Need Galveston Tips
 

Heading to Galveston in two weeks for a total beach bum weekend. Will probably do Priceline for hotel, but am looking for restaurant and/or bar ideas since I haven't been down there in several years. Just want reasonably priced fresh seafood and fun. Don't want to dress up at all. Any other random ideas with good beach atmosphere welcome, too. Thanks!

ttt

One more try before I give up and head into the wilds of Galveston un-Fodored... hehe

Well Jayne, we certainly wouldn't want you to go there un-Fodored! :)

I don't know if I can be of much help since I haven't really spent time in Galveston in a number of years. However, I can suggest an afternoon or evening on The Strand for something different. There are some great shops, restaurants, and bars there.

Otherwise, just drive along the seawall and see what seems interesting to you. Sorry I can't recall any of the names of good restaurants in the area, but there are definitely some to be had. Bear in mind that some places that look like dives can really have some wonderful food at times.

My sister still goes to Galveston once in awhile, so I will email her and see if she has some further tips.

A couple of restaurant suggestions:

Mosquito Cafe - Americaan
Playa del Loro - Mexican
DiBella's - Italian
Saltwater Grill - Seafood

Thanks, Statia and LDLee for your posts. I am really looking forward to this little getaway. I know there's much to discover since my childhood days on the beach, at the wharf with my aunt buying fresh seafood, or having breakfast at Hill's on the seawall. I will definitely check out the restaurants you suggested, LD.

Regarding lodging, I am in a dilemma regarding using Priceline. From my research on bidding for travel, it seems everyone gets the Galvez or Tremont. I don't really want to stay at the Tremont because I want to be near the beach, and in keeping with my "beachbum" theme, I'm afraid the Galvez might be too ritzy even if I get a good price.

Does anyone have suggestions for a casual, clean, cool and reasonably priced alternative?

Thanks so much for your help!

How much are you looking to spend? The Galvez will be nice; the Tremont will be nicer/ritzier. You might check Orbitz and Hotels.com. Also, think about renting a condo or a house.

Since many of the better restaurants and clubs are on The Strand, the Galvez may be the best choice if you want on the beach because it is fairly close to a trolley stop.

One place to check out while you are there is Moody Garden's.

Jayne, sorry but my sister didn't have any further info than I did. I am pretty sure Hills is still there, though!

I don't think that the Galvez will be too terribly ritzy for a beach bum weekend. I agree that if you want to be near the beach, then the Galvez is a better idea than the Tremont.

Sorry I can't be of more help. I've only really spent the night in Galveston during Mardis Gras, and of course, that's a whole other atmosphere at that point in time. :)

Thanks again to both of you. I am going to check out some other lodgings... I really want to be one the seawall and want a gulf view, so priceline probably isn't a good idea.

Ah, I am so ready to stroll on the coast again...

You'll like the Strand very much. For Gulf side dining, try Guido's (hope they are still there) They have 2 restaurants; one more dressy and indoors, the other (has a slightly different name, but is next to Guido's) is causual and you can sit outside.

Oops, make that Gaidos! Galveston also has a Tourisism website with restaurant listings.

Thanks, MsPossum -- I wish I had more than two nights for all that good seafood!

By the way, has anyone been to the Balinese?

My first reaction to your latest question was "Huh?" I hadn't heard anyone refer to the Balinese since ZZ Top's memorable ode to the joint.

A little search found it has been renovated and reopened. Probably not as "lively" as the original. I doubt the Galveston County sheriff and the Texas Rangers will look the other way like they did 50 years ago. Any way, here is a link to the club's website.

http://www.balineseroom.net

It's open Friday and Saturday's. Some good local groups. Let us know how it is, if you go.

LDLee,

My long-ago deaceased uncle actually worked at the Balinese back in its heydey and I've always wanted to see it. I will let you know if we make it there. I looked at the website and you're right, it seems kind of tame at this point. Wish I could do a little time traveling...

