Galilee has some of the best seafood in the state -- largely because the fishing boat dock right there. Dining is casual (tending toward very casual) and fun. Here are three of my favorites...

George's Restaurant

The first words out of Rhode Islanders' mouths when you suggest seafood is "George's". They know that they can find George's open year-around, that its so close to the boats unloading lobsters that their seafood is always fresh, and that it's a good, family-style restaurant.

George's has been around forever, or at least as long as anyone can seem to remember. It's the longest-lived restaurant in Galilee, starting the tradition of eating the freshest seafood right at the source. Seafood comes boiled, broiled, and fried and the menu includes some dishes with a complexity and depth for those who want more than just fish.

Not too casual or too dressy, it's a "family restaurant". Yes, they have a take-out for people who want to eat on Salty Brine Beach or sit outdoors on their deck and watch the boats sail in. Because it's so reliably good, it can get a little crowded on weekends. Parking is almost impossible without a considerable walk, so plan accordingly.

Champlin's Restaurant

Champlin's is a seafood restaurant on top of its own seafood market. With lobster and fish coming right off the boats, docked at this waterside restaurant, the fish is so fresh you might as well be eating on the boat itself.

The menu is exclusively seafood, either fried or steamed, and served plastic-fork-paper-plate casual. Dining is in an open-air deck overlooking the water and Salty Brine Beach -- not spectacular but appropriate for a restaurant that serves you fish "right off the boat". (Yes, there's a small indoor dining area, too, but who wants to be indoors when there's a fresh salt breeze?)

The restaurant is NOT handicapped accessible, there is no table service, but the food is modestly priced, even for seafood. It's recommended for a good dinner after coming home from riding the Block Island Ferry or swimming at the nearby beaches.

Finback's Restaurant

Finback's sits away from the rest of the restaurants of Galilee, overlooking the lobster boats. This makes it the natural choice for relaxing after spending the day hauling up lobster pots or going on a whale-watching cruise out of Galilee. Cold beer is just as important as its food to Finback's patrons, who enjoy a good time in its nautical atmosphere.

The food is moderately priced and includes some Italian dishes along with the seafood. (Beware of the spice in the Seafood Diabolo.) Finback's is NOT handicapped accessible.

Finback's is recommended for unwinding after a tiring day with a cold one.

To get to these resaurants, head south on 108 and then right on Galilee Escape Road to Great Island Road. Finback's is on the right. Champlin's and George's is to the left. Parking is limited in all of Galilee, so plan on a walk once you get there, especially in the summer.

Finback's: 783-9489 -- George's:783-2306 -- Champlin's: : 783-3152 or www.champlins.com

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