Nicky's Pickys
Best for Brunch!
No vacation is complete without a good 'ole Sunday morning brunch! These are my preferred locations for the sacred tradition!
Gourmet offerings in it's own little mini beach town. The décor is Joanna Gaines meets coastal cool. I recommend eating brunch here, the cheesy grits are a must!
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Porch Cafe
1625 E Beach DrGourmet offerings in it's own little mini beach town. The décor is Joanna Gaines meets coastal cool. I recommend eating brunch here, the cheesy grits are a must!
Anywhere that offers chicken and waffles and mimosas is pretty high on my list. Not to mention the bakery and cute setting! This is also a great spot if you are wanting to eat al fresco and enjoy Galveston's salty breeze.
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The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
512 14th StAnywhere that offers chicken and waffles and mimosas is pretty high on my list. Not to mention the bakery and cute setting! This is also a great spot if you are wanting to eat al fresco and enjoy Galveston's salty breeze.
A quaint little cafe with a Rastafari vibe in a historic building on The Strand. Call ahead and ask to reserve a table by the windows on the street, they open up completely and you can people watch while you down quesadillas or a burger.
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Yaga's Cafe
2314 Strand StA quaint little cafe with a Rastafari vibe in a historic building on The Strand. Call ahead and ask to reserve a table by the windows on the street, they open up completely and you can people watch while you down quesadillas or a burger.
Make sure you stop by here and grab a bag of coffee. This adorable couple couldn't be nicer and they roast there own beans! They offer free samples of their coffee too.
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Galveston Coffee Roasters
532 23rd StMake sure you stop by here and grab a bag of coffee. This adorable couple couldn't be nicer and they roast there own beans! They offer free samples of their coffee too.
I love the menu. It has a little bit of everything and everything is yummy.
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Mosquito Cafe
628 14th StI love the menu. It has a little bit of everything and everything is yummy.
The oldest drug store in Texas. Experience a step back in time and enjoy a malt shake at the marble counter.
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Star Drug Store
510 23rd StThe oldest drug store in Texas. Experience a step back in time and enjoy a malt shake at the marble counter.
Food scene
My top recommended restaurants. Please feel free to reach out to me if you are not seeing what you are in the mood for. Bon Appetit!
Talk about an eclectic spot. This funky spot jams Willie Nelson records and an extensive menu. ANYTHING you order will be amazing! Try the one of the biscuit sandwiches or the sleazy mac & cheese. Bonus... there's a bakery and they really know what they're doing.
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Gypsy Joynt
6105 Market StTalk about an eclectic spot. This funky spot jams Willie Nelson records and an extensive menu. ANYTHING you order will be amazing! Try the one of the biscuit sandwiches or the sleazy mac & cheese. Bonus... there's a bakery and they really know what they're doing.
Italian food made to order from the freshest ingredients served in a historical building dating back to 1895. Make reservations and ask for the table next to the antique vault!
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Riondo's Ristorante
2328 Strand StItalian food made to order from the freshest ingredients served in a historical building dating back to 1895. Make reservations and ask for the table next to the antique vault!
Inexpensive country comfort food and seafood with a nice view of the water.
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Miller's Seawall Grill
1824 Seawall BoulevardInexpensive country comfort food and seafood with a nice view of the water.
This is such a cool spot to get lunch or dinner. It is on a fishing pier on the west side of the island. The salty breeze and sunsets are not to be missed.
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Jimmy's on the Pier
9001 Seawall BlvdThis is such a cool spot to get lunch or dinner. It is on a fishing pier on the west side of the island. The salty breeze and sunsets are not to be missed.
A sensory overload for the whole family! Great for the little ones since each table is set in a tropical rainforest. Order the volcano dessert. There's also a ride next door.
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Rainforest Cafe
5310 Seawall BlvdA sensory overload for the whole family! Great for the little ones since each table is set in a tropical rainforest. Order the volcano dessert. There's also a ride next door.
THE BESTCHINESE! A true local favorite. There eggrolls are out of this world! I also really love the Sweet and Sour chicken.
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Tongs Happy Buddha
2827 61st StTHE BESTCHINESE! A true local favorite. There eggrolls are out of this world! I also really love the Sweet and Sour chicken.
A local favorite restaurant across from the beach. This place pretty much stays packed on weekends year round. There is the main restaurant and 3 bars next door. I love the palapas on the third floor bar. It instantly makes your vacation official. Margaritas anyone?
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The Spot
3204 Seawall BlvdA local favorite restaurant across from the beach. This place pretty much stays packed on weekends year round. There is the main restaurant and 3 bars next door. I love the palapas on the third floor bar. It instantly makes your vacation official. Margaritas anyone?
Looking for a date night spot? Treat yourself to steak and seafood with a view of the gulf, I recommend the caviar. Why not?! You're on vacation, try something new.
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Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
7809 Broadway StLooking for a date night spot? Treat yourself to steak and seafood with a view of the gulf, I recommend the caviar. Why not?! You're on vacation, try something new.
Handcrafted beverages and treats in a Victorian building with a touch of midcentury modern charm. You can usually enjoy listening to live music on weekend nights underneath the pergola.
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MOD Coffeehouse
2126 Postoffice StHandcrafted beverages and treats in a Victorian building with a touch of midcentury modern charm. You can usually enjoy listening to live music on weekend nights underneath the pergola.
Hibachi style fine dining at it's best. It's a family owned restaurant and most locals have known the owners for decades.
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Yamato
2104 61st StHibachi style fine dining at it's best. It's a family owned restaurant and most locals have known the owners for decades.
A fairly new addition to the food scene. It's super trendy and great for date night. P.S. It as the only balcony open to the public on the Strand.
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Hearsay on the Strand
2410 Strand StA fairly new addition to the food scene. It's super trendy and great for date night. P.S. It as the only balcony open to the public on the Strand.
Galveston mirrors one of my favorite cities.. New Orleans! Luckily, we also have muffulettas on the island and this delicatessen gem!
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Maceo Spice & Import Company
2706 Market StGalveston mirrors one of my favorite cities.. New Orleans! Luckily, we also have muffulettas on the island and this delicatessen gem!
Texas is known for it's Tex Mex and Galveston definitely has it's share. This is my personal favorite. Order the carne guisada!
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MI Abuelitas Homestyle Mexican Restaurant
1728 45th StTexas is known for it's Tex Mex and Galveston definitely has it's share. This is my personal favorite. Order the carne guisada!
La King's is a must-see! They serve old fashioned soda fountain drinks and Purity ice cream (the first manufacturer of ice cream in Texas). Don't miss the taffy demonstrations by the candy counter!
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La King's Confectionery
2323 Strand StLa King's is a must-see! They serve old fashioned soda fountain drinks and Purity ice cream (the first manufacturer of ice cream in Texas). Don't miss the taffy demonstrations by the candy counter!
A local favorite for its shrimp pizza boy and hush puppies. There’s also a food truck in Jamaica Beach (16603 San Luis Pass Rd) if you d like to take in a scenic drive of the west end.
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Shrimp N Stuff
3901 Avenue OA local favorite for its shrimp pizza boy and hush puppies. There’s also a food truck in Jamaica Beach (16603 San Luis Pass Rd) if you d like to take in a scenic drive of the west end.
Quaint coffee shop in a very beautiful secluded neighborhood. The best part... the adorable boutiques behind the coffee shop named The Sugar Cubes!
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Sugar Bean
11 Evia MainQuaint coffee shop in a very beautiful secluded neighborhood. The best part... the adorable boutiques behind the coffee shop named The Sugar Cubes!
The perfect spot for an extravagantly girly brunch or dinner! I recommend a chilled glass of wine with their margarita pizza. Be sure to check the hours. Sometime they close midday.
Sugar & Rye
The perfect spot for an extravagantly girly brunch or dinner! I recommend a chilled glass of wine with their margarita pizza. Be sure to check the hours. Sometime they close midday.
Things To Do
These spots are the main attractions to the island. Fell free to ask me for more suggestions to cater to your group!
The perfect spot for a family day. Visit the penguins in the Aquarium pyramid or watch butterflies flutter in the Rainforest pyramid. There is also a 3D and 4D theatre, Colonel Paddlewheel boat and Palm Beach.
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I-Moody Gardens
1 Hope BlvdThe perfect spot for a family day. Visit the penguins in the Aquarium pyramid or watch butterflies flutter in the Rainforest pyramid. There is also a 3D and 4D theatre, Colonel Paddlewheel boat and Palm Beach.
Waterfront fun and entertainment for the whole family. Ride the Ferris wheel and see if you can see any dolphins!
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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall BlvdWaterfront fun and entertainment for the whole family. Ride the Ferris wheel and see if you can see any dolphins!
Galveston is full of Victorian beauty. Tour a true Victorian mansion and national historic landmark. This neighborhood is close to Sunflower bakery so take your time driving through the neighborhoods on the way to Bishop's Palace and take in all the architectural splendor.
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I-Palace ye-Bishop
1402 Broadway Avenue JGalveston is full of Victorian beauty. Tour a true Victorian mansion and national historic landmark. This neighborhood is close to Sunflower bakery so take your time driving through the neighborhoods on the way to Bishop's Palace and take in all the architectural splendor.
Watch the sun go down over the harbor and sip a cocktail on The Rooftop bar of The Tremont hotel. The lobby is absolutely gorgeous and will instantly make you feel like sipping an exotic libation.
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The Tremont House
2300 Ship Mechanic Row StWatch the sun go down over the harbor and sip a cocktail on The Rooftop bar of The Tremont hotel. The lobby is absolutely gorgeous and will instantly make you feel like sipping an exotic libation.
Rent a surrey and enjoy a shaded cruise down the Seawall. Kiddos love riding in the balcony front seat.
Joy Bike Rental & Gift Shop
3114 Seawall BlvdRent a surrey and enjoy a shaded cruise down the Seawall. Kiddos love riding in the balcony front seat.
A fun indoor/outdoor brewery that's family friendly. They offer games for the kids and a playground, brewery tours and grub. They occasionally have live music and food trucks too. Try the tiki wheat beer, it's light an refreshing on hot days.
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Galveston Island Brewing
8423 Stewart RdA fun indoor/outdoor brewery that's family friendly. They offer games for the kids and a playground, brewery tours and grub. They occasionally have live music and food trucks too. Try the tiki wheat beer, it's light an refreshing on hot days.
C-Sick Surfing Lessons
4300 Seawall BlvdFeeling adventurous? Learn how to hang ten like the locals.
Visit the Elissa at the Seaport Museum. It's the perfect photo op and a unique slice of history.
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Galveston Historic Seaport - Indawo yezindlu ezithile zezikhumbi ze-1877 ELISSA
8Visit the Elissa at the Seaport Museum. It's the perfect photo op and a unique slice of history.
Our charming little library is actually the oldest library in Texas under continuous operation. Visit the website for free activities for the kids or head to the 3rd floor for the Galveston & Texas History Center. It's all free to the public!
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Rosenberg Library
2310 Sealy AveOur charming little library is actually the oldest library in Texas under continuous operation. Visit the website for free activities for the kids or head to the 3rd floor for the Galveston & Texas History Center. It's all free to the public!
Galveston has a ton of history. It was once considered the wealthiest city in Texas with it's thriving ship terminal, gambling and the infamous red light district. Find out who haunts the island still.
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Galveston Ghost Tour
519 25th StGalveston has a ton of history. It was once considered the wealthiest city in Texas with it's thriving ship terminal, gambling and the infamous red light district. Find out who haunts the island still.
A must-see art gallery in the heart of Postoffice Street. Here style is truly unique and worth checking out. MOD coffee is also next door .
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René Wiley Gallery
2128 Postoffice StA must-see art gallery in the heart of Postoffice Street. Here style is truly unique and worth checking out. MOD coffee is also next door .
Family fun night! I’d recommend going closer to the late afternoon to avoid a sunburn!
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Magic Carpet Golf
9030 Seawall BlvdFamily fun night! I’d recommend going closer to the late afternoon to avoid a sunburn!
This distillery offers tours and tastings if you’re in the mood for something with a little kick!
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Texas Tail Distillery
2416 Postoffice StThis distillery offers tours and tastings if you’re in the mood for something with a little kick!
Axecade
Looking for a fresh new spin on date night? Look no further!
Neighborhoods
The downtown center where it all started. This historical neighborhood is full of Victorian charm at Galveston's best! Definitely plan a day of shopping here and be sure to stop by La Kings confectionary for some ice cream!
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Strand Street
The StrandThe downtown center where it all started. This historical neighborhood is full of Victorian charm at Galveston's best! Definitely plan a day of shopping here and be sure to stop by La Kings confectionary for some ice cream!
A huuuuge stretch of sidewalk, actually the longest continuing sidewalk in the U.S., especially made to protect the island from hurricanes. Lucky you, The Pearl House comes with beach cruisers. So live like a local and go for a beach cruise on the seawall!
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Seawall Boulevard
Seawall BoulevardA huuuuge stretch of sidewalk, actually the longest continuing sidewalk in the U.S., especially made to protect the island from hurricanes. Lucky you, The Pearl House comes with beach cruisers. So live like a local and go for a beach cruise on the seawall!
Take a stroll where the locals go. This neighborhood is full of galleries boutiques, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by Mod coffeehouse. They have live music most weekend evenings.
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Postoffice Street
Postoffice StreetTake a stroll where the locals go. This neighborhood is full of galleries boutiques, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by Mod coffeehouse. They have live music most weekend evenings.
Shopping
I have a true passion for fashion. I am admittedly a shopoholic. Trust me, I know shopping. Here are a few of my can't miss favs.
This is my favorite boutique on the island! It's adorable and in my favorite building on the island Trueheart Adriance. Fun fact: This building was designed by prominent Victorian era architect Nicholas J. Clayton. You will find an eclectic mix of apothecary items, giftables, home décor and of course custom toe rings.
