Salty air, fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere

Hole in the wall. Hangout. Joint. Dive. These dubious labels call to mind weatherworn buildings housing not just rowdy bars and restaurants, but colorful patrons, straightforward, no-frills menus and lots of ice cold beer. These ramshackle establishments, once common along our coastline, are vanishing. That makes Gilhooley’s in San Leon all the more sacred.
After parking your vehicle in the oyster shell lot out front, snag a metal table on the patio to catch the evening breeze. At dusk, an ambient glow comes from the lights strung overhead and the neon beer signs hanging over the bar. It’s just enough light to look over the menu while you wait for your drink to arrive.
Gilhooley’s half-shell oysters are served by the dozen or half dozen in round trays, with thin ice shards scattered across the top. Paper trays brimming with condiments and saltine crackers are unceremoniously plunked down next to bottles of hot sauce. The message is simple: prepare them to your liking and dig in.

Read full article here: https://www.coastmonthly.com/2014/11/gilhooleys/