Seafood Sponsored by Valentino's Seafood Reviews / Profile Regular Menus / $5.95 Daily Specials Website Top Water Grill Hours: See Profile   815 Ave O South end of 9th St San Leon TX 77539 281.339.1232 You might also be interested in these:     Outdoor Dining    Seafood Restaurants    Waterfront Dining    ZIP 77539   Add Review PROFILE     MY REVIEW: I have been here a few times and every time was perfect. The seafood is so fresh and sweet tasting. The fried shrimp is crunchy without too much batter and crisp and sweet tasting in the mouth. The catfish was crunchy and fresh and sweet. perfect! The fries have a very good batter on them making them very crisp and good. The shrimp enbrochette was very good and rather big. everything has been the way good seafood should be done and am pleased with every visit. The atmosphere is very casual and can make you feel at home with a very big sea next to you as you dine. NAME: virginia SUBMITTED: 4/20/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/08 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: We used to really enjoy coming down here - used to have great food, good service and a great place to hang out. Boy, have things changed. Bad service (saw our waitress 3 times in 2 hours - on a rainy week night - once to take the order, once to deliver it, and once to deliver the check). No refills, no checking on us, didn't tell us about the specials - I heard the table next to us being told. No thank you, come again. And to top it off - the food was not even hot. Too bad. We used to really enjoy taking friends down there to relax. NAME: whathappened? SUBMITTED: 3/11/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/07/08 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Although I don't frequent Top Water Grill when I get the urge for an oyster po-boy, this place always comes to mind -- that is until this past Saturday. It had been a year or so but I really wanted an oyster po-boy and it was a beautiful day so headed to Top Water Grill. My son and I both ordered the oyster po-boys -- I thought it was a joke when they placed our meals in front of us. On each po-boy there were only 4 -- repeat 4 -- oysters. I could not believe it! In the past, the po-boys would be overflowing with at least 8 or more oysters. These sandwiches were more bread -- couldn't even taste the oysters. My husband got the shrimp po-boy and although he had several shrimp on his they were "tiny, bait size, pop-corn size" shrimp -- they used to come with good size shrimp. Sorry, you have lost a customer. I can't drive that far again and be disappointed. NAME: B.J. SUBMITTED: 2/11/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: February 2008 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Am I stupid or what! Ever since the Chronicle featured Topwater 4 or 5 years ago the food and service has gone down hill, especially the service. I am wondering if Capt. Wally even uses fresh, local shrimp any more? Everytime a waiter or waitress takes an order and doesn't write it down, you are headed for disaster. Our brain surgeon waitress screwed our order up so bad nobody got everything as they ordered. To make it worse, she could have cared less when we informed her of the mistakes. NAME: Stupid in Baclif SUBMITTED: 12/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: We have been going here for years. Sometimes, when they are super busy, you get slower service. But there is usually an entertaining band, or boaters to watch, or a game on TV, so we don't usually mind. Very crowded when the weather is pretty. We often go by boat, and when we do, we usually share several appetizers amongst our boat guest (Torpedos, Bobbers, Sinkers, Fried Mushrooms,); also on the appetizer section is a dish - can't think what it's called, but it's boiled shrimp in a Mexican red salsa - it is yummy! By then we are so full, we usually order a couple of single grilled shrimp tacos. All of their appetizers are FAB! Good cold draft beer. Not a fancy place. Can get a little loud. If it is mosquito season, and they are bothering you, ask the hostess - they usually have some spray you can use. It is Galveston Bay, so the water isn't pretty, but it is nice to see the water and the boaters. We NEVER go to the Kemah Boardwalk - too touristy. For us, it is Top Water Grill!!!!! NAME: Michelle C. SUBMITTED: 12/26/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2007 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Not worth the money. I had the scallops and shrimp. Really bland and tasteless. the veggies were just as boring, mostly cheap squash. Had the fried cheese, and fried mushrooms, they were fine. Our waitress was very forgetful, and overwhelmed, it was busy, but not that busy. Plus side, being near the water was nice, it's a fun place to drink, if nothing else. But you definitely pay for the view. NAME: Angie P. SUBMITTED: 11/12/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: Capt Wally is still doing it. Come in on a Sat night and have a great time. It's funny, but the food and everything seem to be better when it is so busy you can't hardly move. Stop by in the afternoon with you dog, have a beer and some "sinkers"! NAME: menefreghista SUBMITTED: 9/11/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/07 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: We stopped in last night for a quick bite around 7:00 