galveston dining

[Phil_in_CS]

We're going to be down on the island in a couple weeks. We're going to celebrate my wife's birthday a bit early while there, so what are some recommendations for good places? For her birthday dinner, $25 - $30 per plate (not including wine) is fine, though less is better of course. A couple other places in the $15 dollar range would be nice too for other meals.

Seafood is her preference, we also like Italian and French.

What do you all recommend?

[Andyzipp]

Gaido's has always treated me and mine well...

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

Pancho and Lefty's downtown--very tasty, South American inspired seafood
Luigi's for Italian (on the Strand, if it's still there)
Fisherman's Wharf (decent seafood; nice view of the port, the Elissa)
Gaido's (some people say it's too old-fashioned, but I'm addicted to their shrimp; seafood is very fresh too)

[sporadic]

I ate at some burger joint right on the seawall (a lot like fudruckers, only waaaayyyyyy better)..can't remember the name of the place to save my life, but it had great food and atmosphere, as well as an ice cream shop on one side of it.  maybe someone in here can help me with the name...

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

One more...it's been about 10 years since I ate there, but Shearn's at the hotel at Moody Gardens was pretty darn good (and expensive), if you don't mind eating at a place named after the sleaziest man in Texas.

[Andyzipp]

One more...it's been about 10 years since I ate there, but Shearn's at the hotel at Moody Gardens was pretty darn good (and expensive), if you don't mind eating at a place named after the sleaziest man in Texas .

Fertitta's?

[BudGirl]

Shrimp n Stuff is a nice, local place.

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

Fertitta's?

I think Shearn in his heyday would edge out even Tilman in the sleazy competition. What is it about my hometown that produces such oily characters?

[Phil_in_CS]

if Gaido's is the one I remember, the last time we were there we ate outside and a sea gull crapped in my wife's hair. Of course, that's the place my daughter wants to return to since she thought that was the highlight of the trip.

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

if Gaido's is the one I remember, the last time we were there we ate outside and a sea gull crapped in my wife's hair. Of course, that's the place my daughter wants to return to since she thought that was the highlight of the trip.

That would be Fisherman's Wharf (no outside dining at Gaido's which is at 39th and Seawall). The seagulls are fierce there.

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

One more addendum, then I'll stop. Not Pancho and Lefty's (been listening to too much Townes):

Rudy and Paco: http://www.galveston.com/rudypaco/; very, very good food.

[HudsonHawk]

Gaido's has always treated me and mine well...

I'll second that.  Some may consider Gaido's passe, but I've always had a good luck there.  Even had my bachelor party dinner there. 

[Limey]

Gaido's has always treated me and mine well...

...if you don't mind waiting in line with the great unwashed masses.

[Andyzipp]

...if you don't mind waiting in line with the great unwashed masses.

me and mine are typically unwashed.  Along with being untalented hacks.

Have I pissed you off recently?

[MusicMan]

me and mine are typically unwashed.  Along with being untalented hacks.

Have I pissed you off recently?

Given the Astros' play of late, it's a small wonder we're not all at each other's necks.

So long as we confine things to JaneDoe v. BudGirl, we're OK.

[MRaup]

Given the Astros' play of late, it's a small wonder we're not all at each other's necks.

So long as we confine things to JaneDoe v. BudGirl, we're OK.

For extra happy thoughts, toss Nikki into the mousse fray.

[TheWizard]

I went to school in Galveston.  For seafood, Gaido's is good.  Casey's uses the same kitchen as Gaido's - the menu is a little more limited but it has cheaper prices for whatever reason.

Also, Cajun Greek is not too shabby for seafood.

[Limey]

me and mine are typically unwashed.  Along with being untalented hacks.

Have I pissed you off recently?

Define "recently".

[chuck]

There's a Vietnamese place on Broadway and about 33rd or so that is exceptionally easy to miss that I heartily recommend. North side of the street. It's a ratbox, though, so not really a place for an anniversary dinner.

[Bench]

What place has the best fish tacos in town? Several years ago I was on the island and some local whose brother is buddies with my dad took us to an awesome place that served some of the best fish tacos I've ever had. It was an actual restaurant, and not a shack, but hardly upscale. Plenty of folks were there in t-shirts and bathing suits. Unfortunately, I can provide absolutely no geographic landmarks to go by.

[Fredia]

is the burger place the spot?

[Astros Fan in SoCal]

What place has the best fish tacos in town? Several years ago I was on the island and some local whose brother is buddies with my dad took us to an awesome place that served some of the best fish tacos I've ever had. It was an actual restaurant, and not a shack, but hardly upscale. Plenty of folks were there in t-shirts and bathing suits. Unfortunately, I can provide absolutely no geographic landmarks to go by.

The Original Mexican Cafe on Market? Awesome fish tacos.

[sporadic]

is the burger place the spot?

That sounds like it to me...I knew it was a very simple name, and "The Spot" certainly fits that bill.

[Astroholic]

I ate at some burger joint right on the seawall (a lot like fudruckers, only waaaayyyyyy better)..can't remember the name of the place to save my life, but it had great food and atmosphere, as well as an ice cream shop on one side of it.  maybe someone in here can help me with the name...

Cafe Michael Burger?

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Cafe.Michael.Burger.409-740-3639


Take cash as they don't accept credit cards.  The do have an ATM on premises.

[sporadic]

Cafe Michael Burger?

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Cafe.Michael.Burger.409-740-3639


Take cash as they don't accept credit cards.  The do have an ATM on premises.

Does not sound right...I think Freida nailed it with "The Spot", unless the name has since changed.

[Astroholic]

Does not sound right...I think Freida nailed it with "The Spot", unless the name has since changed.

Nope The Spot is still open.  Was the restaurant on the seawall?  Michael's is not, so that probably would eliminate it. 

It is damn good though.

[sporadic]

Nope The Spot is still open.  Was the restaurant on the seawall?  Michael's is not, so that probably would eliminate it. 

It is damn good though.

It was on the seawall, and it was damn good...I recommend it for anyone taking a break from seafood (which I cannot fathom, but my wife hates seafood so we were constantly having to look from places with additional options)

[Astroholic]

It was on the seawall, and it was damn good...I recommend it for anyone taking a break from seafood (which I cannot fathom, but my wife hates seafood so we were constantly having to look from places with additional options)

http://www.thespotgalveston.com/virtual_tour.html

Here is a link.  There are some nice photos in the photo gallery.

[MikeyBoy]

If you're in the mood for mexican food while on the island, try Napolitos (sp?). The food is very good or at least that's the way I remember it, it's been a while since I've eaten there. If I remember correctly, there are more than one location. The location I went to is located just off 61st, when you take a right onto 61st off of 45/Broadway, take the first left after crossing the canal, it's on the right about a block down.

[Ty in Tampa]

If you're in the mood for mexican food while on the island, try Napolitos (sp?). The food is very good or at least that's the way I remember it, it's been a while since I've eaten there. If I remember correctly, there are more than one location. The location I went to is located just off 61st, when you take a right onto 61st off of 45/Broadway, take the first left after crossing the canal, it's on the right about a block down.

Heards Ln.

[Phil_in_CS]

If you're in the mood for mexican food while on the island, try Napolitos (sp?).

TexMex or Mexican? If Mexican, what region?

[MikeyBoy]

TexMex or Mexican? If Mexican, what region?

It's more authentic than your run of the mill tex-mex, but I don't know that it's not technically tex-mex. It reminds me of the Spanish Flower in Houston, maybe just not quite as good as SF. If that helps.

[94CougarGrad]

I work in Galveston now and have eaten at most of these places y'all are talkin' about.

The Spot is right on the Seawall and makes some good burgers. I can't remember what my favorite's called, but it's basically a burger with a Frito Pie on it- chili, cheese, Fritos. Mmm-mmm. The fried pickles are good, and my husband swears by the Green (guacamole) Burger. If you get there at the right time you can get all the apps for half-price in the bar. My husband and kids'll come meet me some Fridays around 4 and we'll sit outside and eat burgers and cheap apps. Our fave is called Shrimp Kisses, I think... shrimp stuffed with pepper jack cheese and wrapped in bacon...

There is another burger place that I have been to once... I believe it's on 19th St. and is also a bar. Think it's called Sonny's. Fresh-made burgers every day. A friend of mine swears it's the best place on the island for burgers.

Gaido's is great for seafood. Be prepared to wait sometimes... but it's well worth waiting there instead of waiting at Landryland or Joe's Crap Shack. The Cajun Greek is also good (I recommend the shrimp po-boy).

The Original Mexican Restaurant on 14th is my favorite Mex place on the island. Good tamales, good margaritas, reasonably priced... you can't go wrong.

Go to the Strand and walk around a bit, and at least once, stop in La King's Confectionery, also known as "the candy factory." They make most of their own candy and have a saltwater taffy-stretching machine that's like 100 years old or something. Kinda neat to check out when they have it on. Chocolate galore, and if the wife likes truffles, that's her place. Homemade rock candy and a wide range of Blue Bell ice cream treats also.

There's also a Cajun seafood place on the Strand... I think it's called Bistro LeCroy (not LeCroix, but whatever)... a bit more pricey than some, but I ate there about two months ago and it was very good. And again... it ain't Landryland.

[austro]

They make most of their own candy and have a saltwater taffy-stretching machine that's like 100 years old or something. Kinda neat to check out when they have it on.

I saw one of these machines on a trip to Tennessee. They're fascinating.

[Phil_in_CS]

Gaido's is great for seafood. Be prepared to wait sometimes... but it's well worth waiting there instead of waiting at Landryland or Joe's Crap Shack. The Cajun Greek is also good (I recommend the shrimp po-boy).

