It has lasted this long for a reason. They offer classic TexMex dishes at a good price. The staff was friendly and quick to help with everything our party needed. While there may be better Mexican food on the island, this is a solid choice when you're craving comfortable and familiar food. read more

Open since 1916, the Original Mexican Cafe is within walking distance from the Port of Galveston. My brother and I stopped in for a weekend early breakfast, and we found the service, price, and taste to be good. It opens at 8 am, so we waited around outside until it opened promptly. It has two main dining rooms, one of which was being used for the breakfast crowd. A basket of really good freshly fried thin tortilla chips were given with a decent salsa. We were given a breakfast menu, which had many things I wanted to try. 3 Barbacoa Tacos a la carte ($9.75) - a lot better deal than the plate (2 tacos with rice/beans/potatoes for $11.95). The tacos were good, decent size on a flour tortilla with cilantro, raw onions, and limes. It was decent quality shredded beef: moist and tender with good flavor. Menudo ($9.95) - only served on the weekend, this version was big with a ton of beef tripe (a lot more than there was hominy, which I'm not used to). I like tripe, but this amount was too much for me. The broth was flavorful and rich, and a good remedy for the little cold I had been fighting. Ended up finishing maybe half of it (ate all the hominy though). You pay at the front. Service was friendly throughout, and by the time we were leaving, the place was filling up. Parking is street, and there was plenty of it in the area. read more

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I DON'T TIP TAX!!! I was not sure I wanted to go to this restaurant due to all the negative comments about the temperature of the food. But, if that's all people are complaining about, the food itself must be pretty good. Turns out that the food is pretty good, but that's not the reason for receiving just one star. It's the blatant attempt to steal money from the customers that just pisses me off. When presented the bill, as with a lot of other restaurants; they provide a 'tip' schedule at the bottom of the receipt. Most people follow this blindly. I do NOT. It's east to determine that 20% of an $80.30 billion should be a few pennies over $16. NOT THE $17.38 THAT THIS RESTAURANT RECOMMENDS. I looked closer at the receipt and realized that they're attempting to fool you into tipping the sales and alcohol tax. THAT, ladies and gentlemen; is THEFT. This restaurant needs to adjust the software of the billing/receipts and provide a 'tip' scale that is calculated on JUST the amount of food or other items. NOT TAXES AND OTHER FEES. Now, I know that the owner will 'claim' he was unaware of this 'error' but whoever set this system up in th beginning is well aware that theft is being perpetrated. Perhaps if the owner takes the proper corrective action by 1. Reimbursing everyone who has overpaid, and 2. Adjusts the software so that only the food/items purchased and NOT the taxes/fees are included in the recommended tip scale; I'll remove this critique and leave a more favorable evaluation. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - The percentages of tip scale on the next page should be based the actual amount of food/items purchased. - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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Weirdly, the unsweetened tea was great! I guess that was to say it was really fresh! Food was good. I had the carne guisada and it was tasty but not super tender. Rice and beans very good. Spouse had the original plate and it's a very large plate. My only complaint? Tortillas are not made on site and were bland and seemed to be heated up in foil. Overall I'd go back but try something different service good and place is clean and tidy. read more

11/29/2025: Great food, service, and cool historic place to dine. I had the flautas. They were crispy and flavorful. My friend had the chimichanga. I had a bite and loved it! The salsa is great with a little kick. The margaritas are sweet and tasty. I loved their Spanish rice too. Very big portions. Easily could have split, but we couldn't decide on something we both wanted. Prices are pretty good. Our bill was $48 before tip. The service was great. We were checked on regularly and they were very friendly. Parking is limited, but they do have a handful of spaces in a lot near the restaurant. They also have street parking. Highly recommend for the food and service. read more

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We had one shot at Tex Mex in our brief Galveston trip, we picked a great one! We're from Dallas and spoiled with good food up here, but this ranks high. Friendly service, not fancy or overpriced, basic menu, spacious and clean. Best praline I had in years at the checkout counter! I recommend this place, you can't go wrong. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Simple but yummy crispy taco plate. - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I order some tamales on door dash and couldn't have been more disappointed! They were super greasy and old. I could tell they had been reheated to death! Who knows how old those tamales were. The meat inside didn't look like shredded beef it look like beef dog food. My daughter took the first bite and wanted to spit it out. I told her she better not! Until I open my tamale and allowed her to spit in the dog food bowl. I also gave my tamales to the dogs and even they didn't want it!!!! It's my fault. Because I was lazy. I knew famales made the best tamales but the close at 2 and I didn't want to go and have too much time in between school pick up. I hope it wasn't a single Mexican in that kitchen because his/her whole family would be so ashamed of that pig slop they serving read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Greasy nasty old Tamales - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I'm from Austin, so I might rate Mexican food a little harsher than others. This place was fine. Not bad at all, and the prices are good, but nothing special. Had the tamale plate. Good flavor. Plate of four. Chips and salsa were pretty poor. Chips were very thin, as was the salsa. No kick at all and very little heft. It's fine. Recommend, based pretty much on price. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Tamale plate - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I have been to the OMC many times over the years...but today was my first breakfast here. And I have to say I'm mad at myself for never coming for breakfast before now!!!! The carne guisada was the BEST I've ever tasted...from anywhere!! The breakfast enchiladas were a tasty surprise. Service is excellent, friendly and quick read more

