little help

[Houston]

My fiancee is coming to Austin next week for the first time for a business meeting, so she'll only be there one evening. Any recommendations for her for a Wednesday evening activity?

[matadorph]

Watch the Astros/Cubs at Third Base Sports Bar?

[otterjb]

If it was me, I'd go with a low-key dinner somewhere, then the Elephant Room on Congress, then back to the hotel, motel, holiday inn.

[matadorph]

Or if she's not into baseball, she could check out Weird Wednesday at The Alamo Drafthouse Downtown.

Link

[JimR]

Walk Sixth Street and try to pick up guys?

[matadorph]

If it was me, I'd go with a low-key dinner somewhere, then the Elephant Room on Congress, then back to the hotel, motel, holiday inn.

La Traviata is directly across the street. Best Italian food in Austin.

[otterjb]

Walk Sixth Street and try to pick up guys?

Leslie should be in the area.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/reality/56803241/

[Houston]

Walk Sixth Street and try to pick up guys?

Gee, thanks, Jim.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

How does she feel about guano?

 

[Houston]

How does she feel about guano?

 

As a government safety engineer, I'm guessing she'd be against it, but if you're suggesting the Congress St. bats, I've already suggested that to her.

[Duke]

La Traviata is directly across the street. Best Italian food in Austin.

Have you tried Vespaio?

[Trey]

Have you tried Vespaio?

La Traviata is better, and I like Vespaio.  I second the Traviata followed by the Elephant Room recommendation.

[matadorph]

Have you tried Vespaio?

Many times. I have friends that work there. Vespaio is overrated and overpriced.

[Duke]

La Traviata is better, and I like Vespaio.  I second the Traviata followed by the Elephant Room recommendation.

I'll have to try La Traviata then.

[Trey]

La Traviata is better, and I like Vespaio.  I second the Traviata followed by the Elephant Room recommendation.

If you're looking for an nice Italian restaurant, and don't mind that it's behind a Jack in the Box (seriously) check out Andiamo:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Guides/Location?oid=255251

Once you step inside, it's fantastic.  Outside, not so much.

[JimR]

If you're looking for an nice Italian restaurant, and don't mind that it's behind a Jack in the Box (seriously) check out Andiamo:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Guides/Location?oid=255251

Once you step inside, it's fantastic.  Outside, not so much.

second that-Andiamo's is great

[drew corleone]

I've always wanted to try it, as I tend to hit up that Thunderclouds there a lot for lunch. The lady friend is always up for Italian, so perhaps I'll have to take her there some time.

North (in the Domain) and Taverna (downtown) are pretty good Italian spots, too, and I never get tired of Brick Oven for something quick and casual.

[Duke]

Vespaio is overrated and overpriced.

I never thought so but then my brother in law is one of the owners, so I might be biased.

[Noe]

So, anybody have a suggestion as to good to great Seafood in Austin?  I have not found one place yet (although I have not looked too hard) that I liked.

Thanks, I'll hang up and listen...

[loganck]

So, anybody have a suggestion as to good to great Seafood in Austin?  I have not found one place yet (although I have not looked too hard) that I liked.

Thanks, I'll hang up and listen...

Eddie V's

[matadorph]

I never thought so but then my brother in law is one of the owners, so I might be biased.

Overall it's a good restaurant, I just don't think it merits the hype and accolades from the Austin foodie press. The tuna tartare is really good and the desserts are always top notch, but many of the entrees I've had are just okay and overvalued by a buck or five.

Noe, I agree with loganck's recommendation. Eddie V's is good, especially for happy hour. Uchi is very good, too, but very expensive.

[Noe]

Overall it's a good restaurant, I just don't think it merits the hype and accolades from the Austin foodie press. The tuna tartare is really good and the desserts are always top notch, but many of the entrees I've had are just okay and overvalued by a buck or five.

Noe, I agree with loganck's recommendation. Eddie V's is good, especially for happy hour. Uchi is very good, too, but very expensive.

Thanks.  I'm used to going to the Kemah Boardwalk for good seafood moderately priced.  I think for good seafood around here, I'm going to have to pay for the privilege.  Gas prices being what they are, driving to Kemah for the weekend to enjoy seafood again is out of the question.

