About This Spot

Stepping into Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen in Kemah feels like arriving at a beloved local treasure—unpretentious, warm, and quietly alive with the gentle hum of friendly conversation and the clinking of plates. The atmosphere moves at a comforting, relaxed pace, inviting you to settle in and savor the simple, unhurried pleasure of good food and good company.

This casual seafood spot is one of those rare places where the care in the kitchen can be tasted in every bite. The air carries the subtle, savory scent of fried catfish and the zing of Cajun spices, inviting curiosity for the flavors that await. Here, the menu isn’t just a list of dishes; it’s a reflection of the Gulf coast’s bounty and a nod to old family recipes served with an effortless charm.

Whether it’s the hearty combination platters or the fresh salad topped with just-right popcorn shrimp, meals at Joe Lee’s come with a side of familiarity, like a dish lovingly prepared for friends around the dinner table. The attentive and easygoing staff enhance the experience, making each visit feel as though you’re stepping into a place where community and good taste intertwine naturally.

In this tucked-away corner of Kemah, the restaurant feels both like a steady local favorite and a gentle invitation for new visitors to discover the joys of Southern seafood traditions without fuss or flash. It’s a place where the casual rhythm of the space matches the honest, straightforward approach to cooking—a comforting pause from the rush outside.

What’s Available Here

  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconDelivery
  • IconFast service
  • IconServes local specialty
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconSolo dining
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAlcohol
  • IconBeer
  • IconCoffee
  • IconComfort food
  • IconHappy-hour drinks
  • IconQuick bite
  • IconSmall plates
  • IconWine
  • IconLunch
  • IconDinner
  • IconDessert
  • IconSeating
  • IconToilet
  • IconCasual
  • IconCosy
  • IconQuiet
  • IconFamily friendly
  • IconGroups
  • IconTourists
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconGood for kids
  • IconHigh chairs
  • IconKids' menu
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconParking
  • IconDogs allowed outside

Location & Hours

Monday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Guest Reviews

PM 11 Jan 2026

Excellent service from the staff, especially the girl taking orders at the counter (Michelle I think?). Gumbo was hot, not just reheated lukewarm like at other places. Flavorful & filling. Clean restaurant as well.

Tina C (Tina) 26 Dec 2025

We absolutely loved the food! Flouder and fried shrimp were delish! Salad was fresh and hush puppies were so good! Can't believe we haven't eaten here sooner. The staff was friendly and prices were reasonable. Definitely check this place out!

Jon Field 23 Dec 2025

The food here are so delicious. The staffs are very nice and friendly. Very clean. Especially Marina and Jennifer are amazing. Great job. Will definitely recommend friends and family

Alvaro Torres 05 Dec 2025

Super fresh seafood. Very reasonably priced. Our server was very attentive & the food was prepared quickly. I really enjoyed the Étouffée and combo po-boy with fried oysters & crawfish.

Jacquelyn Simmons 24 Nov 2025

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. It’s a really quaint little place with a lot of character and history. We were greeted upon entry by two super friendly workers. They talked to us a little bit about the restaurant and its history. We ordered from the specials board. The lady who took our orders was knowledgeable and helpful. She said the dish I was ordering was her favorite and I can see why! The young man who brought out our food was the grandson of Joe Lee from what I understand. The restaurant has been in business for over 40 years. If you are in the Kemah area and you love good food, seafood, and Cajun food give this place a try! You will not be disappointed! Picture references- we ordered the cracklins, catfish with crawfish etouffe, and the shrimp 4 ways! Everything was top notch! The meals come with a pistolette, which is a Cajun style fried bread, Cajun rice (dirty rice) and I got green beans and my husband got the coleslaw that had tiny shrimp in it. He loved it! Go eat at this restaurant!!!

Debbie Porter 10 Nov 2025

One of the best fish sandwiches in the area. The fish is fresh, crispy and always so much bigger than the bun. Get extra tartar sauce there is a lot of fish! The onion rings were well done and tasty.

Ebony W 05 Oct 2025

My family and I were on the prowl for some delicious seafood on the 4th, and oh boy did Joe Lee's come through! Excellent customer service. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. Everything was so flavorful and well seasoned. I highly reccomend the Fried Seafood platter, which they give you more than enough to share between two people, and the ettouffee. Finally, do not leave this place without trying the Keylime pie, you won't regret it.

Katherine Garcia 01 Oct 2025

Just went here today and it was such a friendly and amazing experience. Absolutely loved the food Sue was awesome and moving at full speed with the rush that came in while we were leaving and the cashier I don’t remember her name had awesome recommendations and she gave me a free box of an empty Hopadillo carton I told her about gift giving I give through recycled boxes and she came over with some they were going to throw out Ughe I loved this place can’t wait to be in the area and go again… food was delicious we got the stuffed crab and stuffed shrimp and let’s not forget to raise the roof to their shrimp slaw

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