As we made our treck (which is nothing by the way, just shy of an hour) down to the bay area to visit this new hot restaurant that I kept hearing about and that my own kids, the chicken people, Nicole & Michael, had visited three times already. It was for me a trip down memory lane. You see, I’m a native Houstonian and spent most of my childhood into my adult years with family-owned bay houses in Seabrook, Bayou Vista and Baycliff, all only a stones-throw from San Leon, where Pier 6 is located. The nostalgia of just being in these familiar surroundings which I must say I have not visited in awhile, turned into a drive down streets and highways that for me was a trip back in time, which I noted had changed quite dramatically since last visited! So I was in a great happy place when I arrived at this very modernized and updated version of the many fishing/oyster camps I remembered in the area.
About Pier 6…
Raz Halili, president of the world-renowned Prestige Oysters and Joe Cervantez, award-winning Chef formerly of Brennan’s, have teamed up and opened Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House at 113 6th Street in San Leon. Halili’s vision for the family’s first restaurant, formerly Bubba’s Shrimp Palace, which is situated between Red Fish and Prestige Point, is a waterfront restaurant with beautiful views of Galveston Bay and its working fishing boats. We happened to arrive on a very cold, breezy evening, so eating out on their expansive outdoor deck, which is equipped with many heaters, unfortunately for us, was still not the best idea for al fresco dining which has become “our dining requirement” these days and was not a reality. However, they were very accomodating and knowing of our request, sat us at a window overlooking the bay so the beautiful sunset and calmness of the water was there for us to enjoy!! (BTW, it should be noted that every precaution was taken for mask wearing and safe distancing while dining!)
The laid-back vibe encourages guests to spend relaxing afternoons with family, embark on a breezy romantic getaway, or drop in after a day on the water for cold drinks and bar bites with friends. For Halili, who’s passionate about presenting Gulf Coast seafood at its peak, opening a restaurant is an exciting new venture.
“Being able to offer the fresh bounty that comes from the Gulf, to highlight the area, Prestige, and what we do, all while leveraging Joe’s expertise in the kitchen…it’s a dream” says Raz Halili.
The Setting…..Casual Dining by the Bay
Halili partnered with Coveal Studio, in gutting the former Bubba’s Shrimp Palace to create a very clean, modern space, which includes white-washed shiplap, warm wood tones, greenery and ample use of natural light…..with playful touches such as the nautical rope installation, colorful fishtail murals, hand-woven rattan lighting and oyster shell artwork overlaid in pink neon, “The world is your oyster”.
Indoors, this 5,000 square feet restaurant feels very expansive with seating close to 200, including the eye-catching and very dominant wraparound oyster bar. There is additional seating on the indoor/outdoor patio adjacent to the dining room that can be enclosed via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass pocket doors. The lower-level patio lounge, which gives you the feeling of literally sitting on a dock, has lounge seating, tables and hanging rattan chairs made for two, all providing the ultimate sunset view. Multiple heaters are available so that in South-Texas weather like ours, you need not wait till summer to enjoy!
Spacious interior
The Good Eats Plus Spirits…..there are plenty!
Founded by Halili’s parents, Prestige Oysters serves as the restaurant’s main resource for seafood, which is naturally reflected in the menus’s Gulf Coast Oysters. Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the two guys in charge, Halili and Cervantes who described in detail the Oyster choices of which we chose three……The Prestige, grated Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh herbs, The Blue Crab Oysters, stuffed with Crab Gratin and The Hot Blooded Oysters filled with zesty garlic, Sriracha and habanero butter. (we love spicey and these were perfect, not a mouth-burner). I am a most recent oyster lover…..did not grow up liking oysters but I must say I attribute Tony Mandola’s Oysters Damian to getting me into this delicacy and I can now not wait to return to Pier 6 for another taste of those delish oysters and I totally get now why they are so popular. We loved them and could have made them our meal…..however, there was far too many choices on the menu to stop there!
Halili attributes Joe Cervantez, rising star and former Brennan’s Houston Executive Chef, who he enticed down to San Leon, created a truly tide-to-table menu, featuring local seafood so fresh that it is often plucked from the water mere hours before serving. In developing the core menu, Cervantez, a Pearland native, (who it should be noted, has recently enticed a fellow Pearland-ian, Chris Loftis to be his Chef de Cuisine) has drawn on his years with Brennan’s of Houston to impart strong Cajun and Creole influence, but is also finding inspiration in Texas, East Coast and global seafood preparations and from seasonal harvests by nearby farms.
The menu runs the gamut from cheeky…..seafood corn dogs (Sea Dogs), blue crab grilled cheese, and a most-popular I am told but couldn’t fit it in (reason to come back I’m sure!!) Tied-to-Fried sampler of crispy golden delights…..and more refined dishes such as tuna tostada with wakame and ponzu sauce,(tasted!!!), lobster bisque and pan-siered grouper (loved this!) The menu is quite extensive, chocked full of many unique and tasty dishes. Check out their menu online if you would like to prep for your visit there (http://www.pier6seafood.com) or just wing-it when you get there as there are no bad choices!
The beverage program features seafood-friendly wine list, local craft beers and a beautiful cocktail menu developed by beverage consultants. Many choices such a mexcal margarita, house Old Fashioned (Alan loved!), seasonal mules and much more……can’t decide?Opt for the cocktail flight, which sounds like fun! The bar is abuzz and looks like a great place to hang for just a cocktail or light meal!
Oysters are their specialty for obvious reasons......Prestige, Blue Crab Oysters, Hot Blooded Oysters
Due to recent hurricanes and the pandemic, construction on the restaurant’s marina, has been delayed but will eventually allow guests to dock for a meal or take away fresh fare to enjoy the water. Those wishing to make a night or weekend of it may consider booking one of four waterside Airbnb units within walking distance of the restaurant that were recently renovated by Halili.
Now open for lunch and dinner Tuesday thru Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, however during the pandemic reservations are encouraged through Open Table or by phone at 281-339-1515. Self parking is available. For more details and latest updates, visit pier6seafood.com or follow Pier 6 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.