[austro]

second that-Andiamo's is great

I'm not 100% sure, but I thought that Andiamo closed and re-opened as Bellissimo (5th and Congress?). Or maybe the chef left Andiamo and opened Bellissimo?

[JimR]

I'm not 100% sure, but I thought that Andiamo closed and re-opened as Bellissimo (5th and Congress?). Or maybe the chef left Andiamo and opened Bellissimo?

not closed for sure

[HudsonHawk]

If she's a cigar smoker, she'll be disappointed in Austin.

[Trey]

not closed for sure

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/432459

Chef Giovanni Cocciante has moved downtown. He has relocated Andiamo from Rutland Drive to 5th Street and Congress and renamed his restaurant "Bellissimo."

That was posted this past August.  I can't remember if I've been since then.  Having a baby doesn't lend itself to many nights out at a nice restaurant.

[Astroholic]

Thanks.  I'm used to going to the Kemah Boardwalk for good seafood moderately priced.  I think for good seafood around here, I'm going to have to pay for the privilege.  Gas prices being what they are, driving to Kemah for the weekend to enjoy seafood again is out of the question.

Ummm, That is not good seafood.  There are many local spots that are much better in the clear lake/league city area.

[Duke]

Thanks.  I'm used to going to the Kemah Boardwalk for good seafood moderately priced.  I think for good seafood around here, I'm going to have to pay for the privilege.  Gas prices being what they are, driving to Kemah for the weekend to enjoy seafood again is out of the question.

I'm guessing you've done McCormick and Schmick's, Gumbo's, and Truluck's.  Yes, you willl pay.  Pacific Star is good for oysters, and fried sea food.  Much cheaper than the previous 3.

[HudsonHawk]

Thanks.  I'm used to going to the Kemah Boardwalk for good seafood moderately priced.  I think for good seafood around here, I'm going to have to pay for the privilege.  Gas prices being what they are, driving to Kemah for the weekend to enjoy seafood again is out of the question.

I suppose Kemah Boardwalk *is* moderately priced, but it's debateable how good it is.  And they don't have Joe's Crab Shack in Austin?  That's pretty much the Kemah Boardwalk.

[JimR]

"good seafood" is a subjective concept with no absolute answer that everyone will accept. it is like the old saying: "One guy's Oysters Rockefeller is another guy's fecal diamond."

[Tralfaz]

If you've ever lived near the coast you won't find it in Austin.  You can find good seafood dishes at a few places, but the best seafood in Austin is called sushi.

[HudsonHawk]

"good seafood" is a subjective concept with no absolute answer that everyone will accept. it is like the old saying: "One guy's Oysters Rockefeller is another guy's fecal diamond."

True.  But since everything at the Kemah Boardwalk has been Fertitta-ized, it's all the same food.  I'm just saying you don't have to drive to Kemah to get the food they serve there.  I'm pretty sure Joe's Crab Shack is in Austin.

[JimR]

True.  But since everything at the Kemah Boardwalk has been Fertitta-ized, it's all the same food.  I'm just saying you don't have to drive to Kemah to get the food they serve there.  I'm pretty sure Joe's Crab Shack is in Austin.

several locations.

[HudsonHawk]

several locations.

And I don't dislike Landry's/WillieG's/Joe's Crab Shack's/Aquarium's/Flying Dutchman's food.  It's not bad, and it's reasonably priced.  I ate there on Mother's Day, as my mom loves Landry's.  It's just that none of those places are unique anymore. 

[Astroholic]

And I don't dislike Landry's/WillieG's/Joe's Crab Shack's/Aquarium's/Flying Dutchman's food.  It's not bad, and it's reasonably priced.  I ate there on Mother's Day, as my mom loves Landry's.  It's just that none of those places are unique anymore. 

Pretty sure he sold the Joe's Crab Shack franchise.

[HudsonHawk]

If you've ever lived near the coast you won't find it in Austin.  You can find good seafood dishes at a few places, but the best seafood in Austin is called sushi.

