The Best Seafood on the Texas Gulf Coast

There are so many reasons to visit the Texas Gulf Coast. Our pristine white sandy beaches, warm ocean waves, historic cities, and family-friendly attractions draw visitors from all over the world. Our unique location also means we do one other thing really, really well — food! From authentic Southern fare to mouthwatering Mexican, the restaurants on the Texas Gulf Coast are nothing short of spectacular.

As part of an on-going series highlighting some of our staff’s favorite local Galveston restaurants, we’re kicking it off with a list of our most popular sea-to-table dining spots on the coast. Our amazing oceanfront location means that our seafood restaurants are overflowing with freshly caught delicacies. From casual food trucks to five-star fine dining, you’ll want to read on for our insider take on these can’t-miss seafood eateries on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Katie’s Seafood House 

At Katie’s, seafood “comes right off the boats and onto your plate.” How amazing is that? In 1998, Buddy and Katie Guindon opened Katie’s Seafood Market to provide the freshest, highest quality fish to their Galveston customers. Red snapper, grouper, tilefish, flounder, oysters, and blue crab— their market sells it all. 

In 2019, they opened Katie’s Seafood House restaurant, right next to the market. Their menu features some of the most sublime seafood dishes on the Texas Gulf Coast. To start, try Katie’s Shrimp Frogs— described as “bacon-wrapped kisses stuffed with pepper jack cheese and twin tail deep-fried shrimp.” Yowza. 

Entrees include Shrimply the Best Shrimp Po’boy and the Snapper and Shrimp Umami Bowl. Land-lovers will want to sink their teeth into a juicy Buddy Burger or a Captain’s Ribeye. Their dining room is located right on the docks and features a bright and airy vibe and an open kitchen. You can also easily order online for pick-up from their website. 

BLVD. Seafood

Executive Chef Chris Lopez brings his considerable talent to the table at BLVD. Seafood — crafting a menu that includes southern soul food, fresh Gulf seafood, and coastal heritage favorites. Rated the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Galveston on Yelp, this place will knock your seafood-loving socks off.

Their menu includes highlights like Seawall Scallops, Flagship Shrimp and Grits, Gulf Red Snapper, and Filet Mignon. Can’t decide what to order? Try the epic BLVD. Sampler or N’awlins Sampler. They also boast one of the best Bloody Mary’s on the Texas Gulf Coast — the “D-Lux Mary” garnished with shrimp and bacon.

Black Pearl Oyster Bar 

Featuring a cool New Orleans vibe and a historic location, the Black Pearl Oyster Bar is a local favorite hang-out spot. With menu items like Oyster Bisque, Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffe, and a whole menu section devoted to just Po’boys,  this place will quickly become one of your Galveston favorites, too.

Boasting extra-large portions and a super-friendly staff, this restaurant is great for a quick lunch or an intimate dinner downtown. Their dessert menu is off-the-charts, too — with house-made pecan pie and bread pudding smothered in rum sauce. Yum!

Darlene’s Shrimp Shack 

Located on 61st Street in Galveston, you can watch the pelicans and seagulls catch their lunch while you enjoy yours. With dozen’s of five-star online reviews, their all-shrimp menu is super-popular. At Darlene’s, they do one thing — fried shrimp — and they do it perfectly.

With all sorts of different flavors (like parmesan, coconut, plain, buffalo, sweet and spicy, and garlic) you’ll want to come back again and again to try every flavor. Each shrimp dish comes with two buttery hushpuppies, too.

Gaido’s Seafood

Opened in 1911 by San Giacinto Gaido — Gaido’s Seafood is the oldest restaurant in Galveston and one of the oldest in all of Texas. Gaido’s commitment to honoring this heritage shines throughout their menu and their commitment to offering the highest quality seafood available. 

Pull up a chair and tuck into classic seafood dishes like Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, Blackened Sea Scallops, and Fried Oysters. You also don’t want to miss signature dishes like Crawfish Asiago, American Cornmeal Fried Catfish, and Pecan Encrusted Mahi Mahi. They have an extensive craft cocktail menu with drinks like Mexican Martini and a Kentucky 95 — bourbon, orange juice, fresh lime, and champagne.

Waterman’s 

Boasting one of the most spectacular sunset views in Galveston, Waterman’s has ambiance to spare. Their lovely dining room features comfy, tufted furniture and bright, sunny windows— and the expansive alfresco deck dining overlooks the bay.

Try menu items like Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Texas Snapper in Lemon Butter, Mrs. Martin’s Coconut Shrimp, or Lobster Stuffed Ravioli. Waterman’s will also cook your catch— so you can bring in your freshly caught fish for them to prepare however you like. And you don’t want to leave without indulging in the wonder that is their crème brûlée.

BOOK DIRECT WITH BEACHBOX

At BeachBox, our favorite thing to do is help people like you find the perfect home for your next trip to the Texas Gulf Coast. But— full disclosure— our second favorite thing to do is eat! Let our local experts find your ideal vacation rental home, then let us recommend our favorite dining spots on the coast. It’s a match made in heaven!

Take a look inside homes like Coastal Haven (pictured above) and Vitamin Sea (pictured below) that have plenty of room for your whole family and are located within easy driving distance of some truly fabulous local dining. At BeachBox, we have homes for every size group and budget. 

Give us a call or send us an email. We’re here to help make your next getaway to the Texas Gulf Coast easy, fun, stress-free — and delicious!