Stingaree Restaurant & Marina

1295 N. Stingaree Rd Crystal Beach, Texas 77650

Hours

Main dining room

Open Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Closed Monday & Tuesday

About

You know a seafood restaurant is good when it's stood the test of time! Such is the case of Stingaree Restaurant & Marina, which has been open since 1986.

The family-owned business was the brainchild of Jim Vratis, whose son, Brad, is now at the helm. The restaurant was born out of a vision to offer an eatery where guests could enjoy fresh, local seafood while basking in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. The winning combination of delicious food, stunning Intracoastal Waterway views, and friendly service has proved a hit with customers, cementing the restaurant's reputation as a favorite in the area.

One thing that sets Stingaree Restaurant & Marina apart is its commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Fishermen likely caught the shrimp, crab, and oysters gracing your plate in the waters you're overlooking. This commitment to quality and freshness is evident in every bite.

But the restaurant doesn't just serve excellent food—it also offers marina service. Boaters can dock up, enjoy a meal, and even stay the night. These multifaceted offerings make Stingaree a unique dining destination.

Stingaree Restaurant & Marina has an upstairs dining room with stellar views, perfect for a more intimate dining experience. If you want something more rowdy, head to DownUnder for a more laid-back vibe and straightforward menu. The restaurant is close to other landmarks like the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve and Rainbow Pyramid, making combining a fun-filled day with a savory meal easy.

Whether you're a seafood lover, a boating enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a good meal in a beautiful setting, Stingaree Restaurant & Marina is the place for you. Visit and discover why this establishment has become a beloved part of the Bolivar dining landscape.

Vibe

The rustic exterior is a captivating sight, with the establishment peacefully nestled amidst the beautiful panorama of the Gulf. While the building was constructed in the late 80s, it's been well taken care of and remains charming. 

Inside, the décor is tastefully designed, with sea-themed artifacts and local memorabilia adorning the walls, creating an immersive environment.

The large glass windows offer stunning views of the marina and Intracoastal Waterway, where leisure boats gently bob on the tranquil waves. Come sunset, it is the place to marvel at the brilliant hues and shimmering reflections.

The restaurant is spacious yet cozy, with an array of seating options. The dining room offers comfortable booth seating and table options. The ambient lighting creates an intimate, warm atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed family dinner.

Venture into the DownUnder to kick back and savor more straightforward fare with breathtaking views. It's the perfect place to unwind after soaring like a bird with Third Coast Parasail.

The ambiance, the panoramic Gulf views, and the delectable seafood aroma create an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Stingaree Restaurant & Marina: Menu & Drinks

When in the Gulf region, you've got to try the fresh shrimp! A signature meal is the Shrimp Lovers' Platter. Prawn fans will go wild savoring boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, charbroiled shrimp, honey jalapeño shrimp, crab-stuffed shrimp, shrimp étouffée, or gumbo.

Another notable seafood dish is crab meals, like their renowned Bosco's BBQ. Diners choose either classic boiled or Vieno-fried blue crabs. For a refined yet delicious flavor combo, consider the hot lump crab in basil butter.

Anglers, bring your catch to Stingaree Restaurant & Marina and let them cook up a tasty meal unlike anything you've ever tasted!

When you crave more uncomplicated food, the DownUnder menu is calling! It offers classics like cheeseburgers with fries, grilled chicken, and fried shrimp. It even serves creative options like crab or shrimp nachos and soft-shell crab tacos.

Stingaree Restaurant & Marina is the place for specialty drinks that pair perfectly with their food and a stunning sunset. The Stingarita is their spin on a classic margarita, and the Muggarita is a massive concoction that would make Jimmy Buffet proud! Lift a craft cocktail to celebrate your adventure at Gator Country!

Stingaree Restaurant & Marina is not to be missed on your Texas vacation with its two unique dining areas, breathtaking water views, classic seafood cuisine, and American classics.

Local Tips

  • DownUnder is only open Friday-Sunday. See their website for specific times.
  • Live music is a regular feature of DownUnder.
  • Need meals catered? Let the folks at Stingaree Restaurant & Marina help you out!
  • Save room for dessert. The Bread Pudding with bourbon sauce is the rage!

Location

1295 N. Stingaree Rd Crystal Beach, Texas 77650

Frequently Asked Questions

If you only have one day to experience the beauty of Bolivar, Texas, you’ll want to make every moment count.

We recommend starting your day off with a cup of coffee on the deck and then heading over to Crystal Beach for some relaxation. Renowned for its pristine sand and warm waters, here you can soak up the sun, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the serene environment.

Next, head over to Stingarees or Tia Juanita for a delicious lunch and enjoy the vibes! After lunch, take the ferry to Galveston or make some time to visit the High Island Bird Sanctuaries. The peninsula offers unparalleled bird-watching opportunities, so keep an eye out for exotic species.

As the day transitions into the evening, consider taking a moment to enjoy the sunset. The Bolivar Peninsula is known for its breathtaking sunsets, so find a comfortable spot, sit back, and take in the mesmerizing view.

With a chill, unique, and relaxing vibe, the local favorite thing to do in Bolivar is to kick up your feet and enjoy the beach. From fishing to boating, bird watching, and enjoying the sunsets, we are a laid-back community that enjoys timeless experiences.

And as for restaurants, we have plenty! One local favorite is Stingarees. Situated on Galveston Bay, Stingarees is a marina and seafood destination that is a must-try while you are here.

Bolivar was once home to pirates and smugglers! In fact, the Bolivar Peninsula and the broader Galveston area in Texas have a storied history that involves pirates, particularly the infamous Jean Lafitte.

In the early 19th century, Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre established a base of operations on Galveston Island, which is very close to the Bolivar Peninsula.

Lafitte operated a pirate kingdom of sorts in Galveston, engaging in smuggling, slave trade, and other illegal activities. He and his band of pirates took advantage of the island’s natural harbor and its strategic location for their operations. Lafitte named his Galveston base “Campeche.”

Over time, as the United States government increased its presence in the region and put pressure on pirate activities, Lafitte was eventually forced to abandon Galveston. However, his time there, as well as the broader history of piracy and smuggling in the region, left an indelible mark on local lore and history.

So make sure to take some time to dig up Bolivar’s secret past during your vacation!

More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

We'd love to help answer your questions!