When the stress of living in a big metropolis gets to be too much, Houstonians have the luxury of taking a short road trip down south to Galveston, the relaxed beach town on Texas’ Gulf coast that operates on island time. One of the best parts about the area is dining out and enjoying the bounty of fresh seafood and tropical drinks in the salty sea air. Some restaurants are located on the seawall offering unobstructed views of the ocean, while others are hidden away in the streets of Old Galveston. Over the last few years, Galveston’s bustling Strand has seen a number of new restaurant openings, giving tourists and locals alike even more options.
This summer, countless Houstonians will be making the drive down I-45 to enjoy a few sun-kissed days at the beach, and subsequently hunting down the best local places to eat. Consider this list of restaurants that wholly add to the charm of the historic beach town.
Vargas Cut and Catch
Its name may sound like a fisherman’s hangout, but Vargas is actually an upscale steakhouse. Guests can expect USDA prime steaks cooked exactly to order and an extensive wine list. The catch side of the menu features Gulf red snapper, ahi tuna, fried jumbo shrimp, and a worthy crab cake starter. This is as fancy as it gets in Downtown Galveston, so be prepared to dress the part… and make reservations. 2102 Postoffice St., Galveston, vargascutandcatch.com
The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Despite suffering major damage from Hurricane Ike in 2008, this family-owned establishment has endured for more than 20 years. Husband and wife team, Lisa and Harry Blair both trained at the Culinary Institute of America, with Harry serving as executive chef and Lisa acting as the head baker. Their son, Zach, helps out as the restaurant’s brand ambassador. Open Wednesday through Monday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Sunflower Bakery & Cafe serves up breakfast specialties, including oysters Benedict, challah French toast, and migas ($13); plus gluten-free options such as the barbacoa omelet and avocado Benedict. Brunch specials are served every day until 3 p.m. while lunch is offered until 5 p.m. 512 14th St., Galveston, thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
Gaido’s
If you’re a Houstonian who has never eaten at Gaido’s, then you are in the minority. This restaurant has been around since 1911 and was recently acknowledged as an “American Classic” by the James Beard Foundation. Its prime location on the seawall makes it easy to spot, especially with a giant blue crab perched on its roof. Gaido’s offers an old school, fine dining experience with white tablecloths and ocean views. Gulf shrimp is a must. Start with cocktail shrimp, and then indulge in dishes like crab-stuffed shrimp or the famous fried platter. Check out the memorabilia, including the antique diving gear in the bar. 3900 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, gaidos.com
Waterman’s Restaurant
For visitors looking for outdoor dining, it doesn’t get better than this marina-side eatery. Some guests even arrive by boat. Located 15 minutes west of Downtown, the restaurant boasts rich interiors featuring salvaged antique wood and updated luxuries like comfortable upholstered chairs and marble tabletops. When the weather is beautiful, so are the views from the outdoor terrace. Starters include calamari and fried pickles, and mains such as tenderloin beef tips and lobster ravioli do not disappoint. Three different bars provide refreshing cocktails to accompany a sunset view. 14302 Stewart Rd., Galveston, watermansgalveston.com
The Spot
This large two-story beachfront bar and restaurant offers numerous spots to take in Gulf views. It’s easy to get lost, daiquiri in hand, but part of the fun is discovering the different dining and drinking areas. It’s family-friendly with games and a kids menu, but it also draws in island visitors looking for cocktails and a spirited vibe. Burgers are a good choice here, while the Spot sampler offers a mix of appetizer favorites. Kids will love the handspun shakes while adults can enjoy boozy sippers like the frozen pina colada. 3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, thespotrestaurants.com
Saltwater Grill
Located in Galveston’s Downtown district, the bistro atmosphere of Saltwater Grill has been drawing in locals and tourists for more than two decades, especially those attending a show at the Grand 1894 Opera House. The Sunday jazz brunch is popular and so is its happy hour, offered Sunday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. The seafood choices are many, but the chardonnay mussels are not to be missed. All of the steaks are certified Angus beef and there are plenty of great wines to pair. A list of tropically-inspired cocktails like the Galveston sunset or blue lagoon remind guests that they are on vacation. 2017 Postoffice St., Galveston, saltwatergrill.com
Rudy & Paco
The Strand is the historic heart of Galveston, and Rudy & Paco is situated right next to the Grand 1894 Opera House. The cuisine blends the flavors of Central and South America with seafood choices such as ceviche, Gulf snapper with cilantro cream sauce, and fish tacos. Ropa Vieja is on the menu, along with plantain-encrusted chicken breast and empanadas. The dress code for lunchtime is casual, but expect to spruce up a bit for dinner service. 2028 Postoffice St., Galveston, rudyandpaco.com
The Fancy
Located at Hotel Lucine on Galveston’s seawall, the Fancy caters to more than just its hotel guests. The restaurant’s interior decor echoes that of a classic yacht, while its patio offers sweeping views of the ocean. Using ingredients sourced from local purveyors, the seasonal menu is short and sweet with appetizers like camembert en croute and smoked oyster tartine, plus plates such as seared snapper and Jolly Farms half-chicken, which is large enough for two. The Fancy is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and has a popular weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1002 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, thefancytx.com
Sugar & Rye
This bistro is among some of the Strand’s newer openings, and has only been open for a couple of years, but it has quickly garnered a loyal fanbase for its Palm Springs-centric interiors and Cajun-inspired cuisine. Guests clad in Panama hats and Hawaiian shirts sip on tiki drinks while indulging in brunch dishes like shrimp and grits and lemon blueberry pancakes. The dinner menu opens with a number of delicious salads, but diners can splurge on more decadent dishes like the S&R burger, which is built with a beef brisket and short rib blend patty, and topped with pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, bacon onion jam, and shredded lettuce. 2401 Church St., Galveston, sugarandryegalveston.com
Shuck’s Tavern and Oyster Bar
Located just off the Strand, in the heart of Galveston, this charming restaurant features oysters, primarily from the East Coast, shucked to order. Along with raw, grilled, and fried oysters, the menu has comfort foods like chicken fried chicken, seafood gumbo, and its famous Walt burger. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with food and drink specials. Its “shucktails” menu features spirited concoctions such as Cape Cod lemon drop, as well as zero-proof mocktails. 414 21st St., Galveston, shucksgalveston.com
La King’s Confectionary
While you won’t find a three-course meal at La King’s, it is most definitely worth adding to your Galveston dining bucket list. The old-fashioned candy shop and soda fountain on the Strand offers a nostalgic atmosphere in which to peruse chocolates, fudge, jellies, and sweet treats, or enjoy ice cream, malts, floats, and milkshakes. The shop is often crowded with visitors stocking up on candy for souvenirs, or for dessert after a meal in one of the many nearby restaurants. 2323 The Strand, Galveston, lakingsconfectionery.com
