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Galveston Dining Guide 🍽️
“Local Flavor, Gulf Views, Island Soul”

Hidden Gems

American

From Burgers to Bourbon—This Is Homegrown Flavor.

Seafood

Fresh from the Gulf · Fried or Fancy

Tex-Mex

Margarita-fueled flavor fiestas

Today’s Dining Weather

Galveston, TX

52°

Clear

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Wind: 11mph NNE
Humidity: 67%
Pressure: 30.44"Hg
UV index: 0

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🦞 Editors’ Tasting Notes – Table Talk from a Bayou Mouth🦞

Editors Tasting Notes

Mario’s Seawall – A Half-Century of Sicilian Roots by the Gulf

by Galveston County

Editors Tasting Notes

Pennies Tex-Mex – A Century-Old Flavor on 37th Street

by Galveston County

Editors Tasting Notes

Popular Search – Lunch Destinations

🍹 Vintage Crown Michelada Bar & Taqueria – A vibrant hideaway on 23rd Street, this family-owned gem shakes up Galveston’s downtown with bold micheladas, spicy ceviche, and street tacos that pack a punch. With indoor-outdoor seating, colorful cocktails like the Born on the Island and Spiked Mangonada, and a laid-back vibe perfect for post-Strand strolls, it’s a go-to for flavor, fun, and a little fiesta in every sip

Fine Dining

🌆 The Tremont House Rooftop Bar – Perched atop a historic boutique hotel in Galveston’s Strand District, this elegant escape offers sweeping views of downtown and the harbor. With plush seating, signature cocktails, and a refined ambiance that blends Victorian charm with modern flair, it’s the island’s only rooftop bar—and a prime perch for sunset sips, starlit chats, and stylish soirées.

Asian

🍱 Suki Poké By The Sea – A vibrant fusion café on Market Street, this East End gem reimagines Hawaiian poké with Japanese flair and Southeast Asian street food. Crafted by Chef Slevin Tran, the menu dazzles with build-your-own bowls, crispy crab harumaki, and Taiwanese boba teas. With a full espresso bar, cozy café vibes, and inventive flavors like truffle-tossed yellowtail and spicy miso wings, it’s a flavorful escape for foodies craving something fresh, bold, and beautifully plated.

Seafood

👑 Monarch Restaurant – Nestled inside the historic Grand Galvez Hotel on Seawall Boulevard, this elegant eatery blends Gulf Coast flavors with timeless sophistication. From blackened red snapper and shrimp & grits to decadent Sunday brunch spreads featuring prime rib and snow crab, every dish is served with a side of grandeur. With soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and a refined ambiance perfect for special occasions, it’s a regal retreat for coastal dining in Galveston.

Asian

🌿 The Garden Thai Cuisine – A serene escape on Tremont Street, this charming eatery brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to Galveston’s historic downtown. From double crab Pad Thai and pineapple curry to Thai boat noodles and mango sticky rice, each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and artistic flair. With indoor-outdoor seating, fast service, and a cozy ambiance perfect for lunch dates or solo bites, it’s a flavorful oasis just steps from The Strand

Bar / Pub

🏖️ Float Pool & Patio Bar – A splashy seaside hangout on Seawall Boulevard, this lively spot blends beach views, poolside vibes, and party-ready eats. Dive into tacos, messy nachos, and shrimp platters while sipping colorful cocktails like the Flamingo Tango or Bahama Mama. With a swim-up bar, rooftop deck, and daily specials that keep the fun flowing, it’s Galveston’s go-to for sun-soaked sips and laid-back lounging.

Mexican

🚉 La Estacion Restaurant – A cherished East End staple on Ball Street, this cozy cantina serves up homestyle Mexican comfort at unbeatable prices. From massive breakfast burritos and chilaquiles to carne guisada and enchiladas suizas, every dish is made with love and a side of nostalgia. With early hours, friendly service, and a loyal local following, it’s a sunrise-to-lunch favorite for anyone craving authentic flavors in a laid-back setting.

Seafood

🍤 Shrimp N Stuff – A Galveston classic since 1976, this laid-back seafood shack on Avenue O reels in locals and visitors with crispy fried shrimp, po’boys piled high, and gumbo that tastes like home. With picnic tables, coastal charm, and portions big enough to share, it’s the kind of place folks wish they’d found on day one—and make sure to hit again before heading off the island.

Tex -Mex

🌮 El Nopalito – A sunrise staple on 42nd Street, this no-frills cantina serves up hearty Tex-Mex breakfasts and lunch plates that locals swear by. From barbacoa burritos and chilaquiles to carne guisada and enchiladas suizas, every dish is made fresh and served with a side of nostalgia. With early hours, homemade tortillas, and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a go-to for comfort food that feels like home.

Low Price

🍽️ Mel’s Blueplate Diner – A down-home favorite tucked off Stewart, this cozy spot dishes out classic comfort food with Southern soul. From chicken fried steak and meatloaf to fluffy pancakes and banana pudding, every plate feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. With friendly service, generous portions, and a loyal local crowd, it’s Galveston’s go-to for breakfast, brunch, and blueplate bliss.

Mexican

🌮 Fish Company Taco – A flavor-forward taqueria on 23rd Street, this vibrant spot celebrates Gulf seafood with a global twist. From Baja-style snapper and Korean BBQ tacos to caramelized Brussels sprouts and Vietnamese street flavors, each bite is bold, fresh, and chef-crafted. With house-made tortillas, locally sourced ingredients, and a laid-back vibe just blocks from the Seawall, it’s a crave-worthy stop for adventurous eaters and taco purists alike

Mexican

🌮 El Jardin Mexican Cafe – Serves authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch favorites, from Huevos Rancheros and Chilaquiles to enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, homemade flour tortillas, great coffee, organic dishes, and a kids’ menu in a casual, family-owned counter-service setting.

American

🌳 Café in the Park at Moody Gardens – Casual hotel café offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites from made-to-order omelets and weekend waffle bar to burgers, fried Gulf shrimp, fresh salads, and Starbucks coffee in a bright, lush garden-style setting.

Mexican

🪅 El Gusto Del Pueblo – A family-run Mexican eatery on Broadway serving made-from-scratch fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, pozole, tacos, soups, aguas frescas, and full bar cocktails in a casual table-service setting.

Mexican

🪅 El Rey Mexican Restaurant – Offers hearty breakfast burritos, signature surprise burritos, tacos, enchiladas, carne guisada plates, and fresh-squeezed lemonade in a cozy, cash-only dine-in and takeout spot.

American

🥘 Basin Bistro – A light and airy coastal kitchen serving eclectic breakfast, lunch & dinner with yogurt bowls, avocado toasts, empanadas, seafood bowls, Kobe burgers, craft coffee, cocktails, mimosas & weekend brunch specials.

Italian

🍕 Gino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Family-owned since 1975, serving hearty pizzas, pasta classics, calzones, veal & shrimp dinners, and Italian sodas with free delivery, dine-in, and takeout in a casual neighborhood setting.

Bakery

🥐 Good Dough Kolache Bakery – Scratch-made Czech-style and Texas-style kolaches with sweet and savory fillings, Grand Champion brisket kolache, unique seasonal flavors, and pet-friendly takeout in a cozy Galveston corner.

Cajun / Creole

🏝️ Huli Huli Hut – Island vibes and bold flavors to its new location on 25th Street. Known for its Hawaiian seafood boils, Waikiki burgers, and Gulf Balls, this locals’ favorite offers a laid-back patio, live music nights, and tropical cocktails. CRAWFISH!

Food Truck

🌮 Galveston Island Taco – Serves original Mexican street fare with tacos, tortas, quesadillas, corn in a cup & fresh fruit waters in a lively Strand‐side park.

Popular Search – Pet-Friendly

🐢 Tipsy Turtle Seaside Bar & Grill – A breezy beachfront hangout tucked beside Beach Pocket Park #2, this laid-back spot serves up tacos, fry baskets, and tropical cocktails with a splash of seaside charm. With picnic tables on the sand, live music, and panoramic Gulf views, it’s a casual escape for beachgoers looking to sip, snack, and soak up the island vibe.

Hidden Gem

🍗 Soul 2 Soul – A heartwarming haven on Broadway Avenue J, this soulful spot dishes out Southern comfort with a side of hospitality. From smothered pork chops and fried ribs to banana pudding and cornbread, every plate is a tribute to tradition. With generous portions, daily specials, and a cozy, down-home vibe, it’s a must for anyone craving authentic soul food in Galveston.

American

🧾 Gonzalo’s American Bistro – A chef-inspired neighborhood bistro serving Illy coffee, scratch-made pastries, smash burgers, Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, chicken & waffles, huevos rancheros, and more in a cozy, dog-friendly patio setting.

Ice Cream

🕯️ La King’s Confectionery – Historic 1929 soda fountain & candy shop crafting hand-dipped chocolates, salt-water taffy, Purity ice cream sundaes, floats & shakes on The Strand.

Coffee Shop

☕ MOD Coffeehouse – Handcrafted espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, cold brews, artisan pastries, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and community art events in a warm Victorian‐meets‐mid-century modern café.

