Every time we visit Galveston, there’s one place we always make a point to stop—and that’s Shrimp N Stuff. Tucked away from the tourist-heavy bustle of the Strand and Seawall, this local favorite in downtown Galveston offers some of the best seafood on the island—without the inflated prices or overcrowded vibe.
Their fish tacos are absolutely unbeatable. I especially love them with the fried catfish, which is always crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The tacos are generously topped with fresh shredded cabbage, a hodgepodge of fixings: corn, beans, etc, and a smoky chipotle-style sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and flavor.
My kids are obsessed with the fried catfish filets—they’re golden, tender, and never greasy. It’s comforting, Southern-style seafood that’s both family-friendly and packed with flavor. The whole menu is filled with delicious options, from shrimp and fish to po’boys and more, but we keep coming back to those tacos and catfish!
The atmosphere at Shrimp N Stuff is casual and welcoming, with both indoor and outdoor seating available depending on your mood or the weather. Whether you’re grabbing a relaxed lunch or enjoying a breezy dinner outside, the vibe is always friendly and laid-back. The staff is consistently warm, helpful, and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Parking is easy, with convenient spots available both along the street and in their private lot out back—a rarity in many parts of Galveston! And unlike many of the restaurants on the Seawall or Strand, Shrimp N Stuff feels authentic and local—not touristy or overpriced.
This place has become a tradition for our family, and we honestly can't imagine a trip to Galveston without a stop here. If you're looking for fresh, flavorful seafood in a relaxed setting, Shrimp N Stuff is the place to go. Hands down, the best seafood...
Read moreI have been eating here all my life, and as a BOI (Born on Island), this restaurant is part of who I am. It is not just a place to grab a meal. It is tied to decades of memories, traditions, and flavors that have stayed the same year after year. From the moment you walk in, the local vibe is undeniable. The staff is friendly, the service is warm, and the food has that consistency that makes you trust it every single time. The menu is stacked with favorites, and narrowing it down is always the hardest part. The hush puppies are some of the best you will ever taste, golden on the outside and soft inside, with the right amount of seasoning. The crab balls are a classic starter and always come out flavorful, crisp, and perfectly prepared. The crab salad is fresh, light, and delicious, and it pairs well with anything else you order. Then there is the po’ boy, built on soft bread that hugs the generous fillings just right. And of course, the gumbo deserves special recognition. It still tastes exactly the same as it did when I was younger, rich with spice and tradition in every spoonful. This restaurant has been so much a part of island life that even my high school teacher used to let us sneak out of class just to go pick up food from here. We would come back with bags in hand, and she would be just as excited as we were. That memory always makes me smile because it shows how beloved this spot has been for generations of locals. On top of the food, the drinks hit just as strong. The Dr Pepper here is hands down the best in town, always cold, crisp, and fizzy, the perfect finishing touch to any meal. For me, this place is more than a restaurant. It is Galveston tradition. From the hush puppies to the crab salad, from the gumbo to the po’ boys, everything is made with love and consistency. I am proud to be BOI, proud to have grown up on this food, and proud to keep coming back for...
Read moreWe had taken a drive along the sea wall and were looking for a quick bite in the evening. We had actually tried this place out after trying to goto another shrimp place that Google said was open but wasn’t. We were very happy that we happened upon! The restaurant is quaint and clean. Easy parking along both sides even for our big truck. Nice outside seating area too. They were diligently cleaning tables, etc when we came in. They have a good sized menu so lots of choices. We had the fried shrimp, coconut shrimp and crab balls with red potatoes , hush puppies & cole slaw. The shrimp was all AMAZING!! Best coconut shrimp I’ve ever had and I like seafood. The crab balls were delicious also. I don’t usually like hush puppies but theirs were really flavorful and yummy. Small too so it’s wasn’t like a breading overload. You have to try the honey horseradish concoction with the coconut shrimp. It’s genius! I usually don’t like red potatoes boiled because they taste like nothing but these were very good and flavorful. Key lime pie was good - not sure if it was house made though. Would highly recommend stopping in here!! The girls working were very friendly and...
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