(713) 223-3474
410 Bagby St
Houston,
TX
77002
29.7644
-95.3668
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
Hours:
Call for hours
Last updated 8.05.11
Category:
Restaurants, Attractions, Aquariums, Wholesale Chemical Products
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Cuisine:
Other Locations:
What People Are Saying About Downtown Aquarium
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
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. – – 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…
Editor's Tips
- The Extras:
- In addition to the aquarium, there is also a tiger exhibit featuring a large viewing area for four white tigers.
- Know Before You Go:
- First come, first served basis in the restaurants.
- Save Money:
- Purchase tickets at the main entrance and several locations throughout the site. Rides and amusements are all priced separately. Kids under 2 get in free.
- Parking:
- Valet and on-site paid parking ($6 for a full day). Additional parking is available at the Wortham Center, entrances 1, 5, 6, 7 or 8.
| ambiance | 84.5199966430664% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| dessert | 100.0% positive |
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| food quality | 39.34999942779541% positive |
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| menu variety | 87.5% positive |
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| overall | 100.0% positive |
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| return potential | 100.0% positive |
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| service | 47.5% positive |
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| value | 31.670000553131104% positive |
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| wait time | 0.0% positive |
|
Downtown Aquarium
by hernandez32
When I think of the Aquarium, I think of the ambience, the white tigers, the HUGE aquarium in the middle of the restaurant, the appetizers and drinks, NOT the entrees. The food is decent but I wouldn't say the pricey meals is all what you're paying for. You're paying for the scenery and environment, which is completely worth it!
But warning...there is never not a wait to eat dinner at this place! One time, my boyfriend and I waited 2 hours for a table. But luckily they have a downstairs cafe where you can order drinks and appetizers to pass the time or you can enjoy the rides, games and see the aquarium and white tigers while you wait. I would say it's definitely worth the trip.
Fun and Entertaining
by Kids In Motion Daycare Hm
I have visited the Aquarium with my youngest adult daughter on more than on occassion. I just recently took my Daycare preschoolers to the Aquarium as we were learning about Ocean Life.
The children loved it and requested that we go again, and we did. Wish the place could have been a little bigger, however, considering the space... it is a nice get-away and adventure.
I visited the restaurant with my oldest daughter when she was home on leave from the Army and had no complaints. The food is great.
Drink and play at Tilman Fertitta's seven-acre, downtown aqu
by AlainHarvey
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 sautéed 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 sautéed 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.
Been sick for 2 days
by CSMobileUser6
Ate at the Aquarium Friday night and its Sunday and I still have stomache cramps! A friend warned me before going becuase she too got sick. She had crabs and I the mahi mahi with crab. Been there before and thought is was over prices but this is where our clients choose... Never again.. And too bad because it does have a great atmosphere and cool stuff for kids.. Not worth it though
TIGER CRUELTY
by Chrissy8655
The fish are fine.
Parking was expensive and a disaster! No parking! WE drove around for at least 30 min before stalking someone to their car and waiting for their spot.
And, don't get me started on the poor white tigers living in a h hole. Two large tigers live in an extremely tiny cement prison cell. No grass, no light, not even dirt... just cement. And there are thousands of kids and parents banging on the glass that separates the tigers from us... The poor tigers can't get any rest. My cats at home have better life! This is animal cruelty....
The Details on Downtown Aquarium
Place Categories:
- mediocre bad food
- poor customer service
- nice place
- great food
- nice place downtown aquarium
- good service
- beautiful bengal tigers
- cool atmosphere
- ridiculous parking
- worst houston aquarium
- very good attractions
- poor quality
- fun rides
- very nice view
- nice scenery
- not recommend restaurant
- impressive oneofakind shark exhibit
- beautiful aquariums
- more enjoyable outdoor features
- loved kids
- bad nothing
- incredible gallon shark tank
- wonderful family restaurant
- very good overall experience
- memorable dining experience



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