Great traditional Tex-Mex food at great prices. Great service as well. I would highly recommend this place as a must try if you are on the island. read more

February 22, 2025 Ordered take out via Door Dash. That went well. Got queso and chips, taquitos, quac, chicken enchiladas, sopapillas and a piece of tres leches. This was my favorite mexican food restaurant here but, no longer. Why? It's all in the details. The queso was ok; just thick melted cheese with chips. The chicken spinach enchilada plate i won't order again because the chicken was cut in cubes not shredded and the spinach was whole pieces not chopped. Cmon man. Didn't eat but a few bites and it went in the trash. [beans/rice good] The sweets were delicious But, for $50... it was a 3 out of 5 stars today...BOO! read more

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A Galveston institution. Could use a good cleaning. Service was ok. Food mid. Fine to meet your craving but nothing to write home about. That green sauce was the star of the show. Could drink it! Margaritas were bomb! read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Street Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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Every time we come to the original, it's delicious. We always have to come and visit Galveston. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - This was our first tine (hard to believe) but we will be back every time we are in G from now on. - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

We were in from out of town and had read about this hidden gem! It certainly is a gem! Our crew was served immediately with chips and salsa! All very fresh! Loved the queso and guacamole ! Service was fast too! read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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. read more

Prices were reasonable. The enchiladas were okay. Service was good. I'd probably come back to try a different dish. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

This place was good. Salsa was not spicy. Menudo was ok. Combo plate was ok as well. Service was nice. And price was not bad. Quite a few tables and it was pretty busy. read more

it was one of the most amazing best food places I've ever had hasn't had steak and shrimp and burrito and I had the Birria tacos !!! omg sooooo goooooood read more

The food was excellent and the server was very good. She can speak very good English. The service was good and the ambiance is truly authentic. The beer was very cold. You need the try this place when you are here. Maggie is the awesome server and a pleasure to speak with. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Outside the business. - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Last Saturday while on a staycation in Galveston with some girlfriends I grew up with, we decided to finally try The Original Mexican Café, a place I've heard so much about. They have been around since 1916, and I'm not sure if it's the oldest restaurant on the island, but honestly how many restaurants can say they have been around that long. That kind of history is incredible and I love stories like this. When I pulled up, it was in a house that looked so unassuming. I parked on the side street and thought, where am I going. I even had to pull up Waze and check the picture to make sure I was in the right place. And sure enough, it's just in a house. But let me tell you, don't you just love those hole-in-the-wall, family-owned restaurants. Go check it out. We arrived too late for breakfast, but everything we ordered was fantastic. The cheese enchiladas with that rich gravy were outstanding, and the homemade flour tortillas were like fluffy clouds just like what your abuela would make. I'll admit, I'm the type who likes to smell everything before I eat it, and the aroma of those tortillas was heavenly. I ordered a cold beer because I needed a little hair of the dog. Let's just face it, good old-fashioned Mexican food is the cure for any hangover, and pairing it with an ice cold Miller Lite in a frosted glass was absolute perfection. And let's just face it, I'm 56 years old and hangovers hurt more than they used to... cough cough, not that I want to admit that. The queso with ground beef was another highlight, creamy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive. Honestly, I'd love to share pictures, but we were so hungry and everything was so good, we didn't stop to take any. That's how you know it was worth it. Between the food, the story, the history, and that hidden gem feel, this spot did not disappoint. I will definitely be coming back. And yes, this is why I can't lose weight. read more

Food was generally pretty good! The birria tacos were a bland and the green sauce they came with helped A LOT but they didn't give me much of it. Usually birria comes with cheese and a red consome that this didn't come with. My dad got the hot fajitas and they were a bit fatty but well seasoned. Chips and salsa were good but chips and salsa are always good lol. Service was fine, we went for lunch and were among the only people there. Not sure how much different it would be if you came for dinner. The vibe is old school but i really liked it. read more

