This restaurant is probably the best known and most popular one in Crystal Beach, and for good reason. The views, particularly at sunset, are fantastic as the Stingaree sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway and a parade of ships, boats, and barges is constantly passing by the huge windows. Almost every table in the place has a view.
While the scenery is great, the food is even better. Fresh seafood is the dominant theme, although steak and chicken are available for the families with a picky eater. The blue crabs, fresh from the gulf, are the most popular dish whether served boiled, stuffed or in that unique Texas Gulf Coast style, barbequed. Softshell crabs, a true delicacy, are available when in season. Oysters are also a favorite, whether fried or raw on the half shell. Of course, shrimp and fish are always available and the combination platters ensure no one will leave hungry. All meals are served with cole slaw and your choice of dirty rice, french fries, red beans or vegetable of the day.
For those travelers preferring something light, or saving room for dessert, the soup and salad portion of the menu offers a tasty alternative. Try the Avocado Delite, which is avocado halves covered with shrimp salad or lumpcrab meat and then topped with a remoulade sauce and served with a cup of seafood gumbo.
Stingaree Restaurant
1295 North Stingaree Drive
Crystal Beach
409-684-2731
stingaree.com
This local eatery is easy to find--just exit the ferry, drive a few miles and look on the left for the bright red building with lime green trim located right on the highway. The big red "GRILL" sign on the front of the restaurant is hard to miss.
Tourists and locals alike are glad to know that this favorite, virtually destroyed by Hurricane Ike, is back in business and serving up fresh seafood as well as other tasty treats. The double stuffed, twice baked potato is incredible, particularly so when served as a side to the fresh fried Gulf shrimp. Hamburgers and other items are also available, but the seafood rules.
Ask the locals who frequent the place about the fishing around Crystal Beach, and the stories you hear will keep you entertained while you eat.
The Outrigger Grill
1035 State Highway 87
Crystal Beach, TX 77650
409-684-6212
A little off the beaten path, Steve's landing is located about a block from the Intracoastal Waterway on a side road from the main highway.
When you pull into the parking lot you know this is the real deal, since it is paved with oyster shells. This warns you ahead of time about the all-you-can-eat oyster special, with the oysters, carried by the wheelbarrow full, being shucked right in front of the customers. Thursday night features all-you-can-eat crab, and it's not only filling (and messy!) but the lump crab meat is tasty as well.
Of course, Steve's Landing offers other seafood besides oysters and crabs, and it's all fresh from the Gulf, one of the advantages of visiting these Gulf coastal towns. The shrimp you eat may have come off of the very boat that you can see cruising the Intracoastal Waterway near the restaurant. Be sure and try the other Gulf of Mexico favorites such as fresh Red Snapper or Oysters Diablo.
Steve's Landing
1290 Bay Vue Drive
Crystal Beach, TX
409-684-1999
