This Restaurant Is Permanently Closed.
Restaurant Rating
Cost Rating
Food Type
Seafood
Address
107 N Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Let me start by saying this: Martini’s Seafood House surprised me in the best possible way. When you think of Fredericksburg, your mind probably goes to rolling vineyards, charming boutiques, and more wine-tasting than you can shake a corkscrew at. Seafood? It’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind. But then we found Martini’s, a small seafood house and oyster bar right in the heart of downtown, and suddenly, all those wine-tasting plans were forgotten.
Martini’s isn’t one of those massive, bustling seafood joints with a gimmick to draw you in. It’s a small, unpretentious spot where the food speaks for itself. And boy, does it have a lot to say. We walked in expecting a decent meal and walked out, plotting our next visit before we even hit the sidewalk.
Seafood restaurants, especially in non-coastal towns, can be hit or miss. Sometimes, you get frozen shrimp and overcooked fish that make you question your life choices. But Martini’s? Everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked with care. We ordered the lobster mac and cheese, a lobster tail, and the shrimp and crab boil, and not a crumb or shell was left on the table by the end. It’s the kind of meal that makes you sit back, sigh contentedly, and consider unbuttoning your jeans.
We gave it a C&J rating of 5 because every aspect of the meal was spot-on. The food was excellent, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was casual without feeling like you were at a beach shack. The cost rating comes in at $$$$, which feels fair given the quality of the seafood and the portion sizes. It’s definitely more of a splurge spot than a regular hangout, but one that’s absolutely worth it.
When you walk into Martini’s Seafood House, you immediately get the vibe they’re going for: casual, cozy, and welcoming. It’s not trying to be fancy or upscale, which is exactly what makes it so great. The bar setting feels like a neighborhood joint where locals go to unwind, chat with the bartender, and indulge in some seriously good seafood.
The décor is simple but thoughtfully done. There’s a touch of nautical charm here and there, but thankfully, no plastic lobsters hanging from the ceiling or walls covered in fishing nets. It’s more like someone took the essence of a good seafood bar and gave it a subtle Texas twist. The lighting is dim enough to be cozy but bright enough that you can still read the menu without using your phone’s flashlight.
Now, let’s talk about the bar. Sterling, the bar manager and our server for the night was an absolute pro. You know how some bartenders have that magical ability to make you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time there? That’s Sterling. He was quick with recommendations, happy to chat when we wanted to talk seafood, and disappeared just when we were in the middle of cracking crab legs. It’s a fine balance, and he nailed it.
The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, which makes sense given the location. It’s right downtown, so you’ll see wine-toting visitors looking for a change from charcuterie boards and lifelong residents who know where to find the best oysters in town. It’s lively but not loud, with a laid-back vibe that makes you want to order another drink and linger a little longer.
If you can snag a seat at the bar, do it. It’s the best place to watch the action, chat with Sterling, and maybe get a sneak peek at whatever fresh catch is coming out of the kitchen next. The tables are comfortable, but the bar feels like the heart of the place.
Alright, let’s get to the real star of the show: the food. We came in with high hopes and empty stomachs, and Martini’s delivered on every front. Here’s a breakdown of what we ordered:
I know what you’re thinking. Lobster mac and cheese is one of those dishes that sounds amazing but often disappoints. Too dry, too runny, too stingy on the lobster. But this one? Perfect. The pasta was cooked just right—no mushy noodles here—and the cheese sauce was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. And the lobster? Generous chunks of sweet, tender meat in every bite. This isn’t one of those dishes where you spend five minutes hunting for the seafood. It’s right there, front and center, like it should be. If you only order one thing here, make it this.
Simple, classic, and absolutely delicious. The tail was cooked perfectly, with that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want but don’t always get. It was served with drawn butter on the side, which, let’s be honest, is basically liquid gold. We debated ordering a second one but decided to pace ourselves. In hindsight, that was a mistake.
This dish was pure fun. There’s something about a seafood boil that turns a meal into an event, and Martini’s knows how to do it right. The shrimp were plump and juicy, the crab legs cracked open with just the right amount of effort, and the seasoning hit that sweet spot of flavorful without overwhelming the seafood. The corn and potatoes were solid supporting players, soaking up all those delicious spices. We made a bit of a mess cracking shells and peeling shrimp, but that’s half the fun.
Throughout the meal, the portions were generous without being excessive, and every bite tasted fresh. That’s no small feat for a seafood restaurant in a landlocked town. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in what they’re serving, and it shows.
Since Martini’s is more of a bar than a traditional seafood joint, we figured we had to try a couple of cocktails. The martini selection is, unsurprisingly, a highlight. I went with a dirty martini, and it was spot-on—chilled, briny, and exactly what I wanted to sip between bites of crab. My dining partner went for a classic margarita, which was just as good. The drink menu isn’t huge, but it covers all the bases and pairs nicely with the food.
Service-wise, we lucked out with Sterling. He was personable without being pushy, knowledgeable without showing off, and quick to grab extra napkins when the shrimp boil got a little out of hand. If every restaurant had a Sterling, dining out would be a lot more fun.
Ah, the corkage fee. Martini’s charges $60 per bottle, which is on the higher side, but also unusual that they even allow corkage at all, as most restaurants in Texas do not.
Martini’s Seafood House is one of those rare finds that manages to be both relaxed and impressive at the same time. The casual bar vibe makes you feel instantly comfortable, while the quality of the food reminds you that this isn’t just some random seafood shack. Every dish we tried was excellent, from the indulgent lobster mac and cheese to the finger-licking-good shrimp and crab boil.
Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but you’re paying for quality seafood in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. And when you taste that buttery lobster tail or dig into that crab boil, you’ll know it was money well spent.
So, if you’re in Fredericksburg and need a break from wine tastings and German schnitzel, head to Martini’s. Grab a seat at the bar, ask for Sterling, and prepare yourself for some seriously good seafood. Just don’t make the mistake we did—order that second lobster tail. You’ll thank me later.
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