Galveston sailing

[jbond]

I ate at Landry's many years ago when I was visiting Dallas. Must be over 15 years. I was quite impressed, as I remember, but then I was also quite impressed with Willie G's. I don't profess to be a gourmet, but I do enjoy good food served in a very nice atmosphere, like Willie G's.

[Galveston Cruiser]

Casey's next to Gaido's at about 3800 Seawall. Great burgers and onion rings besides seafood. Reasonably priced and family owned, not a chain like Joe's and Fisherman's. Gaido's is also great, but pricey. Same family owns both and have been in business around 60 years.

 

Over 100 years now.

There are some other great privately owned restaurants on the Island:

Saltwater Grill, Rudy & Paco's, Sky Bar, DiBella's, Olympia at Pier 21 and Seawall, Mosquito Café, Original Mexican Café, Sunflower Bakery, Shy Katz, M&M, The Spot, Stingereee on Bolivar etc.

Just can't go into a chain - all the same institutional food:(

[JYD Hawkeye]

Need a good restaurant for a group that some love seafood & others will not eat it. Need combo seafood, beef, chicken and is reasonably priced for dinner.

If you have a car, try Noah's Ark. It is about 12-15 miles out of Galveston in Bacliff and they have a restaurant.com coupon. If you are eating on the island, try Fisherman's Wharf, right down on the pier next to cruise ships. Here is some of the menu for Noah's Ark.

NOAH'S ARK BAR AND GRILL • 4438 Boulevard, Bacliff, Texas 77518 • (281) 339-2895 • Open 7 Days a Week

 

Noah's Shrimp Boat (3) Fried, (3) Fried w/Coconut, (3) Grilled, (3) Boiled, Served with Rice Pilaf $16.95

Ribeye Steak & Shrimp 12 oz. USDA Choice Ribeye & (5) Shrimp, Served w/Twice Baked Potato $19.95

Ribeye Steak 12 oz USDA Choice Ribeye, Served w/Twice Baked Potato $17.95

(Add Sauteéd Mushrooms to your Steak for Just $1.00 more.)

 

(Served w/Dinner Salad or Cole Slaw, French Fries, Jalapeno Hush Puppies & Garlic Toast)

Fisherman's Platter Shrimp, Oysters, Catfish, Stuffed Crab & Crab Cake $19.95

Admiral's Platter (Pick Three) Shrimp, Oysters, Catfish, Stuffed Crab or Crab Cake $17.95

Captain Noah's Platter (Pick Two) Shrimp, Oysters, Catfish, Stuffed Crab or Crab Cake $15.95

 

 

Coconut Shrimp Platter $16.95

Shrimp Platter $15.95

Catfish Platter $14.95

Oyster Platter $14.95

Crab Cake Platter $14.95

 

GRILLED FAVORITES

(Served w/Dinner Salad or Cole Slaw Rice Pilaf & Garlic Toast)

Mahi Mahi Platter $17.95

Served w/a Cream Sauce (Add $1.00 for Blackened, Lemon Pepper, or Cajun Spice)

Shrimp Platter $15.95

Grilled in Garlic Butter (Add $1.00 for Blackened, Lemon Pepper, or Cajun Spice)

Catfish Platter $15.95

Grilled in Garlic Butter (Add $1.00 for Blackened, Lemon Pepper, or Cajun Spice)

Smothered Chicken Breast $11.95

w/Sauteéd Mushrooms & Mozzerella Cheese

Grilled Chicken Breast $10.95

Grilled w/ Garlic Butter

 

OTHER FAVORITES

(Served w/Garlic Toast & Choice of 2 Sides)

Smothered Hamburger Steak w/ Sauteéd Mushrooms & Mozzarella Cheese $10.95

Fried Chicken Breast Covered w/Country Gravy $10.95

Chicken Fried Steak Covered in Country Gravy $9.95

Hamburger Steak Served w/Grilled Onions & Brown Gravy on Top $9.95

Noah's Meatloaf (Homemade) w/Brown Gravy on Top $9.95

Liver & Onions Covered in Grilled Onions & Brown Gravy $9.95

[jbond]

Just can't go into a chain - all the same institutional food

Guess I must like institutional food, I even enjoy Ruth's Chris, great steaks.

But then, I also enjoy the food in the MDR. As I said, I'm definitely no gourmet, I just like to eat.

Filled in a ports of call survey from RCI yesterday. Gave Galveston a 9 for it's food.:)

[ssb]

Guess I must like institutional food, I even enjoy Ruth's Chris, great steaks.

