Summertime is here, Houston. Time to explore the beach, go for a swim, or get as close to the water without actually swimming. As for the latter, you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and in some cases, a dip in the water, as these gorgeous waterfront restaurants in Houston!
1. Flora
Located at 3422 Allen Pkwy, in the space formerly occupied by The Dunlavy, Flora offers a breathtaking culinary oasis along the Buffalo Bayou. Housed in a luxurious 3,800-square-foot space, encased in glass windows, Flora emulates its predecessor’s pristine atmosphere complemented with over 40 suspended chandeliers and sweeping views of Buffalo Bayou while making a variety of interior changes. Additionally, the restaurant features an updated menu.
📍3422 Allen Pkwy
2. Brenner’s on the Bayou
Brenner’s on the Bayou is a rustic yet elegant bar and restaurant that offers one of the most unique views of the Bayou City. Overlooking a pristinely landscaped garden as well as lush natural greenery along the bayou, Brenner’s provides an idyllic atmosphere in which to enjoy fine dining at its best.
📍1 Birdsall St
3. Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House
Take a spin out to Pier 6 in San Leon for an unreal 50-cent Happy Hour oyster deal – Tuesdays and Wednesdays only – from 4 – 6:30 pm. Plus, signature cocktails and frozen flights!
📍1172 Weston Rd
4. Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood And Crab
Truluck’s is an upscale chain renowned for its quality seafood and top-notch steak. While the restaurant group has multiple locations in the city, only patrons at its outpost on the shore of Lake Woodlands can get a waterfront view. For a deal, the restaurant offers Cocktail Hour from 4 – 5:30 pm Mondays through Friday in the Stone Crab Lounge which features 25% off of all spirits under $25.
📍5350 Westheimer Rd
5. Noah’s Ark Bar and Grill
For a full beach mode experience, Noah’s Ark Bar and Grill is a massive patio bar based on the sands of Galveston Bay. The bar features all-day Happy Hour, live music and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, breakfast buffets on Sundays, as well as all-you-can-eat-fried-catfish on Wednesday and Thursdays.
📍4438 Boulevard
6. Barge 295
Located just a half-hour drive or so outside of Houston, BARge 295 is a two-story bar and patio anchored off the shores of Clear Lake. Open daily from 11 am to 2 am, BARge 295 is perpetually afloat with cold drinks, cool vibes, and unbeatable lake views.
📍2613 1/2 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook
7. Raffa’s Waterfront Grill
Harbored out in Kingwood, Raffa’s Waterfront Grill offers contemporary American cuisine with a lakeside view. Furnished with soaring windows overlooking the lake, dappled lighting, and an intimate wine room, the restaurant’s menu features small plates, soups, salads, pastas, main dishes, and sides.
Helmed by culinary-trained chefs, signature items include the Steakhouse Blend Burger complete with smoked cheddar, house pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, house pickles, grilled tomato, and smoked miso aioli served on a potato roll; and the Cioppino made with scallops, calamari, lump crab, mussels, shrimp, potato, and white wine tomato broth.
📍1660 W Lake Houston Pkwy #103
8. State Fare Kitchen & Bar
Featuring three restaurants across the city, State Fair location at 1900 Hughes Landing in The Woodlands features a fun atmosphere and waterfront view. The restaurant, placed on the edge of Lake Woodlands, features a robust libation menu as well as over 70 culinary dishes including seafood, steak, and American fare as well as soups, salads, and lighter options.
📍1900 Hughes Landing
9. Parkview Terrace at Marriot Marquis
Nothing compares to the blissful relaxation of floating in the heat of the Texas sun with a cold drink in hand. While lazy rivers are not so easy to come by in Houston, you can now swim over to the Marriot Marquis in Downtown, Houston, where visitors at the hotel can float the Houston rooftop pool in the shape of Texas. If you’re not a guest at the hotel, you can book a day pass ($50) that includes access to food and beverages.
📍1777 Walker St
10. Lago Mariscos
Newly opened in Sugar Land, Lago Mariscos has become one of those Houston waterfront restaurants that you must visit.
Lago Mariscos is an authentic Mexican kitchen with a lakefront view. The restaurant features mouth-watering options ranging from classics like Chile Con Queso and quesadillas to a divine assortment of ceviches including the La Charola Ceviche Aquachile, piled high with marinated with fish and shrimp.
Furthermore, visitors here can enjoy special sea-based cocktails including the famous Vuelve a la Vida Mexican cocktail prepared with octopus, oysters, shrimp, and fish.
📍2329 Hwy 6, Sugar Land
11. Space Cowboy
Space Cowboy is inside the Heights House Hotel at 100 Cavalcade for all your poolside bar needs. The bar is a tropical oasis complete with vintage sun-brellas, colorful beach chairs, and a shimmering pool. The Palm Springs-esque watering hole is certainly a vibe, whether its the retro color scheme, vice-like mural, and effervescent lawn-scape.
📍100 W Cavalcade St
12. The Canary
Opened earlier this spring, The Canary is a vibrant new patio bar and kitchen in Houston. Located in Oak Forest, The Canary features a refreshing cocktail menu as well as all your beers, wines, and seltzers. This summer, the waterfront restaurant in Houston will open its pool for swimming.
📍963 Judiway St.
See also: 11 Of The Best Sports Bars In Houston