|
Review content:
Drink and play at Tilman Fertitta's seven-acre, downtown aquatic adventure.
The Appeal
Houston's first public aquarium was designed to entertain the masses. The $38-million world-class complex, perched on the redeveloped 400 block of Bagby, boasts 500,000 gallons of visible underwater tanks with more than 200 species of marine life--and that's just skimming the surface.
The restaurant has an extensive menu that specializes in seafood, steaks, salads, pasta, chicken and other main entrees. Appetizers such as shrimp and crab dip, crispy calamari, and Maryland crab cake are a few of the aquarium favorites that bring patrons to the downtown restaurant. Patrons can view various sharks, marine plants, and a large range of other fish while dining. It is a family-friendly environment that attracts people of all ages.
Features
At this classy carnival, expect rides and amusements for the entire family. The Shark Voyage is a highlight: Travel via train into an acrylic tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Ride the 100-foot Diving Bell Ferris wheel for an incredible view of the city, or the aquatic carousel if you'd rather be grounded. See educational exhibits of themed underwater environments like the Rainforest. Quell your hunger at the Marina Matinee cafe or Aquarium restaurant; quench your thirst at the Dive Lounge. Thinking big? The Nautilus Ballroom accommodates 450 people.
Although the kids will probably be too distracted by the giant residents of the wall-size aquariums to notice, the food at the simply named Aquarium Restaurant is good -- really good. Sure parent-pleasers include the tortilla crusted shrimp salad (a house specialty) and saut?ed gulf snapper. Although the kids' menu is not quite as inspired (pasta, miniature burgers, and chicken tenders), your little ones will devour every bite if they can tear themselves away from looking at the fish.
More upscale than the other Landry family restaurants that include a crab shack and cantina theme, the Aquarium Restaurant of Houston has a menu includes anything from fish and shrimp to burgers and steaks. For an appetizer, enjoy shrimp cocktails, oysters on the half-shell or crab wontons. The menu also includes items like the shrimp tortilla club sandwich, blackened redfish and saut?ed red snapper with crab-avocado pico de gallo.
With the museum-like environment and live sharks, this restaurant is very kid-friendly. While the prices are a little higher than most restaurants, you definitely get your money?s worth of ambience. Whether you visit the downtown or Kemah restaurant, you should make time to visit the Aquarium Restaurant at least once.
No admission required. The restaurant has its own entry, so aquarium admission is not required to dine here. It's a great way to see aquatic life without touring the entire aquarium.
Expect the expected. The aquarium's theme park rides are right outside the restaurant door. Expect the inevitable pleas to ride.
|