Best seafood in the GBA?

Headed down to the GBA tomorrow for my regular monthly overnight rendezvous with a fine fun fellow at his abode, and the next day when I leave I usually treat myself to lunch with the smell of saltwater in the air and the call of seagulls in the background. (I live up in the deep, dark, spooky woods north of Houston, so no decent briny fare in my area, and I like walking on sand listening to the roar of the waves when I can.) He cannot eat seafood, so is not a source of inspiration for ocean-born delicacies. I'm looking for new scrumptious spots to sample near the coast, anything from Clear Lake to the Island on either side of I-45, and I'm willing to explore. Diners, drive-ins, and dives are great!

Suggestions? Not a fan of raw oysters, but I love them fried, grilled, baked, and broiled, as well as shrimp, fish, crabs.

Some of my favorites: The Watkins shrimp bisque at Gaido's in Galveston is divine, and the cornmeal fried oysters at the Seabrook Classic Cafe are plump, tender, and fresh! And although a wee bit farther inland and a destination restaurant, who's had the creamy house-named beurre blanc sauce with shrimp, oysters, and crawfish over mahi-mahi at the Monument Inn on the Ship Channel?

Share your favs and raves with me, please? Let's flirt with FOOD PORN, chuckle. Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by Fancyinheels

Headed down to the GBA tomorrow for my regular monthly overnight rendezvous with a fine fun fellow at his abode, and the next day when I leave I usually treat myself to lunch with the smell of saltwater in the air and the call of seagulls in the background. (I live up in the deep, dark, spooky woods north of Houston, so no decent briny fare in my area, and I like walking on sand listening to the roar of the waves when I can.) He cannot eat seafood, so is not a source of inspiration for ocean-born delicacies. I'm looking for new scrumptious spots to sample near the coast, anything from Clear Lake to the Island on either side of I-45, and I'm willing to explore. Diners, drive-ins, and dives are great!

Suggestions? Not a fan of raw oysters, but I love them fried, grilled, baked, and broiled, as well as shrimp, fish, crabs.

Some of my favorites: The Watkins shrimp bisque at Gaido's in Galveston is divine, and the cornmeal fried oysters at the Seabrook Classic Cafe are plump, tender, and fresh! And although a wee bit farther inland and a destination restaurant, who's had the creamy house-named beurre blanc sauce with shrimp, oysters, and crawfish over mahi-mahi at the Monument Inn on the Ship Channel?

Share your favs and raves with me, please? Let's flirt with FOOD PORN, chuckle. Thanks in advance!

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Gaido's is my favorite spot !! During the summer time I also enjoy their bar/hot tub ! I personally think they are the best. If I want something light I absolutely LOVE the shrimp cocktail at The Spot. Enjoy your day !

Consider Fish Tales. On seawall Blvd.

Gaido’s is also good.

For water views Topwater in San Leon is excellent and modest prices for lunch. I can't wait to visit Stingaree on Boliver again

Best grilled oysters in the area are at Gilhouley's in San Leon. The shrimp cocktail is awesome. It has more of a dive bar feel than a restaurant. No kids allowed. Bring cash, they don't take cards.

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Originally Posted by 1andonlyboardman

Best grilled oysters in the area are at Gilhouley's in San Leon. The shrimp cocktail is awesome. It has more of a dive bar feel than a restaurant. No kids allowed. Bring cash, they don't take cards.

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I am a sucker for great shrimp cocktail !! I will defiantly have to try this spot ! Thanks !

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Originally Posted by 1andonlyboardman

Best grilled oysters in the area are at Gilhouley's in San Leon. The shrimp cocktail is awesome. It has more of a dive bar feel than a restaurant. No kids allowed. Bring cash, they don't take cards.

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I'd heard of their famous oysters, was on my way there last year, stopped to walk on a nearby scenic beach and snap some pics, and that's when I lost my old phone to the mermaids! ARRRGGGHHH!!!!

Been trying to make myself go back and not think about my device drowning and how much it cost to replace! I will make a point of it.

It was storming today, so went somewhere I was already familiar with and had a yummy seafood platter with fried oysters and 2 kinds of shrimp, grilled red snapper, and a crab cake. Will now revisit the leftovers for dinner!

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Originally Posted by Fancyinheels

I'd heard of their famous oysters, was on my way there last year, stopped to walk on a nearby scenic beach and snap some pics, and that's when I lost my old phone to the mermaids! ARRRGGGHHH!!!!

Been trying to make myself go back and not think about my device drowning and how much it cost to replace! I will make a point of it.

It was storming today, so went somewhere I was already familiar with and had a yummy seafood platter with fried oysters and 2 kinds of shrimp, grilled red snapper, and a crab cake. Will now revisit the leftovers for dinner!

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Haha.. I once lost my truck keys to the very same mermaid !! She is a mischievous old gal !! Another time the very same truck went over a ditch. I was the naughty mermaid that day! LOL, needless to say the neighbors got a good show ( I was on the other end) and helped me get a tow truck. I have had some great adventures there... I love to drive down, great food & fun times! This is making me consider a funday/food day tomorrow! I need a good break!

