Enjoy fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and breathtaking waterfront views at Waterman’s Restaurant in Galveston, TX. Whether you’re here for a romantic sunset dinner or a casual meal with friends, our menu and atmosphere offer the perfect coastal dining experience.
Seafood eatery & bar overlooking Galveston Bay with ample outdoor seating & a low-key vibe.
texas tastes
We had a good meal here but it’s very expensive and the hostess, the older lady is so chaotic and overwhelmed. She runs back and forth a lot but doesn’t seem to really be doing anything. She told us there was no possible way we could get sat a table for 2 and sent us down to the way too noisy bar to eat, but I got in open table and snagged a reservation that started in 10 min so we went back up and told her we had a reservation and we got seated right away!!!! Like what!!!! Our server was very slow, nice and chatted a tiny bit but so slow to bring anything we requested, it was annoying.
The cloth chairs are so dirty and unhygienic, they are covered in grease stains, grease, or wet so be careful.
Beautiful sunset views, nice ambiance and mix of inside/outside, loud bar too if that’s your thing.
The coconut shrimp are large and delicious! The rice it came with was good but that is all it comes with for $30!
I bought a wedge salad which was ok, the bacon on it was burned and that shouldn’t happen at these prices. It ruined the salad.
The fish and chips were greasy.
… morePhillip Durbin
As you walk in, there’s a sign to your left that says to go upstairs if you’re to dine in. They do have an elevator for the elderly or handicapped so this is a plus. (Considering you might have to go back down to dine!) Going out the elevator upstairs you are somewhat behind the host station and have to swing around to confront them properly for a table. (This can easily become congested and problematic) No one is waiting for you, so it might take a minute. They do have memorabilia to glance over as you wait though at this counter as well as to your left when you enter the building. The kitchen area is in plain view upstairs. It’s quite noisy. Service was ok. If you happen to have a boat they do have staff available to assist with docking and fueling at the immediate slips available behind the restaurant and a boat launch for your watercraft. I’m unsure of the details. The upper deck has a scenic area to dine from and can walk out on that’s caged off so small kids can’t fall through and are able to dine at the end of as well. (Be cautious with your items on the main dining section of upper deck. Phones and paper menus can fall from the tables and slip out the bottom of the railing into the water below!) They do have a lunch menu upon request. The food itself was very good but the dipping sauces and condiments are presented in plastic ramekin containers and was unappealing and took away from the experience but were tasty. Do not order a beer during lunch time in a bottle as they probably restocked them that morning and will not be very cold at all. If someone is fueling a boat you can get a disturbing whiff of the fumes while eating outside depending on the wind.
… moreJonathan Lane
Waterman’s is a beautiful location to watch the sunset until the mosquitos invade. Our server was very accommodating by helping us get a table inside, but the restaurant was understaffed which hurt the overall service. As for the food, they didn’t have several items on the menu which is irritating. The Cajun pasta was not bad but the wedge salad had burnt bacon which ruined the dish.
… moreJosh Montgomery
Excellent views, especially at sunset. Food was exquisite. Service was good. The only thing we did not like was the bread pudding but overall it was great.