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Food was ok. Parking sucks. There is absolutely no handicap parking. Only a handicap ramp and it's generally blocked by a parked vehicle. I don't believe the grade of the handicap ramp is compliant. navigating a wheelchair to open the door is nearly impossible. read more

Food was great! Tacos were wonderful. Beer was super cold. Large portions. We had 8 suitcases after getting off a cruise & they accommodated us. read more

Excellent, efficient service in a nice location on the island's east end. One of Galveston's top Mexican food choices. Delivery available if you can't get there yourself. read more

First off the service was good the atmosphere was what I was expecting and hoping for. And the food was good but it wasn't great. I mean this is the kind of Mexican food that old white couples from the Midwest would enjoy. Not a ton of flavor or spiciness. However a little bit of salsa, salt and pepper help liven up my dish. I get it they have to try to cater to the white people tourists that come by for all the cruises. My thing is some of us love flavorful Mexican food and I got to say I absolutely did love their chili gravy and going back again I'll ask for even more. But I say if you go here and you're used to Mexican or spicy food be prepared to order a little extra and it will be top notch read more

Good food at cheap prices. Recommend for people who like Mexican food . Located in Galveston

We highly recommend the breakfast! From breakfast enchiladas to migas, these plates were hearty and delicious. We walked in with a large group on a Sunday and were seated immediately. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Breakfast - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Ordered the fajitas. They came to the table ice cold. Sent them back and they returned them microwaved. Will never come back.

Order the $36 fajitas for two they are ice cold. Sent them back. They brought them back to the table and they were microwaved. Will not be back. read more

Back again after a long absence. Food and service has improved considerably. Cheese enchiladas are a safe bet and I will stick with that In the future. Guacamole was fresh and delicious. read more

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Second time trying and it's just as good as I remembered! Great food, drinks, service, prices!

I ate at this restaurant in 1986, and again today. 3 in the party, all family. We were greeted and seated quickly, chips and salsa quickly served. Our server, Yahir, was a kind and attentive young man. Our order was taken and our food was served quickly. Portíns were generous. Food quality was "yummy"! If you are in Galveston and looking for Mexican food, you have many choices. This one will be a good decision. read more

Wow - this place ain't what it used to be. Maybe it was an off night, but hostess at front, service, food - all disappointing. As locals, we used to love this place. read more

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! read more

Nothing here was terrible, but everything was just okay. The one bright spot was the ground beef crispy tacos. The carne guisada was dry and the sauce was unlike any guisada I've ever seen. More of a salsa than a gravy. There have to be better Tex-Mex places in Galveston than this. read more

definitely a local favorite. small restaurant with really good food and ok service. I was visiting for the day and sat at bar, which is basically employee break room this day. everyone was friendly and my service may have been better if sat at normal table. Bartender was duel hatted as waiter. Parking lot down at end of building. read more

Had their chicken and spinach enchiladas...quite yummy. Chips and salsa are always on point & service is good.

I was in Galveston and though I usually go for seafood while visiting I decided Mexican food was what I was in the mood for. I have driven by Original Mexican Cafe many times going to other establishments as there are many great ones in that area by the cruise ships. I often noticed a line outside but none today so It was time to try it out. Upon entering I noticed it was smaller then it looked from the street...hence the lines. Luckily there was one open table and I was seated quickly. Almost immediately chips, salsa and their house made bean dip appeared. Damn if wasn't the best salsa I've ever had and oh that bean dip! After thoroughly scouring the menu I decided on a combo plate with two cheese enchiladas (with onions), a pork tamale, a crispy beef taco, rice & beans. I would have preferred more onions on the enchiladas but other then that...WOW! Everything was 5 star including the service! All that for $11.00! The meat in the taco was so good I plan to go back next trip and try it in their Chili Relleno. You must visit, I promise you will not be disappointed! Great job Original Mexican Cafe...I'll be back soon. read more

The Original Mexican Cafe - Two Cheese Enchiladas, Pork Tamale, Crispy Beef Taco...Rice & Beans. Oh and amazing Salsa & Bean Dip! Excellent!!! - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Delicious food!! Yummy breakfast! Hidden little gem! Highly recommended while visiting Galveston read more

The food was very good. I had the Mexican dinner. My husband had the fajitas. Both were amazing but when I tried my husband's fajitas, he had the beef fajitas the meat melted in my mouth. I don't think I've ever had fajitas that did that so good so so good And the waiter was extremely nice and friendly food came out quickly. I just really love this place and I know we have one close to where we live so I'm hoping it is as good as this place is because we will definitely be trying it when we go home read more