The Downtown Aquarium is located in the heart of Houston. The restaurant is situated in a prime location for residents and tourists who want to dine on seafood while learning about marine life. The Aquarium Restaurants are a nationally growing chain that can be found at three other locations; one in Colorado, another in Tennessee, and a second one in Texas that is located in Kemah. The downtown aquarium in Houston boasts of more than 150,000 gallons of water. The aquarium also features an indoor restaurant and rides.
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston is rated high among those who have attended the venue. Reviewers on City Search gave the aquarium high ratings and in 2008, the aquarium garnered an award for the education that it provided the patrons in regards to marine life. Over two hundred different species of marine life can be found in the massive aquarium. Species such as reticulated rays, sawfish, guitarfish, and other fascinating creatures have all made their home in the aquarium. Patrons can view various sharks, marine plants, and a large range of other fish while dining. The aquarium is full of exciting exhibits that provide entertainment value to the customers it serves. The exhibits, rides, and restaurants make the aquarium unique. It is a family-friendly environment that attracts people of all ages. Special displays and events are held especially for children who attend the aquarium. There are exactly eight exhibits available to view for those who attend the aquarium. The exhibits allow visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with various species of marine life. Two camps are also available for children ages 6-12 to take part in. A Sea Safari Camp and Explorer Ocean Camp give children the chance to explore different habitats and learn about animals through games, rides, and interactive exhibits. The most interesting features is the up-close view of the sharks on an exhibit called the Shark Voyage.
The restaurant has an extensive menu that specializes in seafood, steaks, salads, pasta, chicken and other main entrees. Appetizers such as shrimp and crab dip, crispy calamari, and Maryland crab cake are a few of the aquarium favorites that bring patrons to the downtown restaurant. The staff of the restaurant also support conversation and the environment by providing funds and programs through organizations like WIldAid, The Ocean Project, Houston Zoo, and the Nature Conservancy. On the first floor of the restaurant an area called the Dive Lounge gives adults an upscale setting to order a drink after dinner or work.
Outside of the Downtown Aquarium are several rides available for amusement purposes, the two most popular are the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel and the Aquatic carousel. The Diving Bell Ferris Wheel ventures a hundred feet into the area to give riders amazing views of the Houston skyline. Those who ride on the carousel can ride on a seat that is shaped like a dolphin or alligator. Other rides on the premises are the Lighthouse Dive and Shark Voyage.