To me, there definitely is a difference in seafood living on the coast to living even just a few hours drive from the coast.  The best seafood is always the critter that was swimming 20 minutes ago.  Hard to get that in places like Austin.

[HudsonHawk]

Pretty sure he sold the Joe's Crab Shack franchise.

Some, but not all.  I'm pretty sure the Joe's at Kemah is still Landry's.  It's still the same food though.

[matadorph]

The best seafood is always the critter that was swimming 20 minutes ago.  Hard to get that in places like Austin.

cue the Cedric Benson boat jokes.

[Astroholic]

To me, there definitely is a difference in seafood living on the coast to living even just a few hours drive from the coast.  The best seafood is always the critter that was swimming 20 minutes ago.  Hard to get that in places like Austin.

Yep the best fish comes from my boat and the best shrimp comes from the boats that dock at my buddies marina in Galveston.  You can also go to the many fish houses in Seabrook (opposite side of channel from Kemah) to get fresh seafood to cook.  There is a resutrant in Port Aransas where you can bring your fish in from your boat and they cook it however you like.  Outstanding.

[HudsonHawk]

Yep the best fish comes from my boat and the best shrimp comes from the boats that dock at my buddies marina in Galveston.  You can also go to the many fish houses in Seabrook (opposite side of channel from Kemah) to get fresh seafood to cook.  There is a resutrant in Port Aransas where you can bring your fish in from your boat and they cook it however you like.  Outstanding.

My favorite seafood was always at the little fish stands along the beach on the west coast of Florida, where I grew up.  You could get a grilled grouper (not an hour out of the water) sandwich for $1.99.  Sometimes you could even pick which fish you wanted and watch it filleted and grilled right on the spot.  I don't think they have too many places like that anymore.

[Astroholic]

My favorite seafood was always at the little fish stands along the beach on the west coast of Florida, where I grew up.  You could get a grilled grouper (not an hour out of the water) sandwich for $1.99.  Sometimes you could even pick which fish you wanted and watch it filleted and grilled right on the spot.  I don't think they have too many places like that anymore.

None that I am aware of in the area.  As stated earlier the restaurant in PA does it.  You can also do this in Mexico when you go.  If you go fishing and catch something good, just ask around (concierge, local beer shop, etc.) because someone will cook that fish.  The servant that my father use to have at his villa in Acapulco would cook snapper with garlic chunks and butter.  It was possible the best fish I have ever had.

[Noe]

My favorite seafood was always at the little fish stands along the beach on the west coast of Florida, where I grew up.  You could get a grilled grouper (not an hour out of the water) sandwich for $1.99.  Sometimes you could even pick which fish you wanted and watch it filleted and grilled right on the spot.  I don't think they have too many places like that anymore.

Fisherman's Warf in San Franscisco and the Piers in San Diego (don't remember the name eggszactly).  Great mahi-mahi in San Diego, very fresh.  BTW - Kemah Boardwalk is probably not as good as it used to be, especially the Flying Dutchman that I remember from the late 80s, early 90s.  Definitely was *NOT* the Joe's Crabshack equivilent back then.  It's my fault for remembering the good food you could get in Kemah at one time.  And the best seafood I've had near the Clear Lake area where I lived for 10 years was actually in Galveston.  Pier 51 if I remember correctly.  Had fresh flouder right off the boat parked outside the restraurant and it was out-freaking-standing too.

So that *was* my frame of reference, but I admit how is anyone supposed to know I was talking about late 80s/early 90s?  They aren't, that's the answer.

[matadorph]

What about Quality Seafood on Airport? Any good?

[Astroholic]

Fisherman's Warf in San Franscisco and the Piers in San Diego (don't remember the name eggszactly).  Great mahi-mahi in San Diego, very fresh.  BTW - Kemah Boardwalk is probably not as good as it used to be, especially the Flying Dutchman that I remember from the late 80s, early 90s.  Definitely was *NOT* the Joe's Crabshack equivilent back then.  It's my fault for remembering the good food you could get in Kemah at one time.  And the best seafood I've had near the Clear Lake area where I lived for 10 years was actually in Galveston.  Pier 51 if I remember correctly.  Had fresh flouder right off the boat parked outside the restraurant and it was out-freaking-standing too.

