Can someone recommend a Galveston restaurant for dinner that's quite good and not too tourist-y? A place that's casual, yet elegant (Galveston-style), and serves great food. Will be spending the weekend with our board and managers for our annual retreat, so need some place that's appropriate for such a group. Drinks required, but definately do not want a party atmosphere.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

The one place I always frequent when in Galveston is Gaido's. My kids are the fifth generation in my family to love that place.

Gaido's is always a good choice. Would also recommend Clary's.

Clary's...

Not to throw a monkey wrench into it, but neither my wife nor I were impressed at all with Clary's - neither the food nor the service. Had always heard good things about it though so maybe we hit it on a bad night.

You can never go wrong with Gaido's. They are located on the seawall and are very consistant. I had dinner there with the family a couple weeks ago and had the grouper with the Wade preparation. It was damn good. My dad had the grouper Pontchartrain. His was much better! Not sure how big your group is, but they can accomodate private parties.

I always like Clary's, but I admit their quality can fluxuate. Plus my picture is on their wall...twice! It's been about a year since my last visit. I enjoyed it. My parents eat out every night in Galveston and they just put Clary's back in their rotation. So maybe now is a good time to go there. The atmoshpere is very intimate with dim lighting. You can still have a good time, but you might feel bad about getting too loud. They have private seating available too.

Another suggestion is Rudy & Paco's. They are located downtown just a few blocks from the Strand next to The Grand Opera House. Great food with a buzzing atmoshpere. This place is known for great steaks and seafood. Paco and I go way back. Tell him Ron Vuy's son sent you. Ron isn't my dad, it's a long story, but he will know what you mean. I was also their a couple weeks ago and split dinner with my sister in law. She ordered the seared tuna with jalapeno cream sauce and I ordered the filet mignon with mustard cognac sauce. Both were outstanding.

If it's dinner with a view you require then look no further than Shearn's. It is located in the top floor of the Moody Garden's Hotel. Great for having pre-drinks and watching the sun set then finishing it off with arguably the best seafood and filet mignon with bernaise sauce on the island.

[This message has been edited by FairwayAg (edited 8/20/2007 7:22p).]

Mario's on the seawall is great as well.

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I always like Clary's, but I admit their quality can fluxuate. Plus my picture is on their wall...twice! It's been about a year since my last visit. I enjoyed it. My parents eat out every night in Galveston and they just put Clary's back in their rotation. So maybe now is a good time to go there. The atmoshpere is very intimate with dim lighting. You can still have a good time, but you might feel bad about getting too loud. They have private seating available too.

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Thanks for the input Fairway. Fluctuating quality isn't a good attribute in a restaurant but it does seem to be far too common. That's one of the reasons the bride and I usually give a place two shots before we write them off for good and we probably need to give Clary's shot #2. Certainly agree that the atmosphere was quite nice.

If your parents eat out every night in Galveston, their recommendations would be particularly helpful (to me anyway - we live just up the freeway in League City and would like to try more places other than the well-known "touristy" places). I'll need to look into this Shearn's - hadn't heard of it before...

Oh, and thanks for starting this thread cpa. Might also want to inquire on the Houston board - it gets a little more traffic I think.


[This message has been edited by Ag83 (edited 8/20/2007 8:49p).]

Pic's on 45th

www.picson45th.com

[This message has been edited by McInnis 03 (edited 8/21/2007 9:00a).]

A good choice if you're looking for Italian is family-owned Di Bella's. You can reserve the room in back if you have a group.

Fairway,

Thanks for the info on Shern's. Never heard from anyone who's dined there. I was at a reunion at the hotel just last weekend. Dress code?

Shearns is nice.

two words: shrimp dejonge

I liked Urs' cooking a lot better when he was at the Yacht Club. He seems to be stagnating a bit, but for Galveston you can't complain.

dress code: slacks & collared shirt, but most old guys will have have on a jacket

Dimitri's....just across the causeway.

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Some of the places I've heard about, some I have not. Glad to have so many good ideas to choose from.

Appreciate the help! Can always count on my Aggie brothers and sisters to come through.

You won't have heard of Pic's yet, it's fairly new, but if you end up going, let us know, I've heard nothing but rave reviews about it!

Just a heads-up on Di Bella's, should you decide to go there. I don't believe they take credit cards. I may be wrong, but I'd call to verify.

Dibella's is cash only and damn good. The stuffed manicotti is awesome and his steak is incredible. It is served in a dish boat with a family wine sauce. Get crab meat on top if you want to really get crazy!

Pic's on 45th is another place my parents frequent. They live just around the corner. I intend to try next time I'm in town. I'll let you know...

Pic's is good but make sure they are open. They have been open & closed for varying periods due to staffing problems--per their sign.

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Pic's on 45th is another place my parents frequent. They live just around the corner.

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Your folks must live a just a couple of blocks from us

not too elegant but my vote is for sonny's place. be sure to check out the bullet mark

The boss has picked Fisherman's Wharf and Waterman's. Are these good places, too?

(If not, the boss is a Sooner, so that may explain it....)

I like Fisherman's Wharf. It's a typical touristy joint, but it's got a great view of the bay and the Elissa is parked right next to it.

McInnis, my folks are in Cedar Lawn. I agree with your assessment of Fisherman's Wharf. They aren't going to knock your lips off, but they'll get the job done.

Waterman's is pretty good. You will get a good look at the west end of the island. They have a nice patio with a view of the bay and Galveston Country Club. My last visit was about seven years ago for my brother's engagement party. We had a buffet style spread and everything was good.

I had Pic's last night. It was good. I had the roasted duck. I really enjoyed it. My mom ordered a black eyed pea and crawfish soup that was delicious. Great bread too.

I will say they could stand to add more items to the menu. There were only six or seven entres to choose from. The price range is $15-$25.

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not too elegant but my vote is for sonny's place. be sure to check out the bullet mark

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I finally made it back to Sonny's too. Man they know how to put a chili cheeseburger together. My brother and I both had one. Not messy at all, just plain good.

The chili cheeseburgers and shrimp buns at Sonny's are greatness.

"Dimitri's....just across the causeway."

Definitely causal dress here...