Whether you head to Galveston for kayaking, fishing or just aimless beachcombing, at some point you're bound to get hungry. And while there are plenty of solid watering holes, snack shops and high-end restaurants, there always seems to be some new, hidden place operating on Island Time that might have slipped under our radar. So, last week Eater asked: Where are the best places to eat and drink in Galveston?
Below, and in no particular order, are the places that you suggested we add. We'll be updating this map in the coming weeks, so comment here, Tweet us or hit the tipline with more suggestions. Check back to this space for updates. Here's the current map:
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
Head to this casual Galveston favorite for fried seafood platters of shrimp, oysters, crab and everything in between. The po-boys and platters are well-priced and the place is casual and relaxed. It's the ultimate pre- or post-beach stop.
A thick, dark roux is the base for the tasty gumbo served up at this shotgun-style eatery. Order a classic seafood bowl or opt for the Mumbo with prime rib, shrimp, sausage, oysters, chicken and crab.
Texas Monthly's barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn Tweeted us to recommend this longtime Galveston favorite. Owner Leon Oneal--better known as Dr. Bar-B-Q--serves up ribs, brisket and sausage links alongside classic 'cue sides.
We received several emails voting for this quaint cafe owned by Rosmond Duzich Thormahlen and Ryanne Duzich. (It's a lot like Galveston's laid-back version of Tiny Boxwoods.) Diverse menu options range from fish tacos to panini and chicken & waffles. Reader Leigh H. writes: "Awesome food and super nice owners!"
This is the destination for craft beer lovers who find themselves at the Strand. Owners Justin Strait and James Cunningham re-wrote their menu with the help of beer lover and chef Troy Witherspoon, who was recently replaced by Pedro Mireles, another chef who's already tweaked the menu to include bacon-beef patty burgers. The results are must-try burgers and soon-to-be classics made to pair with great brews.
Pastries and a savory menu will satisfy your dessert craving or dinner-time appetite. Coco D. says: "I had a chance to try the pastrami sandwich last weekend. It was great!"
Classic Southern comfort dishes are served with a smile in a homey, eclectic atmosphere. A reader raves about the tuna sandwich and the peaceful patio setting for a weekend brunch with friends.
It's among the younger establishments in Galveston. Located at the Pelican Rest Marina, this upscale restaurant features a picturesque view and well-executed, fresh seafood dishes. Weekend brunch also offers patrons a build-your-own-Bloody Mary bar.
Don't don your beach attire at this high-end eatery. It's more of a date night spot for those seeking elevated Latin dishes that highlight fresh seafood. It's pricey but definitely the place to celebrate a special occasion.
According to some messages we received, crab is the thing to order at this Seawall spot. Although reader Laura N. writes: "It's reasonably priced, and their Cajun-spiced shrimp is delicious as are the slightly spicy hush puppies, with bits of jalapeño, I believe. Everything I've had there is good, and you can get a frosty mug-o-wine for about $5-6 dollars or a Shiner if you don't enjoy mugs of wine. View can't be beat either."
This former members-only club recently began welcoming the public. New executive chef Ross Warhol is slowly modernizing the menu of seafood-forward dishes and will begin hosting tasting menu dinners in the near future. For a less formal meal, stop by the bar for a different menu of tapas-style bar bites.
Reader Katharine Lau says her vote goes to this complex of bars and eateries for their "great burgers in a fun, friendly atmosphere with great, quick service! I especially LOVE their 'Frickles' and seafood-stuffed jalapeños."
A big appetite is encouraged at this restaurant-meets-venue. Located next to UTMB, this place always offers live music and a lively atmosphere to those seeking New Orleans-style po-boys, Baja fish tacos and shareable plates to enjoy with friends.
Imaginative chef Stephen Griffith creates seafood-forward Americana dishes in a posh seaside community. It's a good place to go when you're sick of ordinary seafood and in search of palate-awakening flavor combinations or just a solid flatbread.
This 1920s-born dessert shop is like traveling back to the time of old-school soda shops and ice cream parlors. Order the truffles or giant peanut butter and caramel chocolate cups.
The Olympia at Pier 21 is the more formal of the Olympia establishments. Expect updated Greek dishes with a can't-be-beat view, and a happy hour menu that includes $5 small plates.
If you've been away from Houston's solid Tex-Mex and find yourself in desperate need of a queso fix, reader Steven P. says to check out this Seawall spot. He says he loves the "giant portions."
Head to this casual Galveston favorite for fried seafood platters of shrimp, oysters, crab and everything in between. The po-boys and platters are well-priced and the place is casual and relaxed. It's the ultimate pre- or post-beach stop.
