Coastal Grill — Restaurant in Galveston

1st Experience:

Don't miss this hidden gem, on Strand just two blocks east of the Hendley Green. Food was very good - this time around we just got carry out but are planning another trip for dine in. I am certain it will earn a fifth star with table service!

2nd & 3rd Experience:

Very impressed with the quality and speed of my two sit down meals here. Items are plated in a manner consistant with many of the fine dining options in Galveston. Portions are hearty, savory and of excellent quality. Continuity of the services offered has been great. I really wanted to give a fifth star to this venue however I feel the overall experience is jarred by a concept that lacks genuine service basics. You enter the facility are are greeted quickly. There is some confusion at this point as it is incumbent upon the customer to approch the counter to place their order with no real que or signage. I am lukewarm with this hands off service approch. After ordering guest checks are presented with a tip line before being served. During my visits no less than three people, sometimes as many as five assisted me. It is hard to tip pre service for obvious reasons. On my second visit they were fairly busy and it was awkward to get drinks refilled. I felt like customers should have access to a refill station or alternativly assigning waitstaff would have been far superior to what at times felt like haphazard service. The owner greeted my table and was very outgoing and friendly. The concept is standing in the way of what could become a staple of the Galveston lineup of...

Don't let the location make you 2nd guess your decision to go in. It's a charming place with the friendliest people in Galveston! Food is delicious..... prices are fabulous for the serving sizes. CAUTION: The sides are definitely sized to share! You'll probably go home with air fryer left overs! (Onion Strings: YES please). Crab Cake Appetizer: Definitely a 'yes' (psst: The plate sauce is a carrot puree) Ahi Tuna Mango Avocado Stack..... OMGoodness yes! The fried shrimp and fish was perfect! This place is a favorite for locals, so they are comfortable with the service model of going to the counter to place their order. This was our 1st time (not sure how we missed it) and it was a little awkward to get started, BUT the bonus with this service style is the SERVICE. They all share the tips, so EVERYONE is happy to help you out! (No one thinks: "that's not my table"). We interacted with 4 team members total and everyone was extremely efficient and friendly. Someone is always available to run your food, bus your table and answer your questions. Super fun place, with great food, full bar service, and an excellent friendly staff. 2 adults: we got 2 appetizers (couldn't just pick ONE😉) + 2 BEERS + 2 Cocktails + 2 Dinner Entrees + 3 Sides was $109.33 (before tip), and we have enough leftovers for another complete meal! That's not even possible anywhere else in Galveston! Go ahead..... park the car and...

Wide varied menu. Tough to decide what to get. Plus they had two chalkboards of specials that looked good.

I had the Coastal Brisket Burger. The big 1/2 lb patty was the star of the flavor. The meat had a good crunchy exterior and the interior was moist and meaty. The sweet bun complimented the beef well.

My wife got the Shrimp Kabob. Its shrimp tasted fresh and the veggies were crisp and cooked perfectly. The kabob could have been larger, but at only $7, my wife plans to get two next time.

Sides are ala carte so I got sweet potato fries. They were crispy outside, soft inside and sweet throughout. It was a large portion that could support two easily.

I saw a number of other things on the menu that I want to try. We will be back. Early June 2020

I tried the fried fish and shrimp this time. The crust on both was very hard. In fact, a bit too hard and didn't have much flavor. The fish was a large catfish filet that was a bit mushy inside, and the hard crust made it easier to eat like a sandwich than with a fork. The shrimp were just okay since the crust didn't add any flavor.

My wife had fried shrimp and oysters. She found the crust on both of them also too hard and tasteless.

We shared an order of onion straws. They were great and there were enough that four could have shared. ...