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Jimmy Wilson's Seafood & Chop House [Closed]
This entry was posted on 6/23/2008 5:21 PM and is filed under Seafood, New Openings, Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed.
Located in the former La Strada digs at San Felipe and Sage, this new seafood place is a welcome addition to the Houston restaurant scene. Jimmy Wilson's owners have a long history serving seafood in Houston -- Willie G's, Landry's (the originals, pre-Fertitta), Denis' Seafood, and Babin's. Their new endeavor has a sophisticated, contemporary feel you wouldn't expect in a seafood joint -- high ceilings, a wine wall, and warm woods create a warm, inviting atmosphere. But have no fear, there's no need to dress up. And there's plenty of traditional items to draw those folks who only eat seafood if it's fried. With comparable prices, this place should attract a crowd similar to Tony Mandola's on West Gray.
There's a full bar (with a bit of a scene for the older crowd on weeknights), and a nice wine list. We'd heard the service was shaky, but we enjoyed good service both times we were there. There are many fish and seafood options, as well as steaks, on the extensive menu. The fresh fish available each day is listed on a flat screen television over the open kitchen. And this seems like a restaurant that would prepare your seafood pretty much anyway you want.
The first visit was an all-girls outing within a couple months of the restaurant's opening. Everyone enjoyed the food, including a discriminating New Orleans food afficianado who approved the Redfish Courtbouillon, a house specialty. The crab cake, more aptly described as a crab tower, was little more than warmed very fresh lump crab meat, topped with more lump crab in a lemon butter sauce. Also a house specialty, it is easily one of the best crab cakes in town. All entrées come with two sides, including a variety of salads, vegetables, and starches, so you won't go hungry.
On a recent visit, we hit the oyster bar, starting with Denis' Baked Oysters. These were are our only real disappointment as variously sized (mostly ranging on the small side) oysters were topped with a few pieces of crab and massive amounts of cheese that left for a gloppy mess. Undeterred, we tried the Steamed Garlic Oysters, which were much better. A dozen (significantly larger) fresh oysters were lightly gilded with garlic butter and steamed. Since we can't pass up calamari on a menu, the waiter accommodated our request for a half order. Very nicely fried and pleasant enough, though it probably wouldn't make our Top Ten list. But the fresh tasting spicy marinara and homemade tartar sauce were nice additions. We then shared the soft shell crabs, agreeing with our waiter's suggestion that deep fat fried was the way to go. Although not as good as Pico's pan sautéed and garlic butter topped version, we still enjoyed these seasonal favorites. Jimmy Wilson's has the frying thing down pretty well. We enjoyed the creole style fresh green beans, but couldn't say the same for the mundane caesar salad. The greek salad tried on the first visit was a better choice.
And, as a final comment, we were pleased to see that, unlike many local establishments, Jimmy Wilson's figures you can manage to park your own car in the large parking lot, so there's no need for valet parkers who cone off most of the nearby spaces.
5161 San Felipe
713/960-0333
http://www.jimmywilsons.com/
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