So that *was* my frame of reference, but I admit how is anyone supposed to know I was talking about late 80s/early 90s?  They aren't, that's the answer.

Maybe fishermans wharf at Pier21?  Joe Lee's was my favorite.  They actually reopened a place not far from the boardwalk. It is pretty good.  Floyds, which is on 45 @Nasa RD 1 is one of my favorites.

[Noe]

I'm guessing you've done McCormick and Schmick's, Gumbo's, and Truluck's.  Yes, you willl pay.  Pacific Star is good for oysters, and fried sea food.  Much cheaper than the previous 3.

I've done Gumbo's.  That is some fine cajun eating for sure, but seafood per se?  Yeah, I guess, but it's about the cajun flavor in that place.  Nice choice though.  Don't like Trulucks, never been to McCormick and Schmicks.  Someone warned me that EddieV's is much better than M&S if I'm going to spend the cayshe.

Pacific Star?  I've seen that place before even though I'm not an oyster fan.  Fried sea food however is something I can get into... although give me a really good pan seared or oven broiled fillet any day over fried.

[Ty in Tampa]

My favorite seafood was always at the little fish stands along the beach on the west coast of Florida, where I grew up.  You could get a grilled grouper (not an hour out of the water) sandwich for $1.99.  Sometimes you could even pick which fish you wanted and watch it filleted and grilled right on the spot.  I don't think they have too many places like that anymore.

There are still a number of restaurants here, especially around the deep-sea fishing docks like John's Pass, that will cook what you catch to order. I've done that a few time since I've been here.

[Noe]

Maybe fishermans wharf at Pier21?  Joe Lee's was my favorite.  They actually reopened a place not far from the boardwalk. It is pretty good.  Floyds, which is on 45 @Nasa RD 1 is one of my favorites.

I think you're right on Pier21... that place was awesome.  I used to go to the Oasis on NASA Rd 1 for fried seafood... very nicely done... great shrimp po-boys.  I never got to go to Joe Lee's although everyone I knew recommended the place while I lived there.

[Astroholic]

I think you're right on Pier21... that place was awesome.  I used to go to the Oasis on NASA Rd 1 for fried seafood... very nicely done... great shrimp po-boys.  I never got to go to Joe Lee's although everyone I knew recommended the place while I lived there.

Oasis is gone, but was pretty good.  Pier 21 has changes.  Use to get poboys cafeteria style.  Now a very Landry's kind of place, but food is pretty good.

[austro]

I've done Gumbo's.

I had lunch at Gumbo's a couple of months ago, and it was quite good. I had a blackened tilapia that was served with a sweet potato flan and something else. The fish was good, but that flan was the thing that I really remember: it was really good. Noe's right: it's not really a seafood restaurant per se, but it's good eating if you're in the mood for something cajun-style.

[HudsonHawk]

I think you're right on Pier21... that place was awesome.  I used to go to the Oasis on NASA Rd 1 for fried seafood... very nicely done... great shrimp po-boys.  I never got to go to Joe Lee's although everyone I knew recommended the place while I lived there.

Oasis had the best shrimp po-boys anywhere.  Too bad it's no longer there.

[Noe]

I had lunch at Gumbo's a couple of months ago, and it was quite good. I had a blackened tilapia that was served with a sweet potato flan and something else. The fish was good, but that flan was the thing that I really remember: it was really good. Noe's right: it's not really a seafood restaurant per se, but it's good eating if you're in the mood for something cajun-style.

The cheesecake they had there was outstanding!  I don't think I'm overstating it when I say it was the best I've ever had.

[Astroholic]

I think you're right on Pier21... that place was awesome.  I used to go to the Oasis on NASA Rd 1 for fried seafood... very nicely done... great shrimp po-boys.  I never got to go to Joe Lee's although everyone I knew recommended the place while I lived there.

Oh yeah, if you lived in that area, I am sure you went to Classic Cafe in Seabrook.  Still there and still excellent.

