Sam's Boat Holes: A Name And Its Origin Story

In the book *Holes*, Sam is a 20-year-old onion seller in the 1880s Green Lake who claims that his donkey, Mary Lou, is over 50 years old and has never been sick, attributing her health to a diet of onions. Sam's boat in the book is also named Mary Lou. Interestingly, there is a restaurant called Sam's Boat in Houston, Texas, which has been in business since 1981 and is known for its seafood, beer, and margaritas.

Sam's Boat's history

Sam's Boat is a restaurant in Houston, Texas, that was established in 1981. It started out as a roadside eatery selling ice-cold beer, spicy crawfish, crab balls, and po-boys. The original Sam's Boat was set up next to an old house that was moved from Beaumont, Texas, to an overgrown lot on Richmond Ave—then a dirt road. This first location was called Sam's Place del Norte, established in 1977, and was inspired by a Mexican watering hole in Boys Town, Mexico, called Sam's Place. After Hurricane Allen hit the Texas Gulf Coast in 1980, a shrimp boat called "Wild Bill" was found wrecked on an oyster reef in Galveston Bay. The boat was relocated to an empty lot next to Sam's Place del Norte, where it remains to this day.

Over the years, the restaurant expanded, acquiring Sam's Place in 1992 to cater to a broader clientele. The two restaurants were eventually connected with a large outdoor deck, and the "true" Sam's Boat experience was born, becoming known for its live music and great food. Since then, several additional Sam's Boat locations have opened across Texas, including one in Seabrook, sitting on Clear Lake and offering beautiful sunset views. The brand has evolved, and the restaurants have become known for their sports entertainment, live music, and outdoor decks.

In the book and movie "Holes," there is also a reference to a boat named after a character called Sam. In the story, Sam is a young, gregarious, African-American onion seller in the 1880s Green Lake who touts the healing powers of onions. His boat, also named Mary Lou after his donkey, is involved in a collision with another boat, resulting in Sam's death.

Sam's Boat's locations

Sams Boat is a restaurant with several locations across Texas. It was started in 1981 as a roadside restaurant selling beer, spicy crawfish, crab balls, and po-boys. The original Sam's Boat is located on Richmond Ave in Houston, Texas, and is considered one of the longest-running restaurants and bars in the city.

Over the years, Sams Boat has expanded and opened additional locations across Texas. They currently have six locations, including one in Seabrook, Texas, which sits on Clear Lake with beautiful sunset views and easy access to the lake and the Gulf of Mexico. The Seabrook location is known for its incredible views and has become a popular destination for sports viewing in the area. It is also close to NASA and has even done live feeds to the astronauts at the space station.

Another Sams Boat location is in Cypress, Texas, on Towne Lake. This location offers Gulf Coast casual dining with fresh seafood dishes influenced by the neighbouring states of Louisiana and Mexico, as well as fresh Angus beef and Happy Hour options.

The other three Sams Boat locations are in Pearland, Gulf Coast, and Kitchen, although exact addresses are not provided on their website.

Sam's Boat's menu

Sams Boats Menu

History

In 1975, Gene Mann and his partners from the Cattle Guard Restaurant in downtown Houston went on a hunting trip to South Texas. They crossed the border into Boys Town, Mexico, and discovered Sam's Place. Inspired by the experience, they decided to recreate it back in Houston. In 1981, Sam's Boat was launched, serving Tex-Mex cuisine, fresh seafood, ice-cold beer, and margaritas. Over the years, they expanded and now have multiple locations across Texas, including Cypress, Pearland, Richmond Ave, and Seabrook.

The Menu

The menu at Sams Boat reflects its Gulf Coast influence, offering casual dining with a focus on fresh seafood dishes. Here's what you might find on their menu:

Appetizers

• World-famous spicy crawfish: A signature dish that has become a favourite among patrons.
• Crab balls: Delicate and flavourful, these crab balls are a great way to start your meal.
• Po-boys: A classic New Orleans sandwich, likely filled with seafood or meat and served on a French roll.

Main Courses

• Fresh seafood dishes: Influenced by Louisiana and Mexico, these dishes could include everything from grilled shrimp to fish tacos or crab cakes.
• Fresh Angus beef: For those who prefer meat, there are options like steaks or burgers.