Head N to Bacliff, and go to Gilhoolies. Good outdoor patio, kind of a hole in the wall, but great people. Bring cash, that's all they accept. And they dont allow minors, so dont worry about the rugrats causing a scene.

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Originally Posted by toyguy24

For water views Topwater in San Leon is excellent and modest prices for lunch. I can't wait to visit Stingaree on Boliver again

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A man that knows his Seafood. Topwater Grille has great fried shrimp and oysters. Pecan crusted Red Snapper is my favorite fish dish. Located on April Fool Point with a nice bay view. Outdoor tables are available.

Stingaree Marina on Bolivar is excellent and has a bay view as well. It has a Cajun influence and serves standard and Cajun seafood dishes. Stingaree is closed on some weekdays. I'd call before making the drive.

I know you're not interested, but both serve fresh, cold and salty Oysters on the half shell.

Is Topwater still open? Last time I went there, it was closed, in the middle of the week, supper time.

There is a place south on 146 that is right on the bay. Good food, thatched roof looking place. Has a place to sit on the roof. I can't think of the name.
Cool place to eat. Great place to drink. There is a boat launch across the road on the bay. I'm getting old. Cant remember shit.

There is a good place in San Leon also. Has shitty looking docks out back on the water. Shrimp boats dock there sometimes. It's always packed on weekend lunches and dinners.

Man I have been craving a weekend of fun and seafood on the island but they have alerts out not to eat any Houston seafood right now because of the explosion. What a party pooper !!

You never know where your seafood comes from, unless they put the origin on the menu

Most places won't buy local if it's contaminated.
They will buy from another area to prevent getting people sick and get a bad reputation.

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Originally Posted by Warpt

You never know where your seafood comes from, unless they put the origin on the menu

Most places won't buy local if it's contaminated.
They will buy from another area to prevent getting people sick and get a bad reputation.

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Yeah, I saw a interview with a chef on the news. He said their seafood doesn't come from Houston. Not sure how many restaurants follow suit.

Yes, dang it, locally-sourced seafood is now a concern after the ITC accident. Hope the company makes good on what they have cost other businesses. Saw a TV interview with the owner of the Monument Inn right off the Ship Channel, which had to close for a substantial period due to ITC, and he said the restaurant and employees have suffered major financial losses, only one of many places adversely affected. The San Jacinto Festival was cancelled, too, another hit for the neighborhood economy. Lawsuits will likely be ongoing for YEARS.

Headed back down to the coast on the 9th, so thanks for any past and future culinary suggestions!

Its not on the water. But Cajun Greek is amazing

Noah's Ark has some decent food. Great views, great atmosphere. Service is ok, but on weekends, it can be slow.

The Galvez is good too, but pricey.

Fancy,
About the only seafood being commercially harvested out of Galveston Bay are shrimp, oysters, and crab. And no one has processed crabs on this bay since hurricane Ike. For over a decade Every boat ramp has a sign warning not to each more than one meal of seafood from this bay a month, and to never eat it if you are or ever plan on being pregnant. So this situation is not new. Sad, but not new.

The good news is that you can ask your server where the seafood is sourced, and they will tell you.

Now for my recommendations. For an upscale experience you can’t beat The Saltwater Grill in Galveston or Tommy’s Oyster Bar and grill in Clear Lake. Put on a pretty dress and some fancy shoes, grab a cocktail at the bar and then sit down for a great dinner. For more casual dining, The Topwater Grill and The Black Pearl Oyster Bar in Galveston are great picks.

How sad about the seafood! About one meal a month with ocean-going local critters is average for me. At just a few months short of 60, at least the pregnancy fear won't be an issue, chuckle.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I lived in Galveston for a couple of years. It taught me to only eat seafood if you're living by the water. So fresh. It's not longer there, but there was a place called Pier 19 over off of the Strand. It had a dock out back and the menu was a chalk board. Whatever came in on the boats, that was what was on the menu. That spoiled me.

Majority of American shrimp come from offshore. But they are born in the grass inshore.
I don't let the signs bother me. I eat it all, whenever I want to. I like seafood, and I eat it a lot.
A majority of shrimp in the US come from overseas. Same with crab.

galvy native here. salt water grill on strand regularly wins the restaurant week. theyre good. use fresh seafood. also olympia is very good too. no frozen stuff there

On Galveston Island... two 'locals' places I recommend --

Bennos (on the north end of the seawall)

Shrimp 'n Stuff

Neither of these places are 'fancy'... butt they worth a try

Not seafood....but if you haven't been to Bronco Burrito, you're just wrong.

The Topwater Grille is open and thriving. We were there recently and every outdoor table was taken. As an added note, leashed dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables.

I go to Galveston so much but there's a few places you guys mentioned that I've never even heard of I think I'm going to try the one on this strand this week. See if it stands up to its reputation.

My favourite seafood restaurant on the island is The BLVD on Seawall, Sunday morning Bloody Mary's are the best

Im super excited about the great weather. ..

I cant wait to go and enjoy all the different places recommended !!

I second “Shrimp n Stuff” thats where all the locals eat. ”The Black Pearl” on the Strand is also excellent.
I like to hit “The Black Pearl” then walk over to the “Tremont House” and enjoy the view from the roof top bar. Right now the weather is perfect for it.

py