[Astroholic]

Oasis had the best shrimp po-boys anywhere.  Too bad it's no longer there.

I also killed a few shrimp with the all you cound eat special. 

[Noe]

Oasis is gone, but was pretty good.  Pier 21 has changes.  Use to get poboys cafeteria style.  Now a very Landry's kind of place, but food is pretty good.

Oasis is gone?  Darn, that was one of the best shrimp po-boys places ever!  I used to love eating outside while the boaters and/or jet ski crowd would park to come eat there.  Plus the fireworks shows every Fourth of July nearby was always a treat to watch while eating there.

That is sad to hear that it's gone.

[HudsonHawk]

There are still a number of restaurants here, especially around the deep-sea fishing docks like John's Pass, that will cook what you catch to order. I've done that a few time since I've been here.

That's good to know.  Haven't been to John's Pass in many years.  There used to be little fish stands all up and down Gulf Blvd., usually run by some leathery old salt and maybe his snaggle tooth wife.  Food of the gods, though.

BTW, I'll be in Tampa week after next.  If I find the time, I'll give you a shout and maybe we can meet for a beer.

[Duke]

Pacific Star?  I've seen that place before even though I'm not an oyster fan.  Fried sea food however is something I can get into... although give me a really good pan seared or oven broiled fillet any day over fried.

It's nothing fancy, kind of along the lines of Cap'n Billy's.

I'm heading to South Padre on Sunday, any recommendations for SPI, Port Isabel or Brownsville?

[HudsonHawk]

Oasis is gone?  Darn, that was one of the best shrimp po-boys places ever!  I used to love eating outside while the boaters and/or jet ski crowd would park to come eat there. 

HATE!!! the jet-ski crowd.  Mannerless little fucks.  Used to love to watch the sailboat races from the top deck of the Turtle Club though.

[Astroholic]

HATE!!! the jet-ski crowd.  Mannerless little fucks.  Used to love to watch the sailboat races from the top deck of the Turtle Club though.

Yep, I also hate the Jet ski crowd.  I will be fishing with nobody around and those fuckers have to come right next to me and fuck up the water.

[HudsonHawk]

Yep, I also hate the Jet ski crowd.  I will be fishing with nobody around and those fuckers have to come right next to me and fuck up the water.

They fuck up the fishing, they're a holy terror around the docks, they smell bad...lots of reasons to hate jet-skiers.

[MRaup]

BTW, I'll be in Tampa week after next.  If I find the time, I'll give you a shout and maybe we can meet for a beer.

OH! So, you go to Tampa you make sure to let that crowd know... I see how you roll, Mr. Hawk.

[HudsonHawk]

OH! So, you go to Tampa you make sure to let that crowd know... I see how you roll, Mr. Hawk.

Ty promised me free rubgirls the next time I was in town.

[Taras Bulba]

It's nothing fancy, kind of along the lines of Cap'n Billy's.

I'm heading to South Padre on Sunday, any recommendations for SPI, Port Isabel or Brownsville?

If you catch your own, you can take them to the Padre Island Brewing Company and they do a creditable job.  The beer is not bad, either.

One other thing: stop by Abner Doubleday's in Port Isabel (you can't miss it).  The guy who owns it has an absolutely staggering sports memorabilia collection.  I kind of think he runs the bar just to house all of his stuff.

[MRaup]

Ty promised me free rubgirls the next time I was in town.

I bring promises of Nikki next time we're in Houston... Or at least I did! Mayhaps we'll just go catch an Aeros game with all my friends from skatesnstars.com instead...

[Noe]

It's nothing fancy, kind of along the lines of Cap'n Billy's.

I'm heading to South Padre on Sunday, any recommendations for SPI, Port Isabel or Brownsville?

Stay away from the Port Isabel huge restaurant near the bridge.  Really bad service and mediocre seafood.  You'll be surprised by how much lacking South Padre is on fine seafood dining, but there is one place near the bridge (on the right side about 1/4 of a mile) that had a really great salmon dish.  My wife actually ordered it while I went with my favorite Flouder fillet dish.  Both were good, but the salmon was done especially well.  Can't remember the name of the place though.

