Stingaree Restaurant and Marina in Crystal Beach, Texas
Stingaree is the one real restaurant on the Bolivar Peninsula. It sits on the bay side with an outdoor deck, live music on weekends, and a menu built around seafood and bar food. If you're staying in Crystal Beach, you'll end up here.
The Only Real Restaurant on the Peninsula
Crystal Beach is not a restaurant town. There's no strip of dining options to browse. Stingaree Restaurant and Marina is basically it for sit-down dining on the Bolivar Peninsula. It sits on the bay side of Highway 87, right on the water, with views of East Galveston Bay.
That sounds limiting, but Stingaree does a solid job of being the one place everyone goes. It's a restaurant, bar, live music spot, and marina all in one. Open for lunch and dinner most days. They accept cash and card.
The Food: Seafood, Burgers, and Bar Staples
The menu is what you'd expect from a Gulf Coast waterfront spot. Fried shrimp, oysters on the half shell, blackened fish, po'boys, and burgers. Nothing fancy. Just solid bar and grill food that pairs well with a cold beer and a bay breeze.
The fried shrimp basket is probably the most popular order. The portions are decent and the seafood is fresh. They also do a solid burger if seafood isn't your thing. Prices are reasonable for a waterfront restaurant. Expect to spend $15 to $25 per person for food.
Don't expect white tablecloth service. This is a come-as-you-are place. Flip-flops, sandy feet, tank tops. That's the dress code.
The Outdoor Deck and Bay Views
The outdoor deck is the main draw. It overlooks the bay and gets a nice breeze in the evenings. Sunset from the deck is hard to beat. Grab a table early if you're going on a Friday or Saturday night because the deck fills up fast.
There's indoor seating too, but most people come here for the outside experience. It feels like a proper Gulf Coast hangout. Pelicans, boats pulling in, the water right there. It's a good vibe.
Live Music on Weekends
Stingaree has live music on Friday and Saturday nights during the warmer months. Mostly country, rock, and Gulf Coast singer-songwriter stuff. The sound carries well on the outdoor deck.
During peak summer weekends and holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Fourth of July, the place gets packed. Show up early if you want a table. Or just grab a drink at the bar and hang out. The crowd is a mix of locals, weekend visitors, and vacation rental guests.
Getting There and What to Expect
Stingaree is located at 1295 Stingaree Road, Crystal Beach, TX 77650. It's on the bay side, off Highway 87. Easy to find. There's a parking lot, but it fills up on weekends. You can also arrive by boat and dock at the marina.
Wait times can stretch to 30 to 45 minutes on busy weekends. There's no reservation system. Just show up, put your name in, and grab a drink at the bar while you wait. That's part of the experience.
Hours vary by season, so check their Facebook page before heading over. They sometimes close on slower weekdays during the off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food does Stingaree serve in Crystal Beach?
Stingaree serves Gulf Coast seafood, burgers, po'boys, fried shrimp, oysters, and bar food. It's a casual waterfront restaurant and bar on the bay side of the Bolivar Peninsula.
Does Stingaree have live music?
Yes. Stingaree has live music on Friday and Saturday nights, mostly during spring and summer. The music is typically country, rock, or Gulf Coast style. Check their Facebook page for the current schedule.
Is Stingaree the only restaurant in Crystal Beach?
Stingaree is the main sit-down restaurant on the Bolivar Peninsula. A few smaller spots and food trucks come and go, but Stingaree is the most established and consistent dining option in Crystal Beach.
Does Stingaree take reservations?
No. Stingaree does not take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. On busy weekends, expect a 30 to 45 minute wait. Arrive early for the best chance at a table on the outdoor deck.
Where to Stay in Crystal Beach
Most visitors to Crystal Beach stay in vacation rentals. If you want a property with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit that sleeps up to 15 guests, check out Pickle Beach by Insane Stays. Book direct and save 20% vs. Airbnb, Vrbo & Booking.com.
Planning a Crystal Beach Vacation?
Pickle Beach is a 5-bedroom vacation rental with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit. Steps from the beach. Pet-friendly.
View Pickle Beach