GuadalaHarry’s Bar & Grill, located on the waterfront of Lake Conroe in Willis, is inspired by a fictional character named Harry. Harry has traveled across the Florida Keys, through the Louisiana bayous, across Texas and to the Yucatan Peninsula, bringing the flavors of these places to the restaurant, owner Ronald Keyser said. Although the character is imaginary, Keyser’s middle name Harry extends through a long family lineage, including his grandson and his father. And in some ways, Keyser said he is the character Harry, constantly experimenting with food, tasting new dishes and learning from experience.

“I’m a big foodie,” he said. “Every time we go out, I think, ‘What can we do to make this better?’”

The idea for GuadalaHarry’s came to Keyser about 40 years ago. Keyser entered the restaurant business in 1979, starting as a waiter and then working various positions. But he never let go of his dream, and in April, he and his wife planned to open the bar and grill on the shores of Lake Conroe.

However, the pandemic forced them to delay opening until late May, but the extra time allowed them to renovate the building. Today, they are working to open a pool hall directly across from the restaurant and an outdoor bar and patio below them, which are tentatively scheduled to open in the spring and summer, respectively.

The diner is a blend of Tex-Mex, Cajun and seafood, but there are no boundaries, Keyser said. Items include crab cakes, seafood gumbo, cheese enchiladas and a cheesecake Keyser raves about.

“My chief chef worked at Pappadeux for 18 years,” he said. “Every single thing on the menu, we’ve made two, three, four times.”

On Tuesdays, the diner opens the floor for open mic; on Wednesdays there is karaoke; and Saturday nights are for local bands, Keyser said.

GuadalaHarry’s Bar & Grill

12947 Lake Conroe Hills Drive, Willis

936-701-5168

www.guadalaharrysbarandgrill.com

Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight