"Reopened in September after nearly a year-long hiatus, this award-winning Galveston seafood-taco shop was relaunched by local restaurateur Raz Halili, who renovated the space and put Pier 6 executive chef Joe Cervantez and chef de cuisine Lexy Garcia in charge while keeping the tacos “100 percent to the T” of the originals. Built around Gulf-caught fish and shrimp supplied by Katie’s Seafood Market and seasonal produce from Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, the menu still highlights signature tacos such as the Baja (lime crème fraîche, Mexican pickles, cabbage, and ranchero salsa), the Dirty South (corn relish, Zapp’s Cajun Crawtators, and pimento cheese), Korean-style gochujang-and-kimchi tacos and Vietnamese-influenced tacos with nuoc mam, carrot, and cilantro; flour and corn tortillas are made in-house with heirloom blue corn masa harina. Sides range from the elote-like Corn Cup and fried Pickle Bits to newer items like chili pepper–marinated cucumbers, Brussels sprouts with apple gastrique, and crispy onion rings served with curry ketchup, and daily crudo specials showcase fresh catches such as snapper. The former BYOB policy was replaced with a curated drinks program developed with Ladies of Libation offering agua frescas and cocktails—signatures include the Lime in the Coconut (coconut limeade with Thai basil), Mango Tango (passion fruit often paired with spicy tamarind vodka), and Pineapple Verde (cucumber-pineapple with jalapeño and cilantro)—along with beer, wine, margaritas and frozen frosés. The refreshed, beachy interior features tropical murals by Shelbi Nicole, bright orange banquettes, teal chairs, a 12-seat bartop and seating for about 35 in the dining room. Future plans include oyster specials inspired by Pier 6’s roasted Hot Blooded Oysters, a new happy hour with mini double-decker burgers, expansion of the back patio and a neighboring coffee shop with fresh pastries. The counter-service spot operates for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is cashless, accepting only credit card and mobile payments." - Brittany Britto Garley