[Ty in Tampa]

That's good to know.  Haven't been to John's Pass in many years.  There used to be little fish stands all up and down Gulf Blvd., usually run by some leathery old salt and maybe his snaggle tooth wife.  Food of the gods, though.

BTW, I'll be in Tampa week after next.  If I find the time, I'll give you a shout and maybe we can meet for a beer.

I don't know how long it's been since you've driven Gulf Blvd. but there are very few 'shacks'. It may bum you out if you see it so it might be best left in your memories.

I work near downtown so if that's where you'll be, it'll be easy to meet for that beer. I'll PM you.

[Ty in Tampa]

Ty promised me free rubgirls the next time I was in town.

I musta been drunk. I don' know no rubgirls. There is the Mons, though...

[BudGirl]

I don't know how long it's been since you've driven Gulf Blvd. but there are very few 'shacks'. It may bum you out if you see it so it might be best left in your memories.

I work near downtown so if that's where you'll be, it'll be easy to meet for that beer. I'll PM you.

you really do make everyone come to you don't you? 

[SaltyParker]

What about Quality Seafood on Airport? Any good?

Great place for lunch but I would hate to recommend it to anyone for a dining experience due to limited menu. Not a big variety. What items I have had were excellent and not expensive.

[Ty in Tampa]

you really do make everyone come to you don't you? 

My world is small.

I might come to Houston soon, to see you of course.

[BudGirl]

My world is small.

I might come to Houston soon, to see you of course.

Yeah, I'll believe when you sit next to me at a game.

[Duke]

Stay away from the Port Isabel huge restaurant near the bridge.  Really bad service and mediocre seafood.  You'll be surprised by how much lacking South Padre is on fine seafood dining, but there is one place near the bridge (on the right side about 1/4 of a mile) that had a really great salmon dish.  My wife actually ordered it while I went with my favorite Flouder fillet dish.  Both were good, but the salmon was done especially well.  Can't remember the name of the place though.

Thanks.  It's hard to believe that it's hard to find good seafood there.  Will try the one by the causway.

[Duke]

If you catch your own, you can take them to the Padre Island Brewing Company and they do a creditable job.  The beer is not bad, either.

One other thing: stop by Abner Doubleday's in Port Isabel (you can't miss it).  The guy who owns it has an absolutely staggering sports memorabilia collection.  I kind of think he runs the bar just to house all of his stuff.

Thanks.  If I'm lucky we will have something to cook.

Have done Boubleday's once after 18 at SPI golf course.  Pretty cool for Port Isabel

[HudsonHawk]

I don't know how long it's been since you've driven Gulf Blvd. but there are very few 'shacks'. It may bum you out if you see it so it might be best left in your memories.

Oh, I know the shacks are gone.  The Tampa Bay area from the 60's and 70's that I remember is long gone.  Last time I was in Tampa (2005), I walked around Ybor City and couldn't believe it.  It's gone all upscale and shit.  The Colombia is still there, but even that's a tourist attraction now.  I think most of Tampa is.  I did stop by the Florida Bakery on my way to the airport to get me some good Cuban bread though.  Airport security asked what was in the 3ft long bags.  I said "bread".  They thought I was crazy.

I work near downtown so if that's where you'll be, it'll be easy to meet for that beer. I'll PM you.

My niece is graduating high school in Plant City, so I'll be spending some time over there, but I'm gonna try to hang out with some old buds in Tampa too.  Is the Silver Ring still open?

[Ty in Tampa]

Oh, I know the shacks are gone.  The Tampa Bay area from the 60's and 70's that I remember is long gone.  Last time I was in Tampa (2005), I walked around Ybor City and couldn't believe it.  It's gone all upscale and shit.  The Colombia is still there, but even that's a tourist attraction now.  I think most of Tampa is.  I did stop by the Florida Bakery on my way to the airport to get me some good Cuban bread though.  Airport security asked what was in the 3ft long bags.  I said "bread".  They thought I was crazy.


My niece is graduating high school in Plant City, so I'll be spending some time over there, but I'm gonna try to hang out with some old buds in Tampa too.  Is the Silver Ring still open?

