No Bolivar Peninsula beach vacation would be complete without indulging in our delicious, world-class seafood! There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and grills to choose from, each offering a wide variety of delicious options. From fried shrimp to steamed oysters and everything in between, the foodie in your family will be delighted to find the best seafood on Crystal Beach.
Keep reading for a list of our favorite seafood restaurants. We can’t wait for you to try them all!
For more restaurant suggestions, our favorite things to do, and the best places to stay, be sure to get your free copy of our Destination Guide.
Best Shrimp
Stingaree Restaurant & Marina
Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the Stingaree Restaurant features a unique atmosphere and a menu full of fresh and delicious seafood options. If you happen to be out enjoying a day on the water, you can pull your boat right up to the dock and enjoy their world-famous “Stingarita”. Bring your catch of the day, and they will even cook it up for you!! Don’t worry, they have plenty of land-lover choices on the menu, also.
When it comes to shrimp, they offer fresh-fried Gulf shrimp, stuffed shrimp, and even a shrimp-lover’s platter. If you love shrimp, this is the place to go.
Best Casual Seafood
DownUnder Bar & Grill
Located on the bay and under the main dining room at Stingaree Restaurant is DownUnder Bar & Grill. This is a great spot for grabbing a casual lunch on the weekend. Be sure to try the Crab Nachos or the Shrimp Po Boy. If you are lucky, you will also find live music to perfectly accompany your meal!
HardHeads Icehouse & Grill
Find your way to this casual coastal eatery for yummy fried seafood or a drink from their full bar. HardHeads Icehouse & Grill also offers a variety of America-fare for those in your party who prefer non-seafood options. This open-air eatery allows dogs, so you can bring your pup along while you enjoy a tasty meal!
Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp & Ocean Grill is a lively, Gulf-inspired Cajun eatery blending fresh seafood with Mexican-Cajun flair. Their menu features everything from boiled jumbo shrimp and spicy shrimp cocktails to crispy hushpuppies, boudin balls, and alligator bites. You’ll also find oysters (including their delectable char-grilled and bacon-jalapeño “Oysters Juanita”), Mexicajun nachos, and tacos stuffed with grilled fish, shrimp, and even blackened gator.
Best Fish
Tiki Beach Bar & Grill
Play your favorite tunes on the jukebox, order something yummy from the menu, and bask in the Gulf way of life! Tiki Beach Bar & Grill will be delighted to plate up some of their famous Mahi-Mahi Tacos for you. This is a mild fish that is great for anyone who wants to try seafood for the first time. Is there a better way to try fish than on a taco? Nope.
Best Oysters
Jose’s Cantina
If you’re looking for the best oysters in Crystal Beach, then look no further than Jose’s Cantina! This local favorite serves up fresh local seafood with a side of live music. If you’ve never tried salty raw oysters on the half shell, now is the perfect time. Don’t knock it until you try it—their oysters have even been featured on YouTube! If oysters aren’t your thing, try their delicious whole fried flounder.
Book Your Crystal Beach Vacation Rental
Now that you have an awesome list of the best seafood on Crystal Beach, all you have to do is decide which one to sample first! With access to fresh Gulf shrimp, fish, oysters, and crab, it truly isn’t a coastal Texas experience without a plate of mouth-watering seafood.
Each of these restaurants are conveniently located within minutes of our amazing Bolivar Peninsula vacation rentals, making it easy to enjoy a delicious seafood meal anytime during your vacation.
Swedes Real Estate has a wonderful variety of rentals to choose from, whether you’re looking for a bayside retreat or an oceanfront oasis, we have you covered. From multi-generational family reunions to epic getaways with your best friends, we have you covered. Our impressive selection of rentals feature amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, beach access, expansive sun decks, game rooms, and more.
Start your custom search today for a rental that is perfect for your travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Are there any seafood festivals held on the Bolivar Peninsula?
A) Yes. Visitors and locals love the annual Texas Crab Festival, held each year in May.
Q) Are there any restaurants in Crystal Beach with non-seafood menu items?
A) Absolutely! Check out our Bolivar Peninsula restaurant guide.