German cuisine may not seem like traditional beach fare, but Stuttgarden Tavern is worth a visit when exploring the island. The restaurant is spread across three floors and boasts a beer hall and rooftop bar with live music, plus guests can take in a game of pool or darts while enjoying pub food and draft beer. Check out the brat of the month, served on a Hawaiian roll and loaded up with a choice of different sauerkrauts, or visit on Thursdays for its Jaeger pork schnitzel.

Find artisan pizzas, chef specials like coconut shrimp, and vegan options at this long-time hangout on the Strand. Opt for outdoor seating — Yaga’s patio is one of the biggest in town, and the weekends bring live music from local bands.

Breezy, down-home comfort eats make this café a local hotspot for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. With specialties like chicken and biscuits and Texas blue crab cakes, revel in a stick-to-your-ribs mid-day meal, and bask in the sunny spring weather on one of the town’s best patios.

When it comes to Italian food, Galveston’s got options, and Trattoria la Vigna is a standout among them. Enjoy its quaint and quiet environs, and find comfort in a traditional menu featuring dishes like spaghetti and clams and seafood risotto.

It’s no secret that Gulf oysters are abundant in Galveston, and you can find some of the freshest bounty at Black Pearl Oyster Bar. In addition to the fresh, well-shucked bivalves, the cooked preparations are equally stellar. Check out the oysters Haelen, with crab meat and cheese, oysters Rockefeller, and oysters diablo. If you’re an oyster newbie, check out the 12-oyster sample platter with all three.

For great Tex-Mex, look no further than Taquilo’s. Start with an order of fresh ceviche, then order one of its signature beef, chicken, or shrimp fajita plates, and pair your meal with one of the rotating margaritas. The restaurant’s sidewalk patio is great for people watching or enjoying a breezy evening in historic downtown Galveston.

Opened in 1944, Maceo Spice is a Galveston institution. True to its name, the shop has walls of fragrant spices and specialty blends, a deli counter with sliced meat and cheese, and pantry staples like olive oil, vinegar, pasta, and sauce. Guests will also find a solid menu of sandwiches during lunch. Be prepared, the muffuletta is big enough for two.

This hippie haven is less likely to be packed with tourists during the summer, making it a total hidden gem. Sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and other standard American fare are all on offer. Highlights include big burgers with toppings like sweetened pecans and pear vinaigrette, and Sleazy mac and cheese, loaded with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, and avocado.

With a dive bar atmosphere and live music, Sharky’s is not only one of Galveston’s most welcoming watering holes, but it’s also home to some of the best pizza. Its signature “Big Fred” is a favorite here, with fat stacks of pepperoni, jalapeno, and sausage. More adventurous offerings include a Jamaican jerk chicken-inspired pie, and the Casablanca — a Moroccan-spiced beef, olive, and basil pesto-based crowd-pleaser.

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. The carne asada and barbacoa tortas are also worth the trip.

No matter where you are in Texas, indulging in platters of smoked meats is never a bad idea. This homey breakfast and lunch spot offers riblets and Cajun boudin by the pound, alongside hearty plates of brisket. Pork and oyster-packed sandwiches, and Cajun classics like etouffee, drummies, and jambalaya also highlight this low-key, Bayou-by-bay joint.

In search of smokey meats on the island? Leon’s delivers with fatty and lean briskets, North Carolina chip barbecue, spare ribs, and its homemade Downtown links — available in sandwich form or on plates with sides like red beans and rice and chunky potato salad. Complete the experience with desserts like rum cakes, traditional tea cakes, or sweet potato pies.

Dating back to 1976, Shrimp ‘N Stuff’s original location on Avenue O is attractive enough to make you peek inside without even knowing what’s on the menu. Rest assured, though, the crispy catfish po’ boy does not disappoint.

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 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. Know before you go, the Spot is always crawling with locals and visitors alike, so be prepared to wait an hour or more for a table on busy summer evenings.

Everywhere on the island, someone is claiming to have the best seafood gumbo. It’s up to you whether or not to believe them, but the Gumbo Diner is the perfect place to kick off that quest. If gumbo isn’t your thing, the Gumbo Diner also has seafood platters and po’ boys, as well as an all-day breakfast.

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