Clear Lake, Houston, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and one dish that stands out is calamari. This tender squid, expertly fried or grilled, is a favorite amongst seafood lovers. This guide explores the top 16 places to find the best calamari in Clear Lake, Houston, offering insights into their unique offerings and helping you choose the perfect spot for your next seafood craving. We’ll cover everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, ensuring there’s an option for every taste and budget. Finding the best calamari is subjective, of course, but we’ll highlight what makes each location special.
Where to Find the Freshest Calamari in Clear Lake
This section dives into the heart of our quest: locating the finest calamari Clear Lake has to offer. We'll examine various establishments, focusing on what distinguishes their calamari preparations. Remember, freshness and preparation are key to great calamari.
Casual Calamari Havens
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The Crab Shack: Known for its casual atmosphere and generous portions, The Crab Shack often features calamari as a starter or appetizer. Their breading is typically light and crispy, allowing the squid's natural flavor to shine through. Many customers praise their consistently fresh ingredients.
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Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: A popular chain restaurant, Bubba Gump offers a reliable calamari option. While not always the most adventurous preparation, it provides a safe and tasty choice for those seeking a familiar flavor profile. The consistent quality across locations is a major draw.
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Saltgrass Steak House: While primarily a steakhouse, Saltgrass often includes calamari on their appetizer menu. Their preparation might be slightly more upscale than other casual options, often featuring a more refined breading or accompanying sauce.
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Chili's Grill & Bar: This widely available chain restaurant offers a budget-friendly calamari choice. It's a good option for a quick and easy meal, but don't expect the most sophisticated preparation. Consistency in taste and affordability are key strengths.
Upscale Calamari Experiences
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Perch: This restaurant offers a more sophisticated take on calamari, often incorporating unique sauces or preparations. Expect higher quality ingredients and a more refined dining experience.
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Truluck's: Similar to Perch, Truluck's provides a high-end calamari experience. Their focus on fresh, sustainable seafood ensures a high-quality product. The presentation and accompanying sauces typically elevate the dish.
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The Oceanaire Seafood Room: A renowned seafood restaurant, The Oceanaire frequently features calamari on their menu. Expect expertly prepared calamari, likely with unique and creative twists on classic recipes. The focus is on high-end ingredients and preparation.
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Galleria Seafood: This upscale establishment places significant emphasis on the quality of its ingredients and its experienced chefs' preparations. Expect a higher price point but a commensurately superior calamari experience.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
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Captain's Inn: A local favorite known for its seafood offerings, Captain's Inn often has a daily special featuring calamari. They might use more locally-sourced ingredients and offer unique regional preparations.
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Little Woodrow's: This bar and grill offers a more casual setting, often with a selection of appetizers, including calamari. They are popular for their lively atmosphere and good value.
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The Kemah Boardwalk: Several restaurants at the Kemah Boardwalk offer calamari. The variety of options allows for comparison and selection based on your specific preference.
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A Taste of Texas: This establishment showcases Texas cuisine, and occasionally features calamari with a southwestern flair. This could be a unique take on this classic appetizer.
Beyond the Usual: Exploring Different Calamari Styles
These next four entries showcase diverse approaches to preparing calamari, moving beyond the standard fried version.
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Grilled Calamari: Search for restaurants that offer grilled calamari. This healthier option often showcases the squid's natural flavor.
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Calamari Steaks: Some restaurants may offer calamari steaks, a thicker cut of the squid that requires a different cooking method than rings. These can be more substantial and flavorful.
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Calamari Salad: Look for restaurants incorporating calamari into fresh and vibrant salads. This can provide a lighter and refreshing way to enjoy this seafood.
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Stuffed Calamari: Some restaurants might feature stuffed calamari as a main course or appetizer. This often involves stuffing the squid with flavorful ingredients like rice, vegetables, or seafood.
Choosing Your Calamari Adventure in Clear Lake
This guide provides a starting point for your calamari quest in Clear Lake, Houston. Remember to check online reviews and menus before you go to ensure the restaurant still offers calamari and to get a sense of the current customer experiences. Enjoy your delicious culinary adventure!
