Beneath maritime decor, mounted fish, and the warm glow of vintage neon, Christie’s Seafood & Steaks stands as a living shrine to Houston’s past—and to the enduring legacy of a Greek immigrant whose vision helped shape it.

The restaurant’s slogan is “established before you were born,” and it is not an exaggeration. As the oldest restaurant in Houston, Texas, Christie’s has been serving its famous fish sandwiches and fried shrimp for well over a century, since 1917.

But the story begins a few years earlier, in 1905, when Theodosios Christofidis left Constantinople with a head full of dreams and a degree from Robert College. After working briefly as a court interpreter in New York City, he was drawn south to the bustling Gulf town of Galveston, Texas. 

There, among dockworkers and fishermen, he introduced a simple yet unforgettable fried fish sandwich served on po’boy bread—a recipe that would eventually make its way into Houston culinary history.

By 1934, Christofidis had relocated to Houston and Americanized his name to Theodore Christie. He opened several restaurants across the city, including a South Main location that became the flagship of a growing empire. His food—crisp, comforting, and deeply rooted in both Gulf Coast and Mediterranean traditions—quickly attracted a loyal following.

In 1967, ready to pass on his legacy, Theodore offered to sell the business to one of his most loyal employees—James Priovolos, an immigrant from Tripoli, in the Peloponnese. There was one unique condition: he had to legally change his last name to “Christie” to preserve the brand and its legacy. He agreed, and from that moment on, James Christie carried the torch of a family restaurant that now spanned generations.

Today, Christie’s is helmed by James’s widow Alexandra Christie and their children, including Maria Christie, who manages day-to-day operations. Maria and her siblings grew up in the restaurant, learning to peel shrimp before they could even reach the countertops. Their connection to the place is not just professional—it’s ancestral. It’s in their blood, their stories, and their recipes.

The menu at Christie’s remains a testament to both its Gulf Coast roots and its Greek soul. Golden fried Gulf shrimp, snapper fillets, and the famous oyster stew are complemented by dishes with unmistakable Hellenic flair.

The grilled Gulf snapper fillet—served simply with oregano, lemon, and olive oil—echoes seaside tavernas of Greece. The horiatiki salad, made traditionally without lettuce, and the occasional appearance of taramosalata and other Greek touches speak to a culinary heritage that refuses to fade.

The restaurant has also seen its fair share of celebrities. During Houston’s mid-century heyday, stars like Joe DiMaggio were regulars at Christie’s. Decades later, President George H. W. Bush also became a regular, favoring the oyster stew and quietly sitting at his usual spot at the bar. After his death, the restaurant posted a heartfelt tribute on its marquee, and to this day, that stew remains on the menu as “President H.W. Bush Favorite.”

But beyond the famous names and historic dishes, Christie’s is about community, loyalty, and legacy. Some staff members have worked there for over 35 years. Generations of Houstonians have celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations within its walls. And even after more than a century, the restaurant’s ethos hasn’t changed—it’s still about family feeding family.

In 2024, Christie’s received a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express through their “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” program. The funding supported a renovation of the restaurant’s exterior, neon signage, and parking lot—ensuring that its façade would reflect the same pride that fills its kitchen.

After the updates were complete, one visitor walked in, paused, and said, “Wow… how long have y’all been open?” The answer—more than 100 years—came with a smile, but also with the weight of everything that came before it.

Because Christie’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a story of migration, ambition, identity, and survival. It’s a piece of Greek America, served daily with their famous wild caught Texas fried shrimp.

It’s not just where you eat—it’s where you come home.