Galveston Adventure!

[tom in austin]

I'm an Austin-based hound planning a Galveston adventure in the coming week. I've culled all the reviews from posts below and wanted to centralize them as a conversation starter.

These places appear to be the favorites of hounds, in order of preference:

1. DiBella's (called by one hound the best restaurant in Texas -- can this be true?!)
2. Rudy & Paco's
3. Gaido's (& the Pelican Club? -- membership required)
4. Gordita’s

(The next set all approximately tied at 5th:)
Clary's On The Bayou
The Mosquito Grill
The Saltwater Grill
Mario's
Casey's (shares a kitchen w/ Gaido's and possibly the Pelican Club?)

(Largely undiscussed, but I'd love to get your thoughts:)
Sky Bar (Sushi? Is this place good?)
The Steakhouse at The San Luis Resort (possibly owned by Fertita?)
Bernardo’s at The Hotel Galvez

I'm looking for fresh takes on these places, or other places worth visiting that I may have missed in the above list. My wife and I are adventurous diners. She has a real passion for seafood of all types; I love eating anything delicious. We have a bias against large chains or places that get most their foods from a truck marked "SYSCO".

Finally, deliciousness matters more than ambience, and we're willing to spend money on excellent meals. We'll be in Galveston for two days. If you need any more information about us, let me know!

[Jayro]

Hi Tom,

We have tried both Rudy & Paco's and Gaido's. Both places were good, although I would not say it was the BEST seafood we've ever had (anyway, I doubt many people come to Galveston looking for the absolute best seafood experience ever ... but that is an entirely different topic/debate all together).

As for satisfying the "adventurous diner", Galveston is the probably not the best place for that either. However, for good simple, old-fashioned & familiar dessert, why not try La King's Confectionery on the Strand. We go in the shoulder-season so maybe that has made for a more pleasant experience. I’ve heard it gets super crowded in the middle of summer during the late afternoons.

La King's is an amusing diversion because you know, you just cannot be a "dessert snob" all of the time (being a trained pastry chef, I see a lot of that behavior & i'm guilty too!) At La King's, you’ll want to try a little of this and a little of that. You’ll feel like a big kid, especially if you order their killer-retro banana split. I've seen little kids stare at mine with envy since many parents would never let their young children tackle such a moster dessert!

http://www.galveston.com/laking/

La King's Confectionery
2323 Strand
Galveston, TX 77550

Have fun in Galveston!

[tom in austin]

Thanks, Jayro! I really appreciate your thoughts!

[swamp]

I live on the mainland but I spend most of my free time on the island. I think you have some very good picks listed but I do not agree with all of them. In my opinion DiBella's is definitely NOT the best restaurant in Texas, not even the best in Galveston. Other than a great steak on the menu I am not sure why the place is so popular.

Currently for the best in Galveston and it may also fit the adventurous streak your wife has I would recommend Palms M&M on the corner of 24th and Church. It is excellent! They do have a web site connection listed on galveston.com where you can also find links to many other restaurants.

Rudy and Paco's is very good but be aware it is one of the only places in Galveston that does maintain a dress code so do not show up in shorts and flip flops. I do love their menu items with the South American flair.

Gaido's of course is the grand old lady of seafood restaurants on the island and while still serving good quality seafood it is not what it used to be. I will dine there from time to time but is not worth the wait that sometimes exists on weekend. Casey's is the same family, it does not share a kitchen and while the food is less expensive and good it is not the same as the main dining room.

I personally feel Clary's is greatly overrated. The dining room has not been updated since I first dined there in the early 80's. Recently celebrated an anniversary there with friends and was not pleased, i.e, green beans were from a can.

Gorditas is my favorite for Mexican on the island because they have some menu items which stray from the usual Tex-Mex fare and I like that. They even have a nice little albondigas plate. Breakfast is also good. If you do visit Gorditas be aware they do not take credit or debit cards so make sure you have cash. They are also open late for something after a night out on Postoffice street etc.

Mario's is still my favorite for italian food even though others disagree with me on this one. I like their pasta but not the pizza. Sky Bar is good for sushi. They now call themselves Sky Bar sushi and Steak. Not sure what that includes on the menu. They are now part of the same restaurant group that has Saltwater Grill and a couple of other places on the island.

San Luis Steakhouse is owned by Fertita. Getting more and more difficult to dine on the island someplace not owned by Landry's corp. Bernardo's at the Hotel Galvez is good for one thing only in my opinion and that is Sunday Brunch. They still offer a traditional brunch that is quite popular.

