Some restaurants come and go, but a few manage to stick around long enough to become part of a city’s story.
This is one of those places that, for more than 100 years, has been serving the same crowd-pleasing dishes that put it on the map.
We’re talking crispy fried seafood and recipes that haven’t been messed with because they never needed to be.
It’s not flashy, it’s not trying to reinvent anything, and that is exactly why it works.
If you’re curious how a restaurant manages to stay open for over a century in one of the biggest cities in the country, you are about to find out.
Where Is It?
Christie’s Seafood and Steaks is located at 6029 Westheimer Road in Houston, about a five-minute drive from the Galleria.
If you’re coming from downtown using public transit, you can take METRO Bus 82 Westheimer and get off at Westheimer Road at Greenridge Drive, then the restuarant is just across the road.
About
Walking into Christie’s Seafood and Steaks feels like stepping into a classic Houston institution that takes its seafood seriously.
This spot is best known for its fried shrimp, which come out golden, crispy, and generously served with french fries and salad.
You’ll also see plenty of regulars ordering Texas fried oysters, calamari, and seafood platters loaded with stuffed crab, shrimp, and catfish.
It all comes from a menu that leans heavily into Gulf Coast favorites, so expect things like po’boys, seafood gumbo, and crawfish.
If you’re more in the mood for land over sea, they have ribeye and strip sirloin in 10 and 14-ounce cuts to switch things up.
They even offer a solid lineup of drinks, including frozen margaritas, wine, ice-cold beer, and non-alcoholic options like soda or lemonade.
The experience here is all about big portions, straightforward flavors, and zero fuss.
You’re not coming for trendy plating, you’re coming for a full table and food that’s been done the same way for decades because it works.
As for the dining room, it keeps things simple and comfortable, the kind of place where you can show up hungry, relax, and leave completely stuffed.
History
Christie’s has been serving Houston since 1917, earning its place as the oldest restaurant in the city.
It all started with Greek immigrant Theodore Christie, who first sold fish sandwiches on the Galveston waterfront before opening a small shop in the Tremont Hotel.
His fried fish on toasted po’boy bread quickly became popular and helped establish the foundation of the business.
In 1934, Christie moved to Houston, where he expanded into several locations across the city, including Bellaire Boulevard, Post Oak, and Main Street.
Eventually, in 1967, longtime employee James Priovolos took over the business and even changed his last name to Christie to carry on the legacy.
Today, his children continue to run the restaurant, maintaining the traditions built over the past century.
The business has since narrowed down to a single location on Westheimer Road, and through it all, Christie’s has stayed consistent in what it offers.
That long history shows up in the details, from the classic menu staples to the loyal crowd that has been dining here for decades.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Best Time to Visit
Christie’s Seafood and Steaks has slightly varied hours throughout the week, so it’s worth checking before you go:
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Lunch and early dinner tend to be a little quieter, while evenings can get busy with regulars who have been coming here for years.
Prices
Prices land in the mid-range for Houston, with most seafood plates and entrees running between about $21.95 and $37.95, depending on what you order.
Parking
Parking is available right on site, which is a huge win considering how busy Westheimer Road can get.
Things to Do Nearby
There is plenty to check out nearby if you want to turn your meal into a full outing.
The Galleria is just a five-minute drive away and has over 400 stores, an indoor ice rink, and tons of places to wander around before or after you eat.
If you’re in the mood for the outdoors, swing by Memorial Park, about a 10-minute drive away, where you will find walking trails and lots of green space.
For something a bit farther out, the Houston Museum District is about a 15-minute drive and is packed with museums, galleries, and cultural spots.
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