Gilhooley's Restaurant and Oyster Bar 18, located in San Leon, Texas, is a culinary haven for seafood lovers. With a reputation for serving some of the freshest oysters in the area, this restaurant has garnered glowing reviews from satisfied patrons. Diners have raved about the "oysters Gilhooley" topped with jalapenos and bacon, and many have praised the exceptional quality of the raw oysters, often taking advantage of the tempting 50-cent special. The menu offers a delightful range of seafood options, including fried catfish and grilled oysters with spinach, artichokes, and shrimp—a personal favorite among visitors. Reviewers often highlight the fried dishes for their clean taste, with no grit, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to freshness. Notably, the ambiance is enhanced by live music, creating a relaxed environment perfect for enjoying a Sunday meal. While some guests have noted occasional service inconsistencies, overall, the friendly staff contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. For those seeking exceptional seafood in a laid-back setting, Gilhooley's stands as a must-visit destination, epitomizing the charm of Texas coastal dining.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Gilhooley's Restaurant and Oyster Bar 18
Plant Worker
May 10,2025
Nice Sunday at Gilhooley’s. The food was excellent. We had the oysters Gilhooley with jalapenos and bacon and a dozen raw oysters. The raw oysters were on special for 50cents each. There was live music which really made this an excellent choice today.
David Rohde
Apr 25,2025
Saw this place on TV and drove from Corpus Christi for lunch. WOW! Well worth the drive. The spinach artichoke shrimp grilled oysters (I know right) were awesome! The fried oysters and catfish were great as well. Alli our server was spot on and very nice. Will certainly make the drive again!
Chris Bailey
Apr 5,2025
Came in to try the oysters since we heard the price for the raw oysters. Some of the largest oysters i ever had. We had 6 dozen of them. Tried the gumbo and that was on point, comes with side of rice which was awesome on its own but perfect when mixed together. To finish it off we tried the 1/2 shrimp 1/2 oysters fried. Some of the best fried oysters, clean with no grit at all. Highly recommend this place. Definitely love that it is 18
Madison
Apr 3,2025
The freshest and best oysters and other seafood you'll ever have here in Texas!! Fresh off the boat and smoked in-house, you can't go wrong ordering seafood from here!
Ura Yakov
Mar 30,2025
This is our "go-to" when we want fresh seafood. It's about an hour away from where I reside yet it's worth the drive to San Leon. I like that there are no kids at this place. Food is always on point. I typically get the fried catfish. Catfish is fried to perfection. Sides are delish. I love their dozen oysters on the half shell special. (6) Oysters are big by the way. Personally I like lime so if you want lime, just bring your own. Service is a hit or miss. They are nice and attentive at times. The last few times I had to flag down our waiter or have another waiter assist. Other than that, I love this place.
Kozy Sommers
Mar 26,2025
Great food. Great service. Very laid-back. I love this place!
James Bentivegna
Mar 26,2025
Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a cherished gem in San Leon, Texas, renowned for its authentic charm and delightful seafood. This local favorite has been serving up some of the best oysters in the state for years, drawing in both locals and visitors alike with its casual, laid-back atmosphere and top-notch cuisine. Here’s what makes Gilhooley’s stand out: Freshness: Gilhooley’s is celebrated for its fresh seafood, especially the raw oysters and grilled oysters with garlic and parmesan cheese Flavor: The fried oysters have been hailed as the best in the area, and the seafood stuffed jalapenos and marinara sauce come highly recommended. Service: The service at Gilhooley’s is described as immediate, friendly, fast, and great, ensuring a pleasant dining experience every time. Ambiance: With its old-school bar and eatery vibe, Gilhooley’s offers a unique dining experience with outdoor seating that perfectly complements the casual, coastal setting. Whether you’re in the mood for a dozen plump, cold oysters on the half shell or some of the tastiest gumbo around, Gilhooley’s is the place to be. It’s no wonder this spot is known as one of the best oyster bars in Texas. So, if you find yourself in the area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Gilhooley’s for an unforgettable seafood feast!
Destiny Garcia
Feb 6,2025
We have been wanting to try this place for a while.. it was recommended by a patient and it did not disappoint! The food is amazing! We definitely will be coming back!
Reviews For Gilhooley's Restaurant and Oyster Bar 18