Tippy Toes: Fitted Toe Rings & Gift Shoppe
212 Kempner StThis is my favorite boutique on the island! It's adorable and in my favorite building on the island Trueheart Adriance. Fun fact: This building was designed by prominent Victorian era architect Nicholas J. Clayton. You will find an eclectic mix of apothecary items, giftables, home décor and of course custom toe rings.
Oops! So you forgot to pack the perfect little sundress. This is THE spot on the island for designer boho babe essentials. The owner is usually there wearing the latest arrivals and looking perfectly and effortlessly styled.
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Tangerine Boutique
2218 Postoffice StOops! So you forgot to pack the perfect little sundress. This is THE spot on the island for designer boho babe essentials. The owner is usually there wearing the latest arrivals and looking perfectly and effortlessly styled.
Nestled in the local's neighborhood, Postoffice St., is this clothing boutique and local favorite. When I lived in Austin I always made it a point to comb the racks for a well-priced new top from my hometown boutique.
Ha.bas
2213 Postoffice StNestled in the local's neighborhood, Postoffice St., is this clothing boutique and local favorite. When I lived in Austin I always made it a point to comb the racks for a well-priced new top from my hometown boutique.
Odds and ends in a quirky setting. Don't miss this eclectic assortment of whimsies and what-nots.
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Hendley Market
2010 Strand StOdds and ends in a quirky setting. Don't miss this eclectic assortment of whimsies and what-nots.
Great for gifts and jewelry shopping. Chat with the owner Linda and shop for the perfect conversation piece.
Simply Twisted Boutique Galveston
2208 Postoffice StGreat for gifts and jewelry shopping. Chat with the owner Linda and shop for the perfect conversation piece.
A new addition to Postoffice street. Look for the perfect brunch outfit. I love how feminine this boutique is too!
Kimmy's Boutique
2217 Postoffice StA new addition to Postoffice street. Look for the perfect brunch outfit. I love how feminine this boutique is too!
If you’re looking for nautical antiques this is the place!
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Nautical Antique Warehouse
2202 Mechanic StIf you’re looking for nautical antiques this is the place!
Find lots of elegant Victorian pieces and unique dishes at a fair price.
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Big House Antiques
2212 Mechanic StFind lots of elegant Victorian pieces and unique dishes at a fair price.
This “gifty” boutique has been an island staple for years! It’s newly relocated location is stunning! I love the new collection of clothes.
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Gracie's
2202 Strand StThis “gifty” boutique has been an island staple for years! It’s newly relocated location is stunning! I love the new collection of clothes.
Shop an extensive selection of sun hats and beach totes. Grab a beer or frozen margarita while you’re here!
Tola-Mo Bettah Market
2208 Strand StShop an extensive selection of sun hats and beach totes. Grab a beer or frozen margarita while you’re here!
Nightlife
First time to Texas? Go country dancing! Be forewarned, this is where the college kids tend to go.
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Buckshot Saloon
2409 Market StFirst time to Texas? Go country dancing! Be forewarned, this is where the college kids tend to go.
A local favorite for craft cocktails utilizing unique homemade ingredients and boutique spirits. FYI...Happy Hour is all day Monday. Cheers!
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Daiquiri Time Out
2701 Market StA local favorite for craft cocktails utilizing unique homemade ingredients and boutique spirits. FYI...Happy Hour is all day Monday. Cheers!
A gorgeous historical Opera House in historical downtown Galveston. Be sure to visit the website for their latest events.
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Grand 1894 Opera House
2020 Postoffice StA gorgeous historical Opera House in historical downtown Galveston. Be sure to visit the website for their latest events.
An amazing view of both the Strand and harbor. The Irish nachos are a local favorite or try the seasonal bratwurst.
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Stuttgarden Tavern
111 23rd StAn amazing view of both the Strand and harbor. The Irish nachos are a local favorite or try the seasonal bratwurst.
Tsunami and Yaga's are where the action is on a Friday or Saturday night. Yaga's also features live music on weekend nights and dancing.
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Tsunami
2314 Strand StTsunami and Yaga's are where the action is on a Friday or Saturday night. Yaga's also features live music on weekend nights and dancing.
Pizza! Need I say more. Ok.. I will. It's also a tavern so how can you go wrong with pizza and beer.
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Sharky's Tavern
504 25th StPizza! Need I say more. Ok.. I will. It's also a tavern so how can you go wrong with pizza and beer.
Karaoke! If singing in front of perfect strangers is your jam, then look no further!
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The Sound Bar
2411 Mechanic StKaraoke! If singing in front of perfect strangers is your jam, then look no further!
Big screen tv’s, professional dealers run the table, and the atmosphere is very much an island version of a Vegas-style poker room. They also offer complimentary snacks, wine and beer.
Celebrity Card Club
2002 Strand StBig screen tv’s, professional dealers run the table, and the atmosphere is very much an island version of a Vegas-style poker room. They also offer complimentary snacks, wine and beer.