Christies Reviews
Submitted by William Blair on 09/26/2021
William Blair 5 stars rating.
First visit to Houston's oldest restaurant, if you can believe that. Who knew? (Not us.)
First, the food. Outstanding. Large menu, lots of selections. But not a huge menu. Some surprising omissions, such as scallops. The impression I get is that they know what they do well and stick to it. Eating it was the proof. We will definitely return to sample more dishes to be sure, but all we selected this visit were as good as any we have ever had: shrimp, flounder, rainbow trout, oysters (none fried). Typical Texas-sized servings. The coleslaw was particularly delicious, but mostly because it's just how *I* like it; YMMV. The scalloped potatoes were delicious, but too much cheese; again, YMMV. We have every expectation that many other dishes we did not have room to enjoy, but could see as they were being served to patrons at other tables, will be just as delicious.
The Key Lime pie was delicious; they do not make it, but "purchase the best" from a bakery they readily admit. That's just another illustration of how they stick to what they do best: preparing seafood. The wine list is short, but adequate (only six reds, plus some whites, all available by the glass, reasonably-priced).
They have steaks, also ... but why? (Some just don't like fish, I assume).
The pictures of their dishes that are available on various web sites are exactly what you will get. Attractive preparation and presentations.
I'm not sure how this restaurant escaped my attention for more than 21 years. Despite its consistently high ratings and very positive reviews on various websites, I was prepared to be underwhelmed, since it never popped up on any of my searches before. And, at first view, I was immediately leery; the building looked old, as one would expect had it been having its maintenance deferred. While it may be old, it is indeed in great shape, and inside it's clear that order and cleanliness are very important. The tables are spread out, obviously actually limiting the number of patrons who can be seated. The tables are covered with paper tablecloths, presumably for easy changing, and paper, but not cloth, napkins are provided in abundance. All servers and staff are masked. By the time we were leaving, all tables were occupied, three parties were awaiting being seated, and there was a short line outside. We finally understood why their parking lot has so many spaces! Clearly, a very popular establishment, intent on reassuring patrons of their concern and adherence to safety practices.
This is not a fancy restaurant. The forte here is the seafood. You will not be disappointed.
r davis 5 stars rating.
If you love seafood, and are tired of red lobster, come here.
I swung by looking for a shrimp poboy, and I wasn't disappointed. Great atmosphere, incredibly professional staff. It was a tremendous experience all around.
Submitted by R Davis on 08/27/2022
Whitney 5 stars rating.
We, party of two visited here for the second time on Tuesday 8/2/2022 around 7 pm. Even though the restaurant closes at 8 pm, we still received superior customer service. The staff were welcoming. We were sat immediately and we were not rushed to order or finish our meals.
Our server Deani was great! The food was good, seemed fresh, was a good portion size and was delivered fast. We had the 5 oz salmon prepared medium well. Mine was blackened. My cousins was “ginger soy style”. We also had the au gratin potatoes which are one of my favorite things on the menu, and green beans. The food doesn’t have a lot of seasoning, but adding salt and pepper to mine did the job.
I had a frozen mango margarita which was good.
The dinner salad that came with the meal was nothing special but I liked the chipotle ranch dressing. They also serve dinner rolls with the meal. The food is reasonably priced.
The atmosphere was quiet. The decor was nautical. I would return.
Submitted by Whitney on 08/03/2022
Robert G 3 stars rating.
fried catfish was ok. fried shrimp was pretty good. not worth a 2nd visit. imo.
Submitted by Robert G on 06/25/2022
Yiorgo Topalidis 5 stars rating.
The best seafood in town. Their stuffed fried shrimp is the best I've ever had. Everything is made in house and the freshness shows. I am not a fan of tartar sauce because it is typically bought from a supplier. Christie's is freshly made in house. I spread it on bread and ate it. It was that good! Save space for their phenomenal desserts! If you aren't a regular here, you should be.
Submitted by Yiorgo Topalidis on 05/17/2022
B. Ash 5 stars rating.
Such an amazing experience! Here on vacation with my girlfriend, we were suppose to go to Kamp Houston but after hearing it was a 2 hour wait for nothing we decided to go next door . And when I tell you it’s been the best place we’ve been in Houston thus far. The food was amazing . I got a pasta and my friend got the shrimp and blacken rice and we both loved it . We mentioned to the waiter that it was my friends birthday and they surprised us with a chocolate cake with trick candles that we did not ask for. The owner even came out and greeted each table. It was a pleasant experience and we recommend you stop by ! Christie’s is great!
Submitted by B. Ash on 05/15/2022
Amelia AmyK 5 stars rating.
