Welcome to The Original Mexican Cafe
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1401 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550 Hotline: (409) 762-6001
Welcome to The Original Mexican Cafe, a cherished culinary landmark nestled in the heart of Galveston, Texas, at 1401 Market St. With a rich history dating back to 1916, this beloved establishment is not only the oldest restaurant in Galveston but also a beacon of delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.
The moment you step inside, you are greeted with vibrant decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone craving authentic Mexican flavors. Patrons rave about the friendly service and lively ambiance, making it a go-to choice for both locals and visitors alike.
Menu Highlights
The menu at The Original Mexican Cafe is a treasure trove of classic dishes that cater to all palates. Here are some must-try items:
- Chili Con Queso: A delightful blend of melted cheese infused with fresh tomatoes and peppers, customizable by adding ground beef or fajita beef for a modest additional charge.
- Quesadilla: A heavenly grilled flour tortilla filled with your choice of chicken or beef fajita, accompanied by bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and Jack cheese, served with guacamole and sour cream.
- Taquitos: Rolled beef tacos that come with a side of guacamole and sour cream, a comforting staple for any Tex-Mex aficionado.
- Caldo De Rez: This rich beef soup is a flavorful embrace on chilly days, complete with tender chunks of beef and fresh vegetables served alongside fluffy tortillas.
- Nachos Camarones: Elevate your nacho experience with grilled shrimp, beans, and Monterey Jack cheese for a savory twist.
In addition to these delights, the Appetizer Sampler is perfect for sharing, offering a variety of flavors from taquitos to stuffed jalapeños—all fried to golden perfection.
Your Experience Awaits
One of the standout aspects of The Original Mexican Cafe is the consistent quality of the dishes. Diners regularly share how the flavors hit the spot, whether it’s the spicy salsa paired with crisp chips or the tender barbacoa tacos that leave you wanting more. Fast and efficient service enhances your dining experience, ensuring that every visit feels special.
With a location convenient for those on the go, especially for students and staff at the nearby UTMB, it’s no surprise that this cafe is a favorite among the Galveston community. The cafe’s robust offerings not only satisfy your cravings but also offer value—large portions at reasonable prices make it a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner.
If you find yourself in the area, The Original Mexican Cafe is a gem that brings together tradition, flavor, and a welcoming atmosphere all under one roof. Come hungry and leave satisfied, and perhaps make a new tradition of your own at this historic establishment.
Amazing service. The food was excellent. Fajitas , tacos, chalupas, everything was fantastic. Might be the best on the island.
This was our first time in. The service was fast and great. Food was delicious. Atmosphere was laid back. Will definitely be back.
My wife had 3 chicken enchiladas with a homemade cheese sauce that she requested, and it was prepared by the chef. The chicken had so much flavor from poaching it in chicken stock that it kept it very moist. That dish was a 5! I always get the chili relleno with chicken large poblano pepper stuffed with lots of cheese and chicken, matter fried, and topped with a delicious sauce. The downside for us was the jumbo margarita that had no noticeable tequila in it that was not fresh, but off-putting. Service was okay, and their prices are great for the amount of food you get!
Fast friendly service and a family tradition to stop here for at least one meal whenever we visit Galveston Island. The food is flavorful and hits the spot when we are in the mood for some reliable Tex-Mex on island. The atmosphere is casual, family-friendly. They have a pretty big menu and all the Tex-Mex classics. I love the Caldo de Res (Beef Stew), it comes with a side of rice and tortillas. The salsa is spicy and the chips are crisp. The one down-side for us is they don't have aguas frescas. My kids are always looking for horchata...Maybe one day The Original Mexican Cafe will add it to the menu. Until then it will have to be the standard Coke products.
Located on the corner of a residential block near UTMB, The Original Mexican Cafe's origin in 1916 makes it the longest standing restaurant in Galveston. Their menu is about as standard as Tex-Mex can get. I always order their combo fajitas and accept that I'm essentially paying $18 for a food coma each time. The general consensus, me included, appears to deem this place as a decent jack-of-all-trades restaurant. In addition to large portion sizes, the convenience of this cafe's location keeps me coming back. For many locations on the UTMB campus such as the library or HEC, the cafe is roughly equidistant from the John Sealy Hospital cafeteria. I can always park on the adjacent curbs for free (2 hour limit on M-F, 8am-6pm) before walking inside to friendly staff. Whether I'm dining in or taking out, it's a solid Tex-Mex option on the island.
What a gem of a restaurant to find smack in the middle of a historic district (although, the restaurant is historic as well in its own right). Spending the weekend away from San Antonio meant crossing my fingers I could get my usual Mexican breakfast fix and the Original Mexican Cafe did the trick! Arriving on a Sunday morning, we were sat right away and had drinks on our table in no time. Our server (along with all the other staff we encountered) was friendly and it is very apparent the staff are well established and have things down to a science. I was so pleasantly surprised by the salsa - the exact level of spice I am looking for! And I was even more excited for the barbacoa tacos, the way I judge most breakfast places. These tacos knocked it out of the park for me and the price for both plates wasn't so bad either! The restaurant has its own parking lot but you will also find plenty of free street parking out front (a nice touch when you've been driving around town and find free parking is few and far between). Overall, a fantastic time and I would love to visit again should I find myself in the area!