Benno's Cajun Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Galveston

Galveston eateries, they can be like a game of roulette, you may get lucky and the food tastes good or you maybe not. No matter what typically you usually feel like you need to take out a second mortgage to dine in these establishments. However Benno's is reasonably priced, good sized portions packed with loads of flavor. So dont get me wrong this is not your typical sit down waitress takes your order dining, you have to walk up to the counter and order your food. However the food runner is friendly and will bring your food with a smile and refill your drink if need be. Its not as crowded as other restaurants, it has great ocean views and nice patio area where you can enjoy the sea breeze. Our recent trip I ate the 12 Cajun grilled shrimp with potatoes, coleslaw and garlic bread (its not a single piece of garlic toast like most restaurants, its probably half a loaf of bread). My lovely wife had the fried shrimp and tilapia with French fries and hushpuppies, they graciously let her substitute her coleslaw for garlic bread. Both dishes had great flavor and were cooked to perfection. All to often I order a "cajun" dish and it tastes like they used seasoned salt and a dash of paprika, no kick, no spice. I was not disappointed here, just enough spice to make me say, damn I need a sip of my drink, but not to much where I had to recover from eating...I digress, wonderful establishment, chill atmosphere with a come as you are vibe. No fancy stuff, just delicious food...

This was one of the better menus I've sampled in Galveston. If I were on a tight budget, I wouldn't recommend it. The atmosphere is clean, sparse, views are pretty outstanding. It's neutrality and extensive menu would make it good for a large group, or a business meeting. Not sure what Galveston incomes are like, but if you're ready to spend some, on vacation or whatnot, if you're already on the beach, walk there as I did. I could see parking being sparse on very busy weekends.

Day two review: I added another star, making it a 5 star review after having the gumbo today. It's probably the best gumbo I've had in Galveston, and in a long time. In our family, we would normally not combine the seafood...it would either be a seafood gumbo, or a chicken n sausage. Because they put only shrimp in at benno, it works. But the star was the chicken, it was so perfect. The seasoning was absolutely spot on too. My plan is to try the mufaletta tomorrow for day three...if that's excellent, I might have to lobby Google for a sixth star. Day one: I had the fried shrimp, and enjoyed the quality, the hush puppies were fine and fries were interesting. I also had the jambalaya, and it's good, certainly authentic IMHO. I don't recommend the key lime pie, it's from a vendor... But I'm looking forward to going back and trying the mufaletta for instance, the gumbo, so I may have to rereview. Overall, it was a clean,...

Family owned and fresh seafood unlike some of the chains on the SeaWall. The shrimp basket is $17 but comes will 12 fat lightly corn meal battered shrimp, crunchy battered fries, cole slaw and three hush puppies. A side of cole slaw is a small bowl for $2.25, same as a side of hush puppies (8!). Generous pour of Chardonnay (only white wine) in a beer mug for $6. The cole slaw is crunchy, fresh and not heavy with dressing. Highly recommend this unpretentious, clean, family owned business! Lots on the menu, including Cajun inspired if you so desire.

Update We went to Benno’s Monday 7/12/21 around 7 pm. I’ve seen some negative posts and have to say that service, food and portions were all on point this evening . Fresh, hot, plentiful and delicious! Husband had the fried shrimp platter and I had the shrimp po’ boy. The fries were amazing! Battered and crispy. Their cole slaw is perfection, not too much dressing and just the right seasoning. Huge order of the best hush puppies on the island for $2.25. $6 white wine...in a beer mug! 9/3/24 Our go to for casual seafood. We split the fried shrimp, order of hush puppies and extra order or Cole slaw and still didn’t finish it all. The dries are lightly battered, I have to push...