Snookie's Fish Camp finishes transformation of Depot barns

A fish camp is a distinctive kind of restaurant that you can find in many places throughout the southeast. They are particularly popular in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. Snookie's is the first of its kind to open up in Tomball.

The trademarks of these sorts of restaurants are the seafood platters and all-you-can-eat specials. At Snookie's, the “All U Care to Eat” special for both catfish and tilapia runs for $17.99, but diners can grab two whole or two fillets for $12.99 as well. If variety is your thing, the seafood platter features two strips of catfish, four butterfly shrimp, three fried oysters, one stuffed crab and an order of onion rings ($16.99). For an additional $2, you can create your own platter from a variety of options including those already listed as well as yard bird tenders—fried chicken breast for those not familiar with the lingo—and popcorn shrimp. A plate of hushpuppies are also served complementary to all diners before the meal.

Seafood isn't all the Snookie chefs can whip up though. Mixing the Alabama classics with Texas flavor, the menu also offers classic and southwest-style burgers. The former comes dressed with mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion ($6.99) while the latter features bacon, fried jalapenos and Buffalo ranch sauce ($8.99). The 14-ounce Randol's Ribeye is made with Top Choice beef and is served with a fresh salad and Texas toast ($19.99).

All first-time diners at Snookie's are encouraged to try out the Snookie Sauce, which the restaurant owners say is already becoming a smash hit. The sauce comes with Po' Boys, but return customers have apparently been asking for it on everything from french fries to fillets.

The atmosphere of the restaurant follows the menu in the way it mixes the nautical flair of a traditional Alabama fish camp with Texas décor. The walls are decorated with anchors, ship wheels and Lone Star emblems. Diners can eat indoors at booths or tables, as well as outside on the shaded deck that connects the three Depot barns.