Discover the Flavors of East Texas With Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen

East Texas cuisine is a diverse fusion of flavors influenced by Cajun, African American, and Mexican traditions. Known for soulful comfort foods like chicken fried steak and slow-cooked barbecue, the region offers hearty dishes that embody Southern hospitality. Gumbo, jambalaya, and Tex-Mex creations showcase the vibrant spices and bold flavors of East Texas. The region's cuisine is a direct invitation to experience the authentic tastes of Texas heritage.

Located at the heart of Gladewater, East Texas, lies Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen—a seafood restaurant destination that aims to present the flavorful culture of East Texas in one special menu.

The menu: a fusion of Cajun and coastal delights

Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen was opened last September 2022 by culinary experts Scott Nordon and Lisa Nordon. Scott’s vision was to create a dining experience that paid homage to the diverse culinary heritage of the region. From its Cajun-themed menu to its East Texas-inspired interior, Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen aims to make its customers fall in love with East Texas and keep coming back for more.

The Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen’s menu is the true star of the dining experience. Crafted with passion and expertise, the made-from-scratch Cajun and coastal-inspired dishes transport diners to the vibrant culinary landscape of East Texas. Their irresistible Calabash style tenders, flavorful Baja chicken, appetizing Nashville chicken, and authentic Po' Boy sandwiches all showcase the Nordons' mastery of flavor and culinary technique.

Still, Scott insists that seafood dishes truly steal the spotlight. The restaurant's Baja or Nashville shrimp, succulent oysters, perfectly cooked catfish, and crowd-favorite crawfish are always perfectly cooked, leaving patrons craving more.

Scott adds, “Our commitment to freshness is evident in our farm-to-table offerings, such as the shrimp and grits dish made with stone-ground grits from nearby East Texas farms, inspired by flavors from all three coasts of the United States."

Interior that speaks East Texas culture

Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen aims to present East Texas through its menu and make diners know the region through its restaurant interior. Housed within a restored historic building from the 1930s, the restaurant's interior design pays homage to its roots and offers a comfortable and cozy ambiance.

Within the dining area, wooden ship wheels and antique fishing nets adorn the walls. These nautical accents serve as a constant reminder of the region's deep connection to the local fishing industry. The restaurant also showcases the region's reputation as the Antique Capital of East Texas through carefully curated vintage pieces.

Scott believes that the restaurant's interior transports guests to a seaside ambiance, evoking the feeling of being near the ocean. The attention to detail in the interior design not only complements the fresh and delicious seafood dishes but also serves as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to providing an unparalleled authentic seafood experience.

He mentions, "We also made sure that the interior adds to the overall experience of our diners. We want something that captivates their taste and their eyes, offering a unique East Texas dining experience."

Commitment to high-level customer service

Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen tops its menu and restaurant interior with top-notch customer service. The restaurant's team, led by General Manager Andrew Schumacher, is dedicated to making their patrons' dining experiences enjoyable and relaxing. They ensure diners are treated with warm hospitality and have a pleasant dining experience. The staff is well-versed in the menu items and takes the time to explain them to customers so they know what to anticipate at each meal.

"We want to make sure our guests get not just the food they serve but also an unparalleled overall experience that will make their visits, their long hours of drive, worth it," Scott shares.

The gateway to the vibrant flavors of East Texas

Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen is a source of pride for the vibrant community of East Texas. The restaurant has become a go-to seafood destination that captures the essence of East Texas cuisine. With each delightful bite, it captures its diners' taste buds and celebrates the deep-rooted heritage and culinary traditions that make East Texas a region worth celebrating.

Scott takes pride in how Skipper’s Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen is becoming a seafood destination for many seafood lovers, with their loyal customers even driving from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Louisiana, and Oklahoma just to taste the authentic seafood dining experience that the restaurant gives.

Scott states, “We at Skipper’s Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen make sure diners who spend hours just to dine with us will get the best of what East Texas seafood cuisine and a possible service, making every mile of their trip to taste our food worth it.”

Skipper’s Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen rises as a true hidden gem ready to captivate the seafood palate of Texas locals and tourists alike. Staying committed to excellence and authenticity, it becomes a must-visit restaurant in the East Texas area.

Skipper's Pier Coastal Cajun Kitchen is located at 103 N. Main St. and is open 11am - 9pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am -11pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11am - 10 pm on Sunday.