The Boathouse Bar & Stowaway Grill sits right on Clear Lake’s shoreline with a sprawling waterfront patio where you can actually watch the water while you eat. The view matters here—it’s not an afterthought. The space feels open and relaxed, with covered sections that shield you from the sun without cutting off the lake breeze, and the whole setup has that working-boat-town vibe that comes naturally when a restaurant sits on working water.

Dogs are welcome on the patio, and staff will bring water without you asking. The kitchen does menu items that work as dog treats—nothing fancy, just grilled chicken or turkey scraps that most dogs find compelling. Your dog stays outside on the patio itself; they won’t go inside the main building. The patio is large enough that you’re not squeezed next to other diners if you don’t want to be, and the covered sections mean you can eat through an afternoon without worrying about sun exposure for either of you.

The Stowaway Grill part of the name signals the food direction: seafood-forward, casual, no tablecloth pretense. Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to close, though hours shift with the season. Clear Lake itself is known for striped bass and catfish, and this place leans into that. The patio crowds up on weekends, especially summer weekends, so if you want space and calm, aim for a weekday. Lakeshore Boulevard runs along the water here, and parking is on-site. The lake access nearby means you could take your dog for a shoreline walk before or after, depending on the season and any temporary restrictions.