Sam's Boat: What's In A Name?

Sam's Boat is a restaurant and sports bar in Houston, Texas, with several locations across the state. It is known for its Gulf Coast casual dining, including fresh seafood dishes, and has been in business for over 30 years. The original Sam's Boat opened its doors in 1981 as a roadside stop selling ice-cold beer and spicy crawfish. Over the years, it has expanded and evolved, becoming a beloved part of the community and a go-to destination for great food, outstanding service, and sports entertainment.

Sam's Boat's history

Sam's Boat Gulf Coast Kitchen + Sports Bar is a restaurant and bar with several locations in Texas, including Houston, Seabrook, Cypress, Pearland, and Richmond Ave. The original Sam's Boat opened in 1981 on the side of a road in Houston, selling beer and food such as crawfish, crab balls, and po-boys. In 1992, the owners acquired the adjacent Sam's Place, which served south-of-the-border cuisine, and the two restaurants were eventually connected with a large outdoor deck. Over the years, Sam's Boat has opened and closed several locations and expanded its menu to include fresh seafood dishes influenced by the cuisines of Louisiana and Mexico, as well as Angus beef. The restaurant is known for its live music, outdoor decks, and sports entertainment. In addition to its food and drinks, Sam's Boat has also become a popular spot for socialising and people-watching.

The Sam's Boat experience

The Sams Boat Experience

Sam's Boat Gulf Coast Kitchen + Sports Bar is a restaurant and bar with six locations in Texas, including Houston, Cypress, Pearland, Richmond Ave, and Seabrook. It has been serving customers for over 30 years, with its "original" location opening in 1981. The restaurant offers a variety of food and drinks, including fresh seafood dishes, Tex-Mex cuisine, ice-cold beer, and margaritas.

The "true" Sams Boat experience involves enjoying live music and spending time on their huge outdoor deck, which connects their original restaurant with the adjacent Sam's Place. The deck is a popular spot for socialising and taking in the views, especially at sunset. The restaurant also has indoor seating and multiple bars.

Sam's Boat is known for its casual dining experience, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The menu features an extensive range of options influenced by the cuisines of neighbouring Louisiana and Mexico. This includes fresh seafood dishes, such as crawfish, crab balls, po-boys, and shrimp poboy, as well as Angus beef and happy hour specials.

The restaurant also has a strong following for its sports entertainment, with several locations offering incredible views and easy access to nearby attractions. For example, the Seabrook location sits on Clear Lake and is close to NASA, while the Richmond Ave location is known for its live music and outdoor deck.

Over the years, Sam's Boat has evolved and expanded, with new locations opening and some closing. However, the brand has maintained its magic, attracting loyal patrons and becoming a part of people's lives. The restaurant has become a popular destination for great food, outstanding service, and a fun atmosphere, making it one of the longest-running restaurants and bars in Houston.

Sam's Boat's menu

Sam's Boat is a restaurant and sports bar in Houston, Texas, that has been serving Gulf Coast casual dining and Tex-Mex cuisine for over 30 years. The menu features fresh seafood, Angus beef, and a variety of drinks. Here is a detailed look at the menu:

Appetizers

Sam's Boat offers a range of appetizers, including Lone Star Calamari, lightly fried and served with jalapenos, tomatoes, and lemon butter. They also have signature crab balls, stuffed jalapenos, and their famous Sam's Sliders, which are classic cheeseburgers with frazzled onions.

Entrees

For entrees, Sam's Boat has a variety of options, such as their Boiled Shrimp with Potatoes and Corn, Snow Crab with Potatoes and Corn, and Oysters on the Shell. They also offer a range of gumbo options, including Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and Seafood Gumbo, a classic Gulf Coast dish.

Salads

The restaurant also has a selection of salads, such as the Shrimp Crab Avocado Salad, which features jumbo shrimp, crab meat, avocado, and grape tomatoes. They also offer the Ahi Tuna Salad, with peppercorn-crusted tuna, and the Crispy Chicken Salad, with popcorn chicken and jalapeno cheese quesadillas.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Sam's Boat has a variety of sandwiches and wraps, including the Shrimp Po'boy, with fried jumbo shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on fresh French bread. They also offer the Blackened Mahi Mahi sandwich, served on a whole wheat bun, and the Southwest Wrap, with crispy or grilled chicken, avocado, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips.

Desserts

For dessert, Sam's Boat offers the Hot Brownie Ala Mode, a warm brownie served with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.

Drinks

The restaurant also has a full bar, featuring ice-cold beer and their notorious margaritas.

Sam's Boat has become a beloved part of the community in Houston, offering a unique dining experience with its combination of great food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Sam's Boat's locations

Sam's Boat is a restaurant and sports bar with multiple locations in Texas. The original Sam's Boat opened in 1981 and is located in Houston's Galleria area on Richmond Avenue. This location serves as a great lunch spot and offers a festive atmosphere for evening dining, music, and sports entertainment. Over the years, additional Sam's Boat locations have opened around Texas, including:

• Cypress on Towne Lake: This location is known for its outdoor deck and live music. It is one of the longest-running restaurants and bars in Houston.
• Pearland: A Sam's Boat location in Pearland, Texas, is mentioned, but no further details are provided.
• Seabrook: Located on Clear Lake, this restaurant offers beautiful sunset views and easy access to the lake and the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its incredible views and has become a popular destination for sports viewing. This location is also close to NASA and has even done live feeds to astronauts at the space station.

Each Sam's Boat location offers a unique experience, but all share a commitment to great food, outstanding service, and excellence in sports entertainment. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Sam's Boat has become a Texas tradition known for its fresh seafood dishes, lively atmosphere, and friendly service.

Sam's Boat's reviews

Sams Boats reviews

The Original Sam's Boat

The original Sam's Boat opened its doors in 1981 on Richmond Ave, Houston, and has been going strong ever since. The restaurant was started by Gene Mann and his partners, who were inspired by their favourite bar in Boys Town, Mexico. They decided to replicate the experience back in Houston, and Sam's Boat was born. Over the years, the restaurant has evolved and expanded, with several additional locations opening across Texas. The original Sam's Boat has become a beloved fixture in the community, known for its great food, outstanding service, and excellent sports entertainment.

The Boat's Offerings

Sam's Boat is a Gulf Coast Kitchen and Sports Bar, offering casual dining with a focus on fresh seafood dishes influenced by the flavours of neighbouring Louisiana and Mexico. Their extensive menu also includes options like fresh Angus beef, and awesome Happy Hour deals. The restaurant has a large outdoor deck that has become a popular spot for live music and socialising, offering beautiful sunset views and easy access to the lake and the Gulf of Mexico.

Customer Reviews

Reviews for Sam's Boat on Tripadvisor are generally positive, with many customers praising the food, atmosphere, and service. The crawfish, in particular, are a highlight, with several reviewers mentioning how fresh and well-seasoned they are. The outdoor patio area is also a favourite among patrons, offering a relaxing space to enjoy a meal or drinks. The restaurant's staff are described as friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. However, there are also a few negative reviews, with some customers reporting issues with service, food quality, and crowd type.

Overall, Sam's Boat is a well-established and beloved restaurant and bar in Houston, Texas, offering a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and a vibrant atmosphere. While there are some mixed reviews, the majority of customers seem to have enjoyed their visits, praising the food, drinks, and hospitality. With its long history, commitment to evolution, and focus on customer satisfaction, Sam's Boat has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions