These 8 Beachfront Restaurants In Texas Are Out Of This World

Texas might not have the most beautiful beaches in the world, but we do have delicious restaurants overlooking them, so that's a fair trade off, right? I think so, too. Nothing says summer quite like enjoying some seafood on an outdoor patio and gazing in awe at the sunset over the water. Here are 8 amazing places where you can do just that:

1. Gaido's (Galveston)

Gaido's is easily one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas - after all, it's had since 1911 to perfect its craft. Pictured is bacon-wrapped shrimp (YUM), but they have pretty much every other kind of fishy fare imaginable. My personal favorite is the Jazz martini appetizer: a cocktail glass filled with crab meat, avocado, and other goodies with a ring of shrimp around the rim.

2. Pier 19 (South Padre Island)

It doesn't get much more waterfront than a pier, y'all. And the fact that this one serves up such delicious food is just the icing on the cake. No matter what you're in the mood for, be it a burger and fries, oysters and red potatoes, or this seafood burrito (yes, this actually exists) if you're feeling adventurous, you can find it here. Whatever you decide on, it's a winner - as is the breathtaking view accompanying your meal.

3. Stingaree (Crystal Beach)

Although Bolivar has changed tremendously over the years due to being ravaged by several hurricanes, Stingaree has been an unwavering, comforting force. The food is out of this world - pictured above is shrimp and crab au gratin with dirty rice and garlic toast, and everything else on the menu is to die for as well. I recommend coming at sunset because the view, especially if you sit outside, is absolutely magnificent.

4. Snoopy's Pier (Corpus Christi)

Owner Ernie Butler, a former commercial fisherman, is just as good at cooking fish as he was at catching them. You'll find all the usual suspects on the menu: fried or grilled everything from shrimp to oysters to several different varieties of fish (and all the standard sides, of course.) All that with an unbeatable view - doesn't get much better than that.

5. The Spot (Galveston)

We may not be blessed with the most aesthetically pleasing beaches in Texas, but they look pretty darn nice from a balcony a few hundred yards away (and having a huge burger in front of your face doesn't exactly damage the view either...) Seriously though, I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Everything I've tried is absolutely mouthwatering - from burgers to jethro-bowl salads to the best waffle fries you'll ever eat (yeah, I went there. Sorry, Chick-Fil-A).

6. Doc's Seafood and Steaks (Corpus Christi)

Mmm, my mouth is watering just looking at these pictures. Some light fish tacos and a cocktail by the water is basically the definition of the perfect summer night - and a delicious one at that.

7. Louie's Backyard (South Padre Island)

I'm a sucker for whole crab legs. And anything fried. And buffets. (What can I say? I'm a born and raised Texan.) Louie's combines your favorite Southern-style seafood with the laid back vibe of the West Coast to create an atmosphere that you just can't find anywhere else. And if you come for dinner during the summer, you might catch the weekly fireworks that start at 9:15 PM every Friday.

8. Fin's Grill & Icehouse (Port Aransas)

Fin's is a great place to just chill with some friends, and although it is a bar, it still has a very family friendly atmosphere as well. There's even a pirate ship out front that's sure to draw the little ones' eyes while they try to eat their meal. Not to mention the food is delicious. You simply can't go wrong with a good shrimp po' boy.

Have you ever been to any of these restaurants? What are some other beachfront restaurants that deserve recognition?