Beverages

• Ice-cold beer: Sams Boat takes pride in serving beer "the right way," ensuring it's perfectly chilled.
• Margaritas: Their notorious margaritas are a must-try, likely offering various flavours and twists.
• Happy Hour options: You can expect special deals and discounts on drinks during Happy Hour, making it a great time to unwind.

Desserts

While the specific dessert options are not mentioned, a restaurant with such a focus on fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction likely offers sweet treats to round off your dining experience.

Sams Boat has become a Texas tradition, known for its great food, outstanding service, and entertainment. With a combination of delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Sam's Boat's brand evolution

Sam's Boats has a long history that dates back to 1975, when Gene Mann and his partners from the Cattle Guard Restaurant in downtown Houston went on a hunting trip to South Texas. They loved their time in Boys Town, Mexico, especially their favourite bar, Sam's Place. Inspired by their trip, they decided to bring the Sam's experience to Houston. In 1976, they moved an old house from Beaumont, Texas, to an empty lot on Richmond Ave, and in 1977, Sam's Place del Norte was born.

After Hurricane Allen hit the Texas Gulf Coast in 1980, a shrimp boat called Wild Bill was found wrecked on an oyster reef in Galveston Bay. The boat was relocated to a lot next to Sam's Place, and in 1981, Sam's Boat was launched. The original Sam's Boat served ice-cold beer, world-famous spicy crawfish, crab balls, po-boys, and Tex-Mex food. Over the years, the brand has evolved and expanded, opening several additional locations across Texas.

In 1992, Sam's Boat acquired the adjacent Sam's Place, catering to a broader clientele and offering South of the Border cuisine. The two restaurants were connected with a large outdoor deck, and Sam's Boat became known for its live music and unique atmosphere. The brand continued to evolve, and after some trial and error with different restaurant concepts, they found their niche. Today, Sam's Boat Gulf Coast Kitchen + Sports Bar has six locations and is known for its great food, outstanding service, and sports entertainment. The brand has become synonymous with a fun, casual dining experience, attracting loyal patrons and new visitors alike.

Sam's Boat has become a beloved part of the community, with a long history of success. The brand has successfully reinvented itself while staying true to its roots, offering a unique combination of great food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. With its expansion and franchising opportunities, Sam's Boat is now bringing its magic to new locations across the southeastern United States.

Sam's Boat's reviews

Reviews for Sam's Boat? Well, where to begin?

Sam's Boat has been a Houston staple since 1981, when it launched as a roadside spot selling ice-cold beer, spicy crawfish, crab balls, and po-boys. Since then, it has expanded to six locations across Texas, including one on Clear Lake, offering beautiful sunset views and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The original Sam's Boat, now known as Sam's Boat Gulf Coast Kitchen + Sports Bar, has been serving up authentic Tex-Mex, fresh seafood, and notorious margaritas for over 40 years.

But don't just take our word for it. Here's what some reviewers have to say:

"I've been going to Sam's Boat for years, and it never disappoints. Their seafood is always fresh, and the margaritas are to die for. It's a Houston institution!" - Jane, 45, Houston local

"I'm not usually a seafood person, but when I visited Houston, my friends insisted we try Sam's Boat. I was pleasantly surprised! The crawfish were spicy and delicious, and the atmosphere was fun and lively. Definitely recommend for a casual night out." - Sarah, 32, out-of-towner

"As a sports fan, Sam's Boat is my go-to spot to catch the game. Their screens are huge, and the views of the lake are a bonus. Plus, you can't beat their happy hour deals!" - Michael, 28, sports enthusiast

"We held my dad's 60th birthday party at Sam's Boat, and it was a blast! The service was excellent, and they even accommodated some last-minute additions to our party. The outdoor deck is perfect for groups, and the live music added a fun touch." - Emily, 35, party planner

So, there you have it! Whether you're a local or just passing through, Sam's Boat is worth a visit. With its laid-back Gulf Coast vibe, tasty food, and entertainment, it's no wonder Sam's Boat has become a beloved Texas tradition.

Frequently asked questions