Oh, the Places You'll Go In Galveston!
Favorite restaurants
There are so many restaurants to choose from, but here are some of our favorites.
Not much curb appeal, but really cute inside. Fresh seafood and the best Bloody Marys in town (IMO)
111 locals recommend
BLVD Seafood
2804 Avenue R 1/2Not much curb appeal, but really cute inside. Fresh seafood and the best Bloody Marys in town (IMO)
Great location for some good Mexican food right in the heart of downtown.
46 locals recommend
Taquilo's Tex-Mex Cantina
2101 Postoffice StGreat location for some good Mexican food right in the heart of downtown.
Get a reservation if it's a weekend night especially if there is a special event going on at the Opry House. Fresh homemade pasta awaits you. The mushroom ravioli in cream sauce is delicious!
29 locals recommend
Trattoria La Vigna
412 20th StGet a reservation if it's a weekend night especially if there is a special event going on at the Opry House. Fresh homemade pasta awaits you. The mushroom ravioli in cream sauce is delicious!
Great place to get a reservation if you're attending a concert at The Opera House. It's located right across the street. Their Cioppino and Bouillabaisse are our favorites.
57 locals recommend
Saltwater Grill
2017 Postoffice StGreat place to get a reservation if you're attending a concert at The Opera House. It's located right across the street. Their Cioppino and Bouillabaisse are our favorites.
Great food and right on the seawall, so the views and people watching are amazing! It's actually 4 or 5 restaurants or bars all in one Spot! The burgers and fish tacos are really good. This is one of the most well-known eateries on the island.
327 locals recommend
The Spot
3204 Seawall BlvdGreat food and right on the seawall, so the views and people watching are amazing! It's actually 4 or 5 restaurants or bars all in one Spot! The burgers and fish tacos are really good. This is one of the most well-known eateries on the island.
Located in the Galveston Yacht Basin, this is all outdoor seating with great views of the bay. Food is great! Fish and Chips are highly recommended.
13 locals recommend
Marina Bar & Grill
715 N Holiday DrLocated in the Galveston Yacht Basin, this is all outdoor seating with great views of the bay. Food is great! Fish and Chips are highly recommended.
Food is pretty good, but the atmosphere is superb. Besides restaurants on the Pleasure Pier, this is the only one I know of that is on a pier over the Gulf. Wish we had more to choose from because the views, breeze and a cold beer make life good!
130 locals recommend
Jimmy's on the Pier
9001 Seawall BlvdFood is pretty good, but the atmosphere is superb. Besides restaurants on the Pleasure Pier, this is the only one I know of that is on a pier over the Gulf. Wish we had more to choose from because the views, breeze and a cold beer make life good!
One of the newest places on the island, this is a beautiful place to enjoy an excellent meal or just hang out at the bar. We love the pork chops and fried chicken.
67 locals recommend
Hearsay on the Strand
2410 Strand StOne of the newest places on the island, this is a beautiful place to enjoy an excellent meal or just hang out at the bar. We love the pork chops and fried chicken.
Known to have the original Muffaletta recipe from NOLA. This is such a quaint place full of spices, pasta, pasta sauces and lots more.
56 locals recommend
Maceo Spice & Import Company
2706 Market StKnown to have the original Muffaletta recipe from NOLA. This is such a quaint place full of spices, pasta, pasta sauces and lots more.
If you're looking for the freshest seafood, you've found it at Katie's. They get their fish fresh off the boat from their own Katies Seafood Market, which is right next door.
174 locals recommend
Katie's Seafood Market
1902 Wharf RdIf you're looking for the freshest seafood, you've found it at Katie's. They get their fish fresh off the boat from their own Katies Seafood Market, which is right next door.
We like to sit in the bar area because it's first come, first serve and is cozier than the main dining area. Margaritas always get a big shot out on our community social media pages.
81 locals recommend
Salsas Mexican Restaurant
4604 Seawall BlvdWe like to sit in the bar area because it's first come, first serve and is cozier than the main dining area. Margaritas always get a big shot out on our community social media pages.
