We've been going to Galv for many years now--it's a favorite vacation spot.  A favorite place to have great seafood, in the past, has always been Benno's.  Sadly, the last time we went, 5-18-09, we were VERY disappointed.  My fried shrimp were very small and extremely tough and rubbery.  My husbands fried oysters weren't much better.  This has been true of them according to our experience for the last couple of visits to Galveston over the last couple of years.  We really like this place and hate to see the quality go down.  We got a similar type dinner at Shrimp N Stuff and it was out of this world.  What ever Shrimp N Stuff is doing, Benno's needs to drop in covertly and take a few notes.  We want the old Benno's back.

"Tough and rubbery" sounds frozen not fresh. Benno's relys on the tourist trade and the view. Shrimp n Stuff is more of a local's place. I have never had a bad meal at Benno's, but Shrimp n Stuff wins hands down!

Next visit check out the Gumbo Bar on Post Office. A little pricier then Benno's, but worth a try!

I have heard complaints about Benno’s but I have never had a bad meal.  I eat there a lot because it is across the street from where I normally go to the beach. Shrimp and Stuff is off the beaten path, has better food, and is a local or long time visitor favorite. Benno’s has a better view and attracts a lot of tourist.

I hear ya about wanting to stay close and liking the view; but, the last several times we've been to Benno's, they've had, at best, mediocre food.  I think, for me, it's the fact that I KNOW they've put out something far better on a consistent basis--they're capable of much better.  It bothers me when places like that fall back and rest on their laurels and/or trade on the fact that they can offer customers a great view.  That's a business lowering it's standards and they'll keep them down there if we keep coming back.

I know people that when they spend a week in Galveston they eat there 3 times. To me it has always been close, relatively cheap, with indoor plumbing.