Gilhooley's Restaurant-Oyster

I wasn't a big fan of oysters before today, now I'm hooked! The oysters are smoked in the shell and topped with butter, parmeson cheese, and shrimp - absolutely delicious!! You could also get oysters topped with salsa and cheese. While you're waiting for the oysters, try the shrimp toast. It's toasted with butter, parmeson, and covered with big shrimp - to die for!! The crab cakes were awesome as well. There were allot of tempting items on the menu and the prices are very reasonable. This place is not fancy, absolutely no kids allowed (which is okay with me), and smoking is allowed. But the tables and atmosphere were very comfortable and the food was GREAT - it was a nice place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the food and company. The only alcoholic beverages they serve are beer and wine - both go very well with the oysters. I'll definitely visit Gilhooley's again! Pros: Great food at an even greater price Cons: A bit out of the way more

It's no place of beauty and if you looking for a place to be seen, don't bother to stop. If you have a carload of crumbcrunhing runrats, don't even slow down, head down 146 to McDonalds. However, if you looking for a cold beer and probably the best oysters on the Gulf Coast, then Gilhooley's is your kinda place. Lots of locals and a bunch of ""bikers"" along with other oyster lovers abound the place on weekends. You can't go wrong with the raw or smoked oysters, and the balance of the menu is quite tasty as well. Leave your ""yacht club"" apparrel at home and slide into your grungies when heading to Gilhooley's, otherwise you'll be stared at and probably be the butt of a few jokes. Gumbo is ""ok"" so I'd save the space for the shrimp and cheese loaf or many of the other items that are higher on the ""yum scale."" If you don't like smokers, you'll need to find a spot outside as I do, cause there are any ""non-smoking"" laws in San Leon. In fact you find the majority working on a good case of lung cancer. Pros: Oysters, Oysters, and Oysters; NO KIDS ALLOWED!!!; Reasonable Prices Cons: Smoking inside, Not close enough to my house, more

Gilhooley's patrons march to their own drummers. If you're looking for the yuppie crowd, go elsewhere. If you're ""down home,"" this is the place. There's a mix of ages and attitudes. The decor is funky. There is a pleasant outdoor deck. The food is good, with generous portions and reasonable prices. If you want a low-key atmosphere, no pretense, just unpretentiously good food, this is the place! Pros: Lots of good food Cons: A little bit far to drive from Houston more

Good to know that Gilhooley's made it through Ike!. Called today (10/15/08) and she said they made it, they are open, and they have oysters! We have been there several times to eat the wood-fired oysters and MAN are they good! ShrimpHooley's are my personal favorite but my husband like the regular ones best. The gumbo is very good, too. This place is a true biker bar (bikes are every where) not fancy but the food is excellent and the beer is really cold. You will be comfortable in shorts or a suit. Great place to go but leave the kids at home--they aren't allowed...""No children--no kidding."" Pros: ShrimpHooley Oysters, ambience, and cold, cold beer Cons: Too far from Humble! more

Only made it to the Gilhooley's Oysters and the Shrimphooley's Specialty Oysters. True, that's why I went, but still. I suspect the rest of the menu is as good as these 'ersters, but I didn't make it past them.\r \r I could not get into the bar, as it is a smoker's den, so I was forced to sit outside and eat ambrosia. Yeah, it was tough. What was even harder was not licking the empty oyster shells, redolent traces of deliciousness floating off the hot surfaces. It just isn't believable how good these things are, how the simple combination of Texas oysters, butter and parmeseano reggiano becomes its own synergy of food heaven. \r \r Did I say they were good? More than good. Gooder! Blindingly good, especially paired with a 2008 Shiner Bock. And yes, I've been to Drago's.\r \r Go to Gilhooley's before the McMansions urban blight or a hurricane takes it all away. But I may beat you there. more

I havent tried their food yet,just went in to have a couple of beers and its a good place to hang out with your other half or buddies.The bartenders were nice and i'll come here and try their food next time.\r \r suzie more

Shrimphooley's are Oysters & Shrimp Grilled on a Half shell, melt in you mouth!!! Gumbo is jam-packed with Oysters, Shrimp, Crab, Fish, you name it, its in there! Best RAW Oysters on a half shell I have ever had. Print Directions - You will need them, this place is tucked away in San Leon, but worth the drive! Pros: Beachy type Bar/Grill & Can sit inside or out! Cons: Had trouble finding it the first time. more

Gilhooley's has the best Hamburgers and Oysters I've ever eaten. I live 28 miles away and I don't mind the drive. Kids are not allowed and I like that too. Pros: Good Food, Kids not allowed more

When you're tired of sushi, try the raw fare at this Gulf Coast classic. Dive-y decor, sassy waitstaff and relaxed outdoor dining. Order as many raw oysters as your belly can handle and while away the afternoon on the patio. Pros: biker clientel, inexpensive, colorful decor Cons: no kids allowed? more