Blue Claw Seafood Restaurant & Bar Opens First U.S. Location in Houston

Blue Claw Seafood Restaurant & Bar recently hosted their grand opening of its first Texas location in Northwest Houston. Opening September 21, 2025, the 7,900 square-foot restaurant is in the former Red Lobster space at 13232 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040, bringing a fresh take on seafood to a community eager for elevated, approachable dining.  

Blue Claw is the latest concept from Ye’s Group of Companies, a Canadian seafood and hospitality enterprise known for its vertically integrated supply chain and acclaimed restaurants across North America. The Houston location marks the brand’s debut in the United States.

“We chose this location for Blue Claw Houston because it’s in a high-traffic area with a great mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial businesses,” said Dr. Mandi Lei, a founding partner of Blue Claw. “It’s the perfect spot to bring quality seafood to a community that didn’t have many full-service options nearby.”

Founded by seafood industry veterans Ivan Ye and Dr. Mandi Lei, Blue Claw is inspired by the flavors of East Coast classics and celebrates the bold ingredients and diverse energy of the Gulf. The Houston location blends laid-back coastal charm with thoughtful service, offering guests a dining experience that provides memorable meals and meaningful moments.

“Houston welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles,” said Lei. “This city’s culture of connection, comfort, and community made it the perfect place to start our next chapter. At Blue Claw, we’re not just serving seafood. We’re creating a space where everyone feels at home.”

From its beginnings, Blue Claw has stood out by focusing on quality, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality. Every lobster served is sourced directly from Ye’s Group’s proprietary fisheries in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, allowing full control over the quality and freshness. All ingredients are prepared in-house, and the menu is designed to offer something for everyone – from seasoned seafood lovers to the seafood-curious.

Blue Claw’s menu is built on a foundation of fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors. Every dish is made in-house to ensure control and consistency across the board. What truly sets Blue Claw apart is its direct sourcing of lobster, which guarantees peak freshness. In addition to lobster, Blue Claw prides itself on making everything from sauces to sides in-house.

Menu highlights include the Signature Lobster Roll, a warm and savory creation featuring lobster, celery, onions, herb seasoning, and sriracha aioli on a perfectly toasted bun; the Seafood Boil, a hearty and customizable feast of shrimp, mussels, calamari, corn, and potatoes tossed in a rich Cajun butter sauce; and a rotating lineup of small plates and seasonal specials. Guests can also enjoy hearty burgers, coastal-inspired sides, and house-made desserts.

The culinary team at Blue Claw, led by Executive Chef Jason Li—who also oversees Ye’s Group of Companies’ restaurant concepts—continuously evolves the menu through a hands-on creative process. The chef regularly explores new ideas, draws inspiration from both local and international food scenes, and tests potential dishes in-house.

“We designed Blue Claw to be a place for all occasions: casual lunches, date nights, family dinners, or just after-work drinks at the bar,” said Lei. “Whether you’re craving a laid-back seafood boil or an elevated night out, there’s a seat for you at Blue Claw.”

Blue Claw Houston will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information on Blue Claw Seafood Restaurant & Bar, visit www.blueclawrestaurants.com,or follow @blueclawrestaurants on Instagram and TikTok and Blue Claw Restaurants on Facebook.

Photos: V. Sweeten