Mosquito Cafe and Saltwater Grill are great choices. I think Saltwater has the best gumbo on the island.

If you get a desire for basic pub grub while on the island I would suggest the Press Box at 24th & Postoffice. It is Galveston's version of Cheers. Great burgers, nachos etc in a very island friendly atmosphere. Best pizza is at Slices a rather dingy, dive one block from the Press Box. A younger colorful local crowd but a pizza pie that is excellent. Also great sandwiches made with all Boar's Head products which is pretty good for Galveston. Take command of the juke box or the young ones will have you enduring horrid music.

I hope you enjoy your visit to the island.

[tom in austin]

Swamp, you really went above and beyond! I really appreciate your input. I'll definitely check Palms M&M out!

[El General]

Tom,

If you are peckish for a Mexican breakfast and a ferry ride, then take the Bolivar ferry over to Port Bolivar. Take the first left off of 87 onto 108 and drive over Horseshoe Lake. On the corner of 108 and Madison across from a small grocery store is La Playita. My favorite dish is the Huevos a la Mexicana (#7 or #8 I believe), but the migas are good also. The refried beans use some kind of pork fat which makes them delicious.

I love this place, but I wonder if my objectivity is compromised by years of waking up hungover and wanting a Mexican Breakfast on the peninsula, but not being able to have one. Also, they stop serving breakfast at 10:00 am, so plan to go early. And, no matter what the 12 year old tells you on the ferry, don't throw alka seltzer to the seagulls.

They have a special green salsa on Sunday that is very good (avocado and Jalapeño based), but sometimes you have to ask. Also, the local campesinos swear by the menudo, but I have not tried it.

http://www.google.com/maps?q=Port+Bol...

[tom in austin]

Thanks, El General! I really appreciate it!

[El General]

Other Bolivar Peninsula options:

Steve's Landing: The family that bought this from Steve after his motorcycle accident are extremely nice, but I think the food has gone downhill a little since Steve passed. Shrimp and oyster po-boy is good, mainly because of an exorbitant amount of shrimp. They also have an appetizer called shrimp kisses- shrimp wrapped in bacon with jalapeño then deep fried. It comes with an amazing honey mustard salad dressing type of sauce. That is a bad description of the sauce, but I can't think of a better one.

They also have fresh pies (if you are there at lunch) from a retired lady that makes pies there on the Peninsula. The Coconut Creme is outstanding. Other restaurants get pies from this lady (I can't remember her name), but I can't remember which ones.

Stingaree: This place is making a comeback as far as food quality. Think fried and beware of the Stingaritas.

DeCoux's: Famous for their Crab Nachos, but not much else is good. Beware of the 'Market Price" on the crab nachos. We ended up with a $25 plate of nachos one time because we did not ask.

José's: José's is decent Mexican food with a decided bent towards seafood. I have only been there a couple of times, and can't remember a specific dish to recommend.

There is a portable BBQ stand next to Lattitude 29.2 (south side of the Highway) I think. They sling a very mean chopped beef sandwich, and they are two of the most entertaining gentleman I have ever met.

Good Bolivar Peninsula ordering instructions: Think Fried.

[howdyyall]

I used to like Benno's, on Seawall Blvd. It's been years since I've been, so I can't really tell you if it's still there or still good. It's just a divey place with poboys, etc., but I remember it being pretty tasty.

[tom in austin]

Thanks, Howdyyall!

[TexasJeep]

Pelican Club is by itself and still requires membership as far as I know.

I do like Benno's. I get the grilled plate and it has a cajun hot flare to it. If you go there bring your patience because there is always a wait when I have been.

I think Galveston has a lot of breakfast burrito places. I am still trying to find my favorite one. I am not sure if that is your thing.
The Donut Shoppe is good. You can get it with eggs, potato, cheese, bacon, chorizo, and/or beans. I love the green sauce it comes with. It is hot though. The place is small and usually hot inside. You won't need to eat lunch or it will be late one after eating here.
Island Breeze is a new place. I had there breakfast burritos and I like them. You can sit down and enjoy your meal here. It is located just West of 61st on Stewart Rd./Avenue S.

Shrimp and Stuff is a good local place for shrimp. I usually get the shimp PoBoy.

I also like The Spot for Hamburgers. It is on the seawall and has a good view.

[Texchef]

I like Benno's too. I didn't have the grilled plate when I went. I think I split the seafood platter with my husband and (at the time) 4 year old. It was great! I do remember waiting, but I felt it was well worth it.