pm. There weren't too many people, probably because it was a Monday night. We ordered a bowl of gumbo, side salad and two fish tacos. Our waitress, brought our drinks 15 minutes after we ordered them. Thirty minutes after that, still no food. Our waitress said that "the kitchen must have lost our order" What? Ok, if they were busy, or if this was the first time that this had ever happened to us here, I could understand. But everytime we've stopped in the service (meaning the actual time it takes to get your order) has been really slow, and there's always an excuse. The gumbo was a huge disapointment, mostly okra and bell peppers with the smallest shrimp I've ever seen. The fish tacos were good, but I wouldn't say the best we ever had. The atmosphere is always nice, but we won't be back. There are too many other places with great views and much faster and more attentive service. NAME: LMS League City, TX SUBMITTED: 9/11/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: out of the way , but worth the effort to get there - great broiled shrimp and scallops - for appetizers we started with some stone crab legs and some cups of stuff - lobster bisque, blue crab and corn chowder, and seafood gumbo - very tasty. one lady in our group of 7 had a special request due to health problems and it was no problem for the cook - she was impressed and enjoyed it immensely - during the week right after work, it's not too busy, but it was buzzing by the time we left about 7pm. one person in the group had been here before on the weekends on his boat, and had recommended it - we're glad he did. NAME: john boy SUBMITTED: 8/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 8/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: The food was WONDERFUL!!! We just happened to drive by this pace and seen all the people so we had to go and check it out! Well woth it!!! YUM! I can't wait to go back! Our table ordered coconut shrimp, crab balls and catfish...it was some of the best food I've ever had!!!!! NAME: jean SUBMITTED: 7/23/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: We were going out with friends and wanted to take them somewhere different. We arrived about 8:45 on Saturday night. Very crowded, but we had a round of drinks at the bar and listened to a very entertaining band and before you knew it our table was ready. The food was out in record time (under 25 minutes for 6 people). Friends had fish tacos and fried shrimp. I and 2 others had drunken redfish. All was superb. The mosquitoes were a little rough so bring bug spray. Great time had by all though. NAME: zmmom SUBMITTED: 7/22/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 7/21/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Great atmosphere, all around great place... I'm there all the time. The last time, I had the grilled tuna, with crabmeat and hollandaise. It was fantastic, but I don't think it was on the menu. The waitress just told us about it and I'm glad she did. It's seems to be getting better and better.. NAME: Scott SUBMITTED: 7/13/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: Expecting a long wait, I was suprised that it took only 25 minutes for our food to arrive. During our wait we were entertained by the local fisherman loading their boats and showing off their catches. The food was great. We had the dozen fried shrimp. They were great. The whole experience was great. I have already told my friends about it. My next trip to Houston will include a trip to the Top Water Grill. NAME: TexSingle6400 SUBMITTED: 6/25/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: It was our first visit to the TopWater Grill on Mother's Day but heard alot of good things from other family members. We saw it in Texas Highways Magazine and remembered it was the same location where we used to go to put our boat in when it was just a marina about 20 years ago. It was great!!! In fact we are making plans to go back this weekend. Since we have moved now 150 miles from the bay area we will make that drive and go back for great seafood that we miss so much. Seafood Platter Umm Umm....Can't wait!!! NAME: hfirehogg SUBMITTED: 6/20/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 5-07 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I was nervous after reading some recent reviews, but my wife and I enjoyed coming here before, and decided to try it again with an out-of-town guest. The service was prompt, the iced tea stayed full, the lobster bisque was as good as we remembered, and the entrees were excellent, especially my own broiled seafood platter. The parking lot was crowded with boaters' cars on a Saturday mid-afternoon, but the restaurant was busy but not crowded. We will come back!! NAME: JBC SUBMITTED: 6/9/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: June, 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: The food is great and the place is wonderful! I would take everyone there to have fun. The band is great, the people are great, and it is located in a great place. NAME: Kelly SUBMITTED: 5/25/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: May 2007 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: THIS WAS MY FIRST VISIT. THE GROUP I WAS WITH HAD BEEN THERE MANY TIMES AND RAVED ABOUT THE PLACE. I ORDERED THE FRIED CATFISH AND IT WAS REALLY DISAPPOINTING. THE REST OF THE GROUP HAD SHRIMP DISHES AND WERE HAPPY. I'LL PROBABLY GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE, BUT I HOPE THEY GET FRESHER CATFISH AND IMPROVE THE BATTER. NAME: JOAN M SUBMITTED: 5/21/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2007 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I had been going to the place for many years. I remember when the patio was not enclosed. Last time I went the service and food was not as good as it use to be. I decided to give them another try. I took my mother there for an early Easter lunch. The service was very slow. We waited for an hour before I food arrived. The stuffed flounder that I ordered was not very good. It was rather bland. For a stuffed flounder it was bland. There were parts that were even cold. The vegitbles were cold. Mine and my mothers ice tea class would remain empty until we asked the waiter for more ice tea. This place is going down hill. Hopefully the owners will do something. I will not return. NAME: Richard SUBMITTED: 4/7/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: April/07 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... MY REVIEW: My husband and I found this place totally by accident. I must say this is the best "accident" we have ever been involved in. THIS PLACE IS THE BOMB..... The food is wonderful, the staff is exceptional and the Margarita's are more than worth a visit....... I highly recommend this place to anyone who thinks they lov seafood, YOU WILL LOVE IT when you leave.... In fact I am waiting on hubby to get dressed as I type this, we are going there tonight (9-15-06) and have invited 6 friends, all of whom have never been there before......Oh, try the MUSHROOMS, they are the best I have ever eaten.... NAME: Kathy Marines - Baytown, Texas SUBMITTED: 9/15/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: September 2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: This is the place for seafood. We live in Houston and have thousands of seafood restaurants but will drive an hour away to eat at Topwater Grill! We have tried everything on the menu and love everything. There is nothing I would change about this place. We love sitting on the patio and watching the shrimp/fishing boats come and go. Captain Wally knew what he was doing when he opened this restaurant. We absolutely love it!! You know nothing is frozen or prepared ahead of time and kept warm under warming lights. Cooked when you order. Please try it. NAME: Lady Bedwarmer SUBMITTED: 9/6/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: August, 2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times MY REVIEW: Was visiting Houston from Omaha, NE. My parents and I stumbled upon this restaurant after finding their sister restaurant down the road was closed for remodeling. What great food!! I had the coconut shrimp. Big, plump and more than enough to fill you up!! We had the crab balls also, WOW!! The atmosphere is great, very open and airy. The staff were very friendly! I would definitely recommend the drive down to April Fool's Point in San Leon, TX!! Happy Eating!! NAME: Susan Johnson SUBMITTED: 6/12/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: What can I say but the best seafood on Galveston Bay. Stay away from the chains and come eat the way the locals do. You will find it well worth the drive and the wait. Wear your casual clothes and a hearty appetite. My picks include the oysters, stuffed shrimp and flounder. The only negative that I can say is they need a better and broader wine list. Not all Texans drink beer. NAME: Bill Moody SUBMITTED: 6/4/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 5/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times MY REVIEW: We went there for the first time on Mother's Day. The wait was a little long and it was raining so none of the outside dining area were open. Once we were seated, we found that it was worth the wait. The food was great and we could have made a meal just on the fabulous appetizers! We were so full that we weren't able to try the desserts but we will go back. The people there were very friendly and helpful. We will go back.... and soon. NAME: Torpedo Mama SUBMITTED: 5/17/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: First time to visit. Food was very good, waitress was totally "on the ball" and view was nice. It's not the place to go if you want to dress-up.... that's another reason I liked it. Very casual, very good. Drunken Redfish was good, but the crab cakes were FANTASTIC! NAME: Sherry F SUBMITTED: 4/30/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/2006 FREQUENCY: Visited once MY REVIEW: I guess this avenue didn't like my review so I will be kinder. Top Water is not the same since they enclosed their previously palm tree lined patio. It just won't be the same. For some reason, the shrimp tacos didn't have the green sauce on them so it wasn't worth eating either. We won't be back. (So sad!) NAME: que pasta SUBMITTED: 4/11/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/06 FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name... More reviews If you don't agree with these comments, agree with them or have additional comments, click here to Add Your Review. Restaurant Owners & Managers Curious about your Activity and Ranking on b4-u-eat? Want to Create or Update your Free Profile Page? Click here to Login. ©Copyright 1991 - 2008 B4-U-EAT.COM. All rights reserved. Design and database by B4-U-BUY