Galveston is an island city off the coast of Texas best known for attractions like Moody Gardens, the Historic Pleasure Pier, bird-rich Galveston Island State Park, and the many gorgeous beaches. But their bars and culinary scene is just as exciting for visitors with upwards of 150 restaurants on the island alone! So to help you in your search for where to dine, we’ve rounded up the 9 best restaurants in Galveston, Texas to discover, with recommendations including places where the locals eat, where to get the best brunch, and where you should go if you’re feeling spendy.
Star Drug Store
Established in 1866, this vintage shop serves up deli fare and soda fountain classics at “Texas’ Oldest Drug Store”. Grab a seat around the u-shaped serving counter and order some grub for breakfast, brunch, or lunch! They’ve also got soda fountain favorites like sundaes, banana splits, chocolate malts, and floats making it the perfect stop-in on a hot, sunny day. The historic building and vintage charm itself is worth the visit, but the Star Drug Store is known for the hospitality of its staff and the reasonable price of its food. If you’re looking for more than a meal, this 50s diner is a great place to eat in Galveston.
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
If you’re looking to splurge on a nice meal, look no further than Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood. Located in the Pelican Rest Marina, the terrace of this upscale steakhouse boasts absolutely gorgeous views of the Gulf while you enjoy your meal. The culinary artists that make up the staff choose high-quality, local ingredients which results in unique dishes. Dine in for lunch, dinner, or their Sunday brunch and enjoy the impressive and bold wine selection or the in-house cigar menu, if you feel like an after dinner stogie. Unlike many steak houses, the atmosphere is relaxing and the decor, modern and fresh. Reservations are recommended as it tends to get quite busy, but even if you have a wait a short while, your steak will be well worth it!
BLVD. Seafood
BLVD. is Yelp’s Number 1 Rated Seafood in Galveston, which makes it the obvious choice if you’re looking for some coastal fare! The lunch menu has both classics (like shrimp tacos and fish and chips) and fun options, like the Peanut Butter Jalapeño Sliders! Dinner options include their flagship Shrimp ‘n Grits and Seafood Samplers, which offer the opportunity to try an assortment of fresh seafood within one main. BLVD also has quite a number of gluten-free options making it perfect if you or someone in your group has dietary restrictions. But if you’re in the area Monday through Friday from 3-7pm, the reviews on their Happy Hour menu reign supreme, with super well-priced shareable plates and drinks! If you’re looking for a cocktail, order their DLUX Bloody Mary, complete with fresh cooked shrimp – a favorite amongst the regulars.
Grotto
If you’re looking for a break from seafood and steak, head to Grotto Ristorante at their San Luis Resort location for some freshly made pasta and classic Italian eats. It’s rated the #1 Italian restaurant and pizzeria, and the #6 best of all restaurants in Galveston on Tripadvisor and for good reason! The food is fresh and delicious, with gluten free options available (rare for Italian restaurants!) so everyone can enjoy a meal. The gigantic wall-to-wall windows means there is no bad seating and the atmosphere is inviting and bright. If you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian meal, you know where to go!
Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina
If you love Mexican food (and seriously, who doesn’t?), head to Taquilo’s for authentic tex-mex, fajitas, and award-winning margaritas! Head inside or grab a seat on their bright covered sidewalk patio located on vibrant Postoffice Street (what we recommend!). Customers frequently remark on the incredible service and kindness of the staff who always make you feel like family. You can’t miss their chicken, shrimp or Certified Angus Beef fajitas and if you’re looking for a bevvy, try one (or maybe two) of their 10 specialty margs, like passionfruit or blood orange. This local favorite is the perfect place to unwind and fill up on a warm, sunny day in Galveston Texas! But if you feel like staying in, they also offer delivery.
Hearsay On the Strand
Perhaps best known for their handcrafted cocktails and drool-worthy weekend brunch, Hearsay On The Strand serves up delicious food in a unique restored historical building in the downtown area. The menu takes a sophisticated approach to American food, giving customers a variety of options, from a Kobe Beef Hot Dog to Grilled Atlantic Salmon & Shrimp. If you’re looking for something interesting to sip on, order the Patron Margarita Flight (you’ll get to try Blackberry, Strawberry, Jalapeño, White Peach margs!) or stop in for their daily happy hour for some small plates at a great price.
Brews Brothers
Brews Brothers is all about beer. In fact, they’re Galveston’s only craft beer bar! Located in the Historic Strand, you won’t find anything fancy on the menu, just good pub fare. You won’t find their menu or tap list online, so you’ll just have to take a chance and show up! They’re been voted Galveston’s Best Bar though, so the risk that you won’t enjoy yourself is low.
Porch Cafe
This high-end Galveston restaurant has a variety of distinct indoor and outdoor dining spaces including a bright and white main dining room and two huge covered porches where you can dine with dazzling views of the Gulf. They’re known for their Sunday evening wine and whisky pairings (by reservation only), but their regular lunch and dinner menus are just as appetizing, offering items like baked goat cheese and chicken sauvignon. Located in Beachtown, this spot presents simple, fresh ingredients in an elevated manner, making for the perfect summer meal. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate or get a little spendy, Porch Cafe is an excellent choice.
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
Galveston restaurant, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar offers up fresh, from-scratch cajun cuisine in a warm and inviting environment. They use their expertise in steam kettle cooking to create menu items such as traditional gumbos, seafood stews and platters, and cioppino (a traditional fish stew). Also on the menu are a variety of po’ boys, from shrimp to oyster to crawfish – you truly can’t go wrong with any of them. If you’re looking for a casual dining experience with good, fresh, well-priced seafood, head to Little Daddy’s!
