Tookie's Seafood — Restaurant in Seabrook

A few weeks back I took some time off and went down to Kemah for a short getaway with family and friends. I stopped by Tookies due to the great reviews overall it had. I did enjoy the lunch and the time we spent there but there were a few details that should be addressed at this restaurant. This restaurant is gorgeous, the staff is very friendly, and the server was outstanding. My server was very attentive, brought everything on time, and made sure our drinks were always full. I had a blackened catfish stuffed with crayfish in a etouffee style served with dirty rice and seasonal vegetables. The dish was fantastic. Cooked perfect, taste was just right. I also had a ahi asian salad. The vegetables were fresh, the tuna was a little over cooked but still tasted great. The Asian vinaigrette was perfect as well. My only gripe were two things which is what brought down from 5 stars to 3 in my opinion. I ordered the crayfish boil, we had 2 pounds to start. The problem was that the crayfish were not boiled in a mix but seasoned after it was boiled. So you had this powder of strong spices that immediately hit you as you took your first bite, not to mention your nostrils burnt after. That was terrible. Also the vegetables , the potatoes and corn was so blend, because it never saw the seasoning. The sausage was horrible, just pure salt. At the end as we are receive our checks, i noticed an auto gratuity. Now i don't mind the auto gratuity at 18%, usually its 20% so no worries, but I usually expect this from a larger group of 6 or more adults. We were 4 adults with 3 children. I don't think that was appropriate to do the auto gratuity and count the children as well. Would I stop by again, yes, the dishes merit a...

I have been visiting this place coming from Galleria in Houston, an hour drive mind you. For three year we have visited this restaurant at least once a month. At few times weekly. Today I had a very unprofessional encounter with the manager. For three years I always order the same thing. 3 catfish fillet combo and ask to substitute for tilapia instead. Never had an up charge or trouble with the order. Today I get the order and only received two fillets. I inform the server that I’m missing a fillet. He brings it and when the check time comes I see that there is a charge for 3.99 for the fillet. I tell the server this is wrong as my combo is for 3 fillets and there shouldn’t be a charge. Mind you this is the same thing I’ve ordered for years. He comes back and tells me that the manager stated that it’s extra because of the ounces and etc. I ask to speak to the manager, at which time he comes by and very arrogantly spoke to me. Stating this wouldn’t be an issue if I had made the right order. As a customer I plead that I’ve ordered the same thing for three years and visit this establishment monthly. He proceeds to argue back basically stating this is my fault. I asked if it was more important to keep a customer or ague about something that hadn’t happened before in all my years ordering. He proceeded to just state I was in the wrong. I myself am in customer service and didn’t appreciate the unprofessionalism. He never apologized or tried to diffuse anything, he just placed blame on me, the customer. I have honestly spoke about this restaurant to over 100 people and they’ve visited the establishment. It’s sad and disappointing how I was treated today. Mind you my tab was over $100 and it always is every time we visit...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tookie’s in Seabrook is the kind of Gulf Coast gem that makes you want to grab everyone you know and say, “You HAVE to eat here!”

My wife, mother-in-law, and I walked in on a busy night and were seated right away. Our server, Tony, was on the ball — friendly, fast, and the kind of guy who makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years.

We started with a dozen raw oysters on the half shell that were plump, briny, and kissed with just the right saltwater snap. Add in the deviled eggs topped with mesquite-grilled shrimp and you’ve got a starter that screams Texas coastal charm. Sure, the deviled egg filling could have used a little more kick, but those shrimp were worth writing home about.

Then came the moment of truth: my grilled Texas Redfish. Oh my. The mesquite smoke danced over the fish without overpowering it, locking in that seasoning like a secret handshake between chef and flame. Paired with crisp, colorful summer veggies, it was easily the best redfish I’ve ever eaten.

My wife’s seared tuna salad was so fresh and vibrant it needed no extra words — she just smiled with every bite. My mother-in-law’s shrimp scampi had her grinning ear to ear, the garlic butter mingling perfectly with tender shrimp and those same summer veggies.

This isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a place where the Gulf breeze meets mesquite smoke, where seafood is treated with respect, and where the staff makes you feel like part of the family. Whether you’re a party of two or a crowd, Tookie’s is ready to make your night special.

We’ll be back. Oh yes, we’ll be back.

— Mike “Big Chief” Hiatt, host of The Whiskey...