The alligator was spotted at a Mexican restaurant in Oyster Creek, police said.
When officers arrived, patrons had already detained the reptile. One officer even turned around and joked with the 20-25 poeple in the parking lot, saying "Someone watches Swamp People."
The incident wasn't related to the storms that have pounded the Houston area this week. Police said the restaurant is simply near the gulf and swampy areas.
The alligator was eventually released back into the wild.
