Kemah has come a long way in the past few years. It started as just a few seafood restaurants and a couple shops, and now it has blossomed to an experience all on it's own.
There are several restaurants now: Joe's Crab Shack, Landry's, The Crab House, Willie G's, The Aquarium, Cadillac Ranch (Mexican food). There are also a bunch of specialty shops and carnival-like games and a few rides (Ferris Wheel, etc), and even a hotel overlooking it all!
I've eaten at every restaurant there and everything I've had has been really good...
Every restaurant serves primarily seafood, and it's all fresh from the Gulf. All the restaurants have outdoor seating, and there's a nice breeze coming off the water. You can watch boats coming in and out of the Clear Lake Marina.
The recently added carnival-like stuff, including a train that weaves around all the restaurants, the Ferris wheel, and the "guess your weight" type games, are great for kids. There is also a huge "jumping water" fountain that there are always lots of kids running around in.
On the weekends (and even some weeknights), the wait is almost always over an hour at any restaurant. During the week is definitely better. The longest wait is always at the Aquarium (however, it's a good place to go have drinks in their bar downstairs), and the shortest is probably at Cadillac Ranch.
Landry's... The owner of The Waterfront is Tom Landry... this restaurant has been here as long as I can remember. The food is very good with a fun atmosphere. (Good for Families)
Joe's Crab Shack is more for the younger, party-seeking crowd. It's good seafood and of course, their specialty is crab. The waitstaff (and sometimes the patrons) dance on the tables to the YMCA and other songs. (Good for groups)
The Crab House... More upscale than Landry's, not as nice as Willie G's. Good food, of course. (Good for dates)
Cadillac Ranch... The only Mexican food place, good if you don't like seafood. I guess that's why it's less crowded. They do have a few Mexican-seafood entrees, though. It's more laid back than most of the restaurants. (Good for families and groups)
Willie G's... Attached to Landry's, I think it's the same food, just a little more upscale atmosphere. (Good for dates or looking to get away from kids)
The Aquarium... Per it's name, the inside looks like an aquarium, with gigantic fish tanks everywhere and the entire inside painted in blue colors. Very neat to go walk around in even if you don't eat there (I've eaten there once, but walked around the inside FOUR times... they come to expect it). (Good for everyone)
http://www.kemahwaterfront.com/