Harry's: A Conroe Culinary Journey Built on Grit and Gumbo
Nestled in historic downtown Conroe at 219 Simonton St., GuadalaHARRY’s Bar & Grill is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant reflection of its owner, Ron “Harry” Keyser. Ron, who goes by Harry, has a colorful past. He traded in his many fine suits for Panama hats, loud Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and neon sneakers, initially to playfully annoy his golf buddies. This evolution eventually led to his current "Parrot head" persona. A seasoned veteran of the restaurant industry, Harry fell in love with the business at 22, driven by a passion for connecting with people from all walks of life from rock stars to cops to ditch diggers.
From Unlikely Beginnings to Downtown Gem
Step inside GuadalaHARRY’s, and you'll feel like you've been transported to the Florida Keys or the Bahamas. The restaurant officially opened on May 25, 2020, near Lake Conroe, launching directly into the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. When that initial location began to physically deteriorate, Harry had to find a new home. His current downtown spot was once a notoriously "bad bar," rumored to be unsafe unless armed. Harry poured significant investment into transforming it into the remarkable, Jimmy Buffett-approved oasis it is today.
An Eclectic Menu with a Story
What truly distinguishes Harry's, beyond its improbable origin story, is its refreshingly eclectic menu. Harry, with a twinkle in his eye, explains that the menu is based on a fictional tale of him "going around the Gulf of Mexico and gathering up a bunch of recipes." This playful narrative, while untrue, provides him with "a license to do just whatever we want." This freedom is evident in the diverse offerings, which are a true reflection of Harry's personal favorites. Customers can expect a delightfully extensive spread, with highlights including:
- Monday Steak Night: A 12 oz Ribeye special for $21.
- Shrimp Brochette: Six jumbo, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and jalapeño pepper, served on rice pilaf.
- Thursday’s Freshly Made Cheesecake: The #1 favorite, with a new flavor each week.
- Ceviche: Fresh salmon, tilapia, shrimp, onions, tomatoes, avocado, and pepperoncini.
- Other favorites: Alligator bites, Gumbo, Frito Pie, or Filet Mignon.
Every dish boasts a hint of an unusual flavor, making it unique. This "whole bit, all the stuff I like" approach ensures there's something for everyone, a testament to Harry's philosophy of offering what he genuinely enjoys.
Dedication, Entertainment, and Community Spirit
Harry's dedication to his craft is further highlighted by the personal sacrifices he made in the early days. He slept on an air mattress downstairs, working relentlessly, snatching quick naps before returning to the dinner rush—a punishing routine he maintained for "14, 15 months" until the business found its footing.
GuadalaHARRY’s also offers a lively entertainment lineup:
- Tuesday: Open mic night
- Wednesday: Karaoke
- Saturday: Live music
For dog lovers, puppies are welcome on the patio! Additionally, you can reserve the upstairs area for private parties simply by purchasing a $500 gift card, so there's no extra charge for the space itself.
In his spare time, Harry enjoys golfing and participating in remote control plane "dogfights" with his son. He also volunteers with the Lions Club’s community service efforts.
A Conroe Success Story
From its improbable launch amidst a pandemic to the transformation of a rundown biker bar to its diverse menu curated by Harry's personal tastes, GuadalaHARRY’s Bar & Grill is more than just a place to eat in Conroe. It’s a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and perseverance. It slides in nicely as a tropical oasis, amidst the stoic downtown Conroe historic buildings across the street from the county courthouse.