looking for a place to have lunch/dinner at. what would yall recommend?

Although it's been a while since I've been there, Gaido's has always been good, as well as the adjacent Casey's. Very casual Shrimp n Stuff is where many of the locals dine. Basically stay away from the Landry's restaurants (and there are MANY of them), with the exception of the Rainforest, which would be fun for kids if they've never been before. Food is overpriced but the atmosphere is unique.

dino nailed it

Benno's is good as well

Agree with Dino...

Giados and Casey's are basically the same place. If you've got youngsters in tow, go to Caseys. The food is the same, but the atmosphere is much more casual.

Second Bennos!

I haven't been that impressed with Gaidos/Caseys in quite awhile...

As stated before, if you want very casual, Shrimp and Stuff is greatness! MMMMMMM Fish and shrimp Po'boy!

I've decided I'm going to stop taking people to Casey's. I use to go with the "It's the same kitchen as Gaido's but lower prices" idea, but what I have found is all the waitresses in training work at Casey's. So as a result, the past couple of times I have been there the service has been horrible, they have gotten our orders all wrong, etc. From now on, if I want their food them I'm going to Gaido's.

I would also recommend Shrimp N Stuff.

Where is Shrimp N Stuff? And since I am at it, what and where is the Italian place I have been to several times that is great.

I think it was around Q and 21st. Actually, I have no clue. It was sort of a hole in the wall. Served a great meatloaf. Relatively small place on a corner. White wood building if I remember correctly. I would recoginize the correct name, but just can't think of it.

I know it was mentioned here in the past, but I've slept/drank since then.

Shrimp N Stuff is 39th and Ave. O

If you're talking about Di Bella's (31st and P 1/2), it burned down.

Thanks. Di Bella's was what I was thinking. Haven't been there in several years. When did it burn and why, if you know?

Used to go there for lunch whenever I was in town, usually for business.

It burned around the end of January. Don't recall reading as to how it happened but police stated the fire wasn't suspicious in nature. The owner said he will rebuild.

Shrimp and stuff and Benno's FTW!!!! Love both places!

A good burger place is Cafe Micheal Burger.

Don't go to Gaido's. It may have been good 30 years ago, but it exists on reputation alone now. I haven't been back to the island but once since the storm (I'm displaced from my job) so I don't know what's open now.

Gaidos is still good.

DiBella's actually didn't "burn down"--but it is really black inside and has a big defect in the roof. In the process of getting rebuilt.

I've probably been to Gaido's 10 - 20 times since the storm and everytime it has been good. The menu was severly limited for period there and it was still the teats! No place in Galveston can touch it.

[This message has been edited by G-Town Cracker (edited 3/10/2009 2:54p).]

i know this is a thread about seafood, but this is galveston-restaurant related...

i've been going to queen's bbq for a while (great stuff), but only recently got introduced to the Cliffhanger sandwich. i'm not sure i'll ever order anything else there again.

We had Benno's recommended to us and I thought it was awful. They didn't get our order right, had horrible service, and my food wasn't very good (other orders that we actually got were okay, though).

Gaido's may not be what it once was, but it is always pretty good - crab meat au gratin is great.

Rudy and Paco's hadn't reopened in January when we were there, but when it does open back up - I would highly recommend it. It's a bit pricey, but it was the best meal I think I've ever had when we were there last summer.

what about the original mexican cafe

It is open but I think a new owner

The Original is awesome if you're looking for Mexican food on the island.