Not the original. They closed about 10 years ago (because of rising Ybor rent) but they opened a new one last year a few blocks away. I haven't been yet.

Ybor City has been completely abused by the city of Tampa and as such, they've really screwed up a treasure of a historic district. The charm can still be found but you have to trip over a drunk teenager to find it.

[HudsonHawk]

Ybor City has been completely abused by the city of Tampa and as such, they've really screwed up a treasure of a historic district. The charm can still be found but you have to trip over a drunk teenager to find it.

That's really sad.  I remember my grandmother used to take me down there shopping.  For some reason, she only trusted drug strores where they spoke Spanish, even though she was redheaded and decidedly NOT Cuban.  I remember the bakeries and cigar factories and all the old men sitting around smoking cigars, drinking Cuban coffee talking about baseball.  It was really a historic ethnic community to rival any anywhere.  It's a shame what it's become in homage to the almighty tourist dollar.

[juliogotay]

Stay away from the Port Isabel huge restaurant near the bridge.  Really bad service and mediocre seafood.  You'll be surprised by how much lacking South Padre is on fine seafood dining, but there is one place near the bridge (on the right side about 1/4 of a mile) that had a really great salmon dish.  My wife actually ordered it while I went with my favorite Flouder fillet dish.  Both were good, but the salmon was done especially well.  Can't remember the name of the place though.

I haven't been to So. Padre/Isabel in ten years or so but I had a nice meal in Isabel at something like Port Isabel Yacht Club? Not a private club but a fairly fancy place for the area. Good seafood. It must be gone though as I didn't see it on the CVB site. Anybody know the place I'm talking about?

[strosrays]

Oh yeah, if you lived in that area, I am sure you went to Classic Cafe in Seabrook.  Still there and still excellent.

I'm not a big fan of fried, but i I'm in the mood for it and in Galveston, I go to Shrimp 'n' Stuff, on O Street, O 1/2, something like that.  Basic, good, reasonable.  Cold beer.  I like the fried oyster po-boy all right.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'm not a big fan of fried, but i I'm in the mood for it and in Galveston, I go to Shrimp 'n' Stuff, on O Street, O 1/2, something like that.  Basic, good, reasonable.  Cold beer.  I like the fried oyster po-boy all right.

39th and O, 2 blocks east of Ball High. Excellent po-boys. That was one of our lunch time hang-out spots in high school back when they had this thing called off-campus lunch.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

HATE!!! the jet-ski crowd.  Mannerless little fucks.  Used to love to watch the sailboat races from the top deck of the Turtle Club though.

Amen...  Although, trying to sail on Clear Lake, now, is taking your life into your own hands.  I grew up on that lake but all you get now is "flu like symptoms".

[BudGirl]

I'm not a big fan of fried, but i I'm in the mood for it and in Galveston, I go to Shrimp 'n' Stuff, on O Street, O 1/2, something like that.  Basic, good, reasonable.  Cold beer.  I like the fried oyster po-boy all right.

I like that place also.

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

39th and O, 2 blocks east of Ball High. Excellent po-boys. That was one of our lunch time hang-out spots in high school back when they had this thing called off-campus lunch.

Yeah, Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 21 used to have the best po-boys in Galveston, but after they got all fancy, Shrimp n Stuff became the place to go. They also make a pretty decent bowl of gumbo.

[NeilT]

I haven't been to So. Padre/Isabel in ten years or so but I had a nice meal in Isabel at something like Port Isabel Yacht Club? Not a private club but a fairly fancy place for the area. Good seafood. It must be gone though as I didn't see it on the CVB site. Anybody know the place I'm talking about?

Just The Yacht Club.  It was built in the '20s, and the restaurant was in a really pretty room.  It had a good bar, and a good Gulf Coast menu.  The closest Galveston equivalent is probably Gaido's, only the Yacht Club was prettier.  It was the kind of place where you drank shiner or gin or white wine, and any of the three seemed to fit just fine.