Upscale, reservations only, fine dining. Guys have to wear slacks. If you sit in the bar, all that might not apply, but give them a call. The service and food are exceptional.
38 locals recommend
Vargas Cut and Catch
2102 Postoffice StUpscale, reservations only, fine dining. Guys have to wear slacks. If you sit in the bar, all that might not apply, but give them a call. The service and food are exceptional.
By far, our favorite place to get fried shrimp. This is not a brick and mortar restaurant. It is a trailer and each order is done one at a time, so prepare to wait, but it's well worth it. Lots of seasoning choices to choose from. You'll get 10 huge, butterflied shrimp and a couple of hushpuppies. If you'd like, grab an igloo and bring some extra sides and beverage and sit at the picnic tables. The sunsets at Offats Bayou are amazing.
20 locals recommend
Darlene's Shrimp Shack
1727 61st StBy far, our favorite place to get fried shrimp. This is not a brick and mortar restaurant. It is a trailer and each order is done one at a time, so prepare to wait, but it's well worth it. Lots of seasoning choices to choose from. You'll get 10 huge, butterflied shrimp and a couple of hushpuppies. If you'd like, grab an igloo and bring some extra sides and beverage and sit at the picnic tables. The sunsets at Offats Bayou are amazing.
Beautiful, upscale dining overlooking Offats Bayou at Pelican Rest Marina. They also have outdoor, casual seating with a bar.
71 locals recommend
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
7809 Broadway StBeautiful, upscale dining overlooking Offats Bayou at Pelican Rest Marina. They also have outdoor, casual seating with a bar.
A favorite place to grab one of the most deliciious burgers on the island.
36 locals recommend
Brews Brothers
2404 Strand StA favorite place to grab one of the most deliciious burgers on the island.
Small place with big portions! Their pizza is delicious!
32 locals recommend
Gino's Italian Restaurant
6124 Stewart RdSmall place with big portions! Their pizza is delicious!
It’s a hike to get there, but this restaurant nestled in the Sea Isle neighborhood is so enjoyable once there. Ground level seating is all outdoor and covered, or you can go upstairs and eat under the palapa. Both levels have bar seating. The upstairs bar is indoors and the full menu is offered at both bars. I highly recommend the Coconut Shrimp, the Seafood Cobb Salad, Pirate’s Punch and the Spicy Margarita. Great place for sunsets and good food!
110 locals recommend
The West End Marina and Restaurants
21706 Burnet DrIt’s a hike to get there, but this restaurant nestled in the Sea Isle neighborhood is so enjoyable once there. Ground level seating is all outdoor and covered, or you can go upstairs and eat under the palapa. Both levels have bar seating. The upstairs bar is indoors and the full menu is offered at both bars. I highly recommend the Coconut Shrimp, the Seafood Cobb Salad, Pirate’s Punch and the Spicy Margarita. Great place for sunsets and good food!
Considered some of the best bbq and tamales on the island! Walk up counter with only a small outdoor dining area. It’s a great place to grab dinner to take back to the cottage.
27 locals recommend
Pennies Tex Mex Take Out
1713 37th StConsidered some of the best bbq and tamales on the island! Walk up counter with only a small outdoor dining area. It’s a great place to grab dinner to take back to the cottage.
The only Thai in town that I'm aware of, and It's pretty darn good! Right between Mechanic and The Strand, it's located at 216 Tremont St. so is a great spot for lunch or dinner after shopping and sight seeing.
6 locals recommend
The Garden Thai Cuisine
216 Tremont (23rd) StreetThe only Thai in town that I'm aware of, and It's pretty darn good! Right between Mechanic and The Strand, it's located at 216 Tremont St. so is a great spot for lunch or dinner after shopping and sight seeing.
Funky little place that recently relocated off of 61st Street. A huge menu ensures that each person in your group should find something that makes them happy! Try the brussel sprouts, pizzas or mac n cheese dishes!
124 locals recommend
Gypsy Joynt
6105 Market StFunky little place that recently relocated off of 61st Street. A huge menu ensures that each person in your group should find something that makes them happy! Try the brussel sprouts, pizzas or mac n cheese dishes!