We went to Christie's for a milestone birthday (I could have chosen anywhere, but I picked Christie's). As always, it was incredible. The drinks were tasty & the icy beer was served in frosted mugs as it should be. The soup (crayfish bisque) was loaded with crayfish & yummy, but could have used a little more Sherry & pepper. Salad were fresh & ranch dressing delish. Love their garlic croutons.
And for sure, the main course for all of us was the fried shrimp, which they've been known for for over 100 years. It's the best in this part of Texas - crispy fried on the outside, but NOT greasy or heavily breaded, with huge butterflied shrimp inside cooked to perfection. I love mine with their homemade remolaude sauce, while my mom prefers their red cocktail sauce with hers - can't go wrong with either. For my side, I had broccoli which comes as a massive portion, so plenty to take home.
Then, for my birthday celebration, they brought me an enormous slice of the best chocolate cake I've ever had with icing that tasted like fudge. Plenty to share with all at the table. All in all, except for missing our regular server, Amalia, it was a perfectly delightful meal with great staff to round out the celebration.
Submitted by Amelia Amyk on 02/14/2022
Megan Leggett 3 stars rating.
First time at Christie's and I was pretty blown away with how good all the side dishes were. Everything from the luscious au gratin potatoes, to the fluffy dirty rice, to the simple but perfectly crunchy fresh coleslaw were all clearly made in house with care. The calamari appetizer was lightly battered & perfectly crispy but a little on the salty side (the tomato dipping sauce was excellent). My blackened fish sandwich seriously lacked flavor but I'm hoping it was a one off. My friend's fried seafood platter looked really good but I think the restaurant could benefit from offering a lunch menu, since most entrees are above $25.
Submitted by Megan Leggett on 11/11/2021
Temple Thomas 5 stars rating.
I have been going to Christie's restaurant for over fifty years. Our parents took us here when we were kids and we still love going even now we are over 3 hours away.
They have, hands-down the best fried shrimp I have ever eaten. Their lobster thermidor is also out of this world. But the favorite thing on the menu to me is the remoulade sauce. Ive never had anything like it in any restaurant. In fact every time we come in i make sure to get some of the sauce to go. That sauce and the shrimp is one of my all time favorite meals.
So glad they're still going strong and we intend to keep enjoying them for years to come.
Submitted by Temple Thomas on 10/31/2021
Sevynn “Nubian Queen” 4 stars rating.
Had the seafood platter. I didnt really like the shrimp or the fish. But the stuffed crab was amazing!!! I loved the little rolls also. The place was cozy and had alot of older people there on a Saturday night. Like 50 and up. I had a really nice dinner.
Submitted by Sevynn “nubian Queen” on 10/27/2021
Whitney White 3 stars rating.
Good portion sizes. Nice selection of fresh fish.
Visited for the first time on a Thursday evening around 6:40 pm. We were greeted and sat immediately. Our server Maria V was great!
The fish tasted fresh but overall the food was bland (lacked seasoning). I appreciated the complimentary hot dinner rolls. The house salad was bland. They served some of thickest cut calamari I’ve ever had. It lacked seasoning/flavor and tasted a bit rubbery to me. It may be the worst I’ve ever had.
I ordered the blackened salmon (5oz) with au gratin potatoes. The salmon was prepared the way I requested it. The potatoes had an interesting flavor. Not bad - just different. I paid $16.18 for this meal.
My cousin ordered Bronzini prepared Greek style - pan broiled with olive oil, lemon and oregano. He also had a berry iced tea. They charge for refills on tea. It took an hour to get our entrees. The server did explain the whole fish took longer to prepare.
The atmosphere was quiet with low lighting. Very relaxing. Many of the patrons are elderly Caucasian people.
Submitted by Whitney White on 10/16/2021
Arthur Powell 5 stars rating.
I live in Austin and finally decided to try Christie's, it's claim to fame being the oldest restaurant in Houston still standing. Their menu states they survived the first pandemic (1917) and will survive this one also. I certainly hope so.
I decided to do an early dinner and avoid the rush. They have lots of parking behind the restaurant, which is nice. Inside was spotless (I'm big about restaurants being clean, having worked in them when I was young.) They still use cloth table covers and napkins which I appreciate. The staff is extremely good. Great service without hovering or interrupting which is a skill.
I tried the fan favorite fried gulf shrimp. Huge shrimp fried without a touch of grease that melt in your mouth. Fantastic home made tartar sauce that made me ask for seconds. I paired this with Rockefeller Oysters that melt in your mouth. Finished the meal with key lime pie and coffee. Nearly had to crawl to get out.
I'm always reluctant to try local tourist traps but this one captured me. I shall be back.
Submitted by Arthur Powell on 10/02/2021
