02/20/07

Tourist Trap

by garywise

Let's face it, this place has been open since 1916 in the same location. My mother ate there as a child. For Galveston, it's great. Just be aware of a few things I learned while eating there.

Stick to the menu. A la carte gets pricey and restrictive, e.g. 'Al Pastor' style tacos *only* available as a plate with rice & beans.

Great chips (fried in lard?) and salsa was *very* garlicky.

There is an upcharge for flour tortillas, and you have to ask for corn.

Side of chopped cilantro was 75 cents.

Loved the service& staff, and both the restaurant and bathrooms were very clean.

Good food.

Overall, a good experience for Galveston!

• Pros: Friendly, clean, in business over 90 years
• Cons: Felt 'nickel & dimed'

05/19/09

Best on the island

by tallguyhou

This is by far the best Mexican place on the island. Their margaritas are good, very good. They are also very reasonably priced in the day of the $7.50 rita in Houston! The staff is always friendly and service is good. Their chips and salsa also are excellent. Try the chicken enchildas mole. Very good. I go nearly every time I'm in G-town.

• Pros: food quality, price, service/staff
• Cons: parking

05/27/08

Not so friendly service

by jmmc

After eating there for the past 10 years, when our family of 5 asked to be seated in the original dining area, we were told that no table would be made available - only groups of 4 or less would be seated there on Friday and Saturday evening, so we would have to sit in the noisy back dining room - even though the main area was half empty. Guess we know when we're not welcome, and since neither the food or the prices are that good, we left and had a great meal and great service at Salsa's on the Seawall.

08/27/07

Galveston's traditional home for Tex-Mex still delights diners with traditional cuisine, tangy margaritas and family-friendly atmosphere.

by Joshua Hinsdale

The Scene
Local regulars, cruise-hoppers and beach-goers make this traditional Tex-Mex cafe one of Galveston's most popular lunch spots. Traditional border-style decor, with various tones of brown, creates an ambiance that's more Laredo than Galveston. Service is indifferent, yet sufficient.

The Food
The kitchen uses lean meats, skinless chicken, olive oil and fresh Wisconsin cheeses to create a varied menu of authentic Tex-Mex classics, plus veggie plates and even shrimp and fish dishes. Fajita platters are served sizzling hot, with a choice of corn or flour tortillas. Breakfast is served until 11am during the week and 1pm on weekends.

Hits: The complimentary chips and spicy salsa go great with iced tea or a cold beer.

Misses: The ambiance is rather subdued and plain, so bring the party with you if you're looking for much of a scene.

11/18/06

SUPER

by plennie

The best in Galveston!!!!! A completely smokefree restaurant. They give you lots of food and with a smile. Good margaritas too.

03/22/06

User review by mec1966

by mec1966

I agree about the salsa, among my least favorite of any Mexican restaurant. It is watered down, bland and served in rediculously small bowls that aren't likely to be refilled frequently. The food is good, but the portions tend to be small. I frequently leave feeling hungry. The service is always slow.....glasses set empty during most of the visit.

• Pros: food
• Cons: portions, salsa, service

08/08/04

"The Original" is a Do-Not-Miss!

by eriana

Overall, the Original has delightful food (the homemade tamales are KILLER!)! The salsa is too thin & not chunky enough, which is my personal preference...and it could be spicier. Everything else we've tried has been wonderful thus far; we like to order a couple dozen (or more) tamales for take-out & have our own feast at home.

Ther service has been excellent, with only one or two minor exceptions (not refilling glasses often, that sort of thing) but the staff is always very friendly & professional -- we feel welcome there, not like your ordinary customer.

Highly recommend! :)

• Pros: Tamales, Service, usually
• Cons: , Salsa too thin