… moreTim DiSanza
Was looking forward to this. Was advertised as a great place to see the sunset from their outdoor dining patio. We reserved an outdoor table just for this an arrived about 20 minutes before sunset. When it was time to order, I was a bit disappointed as both my appetizer (crab cakes) and entre (lobster ravioli) were not available. Took a bit longer to decide as other options were also not available which is not great because the menu is already a bit limited. Finally settled on no appetizer and the filet. As my wife’s appetizer came (shrimp cocktail), the sun was starting to set. We were a bit disheartened that the view of the sunset was not as advertised as the majority of the sun was blocked by houses to the west. We were expecting an unobstructed view. I guess if you walked down the pier to could eventually see the sun set between houses but it certainly was not as advertised. Now we, and others after hearing conversations, selected patio seating for the sunset. What we were not told is how horrific the mosquitos were as soon as the sun dipped below the houses to the west. It upset others more than us, as some requested to move inside. Others got up and just left before ordering, and some got their food to go. Our food came just as another table got up and moved inside leaving just us and another table outside. Our waiter brought over some insect repellent so they obviously knew this would happen and if so, why weren’t we told this when we checked in for our reservation? My wife finally gave up and we went inside, grabbing our entres, drinks, and bread along with our silverware. We found the last available table, a table that seated 8, and sat down and finished our dinner. Overall, the food we ordered was good. My filet was undercooked in the center, nearly blue, but I ate around it but it was nowhere near the $78 (MKT Value) that it cost. Could have gotten a much better steak at Texas Roadhouse for much less. Should have sent it back but the event was already disastrous so I just let it go. We just wanted to get out of there. So if you are planing to eat here, do NOT accept outdoor seating if near sunset or later. During the day I hear it’s fine. You can always get up from your indoor seat and go outside to find the sunset between the houses if you wish. Overall about a 4 out of 10 experience. Maybe on a different day it might be better based on menu, time of day, and seating issues.
… moreLauri B
This place is big! A great spot for live music, water views and a comfortable atmosphere. We sat downstairs in the main dining area. They were setting up for a wedding, so I couldn’t see the top floor. At the entrance, they have an outdoor side bar area which I would assume is for overflow on busy days. I was surprised how much space they have at the place!
The service was a little slow, especially for not being busy. It seems like it was more in coordination with the drink orders. It took way too long to get a wine, a beer, and a Bloody Mary to our table. I would have ordered a third drink, but it was seriously getting on my nerves that it took so long. I gave her 2 tries, but it seems there was an issue of some sort. She looked to be very young, so maybe it was a generational thing.
The food was great. I had the coconut shrimp, one friend had the fish and chips and the other friend had the regular shrimp. We all enjoyed our meals. Everything was delivered promptly to our table. Big portions, hot and fresh. Their fries are extremely good! Best fries I’ve had in a long time!
The water view is fantastic! The downstairs is completely shaded, so you don’t get too hot. I was very happy with the ambiance.
The live music was awesome. Don’t forget to tip your entertainment! Ryan Guidry was on point with a great mix of songs with an excellent voice. Thoroughly enjoyed his music.
They have a tiny t-shirt shop at the main entrance, a small marina, rocking chairs in the shade near the dock, and multiple dining spaces. People launch their boats here, and if you catch fish you want cooked, they will prepare it for you for a cost (don’t recall the price; I just remember seeing it noted on the menu.)
For all 3 of us, with 5 drinks total, our bill was $109.51. I thought that was pretty good for the view, live music, and good food.
Side note: they are dog friendly. I saw one person with their pooch. Love dog friendly places. They are family/friends too!
… moreashlynne pinner
Carlos was an amazing server! I was there with my 2 boys and myself. We Had a delicious experience. It’s super fun for the kids to walk on the boardwalk outside and look at the water! The manager even came by and spoke with us to make sure our meal was good. We will definitely be back!
… morerobert benitez
Best martinis in the area. The views are very nice here. The cheese sticks on an appetizer or side are plentiful. They will cook your catch a plus for fishing groups. I never miss this location on Galveston Island. Great service no waiting.
… moreErin Kelley
Wonderful setting, from formal to casual, family friendly, party friendly, all ages here. Great indoor and outdoor spaces.
Food is good, not 5 star but quite good.
Service also good, not 5 star they can get busy but everyone always seems to be quite friendly.
… moreSarah White
First of all: I definitely recommend the waterfront seating! Yes, it was hot outside, but there were two huge fans to keep us comfortable. The food was FANTASTIC! We ordered the crab cake and mozzarella sticks and both were delicious. The crab cake came with such delicious pesto that I dipped the mozzarella sticks in it. I had the lakeside salad with chicken, and it was refreshing.
… more