Dowtown Aquarium is awful (Houston, Kemah: live, price, gardens)

[travelguy_73]

Originally Posted by ayannaaaliyah

Compared to Aquariums in other cities, I rank the Houston Aquarium at the bottom I was extremely disappointed as well as my daughter

I think part of the problem is one of expectations. This is a restaurant with an aquarium attached, not vice-versa. It isn't the Houston Aquarium, it is an aquarium restuarant in Houston. There is a huge difference.

[Houston321]

Exactly!! It's a restaurant/tourist trap with the "Aquarium" as the lure. It's ok, just don't expect too much and you can have a good time. Good place to spend a couple hours with the kids.

[DJboutit]

Food is ok at best and some what overpriced I might go back but not any time soon always lots of people

[ayannaaaliyah]

Originally Posted by travelguy_73

I think part of the problem is one of expectations. This is a restaurant with an aquarium attached, not vice-versa. It isn't the Houston Aquarium, it is an aquarium restuarant in Houston. There is a huge difference.

Ummm last i checked it was called Downtown Aquarium and advertised as "an underwater adventure". Nevertheless, nearly all of the Aquariums that I've been to in other cities, all have restaurants/dining on premises. Just for the record, I wasn't impressed with the food either at the Aquarium Restaurant In Houston

[placidian]

I took my mom to the Aquarium restaurant when she came in for a visit. It wasn't the best meal we had that week, but it was the only one with a GIANT AQUARIUM! Pretty darn cool, imo. =)

[JL]

Originally Posted by houstmom

Does anyone else think the Downtown Aquarium is awful? I have been taking my 4 yr old there for 3 years and just went today after a long time. It was such a disappointing experience and we probably won't go ever again. Its overpriced, the employees seem to hate working there, rides are shut down, etc. We went to the snack bar to order one of the ice cream treats that was listed on their menu and was told "we have no ice cream". Even the Jaws-like shark that is suppose to scare you towards the end of the train ride seemed tired and broken down. I've never eaten at the restaurant but I heard it was no good. Then of course there's the $6 for parking.

I went there a few years ago for my company's X-Mas party. It blows. Another one of those Tillman Fertitta establishments.

[travelguy_73]

Originally Posted by ayannaaaliyah

Ummm last i checked it was called Downtown Aquarium and advertised as "an underwater adventure". Nevertheless, nearly all of the Aquariums that I've been to in other cities, all have restaurants/dining on premises. Just for the record, I wasn't impressed with the food either at the Aquarium Restaurant In Houston

The other aquariums have restaurants attached to feed visitors to the aquarium and make a little money since they are usually non-profit enterprises. Downtown Aquarium is a for-profit Landry's restaurant that uses the aquarium and some kiddie rides to charge more for their food. The fact that they did a minimal amount of work to receive aquarium accreditation and have a good marketer doesn't take away from what it is.

[Maybe So]

Originally Posted by travelguy_73

The other aquariums have restaurants attached to feed visitors to the aquarium and make a little money since they are usually non-profit enterprises. Downtown Aquarium is a for-profit Landry's restaurant that uses the aquarium and some kiddie rides to charge more for their food. The fact that they did a minimal amount of work to receive aquarium accreditation and have a good marketer doesn't take away from what it is.

I have never been there so can't comment on the quality etc. However, I do know that this is not your typical "musuem-like" not-for-profit educational aquarium...like say, the one in Chicago. I think travelguy has posted what it is....a for profit restaurant using the aquarium and rides as a gimmic to attract customers. I guess they were also smart enough to put a marketable name on it as well...it obviously is causing some confusion...thus bringing in customers expecting something different. Of course no one is going to doubt Tillman's marketing techniques. For better or worse, he has turned that Landry's franchise back into a contender in the Houston restaurant world.

[RoughRider]

My family went once last year, and I agree the comparison to your typical big city aquarium is not apples to apples - but for what it is and advertises itself as - it was average at best. For our visit food was average and service started good and deteriorated from there. Kids liked the fish but that was only thing that salvaged the visit.

[HugeTon]

To the OP and others:

Did the kids have fun when they were there? If they did then it's all worth it. After all maybe you go there once or twice a year? Or when you have family or relatives in town so don't let the food and the service spoil your enjoyment. At least you have a place to take your loved ones to to spend a few hours together. If the food is not that great, go and enjoy yourself at your favorite restaurant another time and make it up. It's all about having a good times and fun with your family and the kids, don't let other things bother you as much.