[tom in austin]

Thank you TexasJeep and Texchef! I'll make sure to check Benno's out.

[sweet100s]

Hi Tom in Austin,

How did your Galveston adventure go?

I'm going to be there for a day in November, and was looking for some interesting spots.

[tom in austin]

Oops, just found this.

Long-story-short, Rudy & Paco's exceeded our expectations. We'll definitely be back. Everything else was just OK, but we still had a lot of fun. I'll provide a detailed take on Rudy & Paco's later.

[tom in austin]

Rudy & Paco's was great for fine dining. If you have only one fine dining experience in Galveston, this is my pick. I advise getting a reservation. Palms M&M was really good, but Rudy & Paco's was better.

My favorite casual place was Mosquito Grill. I liked it so much that I went twice. I'd love for you to go and tell me what you thought. I had a lunch there and a brunch, both were great. Added bonus: the owner was eclectic, fun, talkative, hyper, goofy, and cool all at the same time.

Gaido's remains exactly what it was when I went there as a child. And that means it is decent, I guess. Reassuring. Good at frying things.

I read some posts by folks claiming The Spot had one of the best burgers in Texas. I can now say that while it isn't a bad place, it isn't even close to best burger. Decent, but don't kill yourself to get there. The severe biker infestation was only a minor annoyance.

Saltwater Grill was decent! Casual dress, and only a tiny wait (5 minutes). But the food lacked the nostalgic camp of Gaido's or the deliciousness of R&P's or Palms M&M; prices were similar to Gaido's. All that having been said, if you're with people who want to have a fish-o-centric dinner that is nice, but you don't have time to get all spruced up and dressy, this is a solid pick. All the food we had here was pretty good.

Benno's is probably as good a place as any for a tourist like me to get cheap, fried seafood in a hyper-casual, walk-up format. I enjoyed it. If there is a better place for this kind of fare in Galveston, I don't know it.

Went to a bar called Cheers that was near our hotel (the Tremont). Had karaoke downstairs, poker room upstairs. Fire twirlers came in doing a routine and begging for tips as a karaoke intermission. Specialized in lame tricked-out martinis (Appletini Zoomba or something, etc.), but offered cheap Lone Star and scotch. Weird crowd -- locals and hard-drinkers, gamblers, the chronic and lonely karaoke fiends, a bachelorette party, a girls-night-out group in their forties, obvious tourists who had been too long in the sun, a man who shows haunted houses in the area for a living, some militant lesbians, and several bartenders from other local bars and restaurants. It seemed like everyone had that electric, fun, chatty vibe that night -- I guess the cool bar is dropped when people are drinking heavily and messily belting "Black Velvet" or "Sister Christian". While I've never been back, I've wondered more than once if that night was a fluke, and if the place was actually completely lame, or if it normally is that fun and bouncy in a mixed-up way.

Reviews above cover results of several visits, from memory and sans notes so I hope I didn't spell anything wrong or anything else like that. Didn't make it to DiBella's, Gordita's, Clary's, or many other recommended places. Didn't mention a handful of places I thought were below the Mendoza line for chowhounding.

[tom in austin]

I'll be getting back to Galveston soon for a getaway, but as I understand it, the post-hurricaine chow landscape is very different.

Where do I go for amazing food now? Any addendum to my reviews from oh-seven? Where would you go for the best chow? The best hotel?

[Lambowner]

Try the family owned Olympia Grill on the pier, great seafood and Greek food. Shrimp n Stuff for super casual seafood (mostly fried), Benno's on the Beach, the elegant and massive Sunday brunch at the Galvez.. Watch carefully for Landry-mines. The San Luis is a great place to stay, the pool and bar area (H20) are lots of fun year round. Not the food though (a Landry facility). All the rooms have a Gulf view. The Galvez is nice, although the rooms are small. Tremont, also nice. Those are the three priciest in town, but you'll find their rates are much lower in winter. Enjoy! The island is well recovered from Ike.

[James Cristinian]

The Spot has a decent burger. What my wife and I really like is going on a pleasant day, not summer, and enjoy the people watching and the Gulf. I don't like sweating and eating in the summer, and the flies will carry your food off.

[Lambowner]

So true! Galveston in the winter is beautiful.

[mgwerks]

Shake loose form the normal, and take the ferry across to Bolivar. Aside from what's mentioned above, you can go a few miles further to Crystal Beach and stop in at Bob's Famous Sports Bar and Grill. Great food, coldest beer, and known for their seafood and killer Po-Boy sandwiches.