El Barquito Oyster Bar

Let me start by saying we now go to El Pulpo, for the same quality of food, great service, and lower prices. We were loyal customers for many years, especially after the pandemic. We would go once a week or so; yes, we eat out too much. We would mostly get carry out. They got my order wrong TOO MANY TIMES and I'd find out when I was home. They would forget to put shrimp, or oysters, or other essential parts of my plate. I would call the restaurant in hopes of them giving me some sort of credit for the following visit, since I didn't want to make the trip back, butttttt almost every time it would take 15 minutes to get any sort of management on the phone and they'd only offer to "fix" the order, expecting ME to drive back. And I did drive back several times because they'd forget to put a plate or something "big". It was ridiculous. The last few times they just kept me waiting forever on the phone, I'm hopes of speaking to a manager, even after I hung up and called again. Needless to say, I quit giving them my money. Service is just bad (carry out or dining in).

Horrible service, took forever to get drinks, food was cold. Server was rude when we told them our food was cold and not cooked well. Would not recommend this place!

This bar/restaurant is located right on the US/Mexico border in the historical town of Roma. It is shaped like a boat and has a huge dinning area. The food was good and the drinks were awesome. I had the Oysters Rokerfeller, which was some of the best I have ever had. They have a wide assortment of cocktails that are very tasty. I had a Pina Colada and, mmmmmm. Top notch. Everyone in my party enjoyed their meals as well. The service staff was very friendly and the food was reasonably priced. Who knew that Texas would be known for its seafood. Texas barbecue and Mexican food lookout.

I remember the original building this once was. During lent season or whenever there was some kind of special occasion my family was celebrating we would come here to enjoy some seafood. I have very fond memories of this place as a child.Ever since they remodeled the food quality, staff, and overall atmosphere has changed dramatically. What was once a humble establishment is now nothing more than an overpriced joint that sells cheap beer and nasty food. Some people argue that this is the only nice restaurant in Roma, and to that I say it's not true in the slightest. Save your money and go to Rio or to Zapata. This place is not worth it. It's great for getting drunk enough to not notice the food quality.

We went for drinks and apps! The cucumber martini is perfect -a lot of flavor and not too strong. Also, the peel and eat shrimp (jumbo) were fresh. Might I also recommend their signature BBQ oysters. I wish they wouldn't call them "BBQ" though bc that could be off putting to some that are not crazy about BBQ. Maybe call it signature sauce as well because it doesn't taste like your typical BBQ at all. The flavor is nice and light and truly compliments the fried oysters. Next to try are the crab fingers! Can't wait!

Waited for about 10 minutes to be seated.Waited 30 minutes for 4 beers and there was no waiter in sight. We left. There were a lot of dirty tables and a long wait in line. 1 girl cleaning tables kept telling us she was sorry. ‍

My my. What a find!! Went for lunch, Tuesday special, two tacos (shrimp/fish). Came with wonderfully seasoned rice, cup of gumbo and a side salad. Croutons in salad were crunchy, lettuce was fresh, Spinach was crisp and cold!! Gumbo was delicious, not too "seafoodey", but just right. The tacos were wonderful, the fish was seasoned right and grilled just right. The pico was spicy and fresh. The purple cabbage in the taco was a nice unique touch. Will be back.

In a town with very limited dining options, this place rocks! A nice big open bar with enough big screens to watch a game and enjoy fantastic foods. We had the guacamole with chips to start. Guac was freshly made with tons of flavor and garlic! Frosty mugs full of beer and selection of specialty drinks will keep you from getting too thirsty. The seafood options were numerous with one sounding better than the other. The Garic Catfish with fries was amazing but the special hot-hot sauce was worth the extra $ for it went perfectly with the delicious fish morsels. Wife had shrimp tacos which were packed full of deliciousness. The staff was professional and knowledgeable about the menu and attentive when the mug ran low. Reasonable prices for great food and beverages. Highly recommend!

Good food, and the customer service is amazing. Travel from La Joya just to eat here, it's that good!

Best place to eat seafood in Roma! El Pulpo is good too but El Barquito is the place to be Thursday through the weekend. I always ordered the grilled tocinetas (shrimp wrapped in bacon..Cayate shut up) and I ordered the cooked oysters. My wife and I go there often and I also take my mom who enjoys her salad, she even takes my croutons. If you want to avoid a lot of people go before 7 p.m.