Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Oar House

    3.5 (202 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Seafood, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Oar House Photos

    THE OAR HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Oar House

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Halibut
    Tasha T.

    Tried this place for the first time last week. The food was all phenomenal. The halibut was amazing. The lobster bisque was the best I've ever had. Same for the steak! Everything was exquisite! Like absolutely blown away. But then we went back exactly a week later on another regular Tuesday night (my 11 year anniversary) and they said that they were only seating people with reservations so we could not be seated. That honestly left a really bad taste in my mouth so you lost a star for the bad service and disappointment you left us. What kind of restaurant does that????

    Scallop noodles
    Lauren H.

    I HATE to be the one to do this because this has been a long time favorite over the many years my family has lived in Rockwall. 20+ years. We haven't been here in a really long time because it is quite pricy but last night was my sister's birthday and we were excited to splurge. The food used to be top quality. This is no longer the case at all. Dish by dish... the calamari was actually really good. Nice fat pieces and flavorful. The Caesar salad... decent but is not an option as a soup or salad that comes with your meal. They charge you extra for it. Why? It's a damn plain ass Caesar salad. Nothing special about it. The crab claws were quite pitiful. So small and barely any meat hanging on to the claw. They give you a lot of them but they are sad. The sauce with the crab claws was really good though. Great for dipping your bread in. I had the veil with sun dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. If that wasn't the most pathetic piece of veil I have ever seen in my life. Almost as thin as paper and cooked to death. The white wine sauce belonged on a plate in a hospital cafeteria. The bruschetta was also pitiful. Just look at the photo. It tastes about how it looks. I give two stars because the service was very good. We enjoyed our server as he was polite and prompt. We spent a lot of money for food that was just not complimentary to the prices. I hate to be so disappointed because I talked this place up to my fiancé just for the food to be crap. Needless to say, I will not return which breaks my little food loving heart.

    Cherry Cheesecake
    Randy A.

    First time here. My wife and I celebrated or 43rd anniversary here. We had exceptional service and the food was great. Even had some escargot for the first time, wow. And that was a good wow.

    Front of the building
    Michelle K.

    This place has so much character, the decor itself is really warming, calming, and comforting to me. I love all of the stained glass everywhere in the place. And the mixed matched plates are really cute to me. I know a few other places that do that and they always seem to be the best places. The service was just perfect and our waitress was super sweet and was happy to explain more about the dishes to my husband and I. I personally got the Vitello Carciofino and it was Amazing! All of the flavors were so rich and the food is filling too. I've never had anything like it before and we will definitely be coming back to try out more of the dishes. I personally didn't want to leave the place cause of how welcoming it is. Keep up the good work there you all

    Tiffani C.

    Really nice restaurant. Food was amazing! Service was great! Great wine selection and the drinks were yummy. Definitely a spot to try.

    Chicken Parmesan was delish

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Always great food and great service!! I am a frequent flyer here because they make me feel like family.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tasha T.
    6
    174
    164

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Great ambience and food! We always go here for special occasions or just to treat ourselves. Service is good.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Johnny L.
    1
    129
    34

    2 years ago

    I liked it , not over the top but well portioned meals , attentive service and good atmosphere , close to the harbor as well .

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    55
    7

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Evan S.
    622
    22
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Best mid-to-upscale restaurant in Rockwall. Service and food is beautifully prepared to your liking. Kudos. .

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Becky P.
    1
    42
    108

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of LeAnne S.
    170
    28
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great ambiance, food, and service. The drink selection could be better, but overall, it's a great restuarant!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Amy C.
    64
    23
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Simply amazing. Great atmosphere, amazing staff. Would highly recommend..!! The steaks were so delicious and perfect

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sumbel A.
    234
    122
    60

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Never disappoints, always great food, service. A true Rockwall icon cannot be understated if traveling East!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris M.
    48
    129
    17

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Best Rockwall restaurant to take someone special out on the weekend. Excellent food with great variety . Higher price is worth it.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Oar House

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 6,834 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Rockwall Tavern - I welcome you to find out for yourself

    Rockwall Tavern

    3.3(16 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    I have lived in Rockwall for over 10 years and had no idea this place was here. Super cool karaoke…read morebar with good service. I pulled up and there was a woman a bit to tipsy to drive, and a bartender came out insisting she call an uber and made sure she got home okay, so they have my respect for that great first impression. They only have 3 things on the menu: burger, hotdog, and Doritos nachos. I ordered the burger and it was pretty good. Honestly, no notes. I'll be back.

