The vibes are immaculate at this local comfort food hotspot, which has something for everyone. Find artisan pizzas, chef specials like coconut shrimp, brunch bites of salmon benedict, and diet-friendly offerings catering to those with keto diets. And if the food wasn’t enough, Yaga’s patio is one of the biggest in the city, and there’s live music from local bands on weekends.

Breezy, down-home comfort food cuisine make this café a local hotspot for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. With specials such as its seasonal favorite pumpkin waffles and its crawfish pappardelle, revel in a stick-to-your-ribs mid-day meal and take in a crisp fall or winter day outside on one of the town’s best patios.

Candy doesn’t exactly count as a meal, but don’t be surprised to end up eating your weight in La King’s saltwater taffy or pecan logs. This sweet shop has been around for nearly 100 years, and there’s plenty of old-fashioned tradition still in play. Thick shakes and malts are served at the 1920s soda fountain, along with more than 20 options for ice cream and frozen yogurt made in-house.

Gulf oysters are (obviously) abundant in Galveston, but this bar is a legendary spot. In addition to the fresh, well-shucked bivalves, the cooked preparations, like oysters Haelen, topped with crab meat and cheese, are equally stellar.

An island paragon, this upscale Galveston steakhouse features grilled meats and seafood with plenty of South and Central American influence. Ceviche, plantain-crusted Gulf snapper, and a selection of steaks offer a swanky dinner option that is also totally delicious. Pro tip: If you’re headed to Rudy & Paco for dinner, wear pants — shorts are only allowed during lunch and at the bar.

Opened in 1944, Maceo Spice is a Galveston institution. In addition to the array of spices and sauces perfect for cooking at home, diners will also find a solid menu of sandwiches during lunch. The muffaletta is big enough for two, or go for the Spaisano, which features ham, capocollo, sopressata, provolone, and Maceo’s excellent olive salad on Italian bread.

This hippie haven is less likely to be packed with tourists during the summer, making it a total hidden gem. Sandwiches, salads, wild pizza concoctions, and other standard American fare is on offer, all excellently made. Highlights include the cadre of big burgers topped with things like sweetened pecans and pear vinaigrette, and the Sleazy Mac and Cheese, made with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, topped with avocado. Don’t sleep on those cakes, cookies, and pastries, either.

Though technically not a restaurant, Daiquiri Time Out is too good of a time to be left off this list. The city’s premier cocktail bar features a seasonally rotating list of expertly crafted cocktails such as the Valor and Swagger, a warming mix of brown butter brandy, pear cider, Pimento Dram, and lemon. Hungry after a few? Enter a state of island bliss by stopping by the Crazy J’s food truck onsite for burgers, lobster rolls, and the house-favorite blue crab grilled cheese on buttery brioche. Insider tip: Monday nights mean hearty pasta specials.

If you’re chasing a good bowl of pho, Pho 20’s vegetarian bowl of soup is an explosive combination of tofu, veggies, and a thick broth with a depth of flavor. Try the bun cha, which is loaded with vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, and carrots and cucumbers.

A local’s best-kept secret, Bambu serves up some of the best Mexican food on the island, including what could be Galveston’s best “surprise” burritos — a combination of scrambled eggs,  cheese, bacon, refried beans, and potatoes. Their carne asada and barbacoa tortas are also worth the trip.

No matter where you are in Texas, platters of smoked meats are encouraged. This homey breakfast and lunch spot offers riblets and Cajun boudin by the pound alongside hardy plates of brisket. Pork and oyster-packed sandwiches, and all your Cajun classics such as etouffee, drummies, and jambalaya also highlight this Bayou-by-bay, low-key joint.

Swing by this casual, modern restaurant for excellent Gulf seafood that doesn’t require fancy pants. Feast on Gulf red snapper that’s crusted in pecans or blackened, and don’t forget to order a dozen oysters done BLVD style with blackened shrimp, crab, parmesan, and bread crumbs. Choose from the gigantic wine list or the cocktail list, featuring a perfect negroni.

It might be a bit of a tourist trap, but who can say no to bloody marys and beer by the beach? With five different venues in one space (including a tiki bar) the Spot is a sort of one stop shop for drinking and dining on the Seawall. Try the crispy fried coconut shrimp, and treat yourself to a giant pitcher of pina coladas.

A perennial Galveston favorite that’s been open since 1911, Gaido’s boasts white-glove service and a view of the sea, with dishes like pecan-crusted Mahi Mahi, crawfish asiago, and a classic cocktail menu that’s perfect for celebrating just about anything.

This long-standing sushi and hibachi spot has served up some of Galveston’s freshest Japanese fare for 20 years. Alongside the extensive selection of sushi rolls, find fried soft-shell crab, yakinuku-style steak, and teriyaki salmon. Fried green tea ice cream or Mississippi mud pie makes for a sweet finish.

Offering some of the island’s most inventive, yet classic seafood fare, Cajun Greek is a sleeper hit with items like the creamy “ultimate” salmon mac and cheese or the Crabber’s Choice seafood soup — a spicy Texan take on the classic cioppino.