Pier 6

"Overlooking the Gulf, Pier 6 offers fresh catches with a remarkable view. Guests can munch on lobster benedict or seafood-laden croissants at brunch. Enjoy wood-grilled filets, Mediterranean shrimp salad, gumbo, fried po’ boys, and more for lunch, and an even greater selection for dinner. Appetizers yield crawfish empanadas and the Hot-Blooded grilled oysters, made with a zesty garlic-Sriracha-habanero butter. Standout main courses include the chili-marinated grilled shrimp with turmeric rice and its classic Tide-to-Fried platter consisting of potato-crusted snapper, crispy Gulf Shrimp, grilled oysters stuffed with crab gratin, fries, and shaved coleslaw." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Margaritas always taste better with a view, which makes Pier 6 in the coastal town of San Leon one of the best places to kickback. The house frozen is made with reposado, agave, and citrus and is a treat on its own, but if you like a little variety, it is available in a flight with three other boozy frozens as well." - Courtney E. Smith, Megha McSwain

"Located in San Leon, this 2022 James Beard Award-nominated restaurant offers views of Galveston Bay and a menu centered on fresh seafood, with oysters coming straight from the owner’s Prestige Oysters, one of the nation’s top suppliers of Gulf oysters. After slurping down some raw oysters on the half-shell, try the wood-grilled yellowfin tuna or the pecan-crusted redfish. Then relish in the laid-back atmosphere on the outdoor patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation 30 minutes to an hour before sunset for a special view while dining." - Marcy de Luna

"Owned by Raz Halili, a San Leon native who supplies the oysters through his family-owned company Prestige Oysters, this James Beard award-nominated restaurant offers a charming waterfront dining experience and — especially around sunset. Start with drinks like the gin-fueled Green Parrot, made with green chili, cucumber, basil, and a spicy tincture, or stick with your Railean rum kick with the passion fruit-flavored Blonde Hurricane. Then, slurp down raw oysters on the half-shell and grilled renditions, like the Hot Blooded oysters topped with zesty garlic, sriracha, and habanero butter, before diving into dishes like Joe Cervantez’s signature grilled redfish served with a chimichurri sauce, the chili-marinated and grilled Piri Piri shrimp served with turmeric rice, or the decadent seafood pasta made with Bay shrimp, poached lobster, and cherry tomatoes in a citrus cream sauce." - Brittany Britto Garley

"While it isn’t technically within Houston city limits, Pier 6 in San Leon is frequented by plenty of Houstonians aching for dinner (and lunch or brunch) with a view. The waterfront restaurant offers stunning Gulf views from its vast dining room and sprawling outdoor patio and bar, and an abundance of seafood delights to pair with Insta-worthy frozen cocktails." - Megha McSwain, Minh Truong