Most people don’t associate Texas with beautiful bodies of water, so waterfront restaurants are the last things on our minds when we’re looking for new places to try while away on a family trip. Even though our lakes and beaches might not be the clearest or bluest, there’s a certain ambiance that goes along with eating by the water – regardless of what it looks like. These eight waterfront restaurants in Texas impeccably make use of what they have to work with, and their amazing food combined with the breathtaking views will give you an experience you’ll never forget.

  1. The Spot (Galveston)

Flickr/galvestonisland This is one of the most popular hangout spots on the island, and for good reason. It has the main restaurant, a few bars, and a dessert parlor all on the same property. With views like this and some delicious burgers and seafood, you just can’t go wrong. To learn more, check out the website for The Spot Restaurant in Galveston.

  1. The Oasis on Lake Travis (Austin)

Facebook/The Oasis on Lake Travis Eating killer Mexican food and sippin’ on margaritas is already a good time, but adding this view into the mix takes things to a whole ’nother level. For the latest information, visit the website for The Oasis on Lake Travis.

  1. Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant (Rockport)

Facebook/Charlotte Plummer’s Seafood Come relax upstairs and enjoy some delicious fried shrimp, seafood gumbo, stuffed flounder, and hush puppies while you gaze out at the beautiful Rockport marina. It doesn’t get much better than that. To learn more, visit the website for Charlotte Plummer’s Restaurant.

  1. Pier 19 (South Padre)

Yelp/Veronica A. The crystal blue water surrounding South Padre Island is easily the most beautiful water in Texas, so dining on some freshly caught fish while you admire the views is a perfect way to spend an evening. Bonus points if you go at sunset. For more information, check out the website for Pier 19 Restaurant in South Padre.

  1. Abel’s on the Lake (Austin)

Abel’s on the Lake/Facebook Relax on the wooden dock and soak up the shimmering views of Lake Austin. With a refreshing beverage in hand and a plat of fresh seafood on the table, life couldn’t get any better. To learn more about this incredible eatery, visit the website for Abel’s on the Lake.

  1. Flying Dutchman Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Kemah)

Yelp/Flying Dutchman Kemah is a fun place to take the whole family for a day of games, rides, sightseeing, and, of course, food! Dine on some delicious oysters while you look out on the bay and hear the peaceful sounds of seagulls and children at play. A perfect day, if I do say so myself. Visit Flying Dutchman Restaurant & Oyster Bar’s website to learn more.

  1. Ski Shores Cafe (Austin)

Yelp/Brian S. There never seems to be an end to the hidden gems in Austin. From beautiful hikes to crystal clear waters, you could go somewhere new every day and still not see everything in your lifetime. Ski Shores is one of these gems - the burgers, fried okra, and sandwiches might seem like pretty run-of-the-mill options, but they’re to die for, and this view makes them that much better. To learn more, visit the website for Ski Shores Cafe in Austin.

  1. RiverBend Restaurant (Karnack)

Yelp/Robert G. East Texas folks, this one’s for you. Enjoy your frog legs, hush puppies, and fried catfish in style while you sit out on this covered patio surrounded by the only natural lake in the state of Texas. Check out RiverBend Restaurant’s Facebook page to learn more.

Have you eaten at any of these waterfront restaurants in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below! And if you know another must-visit restaurant in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Flickr/galvestonisland

This is one of the most popular hangout spots on the island, and for good reason. It has the main restaurant, a few bars, and a dessert parlor all on the same property. With views like this and some delicious burgers and seafood, you just can’t go wrong. To learn more, check out the website for The Spot Restaurant in Galveston.

Facebook/The Oasis on Lake Travis

Eating killer Mexican food and sippin’ on margaritas is already a good time, but adding this view into the mix takes things to a whole ’nother level. For the latest information, visit the website for The Oasis on Lake Travis.

Facebook/Charlotte Plummer’s Seafood

Come relax upstairs and enjoy some delicious fried shrimp, seafood gumbo, stuffed flounder, and hush puppies while you gaze out at the beautiful Rockport marina. It doesn’t get much better than that. To learn more, visit the website for Charlotte Plummer’s Restaurant.

Yelp/Veronica A.

The crystal blue water surrounding South Padre Island is easily the most beautiful water in Texas, so dining on some freshly caught fish while you admire the views is a perfect way to spend an evening. Bonus points if you go at sunset. For more information, check out the website for Pier 19 Restaurant in South Padre.

