house.
The menu swings between classic Gulf fare and Cajun-inspired standouts. The Louisiana gumbo is loaded and rich, the perfect start for anyone craving bold flavor. For the main event, the grilled redfish is a must—lightly seasoned and cooked just right to capture that straight-off-the-boat taste.
I once lost track of time watching the sunset while eating here. The Flying Dutchman captures the easygoing side of Kemah seafood, wrapped up in Texas hospitality and simple, memorable meals.
9. Captain Henry’s Seafood
(281) 334-4034Call
Captain Henry’s Seafood keeps things refreshingly simple. It doubles as both restaurant and seafood market, which means what you order likely arrived from the dock the same day. The mood is casual, and locals pop in for both meals and market finds to cook at home.
The fried shrimp plate is a favorite here—crispy, light, letting the sweet flavor of Gulf shrimp shine through. If you want to taste the basics done right, go for the fish fillet, available grilled or fried and always fresh. Vegetables on the side round out the meal with just enough crunch.
Captain Henry’s proves that good seafood doesn’t need a fuss. It just needs to be fresh and served with a friendly smile.
10. Joe Lee’s Seafood Restaurant
Joe Lee’s Seafood Restaurant is a staple for those who crave reliability and flavor in equal measure. The relaxed setting and speedy service turn newcomers into regulars faster than you’d expect. There’s nothing flashy here, just plates filled with classic Gulf Coast favorites.
The grilled catfish is a steady star—moist, perfectly seasoned, and presented with a flourish of house-made tartar sauce. The shrimp gumbo brings deep, savory stock and just the right hit of spice. These dishes don’t try to reinvent the wheel; they just do the basics very well.
I remember a meal here that felt like home from the first bite. Joe Lee’s thrives on consistency, local ingredients, and simple pleasures done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Kemah, TX?
Kemah is packed with great options. Top picks include Landry’s Seafood House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Flying Dutchman, and Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen. Each one offers something a bit different, from classic Gulf fare to creative shrimp dishes.
Are there seafood spots in Kemah with waterfront views?
Absolutely. Many restaurants, such as The Flying Dutchman, Aquarium Restaurant, and Landry’s Seafood House, are perched right by the water, offering great views to go with your meal.
Can I find halal or non-haram options at Kemah’s seafood restaurants?
Most seafood in Kemah focuses on fish, shrimp, and other non-haram ingredients. Stick to items like grilled fish, shrimp, and salads. It’s always a good idea to check with your server about ingredient details if you have dietary preferences.
Is fresh local seafood easy to find in Kemah?
Yes—the city’s waterfront location means much of the menu is caught nearby. Captain Henry’s Seafood, Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen, and Rose’s Seafood Inc are especially known for their fresh, local selections.
Are Kemah seafood restaurants family-friendly?
For sure. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab Shack, and Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack are all designed for groups, celebrations, and families with kids. Many offer kids’ menus and lively, casual settings.
