Best Spots to Social Distance in Galveston, Texas
Dreaming of the summer vacation you had to cancel last minute thanks to Ms. Rona? Visiting Galveston is the perfect way to avoid interstate travel while still getting that perfect, golden tan you’ve been dreaming of since March. Here are a few of our favorite eateries to stop by while you’re social distancing on the island.
One bite is all it takes to get hooked on Mosquito Cafe. In a historic, restored 1870 East End home, Mosquito Cafe boasts a large, eclectic menu with Asian, American, and Mexican influences, and a lovely, warm atmosphere. Some highlights of Mosquito Cafe include their breakfast served 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. daily, Tuesday through Saturday, and the diverse artwork (most of which is for sale!) covering their walls. From vegetarian-friendly sandwiches to classic meatloaf, Mosquito Cafe has delicious options for the entire family. With an extended patio and spaced out seating, Mosquito Cafe is a great lunch option for anyone headed to the beach.
If you find yourself on the West End looking for some pick-up, The Pointe West’s restaurant and bar, The Pointe, is the perfect place to stop by. The Pointe West Beach Club is a beautiful resort located on the last 3 ½ miles of the west end of the island. Although its pool and beach access are only for members of the beach club, the Pointe’s restaurant is available for pick-up for any island-goer. The menu is simple with plenty of island classics featured. Some personal favorites are the Mexican Grilled Corn and the Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Potato Fries on the side. Definitely worth the drive from the East End!
Maceo Spice and Import Company
This classic Galveston Italian-deli that’s been in business since 1944 has perfected lunch, jarred sauce, and BBQ rub alike. The atmosphere is incredibly homey, with its endless shelving and small, comfortable tables. Their classic muffaletta is large enough for two to share, but I’m definitely impartial to their lunch combo; a quarter of a muffaletta with red beans and rice or gumbo. While you wait for your sandwich, look around the shelves, and see if you find any pesto calling your name.
This contemporary Houston restaurant just recently opened its third location and its first Galveston location on the Strand. Describing itself as “chic antique”, the Hearsay menu offers a modern, elevated take on American classics, such as their Hearsay Cheeseburger featuring Wagyu beef and their rosemary parmesan fries. Only open for dinner Monday through Thursday currently, Hearsay has been offering plenty of pandemic-friendly accommodations, such as a complimentary Hearsay mask available during their Happy Hour and mason jar cocktails to-go!
If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious breakfast on your way off the island Sunday morning, ShyKatZ is the place to go. Currently, open limited hours, 8 A.M. to 2 P.M., ShyKatZ offers classic breakfast fare, from specialty omelets to combo breakfast plates. The French Club Sandwich features eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon, and country ham all served between two slices of cinnamon French Toast, and it is the perfect cure for the morning after a crazy night at Island Famous.
Who doesn’t want fresh, delicious seafood when they’re on an island? What better way to taste the Gulf’s freshness than having it raw! Yamato restaurant has more than just sushi, though for all of you who are anti-raw fish, with an entire hibachi menu as well. The definition of dinner and a show. A few favorites include the Beef Tataki, Ebi Mushrooms, the Crawfish Special Roll, and the Yakiniku hibachi dinner. Although they’re temporarily closed during lunch, get your sushi fix in after 5 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday!
While La King’s might not fit in exactly with the other items on this list, you just can’t write a list about Galveston’s food scene without mentioning La King’s. It’s been a Strand staple since its opening in 1976, mainly because of its retro and whimsical atmosphere. Who doesn’t love watching salt water taffy being hand-pulled while drinking a rootbeer float? While La King’s is known for its salt water taffy (in flavors such as cake batter, peanut butter, orange, and strawberry, for example), its other sweet treats are just as delicious, namely its ice cream. No matter which of the 36 flavors you get, it’ll be some killer ice cream, no question.
Enjoy your vacation! Remember to try a few of these picks and to keep your distance between yourself and other beachgoers!