A thick, dark roux is the base for the tasty gumbo served up at this shotgun-style eatery. Order a classic seafood bowl or opt for the Mumbo with prime rib, shrimp, sausage, oysters, chicken and crab.
Texas Monthly's barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn Tweeted us to recommend this longtime Galveston favorite. Owner Leon Oneal--better known as Dr. Bar-B-Q--serves up ribs, brisket and sausage links alongside classic 'cue sides.
We received several emails voting for this quaint cafe owned by Rosmond Duzich Thormahlen and Ryanne Duzich. (It's a lot like Galveston's laid-back version of Tiny Boxwoods.) Diverse menu options range from fish tacos to panini and chicken & waffles. Reader Leigh H. writes: "Awesome food and super nice owners!"
This is the destination for craft beer lovers who find themselves at the Strand. Owners Justin Strait and James Cunningham re-wrote their menu with the help of beer lover and chef Troy Witherspoon, who was recently replaced by Pedro Mireles, another chef who's already tweaked the menu to include bacon-beef patty burgers. The results are must-try burgers and soon-to-be classics made to pair with great brews.
Pastries and a savory menu will satisfy your dessert craving or dinner-time appetite. Coco D. says: "I had a chance to try the pastrami sandwich last weekend. It was great!"
Classic Southern comfort dishes are served with a smile in a homey, eclectic atmosphere. A reader raves about the tuna sandwich and the peaceful patio setting for a weekend brunch with friends.
It's among the younger establishments in Galveston. Located at the Pelican Rest Marina, this upscale restaurant features a picturesque view and well-executed, fresh seafood dishes. Weekend brunch also offers patrons a build-your-own-Bloody Mary bar.
Don't don your beach attire at this high-end eatery. It's more of a date night spot for those seeking elevated Latin dishes that highlight fresh seafood. It's pricey but definitely the place to celebrate a special occasion.
According to some messages we received, crab is the thing to order at this Seawall spot. Although reader Laura N. writes: "It's reasonably priced, and their Cajun-spiced shrimp is delicious as are the slightly spicy hush puppies, with bits of jalapeño, I believe. Everything I've had there is good, and you can get a frosty mug-o-wine for about $5-6 dollars or a Shiner if you don't enjoy mugs of wine. View can't be beat either."
This former members-only club recently began welcoming the public. New executive chef Ross Warhol is slowly modernizing the menu of seafood-forward dishes and will begin hosting tasting menu dinners in the near future. For a less formal meal, stop by the bar for a different menu of tapas-style bar bites.
Reader Katharine Lau says her vote goes to this complex of bars and eateries for their "great burgers in a fun, friendly atmosphere with great, quick service! I especially LOVE their 'Frickles' and seafood-stuffed jalapeños."
A big appetite is encouraged at this restaurant-meets-venue. Located next to UTMB, this place always offers live music and a lively atmosphere to those seeking New Orleans-style po-boys, Baja fish tacos and shareable plates to enjoy with friends.
Imaginative chef Stephen Griffith creates seafood-forward Americana dishes in a posh seaside community. It's a good place to go when you're sick of ordinary seafood and in search of palate-awakening flavor combinations or just a solid flatbread.
This 1920s-born dessert shop is like traveling back to the time of old-school soda shops and ice cream parlors. Order the truffles or giant peanut butter and caramel chocolate cups.
The Olympia at Pier 21 is the more formal of the Olympia establishments. Expect updated Greek dishes with a can't-be-beat view, and a happy hour menu that includes $5 small plates.
If you've been away from Houston's solid Tex-Mex and find yourself in desperate need of a queso fix, reader Steven P. says to check out this Seawall spot. He says he loves the "giant portions."
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70564469/Hero_vertical__1_.7.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71575718/Hidden_Bar_by_Jenn_Duncan.14.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61773733/Loro_10.14.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38816058/10363655_707078327949_2074049885167426661_n.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022223/Screen_20shot_202014-05-27_20at_2012.40.52_20AM.0.0.png)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54487531/shutterstock_153667463.7.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022225/imgres-2.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022227/Screen_20shot_202014-05-27_20at_2012.57.38_20AM.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022229/slide12.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022231/photo-1.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022233/598383_509906869043048_1554806579_n.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022235/photo.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022237/imgres.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022239/imgres-1.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022241/IMAGE.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022243/1926672_1400375720227527_1115400025_n.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022245/unnamed.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59577873/grand_prize_2.21.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022247/smo.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022249/photo-2.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022251/Screen_20shot_202014-05-27_20at_2012.55.09_20AM.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022253/pier21sign-1.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62022255/imgres-3.0.0.jpg)
Loading comments...