On the beach, it is always five o'clock somewhere! Often times I'm asked for drink recommendations on the island. While Galveston has many unique places to try, my first question is, "What's the vibe?", because that makes a huge difference on where to go. That is why I decided to compile a list of my favorite local spots to order drinks from. Plus I included pros, cons, and comments so you can decide which place fits your plans the best!
Note: These recommendations are not in any particular order. Also, Galveston is frequently opening new businesses. I will be consistently updating this post. Be sure to check back often to see what new places/comments have been added.
If you are a restaurant or bar owner and do not see your establishment on the list, feel free to contact me! I'm always looking to try new places on the island and would love a chance to visit.
Daiquiri Time Out
Vibes: Nighttime, chill
Best time to go: Happy hour, or anytime after 5
Establishment: Bar
My comments:
Specialty cocktails
Fresh ingredients
Unique drink recipes you won't find anywhere else
Seasonal menus
Usually has a food truck in the evenings
Will host backdoor movie nights and other events throughout the week
Con: Usually there are only two bartenders working. At night, the bar can get very slow because their drinks take a lot of time to make. I recommend ordering two drinks at one time to avoid the hassle of waiting at the bar for a second round.
Instagram: @dtogalveston
Vida Agave
Vibes: Casual, dinner/lunch hangout
Best time to go: Happy hour
Establishment: Restaurant, family-friendly
My comments:
Best margaritas on the island
Drinks are strong and worth the money
Usually fast service
Delicious food
Honestly no complaints
Instagram: @vidaagave
Vargas/Rudy and Paco
Vibes: Upscale, classy
Best time to go: Anytime but a very moody atmosphere at night
Establishment: Restaurant
My comments:
Both restaurants owned by same company
High-end establishments. Great for a date night or GNO.
Drinks a bit more expensive than average bar, but worth it for the quality and atmosphere.
Con: Food is expensive because they are essentially steakhouses. They also require a dress code.
Market Station
Vibes: Nightlife, going out
Best time to go: After 8:30-9:00 PM
Establishment: Bar
My comments:
Pool, darts, shuffleboard, Jenga
Variety of drink options: cocktails, beers, seltzer, etc.
Tends to be a college, upper graduate school hangout spot, but adults do go there too. Fun atmosphere for a family on vacation or parents visiting a student.
Con: Though delicious, fresh gumbo is the only food offered at night and you must pay for it in cash.
Instagram: @market_station
Old Galveston Club
Vibes: Small, intimate, chill
Best time to go: Anytime
Establishment: Bar, but family-friendly
My comments:
Enjoy going here when I actually want to hear my friends talk and don’t want to wait forever to get a drink at the bar.
Pro-tip: If you order to-go food from Mama Teresa’s pizza they will let you eat it in there. So if you want to skip waiting for a table at Mama T's, this is a great option!
TBH not really anything unique but just a classic bar and nice a casual evening
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OGCGalveston/
Texas Tail Distillery
Vibes: Group/Outdoor Hangout
Best time to go: Anytime
Establishment: Bar, but family-friendly
My comments:
Big space and large backdoor patio
Back area has corn hole and other outdoor games. Would be a great place for kids to run around and play while you kick-back.
UTMB Students and staff receive 10% off every Tuesday
Great drink menu!
Instagram: @texastaildistillery
Buckshot Saloon
Vibes: Nightlife, party scene
Best time to go: 9-11 PM
Establishment: Bar
My comments:
“Western” bar
Karaoke and bull riding (brides for bachelorettes ride free)
Usually hit up when I’ve already visited a few other bars before
Con: Can get crazy/a little sloppy the later the night gets. Men, there is a $5 cover and no athletic wear or white t-shirts allowed.
Instagram: @buckshot2409
The Porch Cafe
Vibes: Preppy beach casual
Best time to go: Morning/early evening
Establishment: Restaurant, family-friendly
My comments:
One of the best hidden gems on the island.
Best brunch menu in Galveston.
Offer carafe mimosas
Beautiful location! Quiet, quaint, and right by a public beach access to walk off your meal after dining.
Perfect date night or girls brunch spot
Dog friendly
Con: Food is pricey but worth the quality and atmosphere.
Website: https://www.porchcafe.com
Yaga's
Vibes: Nightlife, party scene
Best time to go: 9-11 PM
Establishment: Bar at night
My comments:
More of a club vibe
DJ and dance floor
Usually a younger crowd
I’ve only been there once tbh but it’s always popping when I go by.
Con: Heard rumors this place charges a cover, but have not gone when they did.
Instagram: @yagascafe
The Spot
Vibes: Casual, sports bar
Best time to go: Happy hour, 7-10 PM
Establishment: Restaurant, family-friendly
My comments:
Cheaper drinks with bar food
Sports bar setting, great for game nights
Pitchers of margs, beer, pina coladas
Sits right on the ocean. Lovely to go to when it is still light outside.
Has mini restaurants/bar areas that are 21+ only, but does have family friendly areas too.
Con: On Seawall, so be careful driving at night because people drive crazy in that area after dark. Also not within walking distance to other bars. Overall still a good time!
Instagram: @islandfamous
The Tremont House
Vibes: Classy
Best time to go: Happy hour, 6-10 PM
Establishment: Restaurant + Rooftop bar, family-friendly
My comments:
Not as fancy as Vargas/Rudy and Paco but still very classy. First choice to take someone to on a date night or GNO.
Gorgeous rooftop bar area with amazing view of the bay (currently under renovations until January 2023).
Drinks and food are reasonably priced for their quality.
They have the best cobb salad, and some of the best food variety on the island in my opinion.
Usually have great service.
Indoor seating downstairs is beautiful with live music often playing on the weekend.
Con: Weather can make this an unpredictable place to visit. When it rains or has high wind the rooftop bar closes.
Hearsay on the Strand
Vibes: Casual
Best time to go: Anytime
Establishment: Restaurant, family-friendly
My comments:
Delicious food and variety of drink options.
Good cocktail menu
Really enjoy their brunch menu.
Con: To be frank, I have not had good service here which is why it is hard for me to recommend to others. However, I do think they have a good food and drink menu. The experiences I have had just make me reluctant to go back. Hope they will change this in future.
Instagram: @hearsaygastrolounge