First-time authors Heidi Lutz and Christine Ruiz Hopkins wrote “100 Things to do in Galveston Before You Die,” which was released in April. Courtesy photo
‘Passion project’
Where the steaks are high
When it comes to beef, these coastal eateries sizzle
Officially, chili is the state dish. But Texans are nearly 14 times more likely to think steak is, according to trade group Beef Loving Texans, which conducted a survey with the Texas Department of Agriculture to test theories on Texans’ passion for beef. Whether you like it rare or well done, these restaurants know steak.
The 6-ounce tenderloin, clockwise from top, tenderloin medallions with fried shrimp, 16-ounce rib-eye with sautéed mushrooms and onions and the 10-ounce New York strip with blackened shrimp are just some of the options at Dickinson Bar-B-Q and Steakhouse. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Dickinson Bar-B-Que & Steakhouse
For appetites big and small, this eatery has it all. If you’re really hungry, try the Super Cut 24-ounce rib-eye or New York strip steak, or the petite 7-ounce version with a garden salad or cup of soup.
2111 FM 517 E., Dickinson, 281.534.2500
Galvez Bar & Grill
In addition to its popular Sunday brunch, this island restaurant features some of the most succulent, tender steaks around. Try the ancho-spiked demi-glazed 8-ounce angus filet or the Cajun-inspired angus rib-eye.
2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.515-2145
LongHorn Steakhouse
This restaurant’s signature steak is the bone-in Outlaw Rib-eye. But also try Flo’s Filet, a center-cut filet with a buttery texture that’s become a guest favorite. Or try the fire-grilled T-Bone steak.
19019 Interstate 45 N., Webster, 281.332.0840
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
If you like your steak served with idyllic water views and prepared by artisans, 13 is your lucky number. Celebrate rodeo season with a 28-ounce Cowboy Cut 30-day dry-aged bone-in rib-eye. Steaks are grilled over Texas oak, made-to-order and served in a setting both refined and welcoming.
7809 Broadway, Galveston, 409.572.2650
Opus Bistro & Steakhouse
On the lobby level of the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center and overlooking the picturesque marina, this new restaurant has fast become a favorite. Pair the made-to-order steaks with such signature sauces as au poivre, truffle butter or wild mushroom.
2500 South Shore Blvd., League City, 281.334.5225
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Here they ask you to “savor the experience, from selection to service,” and with that comes some of the juiciest and tastiest steaks this side of heaven. From the filet mignon to the tomahawk rib-eye, the offerings at this fine-dining restaurant are for serious steak aficionados.
700 Baybrook Mall, Houston, 281.286.8800
Saltgrass Steak House
This wallet and family friendly steakhouse is known for such flavorful offerings as Cajun top sirloin seasoned with blackened spice and topped with andouille sausage, crawfish, grilled jumbo shrimp and Cajun cream sauce, or Maudeen’s center-cut filet with choice of toppings.
1502 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.762.4261; 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah, 281.538.5441; 20241 Interstate 45 N., Webster, 281.338.9778
Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks
Islanders and visitors flock here for the floor-to-ceiling views of the Gulf waters and those Moody Garden pyramids, not to mention prime steak. Date night? OpenTable has named Shearn’s one of the most romantic restaurants in America. Try the chateaubriand for two.
7 Hope Blvd., Galveston, 409.683.4554
The prime tomahawk with three sauces — shallot demi, bearnaise sauce and creamed horseradish — at The Steakhouse at the San Luis Resort in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Landry’s
The Steakhouse at the San Luis Resort
Voted “Best Steakhouse on the Coast” by Texas Monthly magazine and “Best Place for Steak” by readers of The Galveston County Daily News, The Steakhouse serves such favorites as Texas bone-in rib-eye with mustard horseradish crust and the 40-ounce prime tomahawk with three sauces — demi, béarnaise sauce and creamed horseradish. It’s all served in an elegant ambience featuring hand-crafted mahogany woodwork and leather furnishings.
5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.740.8606
The tenderloin filet with whipped potatoes and sautéed broccolini at Vargas Cut & Catch in Galveston. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Vargas Cut & Catch by Paco
The latest venture of island restaurateur Paco Vargas and family, this restaurant in Galveston’s downtown is a contemporary steakhouse revered for both prime and wagyu cuts. Whether it’s New York strip or Texas Akaushi filet, this restaurant does it to perfection.
2102 Postoffice St., Galveston, 409.762.2101
Good gravy!
These restaurants serve up Texas-sized, chicken-fried steak
Aw shucks
These area eateries serve up fresh oysters in the most delicious ways
Pho sure
A Vietnamese broth-based dish is warmly received on the Texas Coast
Soul patrol
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Piece of the pie
Tony Keill places a pizza in the oven at MOD Pizza in League City. Photo by Stuart Villanueva
Anyway you slice it, the upper Texas coast has plenty of pizzerias
Sports bar super stars
A classic hamburger topped with cheese and all the trimmings with french fries at 6th St. Garage Bar & Kitchen in Texas City. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds
Where to watch the game and score good food
Catch of the day
From shacks to swanky venues, these restaurants know seafood
Battle of the burgers
The Mexi Burger at TJ Reed’s Better Burgers & Shakes in Dickinson is topped with avocado, chili con queso, blistered jalapeños, beer-braised onions, lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds