Ocean Dream Retreat guidebook

Food scene

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood

This steakhouse boasts both a raw bar and a lengthy list of beef options. Grab a seat on the patio outside and enjoy sweeping views of the mirena while digging into a pricey (but worth it) 32-ounce, dry-aged porterhouse.

71 locals recommend

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood

7809 Broadway St

71 locals recommend

This steakhouse boasts both a raw bar and a lengthy list of beef options. Grab a seat on the patio outside and enjoy sweeping views of the mirena while digging into a pricey (but worth it) 32-ounce, dry-aged porterhouse.

Yamato

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, yakiniku-style steak, and teriyaki salmon. Fried green tea ice cream or Mississippi mud pie makes for a sweet finish.

51 locals recommend

Yamato

2104 61st St

51 locals recommend

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, yakiniku-style steak, and teriyaki salmon. Fried green tea ice cream or Mississippi mud pie makes for a sweet finish.

Leon's World Finest Bar-B-Que

For some down home, timelessly good BBQ, head to Leon’s. Perfectly smoked ribs, Prime beef brisket, smoked turkey legs, and homemade boudin await, along with sides like turnip greens, cole slaw, and barbecue beans.

25 locals recommend

Leon's World Finest Bar-B-Que

5427 Broadway Avenue J

25 locals recommend

For some down home, timelessly good BBQ, head to Leon’s. Perfectly smoked ribs, Prime beef brisket, smoked turkey legs, and homemade boudin await, along with sides like turnip greens, cole slaw, and barbecue beans.

Shrimp N Stuff

Open in Galveston since 1976, Shrimp n’ Stuff’s original location on Avenue O’s charming, blue facade is enough to make you peek inside without even knowing what’s on the menu. Rest assured, though, the crispy catfish po’ boy will absolutely not disappoint

162 locals recommend

Shrimp N Stuff

3901 Avenue O

162 locals recommend

Open in Galveston since 1976, Shrimp n’ Stuff’s original location on Avenue O’s charming, blue facade is enough to make you peek inside without even knowing what’s on the menu. Rest assured, though, the crispy catfish po’ boy will absolutely not disappoint

Gaidos Seafood Restaurant

A perennial Galveston favorite that’s been open since 1911, enjoy old-school dishes like red snapper grilled “on the half shell” over charcoal at Gaido’s.

183 locals recommend

Gaidos Seafood Restaurant

3828 Seawall Boulevard

183 locals recommend

A perennial Galveston favorite that’s been open since 1911, enjoy old-school dishes like red snapper grilled “on the half shell” over charcoal at Gaido’s.

Maceo Spice & Import Company

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.

56 locals recommend

Maceo Spice & Import Company

2706 Market St

56 locals recommend

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.

Gypsy Joynt

This spot is less likely to be packed with tourists during the summer, making it a total hidden gem. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other standard American fare is on offer, all excellently made. The Sleazy Mac & Cheese, made with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, and topped with avocado, is an absolute must. Don’t sleep on those cakes, cookies, and pastries, either.

124 locals recommend

Gypsy Joynt

6105 Market St

124 locals recommend

This spot is less likely to be packed with tourists during the summer, making it a total hidden gem. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other standard American fare is on offer, all excellently made. The Sleazy Mac & Cheese, made with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, and topped with avocado, is an absolute must. Don’t sleep on those cakes, cookies, and pastries, either.

The Spot

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 po’ boy made with locally caught shrimp, and treat yourself to a giant pitcher of pina coladas.

327 locals recommend

The Spot

3204 Seawall Blvd

327 locals recommend

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 po’ boy made with locally caught shrimp, and treat yourself to a giant pitcher of pina coladas.

Eatcetera

Open for lunch and brunch, Eatcetera is an essential stop for vegans and gluten-free diners in Galveston. A number of dishes on the menu can be prepared without gluten or meat, like the Thai tofu (or beef) sandwich with daikon radish and sriracha mayo.

33 locals recommend

Eatcetera

408 25th St

33 locals recommend

Open for lunch and brunch, Eatcetera is an essential stop for vegans and gluten-free diners in Galveston. A number of dishes on the menu can be prepared without gluten or meat, like the Thai tofu (or beef) sandwich with daikon radish and sriracha mayo.

Mosquito Cafe

Located in a classic Galveston home built in the 1850s, Mosquito Cafe is bright and cozy. Steak tacos, Thai noodle bowls, and curried ahi tuna salad sandwiches are on the menu, along with cozy entrees like pulled pork mac and cheese and Senegalese vegetables with peanut sauce and coconut.

213 locals recommend

Mosquito Cafe

628 14th St

213 locals recommend

Located in a classic Galveston home built in the 1850s, Mosquito Cafe is bright and cozy. Steak tacos, Thai noodle bowls, and curried ahi tuna salad sandwiches are on the menu, along with cozy entrees like pulled pork mac and cheese and Senegalese vegetables with peanut sauce and coconut.