I can't understand people who drive to the Gulf, and then order seafood that was frozen in the north Pacific. Chain stores are everywhere, and have the same food as everwhere, even if you can see the Gulf out the window.

Go to the Strand and walk around a bit, and at least once, stop in La King's Confectionery, also known as "the candy factory." They make most of their own candy and have a saltwater taffy-stretching machine that's like 100 years old or something. Kinda neat to check out when they have it on. Chocolate galore, and if the wife likes truffles, that's her place. Homemade rock candy and a wide range of Blue Bell ice cream treats also.

Thanks for the tip - my daughter will love that (I'm not much on sweets but my geeky side loves complicated machines)

[OregonStrosFan]

I can't understand people who drive to the Gulf, and then order seafood that was frozen in the north Pacific.

Reminds me of my first weekend in Seattle after moving to the Northwest.  Went to a nice restaurant at Pier 57 looking forward to some nice, fresh, Pacific Salmon (in season, no less).  All the menu had was Atlantic Salmon, and it was crap.  Never quite understood that one... 

[Astroholic]

I can't understand people who drive to the Gulf, and then order seafood that was frozen in the north Pacific. Chain stores are everywhere, and have the same food as everwhere, even if you can see the Gulf out the window.
Thanks for the tip - my daughter will love that (I'm not much on sweets but my geeky side loves complicated machines)

FYI, The Taffy Machine is not always running.  I am not sure if there is a schedule somewhere or not.

[Phil_in_CS]

Thanks for the tips on Gaidos. The results:
The Shrimp Bisque rates a 'Wow!'.
My wife had the 'Southern Pecan' version of the catch of the day. That's pecans ground into flour; the fish (some whitefish) was dredged in that, seared, then finished in the broiler, and served with a lemon butter sauce. That rated a 'Double Wow' from both of us.
I needed to share with my daughter, so we picked the blackened catch of the day. I'd call that a 'well executed classic'. Ditto for the deserts; the bread pudding and creme brule were well executed.

Well executed is nothing bad; there's a lot of places that portray themselves as high end and can't pull of a seemingly standard classic like a bread pudding in bourbon sauce.

We had a very cute young waitress from Moldavia who went on and on about being in the US for a short time and needing to work extra jobs to make money before her visa expired. She told me she really wanted to make money so often I was starting to wonder if she was looking for an after hours shift that evening in our hotel room.

We also did the Marios on 61st one evening since it was close to the hotel and we were tired. My dish was ok, but my wife got a a chicken rolade with prosciutto and ricotta, served in a marsala sauce. The marsala sauce was so good my wife had to stop me from picking up the plate to lick it clean.

[94CougarGrad]

You guys made some great choices at Gaido's. I've had all of those dishes you're talking about- except the creme brulee- and they're all tasty. Glad to see we didn't steer you wrong.

[MRaup]

We had a very cute young waitress from Moldavia...

Moldavia is a real place?!

[Phil_in_CS]

Moldavia is a real place?!

Drive down to Gaido's and find out. You're more likely to help her with the extra income she wanted than I was....

[MRaup]

Drive down to Gaido's and find out. You're more likely to help her with the extra income she wanted than I was....

I wonder if she knows anything about Vigo the Carpathian...

[94CougarGrad]

Drive down to Gaido's and find out. You're more likely to help her with the extra income she wanted than I was....

Maybe the mail-order bride gig will come through...

[Limey]

I wonder if she knows anything about Vigo the Carpathian...

I've met some dumb blondes in my time...

[MRaup]

I've met some dumb blondes in my time...

What an awful... amusing movie.

[chuck]

Moldavia is a real place?!

THAT'S your question? Others spring more readily to my mind, such as, What is her phone number?

[MRaup]

THAT'S your question? Others spring more readily to my mind, such as, What is her phone number?

I'm not even sure where Moldavia is, let alone what passes for hot...

And I'm not driving all the way to Galveston to find out.

[JimR]

I'm not even sure where Moldavia is, let alone what passes for hot...

leg and underarm stubble less than one half inch

[Phil_in_CS]

Blue eyes, shoulder length dark hair. Cute in my book.

Now, her uniform was a long sleeved shirt and slacks so I can't verify her shaving habits.

[HudsonHawk]

Blue eyes, shoulder length dark hair. Cute in my book.

Now, her uniform was a long sleeved shirt and slacks so I can't verify her shaving habits.

I never met a Moldavian chick who didn't like to wax smooth.

[Phil_in_CS]

I never met a Moldavian chick who didn't like to wax smooth.

I'm sure if my wife hadn't been with me and I was willing to part with some hard earned money, I could have gotten the answer to that question.

[Limey]

I'm not even sure where Moldavia is, let alone what passes for hot...

Miami Weiss...#1 new show!