Seafood

🦀 Katie’s Seafood House – Boat-to-table Gulf seafood: shrimp & grits, oysters on the half shell, stuffed flounder, seafood nachos, muffuletta, craft cocktails, and waterfront dining at Pier 19.

Deli

🧂 Maceo Spice & Import Company – Historic specialty market & café offering house-made muffulettas, beignets, gumbo, spice blends, olive oil tastings, cooking classes, plus pet-friendly sidewalk seating.

American

🎸 Gypsy Joynt – Fun atmosphere with hard-to-match menu choices 🎶. Vegetarian options available.

Pizza

🍕 Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza – A cozy downtown favorite where hand-tossed dough flies through the air and authentic Italian flavors land on your plate. From crispy calamari to shrimp fettuccine alfredo, this family-run spot blends old-world charm with generous portions and a lively atmosphere just steps from The Strand.

American

🍔 Mac-ies Smashburgers & Fries – The best smash burgers on the island, with fresh ingredients and five cheese options, including gouda. Dog-friendly patio and a friendly staff, making it a go-to for burger lovers!

Mexican

🌮 Nopalera Grill – A beloved local spot on Broadway, Nopalera Grill blends authentic Mexican flavors with family-friendly prices and a welcoming vibe. From breakfast tacos to sizzling fajitas and barbacoa plates, everything’s made fresh and served with pride. It’s a no-frills favorite for hearty meals and warm hospitality.

Seafood

🛥️ Marina Bar & Grill – Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beautiful view of the Galveston Ship Channel. Outdoor seating and a large menu with daily specials. Live music on weekends. Open for sunrise breakfast and offers a full breakfast menu on weekends. Pet-friendly outdoor deck!

Wine Bar

Hendley Wine Co. – offers a curated selection of wines from Texas, coast to coast, and around the globe 🌎. Their in-house deli delivers gourmet sandwiches and charcuterie boards 🧀 in a cozy, Strand-side setting perfect for sipping and savoring.

Smoothies

🍍 Lolo Kai Smoothies & Wraps – Offers a variety of REAL fruit smoothies, Cold Wraps or Salads and Smoothie Bowls. Healthy alternative for a great meal.

Popular Search – Bars / Taverns

🥃 The Galley – Offers casual American and Mexican pub fare like burgers, wings, tacos, and pizzas, plus pool tables, live music nights, frozen margaritas, and a laid-back outdoor patio.

American

🪓 Axecade – Step into a magical forest–themed entertainment venue with coach–led axe‐throwing lanes, free‐play retro arcade games, fresh bar bites, craft cocktails, live DJs, and late‐night revelry.

Bars / Taverns

🍻 Jack’s Pub On Post Office – Galveston

Bar / Pub

🍕 Murphy’s Irish Pub – Galveston

“Shrimp, Grits, and a Local Discovery!”

Quote: “I was only in Galveston for the weekend and happened to click through the Dining Guide while looking for something local. Ended up at a tucked-away bistro I never would’ve found otherwise—and the shrimp and grits were out of this world. The review nailed the vibe, and I felt like a culinary insider.”

Name: Caroline B. Location: Austin, TX

“Found a Patio Spot with Live Music—Total Win!”

Quote: “I wanted something fun with outdoor seating for visiting friends, and this guide made it feel effortless. We landed at The Marina Bar and Grill, which had live music, cold drinks, and awesome fish tacos. Honestly, I felt like some kind of local foodie scout, and my crew was impressed.”

Name: Jayden S. Location: Houston, TX

“My Favorite Date-Night Spot—Thanks to the Guide!”

Quote: “We tried Riondo’s Ristorante after reading the write-up and it’s now our top choice for date night. The Dining Guide write-up was detailed and accurate without feeling overly polished. It’s obvious someone really ate there. We felt confident before we even walked in.”

Name: Ella K. Location: Galveston, TX

“A Trusted Pick for Our Beach Visits”

Quote: “I was skeptical at first, but the Dining Guide really delivers. I wanted a pet-friendly patio in the Strand area that serves brews and seafood. But also Burgers for the little ones. We found Shark Shack through the dining guide. It’s now a staple for our family when doing our beach thing.”

Name: Daniel M. Location: League City, TX

“Vacation Brunch That Became a Ritual!”

Quote: “While vacationing in Galveston, I used the Dining Guide to hunt down a brunch spot with coastal vibes. Found Hearsay on the strand and it was everything I hoped for—Beautiful building! We went back twice that week.”

Name: Naomi T. Location: Santa Fe, NM