Charlie Felts, left, and Chris Simon, owners of Opus Bistro in Clear Lake Shores, serve such fare as Grouper Tropicale and Tropical Crab Salad at their new venture, Opus Ocean Grille, in the Watergate Yachting Center. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Opus owners work on their second Clear Lake Shores masterpiece

Eight years ago, Charlie Felts heard about a waterfront restaurant for lease in the small bayside community of Clear Lake Shores and went to take a look. The place was a little rough around the edges, but Felts saw potential. [Read more…]

Michael Pelischek places steaks in the case at AJ’s Meat Market & Smokehouse in Dickinson. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

An authentic Texas joint with a no-frills approach

It’s 10:30 in the morning, but AJ’s Meat Market & Smokehouse in Dickinson is far from empty. [Read more…]

Pecan-smoked sticky ribs with bourbon cane barbecue sauce and pickled watermelon rind. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Southern coastal restaurant brings out the island’s inner Creole

On the miniature cutting board before me, cornmeal-crusted oysters spill over slabs of Texas toast, revealing lacy leaves of arugula and a deep red tomato so juicy it must have just been sliced. [Read more…]

Valerie Fullen, owner of Oasis Juice Bar & Market, sips an Island Sunrise outside the eatery in the island’s downtown. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Where diners can find wholesome meals in a deep-fried desert

The Gulf Coast dining scene can seem, at least at times, dominated by deep-fried seafood platters and po’boys. While those tasty dishes certainly have their place, discovering an alternative that features organic produce, artisanal products and a wholesome menu is truly like stumbling across, well, an oasis. Oasis Juice Bar & Market has been serving nourishing meals in Galveston’s downtown for more than five years. [Read more…]

Lora Larsen slices into an orange Dreamsicle cake at Eat Dessert First Café in Hitchcock. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Save room for heaping plates of homestyle favorites and decadent treats

Lora Larsen knows a thing or two about dessert. [Read more…]

Jimmy McClure enjoys a chorizo burger on the deck of his Galveston restaurant, Jimmy’s on the Pier. Photo by Irene Amiet

West Enders combine farming and love of food to create clever dishes at Jimmy’s on the Pier

The sweet, dry smell of hay, wool and animal feed permeates the air at the farm of Jimmy and Kelli McClure on Galveston’s West End. [Read more…]

The El Diablo burger at Beyond Burger in Texas City is topped with grilled jalapeños and onions and pepper jack cheese. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Where signature and classic creations earn serious street cred

At Beyond Burger in Texas City, the décor is part roadhouse, part retro, with just a touch of NASA. [Read more…]

Chef and owner Davin Patel, left, and operations manager Rahib Rahman show off some of the dishes offered at Steve’s Landing in Crystal Beach, including Fried Avocado Tacos with homemade sauces and Ceviche Tostadas. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

A place where the salty and sandy can relax, focus on the seafood and watch boats navigate the waterway

Take a quick ferry ride and a 10-mile drive down the highway before one last turn onto an unpaved road that narrows and gradually meanders toward the intracoastal waterway. Steve’s Landing is definitely off the beaten path, but not hard to find. [Read more…]

The Jinya Bun, with thick braised pork and vegetables. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Where an internationally beloved comfort food is taken to new levels and service is lightning fast

The seemingly inauspicious strip center along a busy corridor is an unlikely spot for one of the most delicious noodle joints in the Houston metro area. However, thanks to Jinya Ramen Bar’s magical tonkotsu — the rich, full-flavored umami broth derived from boiling pork bones for hours upon end — geography hasn’t kept customers away. [Read more…]

Kat Kearns, co-owner of ShyKatz in Galveston, shows off the restaurant’s Oreo Cake. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

Where everyone minds their biscuits and fried bologna is on the menu

Stepping into ShyKatz feels a lot more like visiting a loved one’s house than stopping at the neighborhood deli. [Read more…]