January can be a quiet time on Galveston Island. Dickens on the Strand has wrapped up for the year and Mardi Gras doesn't start until the end of the month.
That lull presents an opportunity for diners to head south and catch up with the latest developments in the island's dining scene while getting a bit of a deal. Beginning Saturday and extending through January 23, more than 30 restaurants are participating in the fifth annual Galveston Restaurant Week.
The event is similar to Houston Restaurant Weeks in that participating restaurants run special fixed price menus during the promotion, but different in that the prices vary from $10 to $40. Additionally, restaurants pledge a "portion of proceeds" to charity — in this case Access Care of Coastal Texas, which provides lunches for patients living with HIV or AIDS — rather than a specific amount for every meal sold.
Most importantly, Galveston Restaurant Week gives diners a chance to revisit old favorites like Rudy & Paco's and Gaido's or to try newcomers like Ocean Grille & Beach Bar, which features a menu created by former Haven chef Randy Evans. Other tempting options include the redesigned Pelican Club, where the entree options include both coffee-rubbed venison loin and vegetarian-friendly curry-roasted baby carrots, and upscale steakhouse Number 13.
In addition to enjoying their meals, diners may vote via text for their favorite restaurant. The winner will be named Galveston Restaurant of the Year.
Grilled oysters are on the menu at the Ocean Grille & Beach Bar.