Abel’s on the Lake/Facebook

Relax on the wooden dock and soak up the shimmering views of Lake Austin. With a refreshing beverage in hand and a plat of fresh seafood on the table, life couldn’t get any better. To learn more about this incredible eatery, visit the website for Abel’s on the Lake.

Yelp/Flying Dutchman

Kemah is a fun place to take the whole family for a day of games, rides, sightseeing, and, of course, food! Dine on some delicious oysters while you look out on the bay and hear the peaceful sounds of seagulls and children at play. A perfect day, if I do say so myself. Visit Flying Dutchman Restaurant & Oyster Bar’s website to learn more.

Yelp/Brian S.

There never seems to be an end to the hidden gems in Austin. From beautiful hikes to crystal clear waters, you could go somewhere new every day and still not see everything in your lifetime. Ski Shores is one of these gems - the burgers, fried okra, and sandwiches might seem like pretty run-of-the-mill options, but they’re to die for, and this view makes them that much better. To learn more, visit the website for Ski Shores Cafe in Austin.

Yelp/Robert G.

East Texas folks, this one’s for you. Enjoy your frog legs, hush puppies, and fried catfish in style while you sit out on this covered patio surrounded by the only natural lake in the state of Texas. Check out RiverBend Restaurant’s Facebook page to learn more.

If you loved these eateries, be sure to check out this middle-of-nowhere waterfront restaurant in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 3204 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USAAddress: The Oasis On Lake Travis, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, USAAddress: 202 N Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382, USAAddress: 1 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USAAddress: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd #3510, Austin, TX 78703, USAAddress: 9, Waterfront, Kemah, TX 77565, USAAddress: 1608 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, USAAddress: 211 Pr 2422, Karnack, TX 75661, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfront restaurants in Texas November 05, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best places for outdoor dining in Texas? Nestled in the heart of Texas’s capital city, Contigo is a gorgeous outdoor eatery that will definitely impress you. No matter when you visit, you’ll be met with a cozy atmosphere and some delicious food. In the winter, you’ll find roaring fires and warm blankets. In the summer, you’ll feel cool refreshing mists of water from the fans above. Come by and check it out! It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best places for outdoor dining in Texas. What are the most beautiful restaurants in Texas? If you want an amazing dining experience, head to the The Guenther House in San Antonio. With spectacular views, friendly service, and historic charm, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful restaurants in Texas. Bring your loved one and treat them to a wonderful meal! This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. What are the most romantic restaurants in Texas? Adelmo’s Ristorante, located in Dallas, is one of the most romantic restaurants in Texas. Bring your date here, and they’re certain to have a wonderful time! Enjoy a delicious pasta dish and pair it with a glass of wine. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfront restaurants in Texas

November 05, 2020

Elisa Regulski

What are the best places for outdoor dining in Texas? Nestled in the heart of Texas’s capital city, Contigo is a gorgeous outdoor eatery that will definitely impress you. No matter when you visit, you’ll be met with a cozy atmosphere and some delicious food. In the winter, you’ll find roaring fires and warm blankets. In the summer, you’ll feel cool refreshing mists of water from the fans above. Come by and check it out! It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best places for outdoor dining in Texas. What are the most beautiful restaurants in Texas? If you want an amazing dining experience, head to the The Guenther House in San Antonio. With spectacular views, friendly service, and historic charm, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful restaurants in Texas. Bring your loved one and treat them to a wonderful meal! This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. What are the most romantic restaurants in Texas? Adelmo’s Ristorante, located in Dallas, is one of the most romantic restaurants in Texas. Bring your date here, and they’re certain to have a wonderful time! Enjoy a delicious pasta dish and pair it with a glass of wine. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Nestled in the heart of Texas’s capital city, Contigo is a gorgeous outdoor eatery that will definitely impress you. No matter when you visit, you’ll be met with a cozy atmosphere and some delicious food. In the winter, you’ll find roaring fires and warm blankets. In the summer, you’ll feel cool refreshing mists of water from the fans above. Come by and check it out! It’s easy to see why people think it’s one of the best places for outdoor dining in Texas.

What are the most beautiful restaurants in Texas?

If you want an amazing dining experience, head to the The Guenther House in San Antonio. With spectacular views, friendly service, and historic charm, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful restaurants in Texas. Bring your loved one and treat them to a wonderful meal! This is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.

What are the most romantic restaurants in Texas?

Adelmo’s Ristorante, located in Dallas, is one of the most romantic restaurants in Texas. Bring your date here, and they’re certain to have a wonderful time! Enjoy a delicious pasta dish and pair it with a glass of wine. It doesn’t get much better than this.