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Houstonians are truly blessed to live in a city with such an abundance of restaurants offering vibrant cultures and cuisines, including the historic Christie’s Seafood & Steaks. Located at 6020 Westheimer in a building with an eye-catching white and blue lighthouse motif in the Galleria area — and celebrating its 108th anniversary this year — this longstanding, family-run seafood house is a cornerstone of Houston’s culinary and cultural history. A prime example of the American dream, the restaurant was one of the 15 small businesses chosen by American Express for its Shop Small campaign and named a 2024 “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grantee by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program, presented in conjunction with American Express, awarded Christie’s a grant to refurbish the outside of the building, which helps ensure that its legacy is carried on well into the future.

It’s a legacy that has thus far been preserved by the Christie family, which has operated it since its founding in 1917 by Greek immigrant Theodosios Christofidis (who later Americanized his name to Theodore Christie) as small fried fish sandwich stand on Galveston’s waterfront before moving to Houston as a brick-and-mortar in 1934. It has endured as Houston’s oldest continuously-operating restaurant, and to this day is still known for Gulf seafood, including fried Gulf of Mexico shrimp, po’ boys made with rolls from Bread Man Baking Co. and oyster stew — a favorite of the late President (and Houstonian) George H.W. Bush. With over a century of tradition, many Houstonians love to reminisce about their favorite Christie’s experiences.

The restaurant is currently owned and operated by Alexandra Christie, her daughter Maria as general manager and her siblings, George, Terry and Kathy. You may also know of her well-known sister, Houston radio host Roula Christie, from The Roula and Ryan Show, of KRBE 104 FM. In 1965, Alexandra’s husband, James, had met Mr. Christie and developed a successful working relationship. By 1967, a deal was worked out to purchase the business from Theodore Christie with his full support. Mr. Christie, who had no children, offered the restaurant to James on the condition that he adopt the Christie surname. It was a no-brainer for James and the restaurant continues as a proud Greek-owned establishment that celebrates its roots. Several dishes on the menu are Greek-influenced, including taramasalata — a typical meze made from tarama (the salted and cured roe of carp) with onions, lemon juice, olive oil and bread whipped into a fluffy dip, Shrimp Santorini with Greek tomato-ouzo sauce, Greek salad, whole bronzini grilled with lemon juice, herbs and olive oil and steak Brizola, a USDA Choice ribeye with Greek herbs, sea salt and grilled Gulf shrimp.

The rest of the menu is filled out with USDA Choice steaks and classic seafood dishes including crab cakes, Lobster Thermidor, gumbo, chowder, étouffée, fried seafood platters, sandwiches and more. Many other options highlight the purity of flavor of various fruits of the sea including fresh catch-of-the-day, oysters on the half shell, Gulf snapper, rainbow trout, American catfish, flounder, king crab and Gulf of Mexico shrimp — the real sweet-and-juicy deal, no “bait-and-switch” foreign imports, which apparently is a widespread problem in the Houston area. All are available in a number of preparations. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or ready to feast on something fried and smothered, Christie’s has you covered.

The restaurant also offers signature recipes that have kept guests coming back for decades, including the Remoulade Sauce with house made mayonnaise and a plentiful helping of garlic served with the famous fried shrimp and Christie’s Pride  — fish en foil papillote with wine butter seafood stuffing. Both have been on the menu for over 100 years.

It’s a lot to take in, but time is on your side. Considering its century-spanning history, you presumably have years to work your way through Christie’s lengthy menu, which also features numerous lunch specials offered from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. (and a convenient pick-up window for hungry Houstonians on the go.) 

An impressive catering menu is available, and the restaurant is able to accommodate events of all sizes for people with all sorts of tastes. Menus can be customized for dietary restrictions, picky-eaters and kids. Christie’s can even host onsite parties in its festive private dining and banquet room, from meetings and office parties to birthdays, rehearsals, receptions and holiday gatherings. The private dining room can seat anywhere from 25 to 65 guests while the bar can be reserved for up to 25. Christie’s robust selection of surf and turf is sure to please, as is the friendly, dedicated staff — many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years! Visit the website to fill out a catering inquiry.

Christie’s Seafood & Steaks is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mario-Sebastian Berry

Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. He holds numerous wine, beer and spirits certifications including Certified Sommelier. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.