Best sandwiches on the island in a quirky little space. You can also go next door to the Proletariat and order from there while you enjoy beer or wine. Old Moon will deliver your food to the Proletariat.
14 locals recommend
Old Moon Deli & Pies
408 23rd StBest sandwiches on the island in a quirky little space. You can also go next door to the Proletariat and order from there while you enjoy beer or wine. Old Moon will deliver your food to the Proletariat.
Love this place for all it's healthy menu options, including vegan dishes. This place is only open for lunch but you can book the whole place for private dinners for up to 30 people.
33 locals recommend
Eatcetera
408 25th StLove this place for all it's healthy menu options, including vegan dishes. This place is only open for lunch but you can book the whole place for private dinners for up to 30 people.
BEST BURGER ON THE ISLAND. Yes, it's in the Valero gas station's convenience store. You won't be disappointed.
7 locals recommend
Mel's Blueplate Diner
7428 Stewart RoadBEST BURGER ON THE ISLAND. Yes, it's in the Valero gas station's convenience store. You won't be disappointed.
Bars
Our nightclub days are long gone, so this list doesn't include any because we don't know of any. I'm sure they're here, so if you find one you like, let us know!
Can't say enough about this iconic hotel. Located in the beautiful lobby, The Toujouse Bar is a great place to come listen to a live jazz trio Thursday through Saturday. There is also the Rooftop Bar which offers amazing views of Downtown Galveston and the harbor. Watch the cruise ships take off from this location.
82 locals recommend
The Tremont House
2300 Ship Mechanic Row StCan't say enough about this iconic hotel. Located in the beautiful lobby, The Toujouse Bar is a great place to come listen to a live jazz trio Thursday through Saturday. There is also the Rooftop Bar which offers amazing views of Downtown Galveston and the harbor. Watch the cruise ships take off from this location.
Located next to Gypsy Joynt, this is where you go for ultimate cocktails created by mixologists. Try the Flaming Zombie or The Bee's Knees.
59 locals recommend
Daiquiri Time Out
2701 Market StLocated next to Gypsy Joynt, this is where you go for ultimate cocktails created by mixologists. Try the Flaming Zombie or The Bee's Knees.
Galveston Island Brewing
8423 Stewart RdGrab yourself a Tiki Wheat!
Wine and beer bar that strongly supports local artists. There usual is an exhibit of art on the walls. You can order a great sandwich from Old Moon Deli next door.
22 locals recommend
The Proletariat Gallery & Public House
2221 Market StWine and beer bar that strongly supports local artists. There usual is an exhibit of art on the walls. You can order a great sandwich from Old Moon Deli next door.
Thrifting and Antiquing
Great finds at this place. They also have another location on I believe 23rd or 24th that carries larger items such as furniture. I found a like new 1200.00 twin sleeper sofa for 75 bucks, so prices are GOOD!
RCC Resale Store
2025 Broadway Avenue JGreat finds at this place. They also have another location on I believe 23rd or 24th that carries larger items such as furniture. I found a like new 1200.00 twin sleeper sofa for 75 bucks, so prices are GOOD!
You could easily spend a couple of hours in this place. Located in what was once The Oleander House, a "house of ill repute", this is chock full of EVERYTHING! Try to meet the owner, Scottie.
23 locals recommend
Antique Warehouse
423 25th StYou could easily spend a couple of hours in this place. Located in what was once The Oleander House, a "house of ill repute", this is chock full of EVERYTHING! Try to meet the owner, Scottie.
This is like a museum of old (and new) nautical treasures.
19 locals recommend
Nautical Antique Warehouse
2202 Mechanic StThis is like a museum of old (and new) nautical treasures.
My friend found a beautiful clay mermaid sculpture here. She was just two steps ahead of me and grabbed it. Ugh! She better leave it to me in her will.
Goodwill Houston Select Stores
4525 Avenue UMy friend found a beautiful clay mermaid sculpture here. She was just two steps ahead of me and grabbed it. Ugh! She better leave it to me in her will.
Recreational fun
Besides enjoying a day at the beach, here are some other recreational things to do around town...
The state-of-the-art community pool just opened in 2017 and includes a pool with play structures for children as well as an 8 lane lap pool. This place is just 4 blocks north down 43rd from The Dupre House. There will be a fee to get in.
15 locals recommend
Galveston Community Pool At Lasker Park
2016 43rd StThe state-of-the-art community pool just opened in 2017 and includes a pool with play structures for children as well as an 8 lane lap pool. This place is just 4 blocks north down 43rd from The Dupre House. There will be a fee to get in.
So much to do here. Visit the pyramids, take in an Imax, go to the Aquarium, play and swim at Palm Beach, zip line, tour Offats Bayou aboard The Colonel are just to name a few. Fees apply.
620 locals recommend
Moody Gardens
1 Hope BlvdSo much to do here. Visit the pyramids, take in an Imax, go to the Aquarium, play and swim at Palm Beach, zip line, tour Offats Bayou aboard The Colonel are just to name a few. Fees apply.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2109 Gene Lucas BlvdGalveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall BlvdAlways a fun place to take the kids, and Jimmy's on the Pier is right across the seawall, so enjoy lunch or dinner after a round of mini golf.
99 locals recommend
Magic Carpet Golf
9030 Seawall BlvdAlways a fun place to take the kids, and Jimmy's on the Pier is right across the seawall, so enjoy lunch or dinner after a round of mini golf.
Museums
If you're wanting to know a little history about Galveston, start with the 25 minute documentary about The Great Storm at the Seaport Museum. The tall ship, Elissa, is right around the corner.
121 locals recommend
Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
8If you're wanting to know a little history about Galveston, start with the 25 minute documentary about The Great Storm at the Seaport Museum. The tall ship, Elissa, is right around the corner.
The Bryan Museum
1315 21st StArt and Culture
Moody Mansion
2618 Broadway Avenue JBishops Palace
1402 Broadway Avenue JOne of the best local artists in town, Rene Wiley captures the island in her colorful oil paintings.
11 locals recommend
René Wiley Gallery
2128 Postoffice StOne of the best local artists in town, Rene Wiley captures the island in her colorful oil paintings.
Clay Cup offers a variety of art classes or you can walk-in and do your own thing. You can't miss Mertle the Turtle outside the studio. She's part of the Turtle's About Town community art project.
14 locals recommend
Clay Cup Studios
2219 Postoffice StClay Cup offers a variety of art classes or you can walk-in and do your own thing. You can't miss Mertle the Turtle outside the studio. She's part of the Turtle's About Town community art project.
Coffee and Ice Cream
Where the locals hang. It's gooood. Rene Wiley Art Gallery and Hey Mikey's Ice Cream shop are on either side. It doesn't get much better than that, right?
139 locals recommend
MOD Coffeehouse
2126 Postoffice StWhere the locals hang. It's gooood. Rene Wiley Art Gallery and Hey Mikey's Ice Cream shop are on either side. It doesn't get much better than that, right?
Hey Mikey's Ice Cream
2120 Postoffice Stnext door to Mod Coffee Shop. What could be more perfect?
Ben & Jerry’s
4408 Seawall BlvdYou could actually spend a full day on Market Street between 28th and 27th. Start your morning off at this great little coffee shop. Go to lunch 3 doors down and enjoy a delicious muffuletta at Maceos. Stop by Carlos Cigar Shop and grab some stogies before you cross the street and have the 5:00 cocktail at DTO, then go next door to Gypsy Joynt for dinner. Maybe you need to go back to DTO after dinner for the after dinner drink and stogie? All of this is also walking distance from the most amazing antique store, Antique Warehouse.
22 locals recommend
Red light coffee roasters
2728 Market StYou could actually spend a full day on Market Street between 28th and 27th. Start your morning off at this great little coffee shop. Go to lunch 3 doors down and enjoy a delicious muffuletta at Maceos. Stop by Carlos Cigar Shop and grab some stogies before you cross the street and have the 5:00 cocktail at DTO, then go next door to Gypsy Joynt for dinner. Maybe you need to go back to DTO after dinner for the after dinner drink and stogie? All of this is also walking distance from the most amazing antique store, Antique Warehouse.