Clary's Seafood Restaurant

I dined at Clary's last Thursday. The food was OK, nothing to go out of your way for. The service was great, but the servers don?t have much to work with at this place. What caused me to write this review is that Clary, the old grumpy owner, is abusive to his employees. I was there with a group of 4 and we heard 3 different occurrences throughout our time there over about an hour and a half. First, he called the busboy retarded in front of his guests. The busboy was enjoying his job and had a smile on his face; apparently that is unacceptable at this establishment. Minutes later Clary insulted his wait staff telling them they would never be successful like him because none of them were even human. Later, when we were about to leave, Clary was cussing out another employee who forgot to do something with words I will not repeat here. I wish this was the Wild West so that I could have invited this poor excuse for a man outside and put an end to the suffering that he causes for those around him. Clary is despicable and disgusting to say the least. No chance I will be back at this restaurant ever. If I can I will let everyone I know in on the dark secret that he is an abusive person who is attempting to project his own shortcomings onto others in a sad display of low self-worth. Don?t treat other people bad because no one loves you, get some help and encourage your staff and they will work hard for you and not hate you as I am sure they do now. more

out of the way, but worth the trip. The best fried shrimp on the island and the lump crab dish and grilled oysters are exceptional. Service is always good. Pros: relaxing view of the bay Cons: out of the way more

we had eaten here several years ago and so were glad to hear they had reopened after hurricane-but it was horrible- waiter was completely unattentive - had to come back and ask what we ordered twice - got beverage order wrong - never checked on us after food was delivered-food was cold and tasted like something thawed out and flash cooked - we complained to the famous owner-he just shrugged--there are plenty of other restaurants to eat at in Galveston - Clary's is off my list forever-I'll not waste my money again Cons: service was very bad more

I discovered Clary's 6 years ago......I go there, often... Pros: Great Food Cons: Too far away more

Clary's is one of our favorite restaurants because of the excellent service and wonderful food. When we go to Clary's we are treated like a king and queen. Mr. Clary himself brings us a delicious assortment of appetizers ranging from baked oysters, crab claws and fish. His son Dwayne is the best waiter in town. He always picks out our wine for us and his choices are great. Their cold shrimp salad is scrumptious. Go to this restaurant when you have the time to sit back, watch the sunset and enjoy a very relaxing, delicious meal. You will not be disappointed. Pros: Delicious food, excellent service, romantic setting more

The food is excellent. We tried everything from the shrimp gumbo to the grilled oysters, lump crab meat, and boiled shrimp. I prefer my seafood straight up -- no sauce that could hide the taste -- and it was all fresh and very tasty. The restaurant must have gone through a remodel since some of the other reviews were written; I couldn't find shag carpet anywhere. The service was polite, formal (white linen table cloths and fresh plates and silverware with each course), and appropriately attentive, i.e. they gave us time to enjoy our food and talk. There was a time that dinner was supposed to take time. The view was pleasant with calm water and I saw at least six different kinds of birds during dinner. So now for the bad news... seafood is not cheap dinners and a fair number of drinks for two were a bit over $100 and in my opinion well worth it. Given that it was an off-season Tuesday night there were only a few other guests. I don't need a restaurant to be packed, however, I want a place I enjoyed this much to continue to be successful. Pros: The food, the service, and the view. Cons: Pricey more

I can't get much more ""local"".....I live on Teichman (same street as Clary's). My husband LOVES their food - I find it ""OK""; however, their grilled oysters and lump crab meat are VERY GOOD as well as the house dressing, homemade tarter sauce, and cocktail sauces. The building itself, as others have said, is not exactly ""modern"". The carpet (orange shag), decorations, and celebrity pictures are all from the 70's and the bathroom is just horrible. I couldn't fit in the stall with my 2 year old to help him ""potty"" (there are two tiny stalls and if you're not too big you can actually fit all the way inside while seated). The service is really bad (slow - wrong - cold) and they are very overpriced. It also smells like old smoke in the dining area. But, they do have a few great items if you're not in too much of a hurry - HA HA!!!!! Pros: GREAT GRILLED OYSTERS AND LUMP CRAB!!!!! Cons: OVERPRICED - SLOW SERVICE. more

After reading all the good reviews, I brought my family on vacation. For the prices they charge, I expect 5 star cleanliness. The place smells. I think they made an effort to make the place presentable. But my god, the bathroom vinyl floor was peeling. The shag carpeting was from the 70s. I thought I was in a time warp. The james bond movie where bond was louisiana with the boat chase scene. The food was only tolerable. The place had a seating capacity of well over 100. I counted less than 13 customers, including our family. What they hey? Are Clary employees going on the internet and writing positive reviews of their place? Either that or this is the only restaurant they ever went to their life? more

We are from south Louisiana, south of New Orleans to be more specific. Also, let me say I am VERY VERY picky about my food. Pros: Good food that didnt try to overdo the whole 'cajun' theme Cons: Very slow to get menus, never got coffee that was ordered with dessert. more

For the past 8 years, once a year, we drive for 5 hours and prepare our mouths and minds for a great experience here. The food is wonderful and the service (ask for Clary's son) has always been good for us (usually a group of 10 or more). The best part is you get the traditional white linen table treatment while you're wearing shorts and sandals (although people classier than us dress up, too.) Trust me, you won't want to miss this place, just don't tell anyone else... Pros: Great Food, Nice Views, Friendly Staff Cons: One location more

The best-kept secret on Galveston Island; this is where the locals eat their seafood (and the locals know their seafood). Call ahead and order the soft-shell crabs. Be sure to try the house salad-dressing and the homemade tartar and coctail sauces. Pros: Fresh Seafood, Excellent Service, Ambiance more

Clary's is one of the best seafood restaurants on the Texas Gulf Coast. The food and ambience on scenic Offatt's Bayou is unmatched anywhere. This is the only restaurant that my family and I will drive 60 miles to experience and we are very close to the best spots in Houston, bar none. Authentic gumbo and the freshest fish on the coast. Plus, Clary is one the nicest and classiest people in the world. I grew up in Galveston and know that this is the best, anyone who dissagrees must work for the competition. Ask the natives!!! more

Great Ambience, but thats where it ends. Slow service, cold and tastless food, and high prices. Locals seem to like it, but you will do better to go to Caseys for better food, and a bit lighter on the wallet. more