But then, I also enjoy the food in the MDR. As I said, I'm definitely no gourmet, I just like to eat.

Filled in a ports of call survey from RCI yesterday. Gave Galveston a 9 for it's food.:)

 

We don't dislike chains.

All the Landry's restaurants are good!

They are very successful!!!

We just support local more than the chains!!

There are excellent restaurants in Galveston!

And yes we do like MDR food also.

 

Thanks for the 9 in survey for Galveston food!

 

However, how else did you rate Galveston other than food?

As open minded as you seem to be about eating,

why is that Galveston is so boring to you?

Galveston has great locally owned restaurants!

There is alot to do in Galveston

with wonderful continuing daily, weekly and annual events and venues!

The comments by others can't be all wrong!

Come back and experience it on, and give Galveston a chance!

WHY NOT AS RCCL SAYS!!!!!

Maybe you need to STIRR IT UP a little!

The servere heat and cold where you live has to get demanding.

Truly hope for you the fires are kept at bay!

 

Incidentally Landry's is owned by a home grown Galveston man.

After all he learned something from his family

that was in the entertaiment business.

That is a whole another story.

 

Here are some other Landry's restaurants and venues for your information,

which obviously also have good food,

in addition to others mentioned in earlier thread.

These don't even include Casino's.

Kemah Boardwalk

Yak & Yeti

Vic & Anthony's

Tower of the Americas

T-REX

Red Sushi

Rusty Pelican

SHe By Morton's

Simms Steakhouse

Muer Seafood Restaurants

The Oceanaire

Peohe's

Morton's The Steakhouse

McCormick & Schmick's

Mastro's Restaurants

Mai Tai Bar

La Griglia

Harlow's

The Flying Dutchman

The Crab House

Claim Jumper

Chart House

The Boathouse Restaurant

Brenner's Steakhouse

Cadillac Bar

Charley's Crab

Boardwalk FantaSea

Big Fish Seafood Bistro

Babin's Seafood House

Downtown Aquarium

Aquarium

[jbond]

However, how else did you rate Galveston other than food?

I didn't rate it very high. It was my least favorite port, I was very disappointed with Galveston, I expected so much more. The weather was a big problem, very cold, wet and windy. It looked run down, trash in the gutters and weeds growing in cracks in the sidewalks, I gave it a 4 on cleanliness. Gave it a 7 on shopping. It got a 9 on efficiency at the port, a 10 on safety, and a 9 on friendliness. Points of interest got a 6. Probably would have been higher if the Maritime Museum had been open and better weather. On our roll call board, people posted that they moved to that area for the good weather. The following week when arrived back in Galveston, the weather was no better. raining cats and dogs and cold. Seriously, it was one the most miserable weather days I've had in many years and I live in an area that has four seasons. I know this will upset all the Galveston cheerleaders, but that's my opinion. It would have to be a very desirable cruise for me to sail out of Galveston again.

[ssb]

I didn't rate it very high. It was my least favorite port, I was very disappointed with Galveston, I expected so much more. The weather was a big problem, very cold, wet and windy. It looked run down, trash in the gutters and weeds growing in cracks in the sidewalks, I gave it a 4 on cleanliness. Gave it a 7 on shopping. It got a 9 on efficiency at the port, a 10 on safety, and a 9 on friendliness. Points of interest got a 6. Probably would have been higher if the Maritime Museum had been open and better weather. On our roll call board, people posted that they moved to that area for the good weather. The following week when arrived back in Galveston, the weather was no better. raining cats and dogs and cold. Seriously, it was one the most miserable weather days I've had in many years and I live in an area that has four seasons. I know this will upset all the Galveston cheerleaders, but that's my opinion. It would have to be a very desirable cruise for me to sail out of Galveston again.

 

 

Galveston has four seasons here also.

Most of the same weather we have

comes from your Northwest US and affects you, West and Northwest US, Texas, Southeast, and some of it moves up to Northeast.

Whats the difference? Weather isn't boring, it's our life line.

 

Galveston having been thru a hurricane, give us a break,

thats like saying your valley and mountains are ugly

because you have had fires and drought.

 

As for as the Maritime Museum being closed,

its all back going strong along with the historic tall ship

that has been going thru renovations!

Sorry mother nature inconvenienced your expectations!

[jbond]

Galveston has four seasons here also.

