Royalty Fast Food

The Spot Galveston Restaurants, Galveston Island, a seaside haven that is always accessible but a world different from Clutch City culture, is only 50 miles from the Houston city core. Millions of visitors arrive on the island each year, some of them stay to enjoy sights like Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn, and of course the beach. Many people live on the island, referred to as “the free state of Galveston,” while others travel to the cruise ship port on their ideal vacations.

The working-class town, which was founded by pirates, is a distinctive mashup of seniors, artists, and people working in the food and hospitality, deep-sea fishing, and oil rigging industries, demonstrating that the local cuisine is as varied as the population.

Walking down the beach or checking out the tourist trap that is Pleasure Pier is probably on the agenda for Houstonians going on a weekend trip or going on an off-the-beaten-path dating night. But after that’s done, check out these Galveston restaurants, which provide a variety of cuisines and settings, from informal seafood shacks to fancy New American restaurants.

More regional favorites, such as Trattoria la Vigna, Bambu, Mel’s Blue Plate, Press Box, Mama Theresa’s Flying Pizza, Pho 20, the Gumbo Diner, Henry’s, O’Malley’s Stage Door, and Cajun Greek, are made possible by the removal of Number 13, Brews Brothers Brew Pub, Etcetera, Leon’s World Finest Bar-B-Que, the Poop Deck, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar,

1. La King’s Confectionery

Don’t be surprised if you find up eating your weight in La King’s saltwater taffy or pecan logs even though candy doesn’t exactly qualify as a meal. Since this candy store has been open for almost a century, many dating customs are still in place. The 1920s soda fountain serves thick shakes and malts in addition to more than 20 options for homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt.

2323 Strand St, Galveston, TX
(409) 762-6100

2. Trattoria La Vigna

Italian cuisine of the highest caliber is one of Galveston’s outstanding features. As a charming and serene restaurant with top-notch dishes like spaghetti and clams or seafood risotto, Trattoria la Vigna stands out.

412 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 497-4927

3. Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza

Looking for a cheesy slice of pizza near the cruise ships or the dive bars Downtown? Your stop is here. Try the distinctively Texan snapper parmigiana or the chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce-topped Cattleman’s Pizza.

416 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 765-6262

4. Black Pearl Oyster Bar

Galveston is known for its abundance of Gulf oysters, but this pub is a local favorite. The prepared dishes, such as oysters Haelen topped with crab meat and cheese, are just as excellent as the fresh, well-shucked bivalves.

327 23rd St., Galveston, TX
(409) 762-7299

5. O’Malley’s Stage Door

O’Malley’s is a pub with sandwiches as its secret weapon, so it’s not quite a restaurant. The Reuben, which is stuffed with hot corned beef, piled high on dark rye, and topped with mild sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, will delight fans. Visit one of the island’s renowned dives at happy hour for a couple of drinks and discussion.

2022 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 763-1731

6. Rudy & Paco’s Restaurant

This upmarket Galveston restaurant, a model for the entire island, serves grilled meats and seafood that are heavily influenced by South and Central America. Ceviche, Gulf snapper with plantain crust, and a variety of steaks are upscale supper options that are also really excellent. Wear pants if you’re going to Rudy & Paco for dinner; shorts are only appropriate for the bar and for lunch.

2028 Post Office St, Galveston, TX
(409) 762-3696

7. Maceo Spice & Import Co.

Maceo Spice is a Galveston landmark that was opened in 1944. In addition to a wide selection of ingredients and sauces ideal for home cooking, lunchtime patrons will also discover a good selection of sandwiches. The muffuletta can serve two people, or you can choose the Spaisano, which comes on Italian bread with ham, capicola, soppressata, provolone, and Maceo’s outstanding olive salad.

2706 Market St, Galveston, TX
(409) 763-3331

8. Gypsy Joynt

This hippie hideaway is a true hidden gem because it is less likely to be overrun by tourists in the summer. There is a nice selection of conventional American fare, including sandwiches, salads, creative pizza creations, and other dishes. The array of large burgers with toppings such as sweetened nuts and pear vinaigrette stand out. As does the Sleazy Mac & Cheese with crawfish, bacon, asparagus, and avocado on top. Also, don’t ignore those pastries, cookies, and cakes.

9. Press Box

The greatest mushroom Swiss burger can be found at this A+ dive. While the French dip sandwich and patty melt are likewise deserving of praise. Not a fan of hamburgers? Choose hearty salads or bar snacks like chicken strips and wings.

2401 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 765-5958

10. Pho 20

If you’re looking for a tasty bowl of pho, Pho 20’s vegetarian option is a powerful blend of tofu, vegetables, and a rich broth. Try the vermicelli noodle dish called bun cha, which also includes grilled pork, carrots, and cucumbers.

2101 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 750-9200