We have been vacationing in Galveston for years, try to eat only local and are becoming disappointed by the options available - Joe's Crab Shack bought out HIll's - we used to go to the Pier 21 location every year. Ocean Grill became a Hooter's before Ike destroyed it.
Gaido's used to be at the top of our list, but we have been disappointed in it the past several trips. It used to be a nice, "dress-up" dinner out, but this trip, we sat next to people who looked like they just walked in off the beach, two annoying women were behind us, and a couple with a fussy baby were across from us. At least the waitress didn't bring me a platter of shrimp and then argue with me when I told her it wasn't what I ordered (I'm allergic to shrimp). We sent back a second night just for dessert, and the person at the door was quite rude and wouldn't seat us or let us order take out. We may just cross it off our list for future trips.
Now Casey's next door is a different story. We had lunch there one day and dinner another night. We also tried to go in late for dessert one night (between 8:30 and 9:00) and weren't seated or served, but the manager was very nice about it, apoligized for them already being closed and not having anything available to send with us. When we went back for dinner the next day, he remembered us stopping in the night before and sent us dessert. The food was excellent, the staff polite and helpful, and prices were reasonable. We will definately be going back to Casey's.
Rudy and Paco's - our new favorite place. The snapper with rasberry chipolte sauce simply cannot be beat - best meal I've had. Dress nice and call for reservations. Expensive - but well worth the cost. Have a coupls of drinks at the Stork Club across the street before dinner - much more affordable drinks there.
Picked up brisket and sausage, beans and potato salad and cole slaw at Leon's and took it back to the hotel for lunch. Still the oldest son's favorite - he was one happy boy when someone in our group pointed out that Leon catered weddings - his girlfriend was less than thrilled. I still want to try Queen's because of what I've read here, but Leon's is still our favorite barbecue place on the Island.
Fishtails is pretty good, The Spot was great.