When the average low in January is 45 and 48 in February, I'd hardly call that winter.:rolleyes:

I would have really liked/enjoyed visiting the Tall Ship. I'm fascinated by that kind of history. Maybe if they have a cruise out of Galveston that I can't resist, I'll get a chance to see it and visit the much touted Gaido's.:D

[ssb]

When the average low in January is 45 and 48 in February, I'd hardly call that winter.:rolleyes:

I would have really liked/enjoyed visiting the Tall Ship. I'm fascinated by that kind of history. Maybe if they have a cruise out of Galveston that I can't resist, I'll get a chance to see it and visit the much touted Gaido's.:D

 

Everything is relative!

 

We are long time volunteers with Historical Foundation

and other organizations which includes the Elissa Tall ship. - galvestonhistory.org

and one of my grandaughter's is named Elissa. :D

galvestonhistory.org/1877_Tall_Ship_ELISSA

 

Maybe you will have a chance to visit again!

Let us know if you do?

We would be glad to help you experience Galveston

for what it is!!

And if you were luckly enough,

the Elissa sails a few times a year!

[TEXASMUNK]

Instead of looking for the nearest TV camera to demand, plead, beg and demand help and money....after Galveston was destroyed by the hurricane, the people of Galveston went about their Number One business: Re-building their homes, businesses and island.

 

Yeah,there was alot to do and there still is alot to do, but they are Texans, and it will be done!!!!

[Galveston Cruiser]

Instead of looking for the nearest TV camera to demand, plead, beg and demand help and money....after Galveston was destroyed by the hurricane, the people of Galveston went about their Number One business: Re-building their homes, businesses and island.

 

Yeah,there was alot to do and there still is alot to do, but they are Texans, and it will be done!!!!

 

Thanks TexasMunk:)

Only cried twice - once when I found out our 1865 home was flooded while evacuated (6 months before we were back in our home).

Second: seeing my mother's silver under water and yuck and stuff - horrible (but got it cleaned and it looks beautiful):)

 

Texas is not only a State; it is a State of Mind:D

 

Can't imagine someone rating a city because there were a few days of bad weather - jeez:confused:

[jbond]

Can't imagine someone rating a city because there were a few days of bad weather - jeez

__________________

 

Didn't rate it on it's bad weather, although that didn't help. Rated it on it's dirty streets. RCI asked for my opinions based on my stay there, just like they asked for my opinions on the other ports of call.

Jeez, take off the rose colored glasses, we all see things differently and we're all entitled to our opinions. Sorry mine don't agree with yours.

[Galveston Cruiser]

I didn't rate it very high. It was my least favorite port, I was very disappointed with Galveston, I expected so much more. The weather was a big problem, very cold, wet and windy. It looked run down, trash in the gutters and weeds growing in cracks in the sidewalks, I gave it a 4 on cleanliness. Gave it a 7 on shopping. It got a 9 on efficiency at the port, a 10 on safety, and a 9 on friendliness. Points of interest got a 6. Probably would have been higher if the Maritime Museum had been open and better weather. On our roll call board, people posted that they moved to that area for the good weather. The following week when arrived back in Galveston, the weather was no better. raining cats and dogs and cold. Seriously, it was one the most miserable weather days I've had in many years and I live in an area that has four seasons. I know this will upset all the Galveston cheerleaders, but that's my opinion. It would have to be a very desirable cruise for me to sail out of Galveston again.

 

Bad Weather - I would say that was your biggest complaint.

I assume you were here in February - not the best month, but there 11-1/2 others:)

Nice comment about rose colored glasses:rolleyes:

I know what the city looks like, but I also know a great portion is awesome, has the 2nd largest number of Victorian homes in the U.S., has suffered 2 devastating hurricanes in 108 years and is still here.

 

Please return and will show you all this great city has to offer.

[bighairtexan]

I only cruise out of Galveston because it's close to the DFW area. I'm not a fan in general. I happen to prefer either the CA ports (few cruises though) or Miami or FLL. It doesn't mean I'm bashing Galveston because I'm not a fan. And I know folks that just plain don't like the FL or the CA home ports. Hopefully, we can all express our opinions, because they are just that, OUR opinions.

[TEXASMUNK]

My intent was not to diminish the opinions of the folks from Ca. It was to view Galveston for what it is post hurricane...an alternative point of view.

 

Probably the best and most positive thing you can say about cruising out of Galveston is what the crews of RCI, Carnival, NCL, Princess and Celebrity have all said about Galveston: The crews love the passenger base....they have never experienced passengers that are as friendly, couteous to them and each other and just plain happy in any other home port.

[jbond]

My intent was not to diminish the opinions of the folks from Ca. It was to view Galveston for what it is post hurricane...an alternative point of view.

