An Island Tradition & Local Favorite
Best Casual Gulf Seafood in Galveston
Inside Shrimp ‘N Stuff, where the Antonelli family has carried a tradition of island flavor since 1976.
Since 1976, Shrimp ‘N Stuff has been Galveston’s go-to spot for fried shrimp baskets, gumbo, and Gulf Coast comfort food. Owned and operated by Jeff Antonelli and his family, the restaurant has become more than a place to eat—it’s a tradition woven into the island’s daily life. This is the story of Shrimp ‘N Stuff, and why it remains a cornerstone of Galveston dining nearly 50 years on.
TL;DR Section
Shrimp ‘N Stuff isn’t just a seafood joint—it’s a Galveston tradition. Opened in 1976, the restaurant has become famous for fried shrimp baskets, gumbo, and po’boys served with the same no-frills charm that locals fell in love with nearly fifty years ago. Today, under the care of Jeff Antonelli, it remains a neighborhood favorite—where generations of islanders and visitors come for more than a meal, but a taste of Galveston’s story.
A Local Favorite for Generations
Best Casual Gulf Seafood in Galveston: Inside Shrimp 'N Stuff
A Neighborhood Tradition
Tucked into the heart of Galveston’s midtown at 3901 Avenue O, Shrimp ‘N Stuff has been drawing crowds since the day it opened its doors in 1976. The formula was simple: serve shrimp fresh from the Gulf, fry it to perfection, and offer it at prices working families could afford. The result? A neighborhood institution where generations have gathered after ballgames, beach days, and late shifts. Shrimp ‘N Stuff was founded in 1976 by Jim Bennett, and today it’s proudly carried forward by Jeff Antonelli, who has kept the restaurant’s original island spirit alive while expanding its legacy.
The Antonelli Legacy
Today, the restaurant is guided by Jeff Antonelli, who—along with his family—has stewarded Shrimp ‘N Stuff’s legacy with pride. For Jeff, it’s never just been about profit margins. It’s about staying true to the vision that made Shrimp ‘N Stuff beloved in the first place: quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality.
The Antonellis see themselves less as owners and more as caretakers of something bigger than themselves. Families who came here in the ’80s now return with grandkids, teaching them the same ritual: shrimp baskets on plastic trays, hushpuppies on the side, and a squeeze of lemon that tastes like summer on the island.
“This has always been about serving Galveston, not just selling seafood.” — Jeff Antonelli
The People Who Keep It Alive
Behind the counter, a team of cooks and servers—many of whom have been here for years—keep the rhythm going. Gumbo simmers in big pots, po’boys are assembled with practiced hands, and baskets of fried shrimp fly out of the kitchen in steady waves. It’s this continuity, this lived-in expertise, that gives Shrimp N Stuff its heartbeat.
Why It Feels Different
The menu is unpretentious but essential: fried shrimp, crab balls, oyster po’boys, steaming bowls of gumbo, and hushpuppies with a cult following. Regulars know the insider moves—arrive early in summer to skip the line, linger on the patio in spring, or come during the off-season when you’ll feel like the whole place is yours.
“This restaurant is truly incredible. The seafood, especially the shrimp, is so fresh and amazing, and I cannot give this place enough stars. Absolutely perfect, incredible place for eating shrimp and stuff.”
— Tex C., TripAdvisor Review
More Than a Meal
Shrimp ‘N Stuff has survived hurricanes, recessions, and the constant churn of island tourism. Through it all, the Antonelli family has kept the doors open and the fryers running, doubling down on the idea that food can be both affordable and meaningful. For locals, it’s not just dinner—it’s a piece of Galveston’s cultural fabric.
If You Go…
📍 3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX (Casual order at the counter)
📍216 23rd Street, Galveston, TX (Table service, full bar)
📍West End Food Truck
⏰ Open daily for lunch & dinner
🍤 Must-try: Fried Shrimp Basket, Crab Balls, Gumbo, Shrimp Po’boy
💡 Insider Tip: Weeknights in the off-season mean shorter lines and the chance to linger on the patio like a local.
Closing
Shrimp N Stuff isn’t about flash or reinvention—it’s about legacy. Under the Antonelli family’s leadership, the restaurant has become more than just a place for casual Gulf seafood – it’s a community tradition handed down like a recipe, a place where the island gathers to share food, memories, and a sense of belonging.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Galveston
Food in Galveston is more than what’s on the plate. It’s the families who run the kitchens, the chefs who put their care into every detail, and the gathering spaces where neighbors and visitors alike feel at home. The 1839’s restaurant series highlights the very best of the island’s dining scene—not just for flavor, but for the heart behind it. These are the places we love, the ones that make Galveston feel like Galveston.
David Landriault
Founder of The 1839
David Landriault serves as the Founder of The 1839 and Co-Founder of Falcontail Marketing & Design. Under his leadership, Falcontail has grown into a boutique firm known for collaborating with a diverse range of distinguished clients. The firm’s portfolio includes notable names such as Stanford University, the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, and other esteemed organizations.
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