    I've given Rockwall Tavern more than enough chances, but the vibe has been the same every time:…read morecold, unwelcoming, and dismissive -- from the bar staff all the way up to ownership. It's never felt like a place that values new faces or fresh energy, and that's a missed opportunity. As for karaoke nights, it's no secret there's an inner circle. If you're not part of it, good luck. Despite signing up early and showing up ready to contribute to the night, I've consistently been pushed back or overlooked. It's hard to ignore when the same familiar faces keep rotating through while others wait endlessly. The karaoke host (yes, you know who you are) makes it clear who's in and who's out. If you're confident, talented, or don't "fit the clique," don't expect fair treatment. Some people protect their spotlight at the expense of others -- and that's exactly what happens here. It's unfortunate, because karaoke should be about building a vibe, not gatekeeping one. It's no wonder the place was dead last Saturday. Places that don't grow community eventually lose it. I'm speaking up not out of hate, but because I believe people deserve to know the truth -- and Rockwall deserves better than what this spot currently offers.

    Photos
    Rockwall Tavern - Jack and Sprite.

    See all

    Jack and Sprite.

    Vidorra - Street tacos

    Vidorra

    4.1(373 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    A week later and I am still thinking about the delicious food and fantastic service! We didn't wait…read moresuper long for a table and the hosts were great. We took my dad to dinner and he complained that it was a little loud, but felt like we sat right under a speaker. I explained to him that it was part of the "vibe". Other than the volume making it difficult to hear, everything was fantastic. We probably could have asked to sit on the heated patio. The chips were warm and fresh and came with both red and green salsa, and both were super tasty. My husband asked if I could make salsa like that at home! We ordered drinks and they came quickly. I appreciated the quality of the drinks especially since we mostly ordered from their drink menu. We ordered "The Good Guac" to start and our server made sure that it wasn't too spicy or anything for my dad. I thought that was very thoughtful that she asked if how it came was ok. For food we ordered street tacos, Baja fish tacos and the parillada en fuego. The food runner seemed confused and brought us another dish (maybe the Verde molcajete) but with the loud music the message that we didn't order it was lost in translation. My husband thought maybe it was what he ordered and started in. Because our server came to check on us so quickly, she caught the mistake right away. She apologized profusely and said they were bringing what we ordered. They allowed us to keep the dish, and no sooner did we have a few bites of the deliciousness the correct food came out. They checked on us quickly, apologized profusely, brought the correct food immediately, let us keep the other food, sent another manager to apologize and finally followed up with coupons to return after making sure we were satisfied with how they handled it. I understand humans make mistakes, so I feel like the recovery or response is what is important. This is the type of amazing service that will keep us coming back. We were actually happy with the mistake as we were able to try another dish we likely wouldn't have ordered (but ended up being our favorite thing to eat). The ambiance was fun, parking was easy, the wait was reasonable, the service was FANTASTIC, the food was delicious and food/drinks were made with quality ingredients. We'll be back!

    I have been twice. The first time I sat with friends at the bar and had dinner. The bartender was…read moresuper, friendly and attentive, even when busy. The decorum is cool if you like fake plants. Though they add cool lighting, which helps. Food, well I wish I could give it five stars, but my second visit confirmed my feelings about the food. It's super spicy, and the portions for the price are crazy small. Don't count on sharing. So, if you can go during a happy hour give it a try. Otherwise, there are better places for Mexican food.

    Photos
    Vidorra - Restaurant view

    Restaurant view

    Vidorra - Lunch chicken flautas

    Lunch chicken flautas

    Vidorra - Guadalajaran Quesadillas-$16.65 with a side of rice. Rich and tasty!

    See all

    Guadalajaran Quesadillas-$16.65 with a side of rice. Rich and tasty!

    The Downing Bottles & Bites - Espresso martini flight   Original, banana bread , orange chocolate, peanut butter

    The Downing Bottles & Bites

    4.6(149 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    Had brunch today, per usual we left in a better mood than we came. The food and drinks are always…read moregreat - especially given the kitchen size, but it's the atmosphere and people that keeps us coming back.

    This place is a must in Rockwall. A MUST…read more I was hungry, and wanted something flavorful. Got on yelp and saw that they had some good things on the menu and decided to give it a try. What I loved most about this place was how local it was. People were dropping in, and everyone knew each other. We loved it. I highly recommend getting a reservation. We came in and sat at the bar, which wasn't bad, but just a heads up! Bartender/server Russo - AMAZING! This space isn't extremely spacious. They do have an outside, but it was really cold. We started off with a wine flight. Such a lovely poor for a flight, and the price was only 18. My man and I actually shared it. Will easily get this every time. For food - you can't go wrong with anything. I mean anything. We were blown away. We started off with the seared tuna, the sauce was so tasty we dipped our toasted focaccia bread in it. Perfect combination. We couldn't choose between the two pastas so we got both. The lamb gnocchi and ricotta lemon ravioli everything was so perfect. Both great portions, both extremely flavorful. You have to get these. We ended the night with a desert and again, blown away. We got the chocolate mousse and cleaned the bowl. It had little bites of vanilla cake in it, so good. This place is fantastic. We are easily coming back, we need to try the sandwiches!

    Photos
    The Downing Bottles & Bites - Dinning room

    Dinning room

    The Downing Bottles & Bites - Steamed mussels

    Steamed mussels

    The Downing Bottles & Bites - Wine Flight

    See all

    Wine Flight

    The Oar House - italian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...