WAVES Approved Island Eats!

By: Tom Valliere & Charlie Bresenhan - People who know me understand I am not a fan of chain restaurants. Many chains have bland institutional food purchased in large quantities from food processors and centrally distributed, much of which is pre-made and simply requires re-heating. While this may ensure uniformity, it makes for boring and un-adventuresome dining. I much prefer locally-owned restaurants that purchase fresh foods from local suppliers and incorporate a kitchen staff that is able and empowered to vary the ingredients and preparation for individual tastes.

That said, there are always exceptions. One remarkable exception is our Galveston branch of the Saltgrass Steakhouse chain. Part of Landry’s sprawling family of restaurants, Saltgrass delivers a consistently good product for a reasonable price. Good service, good food, and reasonable prices define value, and Saltgrass delivers!

More than just a “catchy” name, Saltgrass Steakhouse takes its name from the location of their first restaurant alongside the Katy Freeway (I-10) in Houston Texas. The Saltgrass trail was an actual trail where cattle were driven to market in the heyday of the cowboy era. That historic drive is recreated each year during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where riders from several historic trails converge in downtown Houston in a reenactment replete with horse-drawn wagons and descendants of the original cattlemen. The trail ride still passes the original Saltgrass location.

Opened in 1991, the restaurant prospered and grew to 24 locations before being acquired by the Landry’s chain in September 2002. Continuing to thrive under Landry’s tutelage, there are currently more than 80 locations across the United States.

The Galveston location occupies a premier site on the Seawall with a commanding view of the Gulf of Mexico. A pleasant hostess greets you as you enter and escorts you to your table. The decor is predictably country/cowboy, but it is understated and not garish. 

The menu is compact and concise, but adequate. The offerings are somewhat pared down from the pandemic and you may find your favorite is missing. I do not find that objectionable as I generally prefer a simple menu that focuses on those items the kitchen excels at. My only exception here is the lack of their previously offered prime rib - although I find very few restaurants offering this as a regular menu item anymore.

Even with the simplified menu, there is plenty to satisfy every diner. The appetizer menu is short but good. I especially like their range rattlers. The stuffed and bacon-wrapped shrimp are addictive. I can make a meal of them. The entrees feature steak of course, but there is plenty for every taste, although a vegetarian may have some difficulty.

A loaf of freshly baked bread is served upon seating, which is delicious and a nice touch. Most entrees include a salad or soup. I always get the Caesar salad. It is the best on the island. Served on a chilled plate and tossed with fresh croutons and shaved parmesan, it is a pleasant start to your meal. They offer other salads and I understand they have an outstanding hill country salad that is similar to a cobb salad.

I pass by the various entrees and head for the steaks. My favorite is the ribeye, and they have a very good one. Sizes range from a small 10oz lunch version to a massive 21oz bone-in ribeye. My dining partner prefers the sirloin, and it is equally as good. For the hearty eater, the 22oz Porterhouse is the way to go. Petite eaters may prefer the fork-tender filet. Regardless of choice, your steak will be perfectly seasoned and precisely cooked to your preference. This is not a top-end steakhouse, but I have had many steaks here that are much better than in places that charge twice as much.

They have a fair selection of seafood and diners that have had the shrimp and salmon were pleased.

Texas traditional dishes such as chicken-fried steak and slow-smoked ribs are well executed. They have a chopped steak that I sometimes enjoy for lunch. Of course, all entrees can be enhanced with various toppings or paired with shrimp. 

A large listing of sides accompanies your order although there may be a slight upcharge for some. I usually go for the loaded baked potato, although friends say the baked sweet potato is excellent.

Deserts include a very good carrot cake and cheesecake, but I never have room after enjoying my steak.

Off-street parking in their private lot, full-service bar, and a notable happy hour add to the many reasons to dine here.

Handicap accessibility is very good.

Hours of Operation:

Sun – Thu: 11 AM - 9 PM

Fri – Sat: 11 AM - 10 PM

Saltgrass Steakhouse

1502 Seawall Blvd

Galveston, Texas 77550

(409) 762-4261

www.saltgrass.com