Pacific Star

Pacific Star

Written by Pitt Garrett Thursday, 07 June 2007

Fresh seafood will wow even those from the coast

I am a seafood fan. Having lived in Galveston, I was able to become somewhat of an expert in fresh, quality seafood and a lover of that beachcomber atmosphere. On US 183, just north of Anderson Mill, is a restaurant that has both. It is easy to miss, as it’s set back from the road and the sign is blocked by the trees, but it is worth the turn around if you miss it.

My first indication that this would be a special visit was the seaside look of the building itself. You feel like you are on the beach in a beachcombers shack. My second indication was the attitude of the patrons inside, who were relaxing and having a good time. As we sat down at our table, the friendliness of the staff was evident, too.

Figuring out what to order was difficult, as the Pacific Star has an array of offerings: Jumbo Shrimp, Flounder, Red Snapper, Drum, Oysters, Catfish, Crawfish, Crab Fingers and Fried Clams.

Their appetizers include Gumbo, Boiled Shrimp, Catfish Nuggets, Shrimp and Oyster Cocktail, Spicy Chicken Wings, Calamari, Oysters on the half-shell and Fried Clams.

In addition, they offer three Po Boys: Catfish, Oyster and Shrimp. They also have a children’s menu that offers shrimp, catfish or chicken tenders. ($4.50) For those on the run, there is a special lunch menu available from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. ($6.95)

Pacific Star offers wine by the glass and, while I didn’t order it myself, the frosted mug of beer looked awfully good. They also have the usual sodas, tea and coffee. The restaurant features a covered outdoor patio on which to enjoy your drinks.

I ordered the Stuffed Flounder ($15.99) and a cup of Gumbo. ($3.50) The Gumbo was flavorful, with just the right touch of spices. The Stuffed Flounder was filled with crabmeat, and the flounder was fresh and moist. There might have been a little too much paprika for some tastes, but for me it was perfect. The meal was served with shrimp-flavored rice, garlic toast and melted butter.

The Pacific Star Platter ($13.99) is a fried combination of shrimp, oysters, catfish filet, stuffed crab with French fries, jalapeno hush puppies and garlic toast. The catfish and shrimp were fresh and tasty. The oysters were amazing.

My final indication that this was indeed a special place were the comments by the patrons who found out I was interviewing owner Juaquin Leyva. “Please don’t write about this place, we don’t want anyone to know about it!”

Sorry guys, I’m just doing my job.

Meet the owner

Pacific Star is a family owned business. Owner Juaquin Leyva and his brothers see to it that the customers enjoy their experience.

Juaquin has owned the restaurant for ten years, and prior to that was a chef at a country club in Houston.

Pacific Star, Hwy. 183 at Anderson Mill • 219-5373, Hwy. 79 at IH 35 North • 255-3535, www.pacificstarseafood.com

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