Hi Jayne... I lived in Galveston for 6 years, then Houston for 5. {Back home in MI now.}

Anyway, the Galvez would be a fun place to stay - especially if you get a deal on Priceline. I used to work catering there when I was younger. Anyway - it is not snooty at all. However, it is a hotel rather than a motel. (The Tremont would be stuffy, IMHO - in fact, I worked there as the beverage manager when they first opened!)

Please take the time to visit the neat woman's clothing store on The Strand, "Morgan's." Tell the two guys who own the place, Don & Pat, that Chip said hello from this forum. {Chip's my nickname.} You'll love the store, they will give you tons of ideas on which restaurants are 'hot' right now, and if you need a new outfit or some jewelry - you'll score big-time! You'll love the store too.

BTW - two of my all-time favorite restaurants on the island are: Hill's Pier 19 - great for lunch - cafeteria style seafood just off of The Strand. Eat amongst the shrimp boats bringing in their fresh catch for the day. Another great meal is at Benno's On The Beach, located on the Seawall at about the 10th Street area - best to try their crawfish etouffee` - EXCELLENT!

Gaido's, as mentioned earlier, is sort of a Galveston tradition. It's been there forever. It is decent, and serves traditional style seafood. The place holds over 700 people, so you know it is popular. It is pricey and maybe a bit more dressy than the other two places I just mentioned.

Have a great time and watch the tar on the feet. Just a fact of life with all of the Texas oil drilling. In fact - you will see the oil rigs out in the Gulf from the shoreline.

-Paul (aka Chip)

Paul,

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I will definitely check out Hill's #19 -- sounds like what I'm looking for... fresh-off-the-boat kind of seafood. Will also try to get into Morgan's and see what I can learn from them, as well as do a little shopping. This time next week, I hope to be arriving on the island!

Just wanted to thank all who posted and let you know the trip was great. Galveston is really booming. I guess the addition of the Carnival Cruises from has brought a lot of people in. The Strand was very busy and the area near 21st and Postoffice is now a hot night spot, with quite a few clubs and restaurants. We had some great desserts at a place called Rudy and Pacco's.
We only had one full day and two nights, so we didn't get to try all the restaurants on our list and I've saved it for next time.
Just so you will know, Hill's #19 is GONE and has been replaced by (gasp) Joe's Crab Shack. Why would anyone go all the way to Galveston and eat at Joe's Crab Shack? Whatever floats your boat, I guess...
We did go to the Balinese and saw a band called the Dreamsicles, which was mostly old rock and a fave band of the local Parrotheads, who were out in force that night. The original murals from the 40s are awesome and I don't doubt for a minute the place is haunted. There's also a bar at the rear called the Casino Bar (where the legendary back room gambling took place.) It's kind of creepy to walk back there along the pier walkway. We were so late eating that night that we ended up dropping into the little cafe inside the Balinese pier and had some very good seafood, although super (fast food-like) casual. There are tables outside over the water, which is really nice.
The whole place is very laid back and it's interesting to see the photos of all the famous people who performed there.
Paul (aka Chip): I made a point to go into Morgan's and tell them you said hello. The owner was shocked and said they had been looking for you. He was so nice and gave us some good suggestions, which we took and ended up eating at Ocean Grill on one of the piers. It was great.

Thanks again to all and happy travels!

Jayne1973, RE your Joe's Crab Shack comment - did you know that most of Galveston's recent revitalization is directly attributable to Joe's Crab Shack money? Tilman Fertitta, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Landrys Restaurants (Joe's owner) is the major player of San Luis Resort and the new convention center. I was there a few years ago when he flew Santa in on a helicopter and then had Harry Potter fighting wizards on the rooftop.

wsoxrebel,

I had no idea the San Luis/Convention Center guy was one in the same with Landry's and Crab Shack. Guess that why I saw three of them on that little island. Wonder if the one on the seawall replaced the other Hill's restaurant.

Santa AND Harry Potter? I must say, that's impressive. I wonder if any of the seafood served at those restaurants is local... I might forgive them a tad if it was.

Thanks for the interesting information!

Thanks for the report, Jayne. Glad you enjoyed your trip. I'll have to check out the Balinese the next time I'm in town. I've always wanted to go in there due to it's legends and history.

Hill's gone, huh? Bummer.