 

Probably the best and most positive thing you can say about cruising out of Galveston is what the crews of RCI, Carnival, NCL, Princess and Celebrity have all said about Galveston: The crews love the passenger base....they have never experienced passengers that are as friendly, couteous to them and each other and just plain happy in any other home port.

As I said in an earlier post, I gave the people a 9 on friendliness. As for hurricane recovery, the State of Texas received $3.1B in aid. Galveston may have recovered a little faster if the Texas State Legislature hadn't taken 2 1/2 years to release just 10% of that aid.

[ssb]

As I said in an earlier post, I gave the people a 9 on friendliness. As for hurricane recovery, the State of Texas received $3.1B in aid. Galveston may have recovered a little faster if the Texas State Legislature hadn't taken 2 1/2 years to release just 10% of that aid.

 

 

You are way off your complaint subjects in first post

of Galveston.

1. bad weather,

2. Maritime museum was closed

3. boring

 

So why can't you see that

rather than blasting Galveston.

Galveston has yet to receive funding

because of conditions placed on Galveston.

Texans and Galvestonians are independent souls

and don't like to be told what to do,

unless they agreed to it in the first place.

 

So I guess we have an excuse

for why we haven't

completed recovery.

 

Rain storms, cold weather and hurricanes are Mother Nature.

You have yet to further any conversation about your ugly comment about boring.

[TEXASMUNK]

I said it before, but you are making the effort to assume all LIFE originates in Washington.. Please re-read: I said they did not wait, they went to work on their own homes and businesses.

 

I totally understand your point of view, coming from a state that is BROKE!!!!!

 

We are not, we have a surplus. "Insert ENVY here"

 

I would recommend you sail out of California...oh, that is right, you don't have any RCI ships sailing otu of southern California.

[Galveston Cruiser]

The State has been holding the recovery money to fund other projects in other counties and to force Galveston to re-build ALL (as in: for the entire county) ALL public housing on an island, in a flood zone, prone to hurricanes.

$21 million was just released the end of July for infrastructure - 5 YEARS AFTER IKE!

Another $103 million sits in the wings for Galveston, but ONLY if we re-build public housing at an estimated cost of $250,000 per unit for "free housing".

 

In other words, the small island City is to take care of all the indigent, those on the dole and generations of welfare recipients.

Kind of a slap in the face for all of us who have worked, paid for our homes and insurance:confused:

[jbond]

The one thing I've learned from this thread is DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS. No more opinions about your wonderful state, it's amazingly independent people and it's fantastic historical city of Galveston.

Of course, this doesn't change my opinion about anything. Bye.

[Jiminy1955]

I for one am definitely excited about cruising out of Galveston. Only wish we could go a few days earlier than 1 day pre cruise to check the place out. My BFF has sailed w/RCI roughly 10 times & says Galveston is her favorite port to sail from. The 1st time she was there they spent the entire week pre cruise in Galveston & loved it! Weather doesn't bother us, been to a lot of areas where they were experiencing "abnormal" weather for the time of year. The whole experience is what we enjoy!

[lrn2cruise]

Fly into hobby from seattle and come on to Galveston

 

Agree totally. Fly into Hobby. It is closer. Houston traffic can be a "bite in the be-hind"

 

I think I would rent a car, but I am sure there are shuttles to Galveston

[lrn2cruise]

I for one am definitely excited about cruising out of Galveston. Only wish we could go a few days earlier than 1 day pre cruise to check the place out. My BFF has sailed w/RCI roughly 10 times & says Galveston is her favorite port to sail from. The 1st time she was there they spent the entire week pre cruise in Galveston & loved it! Weather doesn't bother us, been to a lot of areas where they were experiencing "abnormal" weather for the time of year. The whole experience is what we enjoy!

 

 

Galveston is a great town. I never swim in the ocean there though. I love the old mansions. I could do that all day. There is now a boardwalk with rides, etc. I have not been as of yet. Also, if you cross the ferry, you can go to Crystal Beach. It is just beach houses, no hotels, etc. We love it there. We can go there and stay in a beach house for a week and do nothing. Hurrican Ivan wiped Crystal Beach out but it is coming back. We were in a beach house the week before Ivan hit. The beach house we stayed in is GONE!!!!!

 

If we cruise again, it will most likely be out of Galveston on the Navigator

[Galveston Cruiser]

Ike is the hurricane that hit Bolivar and Galveston in 2008.

Ivan hit the Cayman Islands years ago.

[satxdiver]

The one thing I've learned from this thread is DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS. No more opinions about your wonderful state, it's amazingly independent people and it's fantastic historical city of Galveston.

Of course, this doesn't change my opinion about anything. Bye.

 

Amen to that and I live in this state.