There's also a hotel.  The whole thing closed 7 or 8 years ago, and was bought by a couple from Dallas.  They've been re-doing it bit by bit, and I spent the night there last summer.  The bar is re-opened--at least for beer for guests. The restaurant is not, and the couple told me it would be expensive to get it back up and running.  I hear rumors from time to time that it's for sale, or that it's closed again.  It really is a great place to stay, and it was a good place to eat.

I still like Benno's at Galveston for po' boys.

[ybbodeus]

If it was me, I'd go with a low-key dinner somewhere, then the Elephant Room on Congress, then back to the hotel, motel, holiday inn.

"Say WHAT?"

[Astroholic]

Just The Yacht Club.  It was built in the '20s, and the restaurant was in a really pretty room.  It had a good bar, and a good Gulf Coast menu.  The closest Galveston equivalent is probably Gaido's, only the Yacht Club was prettier.  It was the kind of place where you drank shiner or gin or white wine, and any of the three seemed to fit just fine.

There's also a hotel.  The whole thing closed 7 or 8 years ago, and was bought by a couple from Dallas.  They've been re-doing it bit by bit, and I spent the night there last summer.  The bar is re-opened--at least for beer for guests. The restaurant is not, and the couple told me it would be expensive to get it back up and running.  I hear rumors from time to time that it's for sale, or that it's closed again.  It really is a great place to stay, and it was a good place to eat.

I still like Benno's at Galveston for po' boys.

Benno's use to be really good several years ago, but the quality has gone down while the prices have gone up.  I really like Millers, next to the Galvez.  They just remodeled it.

[astrojo]

Quote from: otterjb on Yesterday at 12:26:35 PM
If it was me, I'd go with a low-key dinner somewhere, then the Elephant Room on Congress, then back to the hotel, motel, holiday inn.


"Say WHAT?"

Say if your girl starts actin' up, then you bring her friend.

Master Gee!

ETA now that I have that song in my head, I just sang the G with a double EE part. 

[strosrays]

So your heart starts pumping and you think of a lie and you say that you already ate
And your friend says, "Man there's plenty of food," so you pile some more on your plate
As the stinky food is steaming your mind starts to dreaming of the moment that it's time to leave
You look at your plate and your chicken's slowly rotting into something that looks like cheese

So you say, "That's it, I got to leave this place, I dont care what these people think."
"I'm just sittin' here makin myself nauseous with this ugly food that stinks."
So you bust out the door while its still closed still sick from the food you ate
Then you run to the store for quick relief from a bottle of Kaopectate®


Old school rap is great.  And you could probably (seamlessly) substitute "Skyline Chili" for "chicken", too.

[ybbodeus]

Chic probably never knew just how much better their song could be.

[strosrays]

They fuck up the fishing, they're a holy terror around the docks, they smell bad...lots of reasons to hate jet-skiers.

You would have hated me as a kid.

[austro]

You would have hated me as a kid.

The world's greatest photo of Keith Richards resurfaces!

[HudsonHawk]

Chic probably never knew just how much better their song could be.

BTW, I personally think Nile Rodgers is vastly underrated.

[HudsonHawk]

You would have hated me as a kid.

Yes, yes I would have.  I had a friend who was like that.  He wasn't so lucky.  He was killed on his jet-ski on Lake Houston at the tender age of 19.

[Noe]

BTW, I personally think Nile Rodgers is vastly underrated.

Nile Rodgers, if I remember correctly, became a much sought after producer because he was considered a genius.

[JackAstro]

You would have hated me as a kid.

I have reason to suspect that you are neither Incan, nor Peruvian. That is all.

[jonbloozy]

You would have hated me as a kid.

I've never met an Incan who can surf.  I like the story, but I'll bet you got worked.

[Curly]

I think you're right on Pier21... that place was awesome.  I used to go to the Oasis on NASA Rd 1 for fried seafood... very nicely done... great shrimp po-boys.  I never got to go to Joe Lee's although everyone I knew recommended the place while I lived there.

A bunch of us used to go to the Oasis when we were in high school to play beach volleyball out back and boy did we make them pay for having all you can eat fried shrimp.  A buddy of me used to have them bring us a cup of serano peppers and we would each eat one at the same until it was empty and the first one to take a drink had to pay the bill.