Star Drug Store 510 23rd St. Galveston, TX77550 Phone: (409)766-7719

In 1886, the Scanlons, a prominent real estate family in Galveston, purchased land and built two buildings known as the Levy Building and the Star Drug Store. The Scanlons hired one of Galveston's most renowned architects, Nicholas Clayton, to design the buildings. Clayton created attaching facades wiah asymmetrical window groupings consisting of arches and elaborate decor.

The original structure of the Star Drug Store was wood; this changed when Charles J. Michaelis, a local druggist, bought the building in 1906. Michaelis hired a contractor names J.W. Zempter, who without compromising Clayton's design, converted the building to brick. This $15,000 renovation was completed in 1909.

In 1917, the Star Drug Store was fully operational, and a horseshoe-shaped, tile soda fountain counter was added to the pharmacy.

In the 1920s, George Clampitt and Grady Dickinson purchased and operated the store until 1982. These two men maintained the integrity of the drug store as well as altered history, when the Star became the first desegrated lunch counter in Galveston.

Ownership changed hands several times before a severe fire on Friday, March 13, 1998, closed the store indefinitely.

In November 2001, the Tilts family purchased and began renovations to the building. This five-year project including rebuilding and restoring the facade, two loft apartments upstairs, the historical Coca-Cola neon porcelain sign, and the drug store. The owners paid careful attention to detail so that their patrons would have a memorable experience.

The original horseshoe counter, complete with the embedded red tile star in its prominent facade, still reigns as the Star Drug Store's most recognized emblem.

Galveston.com Review
The ambiance of Star Drug is a favorite of mine. I have enjoyed several burgers at lunchtime, and my dining companion adores their Chicken Curry Sandwich. In case you haven’t visited, Star Drug is beautifully restored and a treat for the eyes. The pharmacy shelves are full of a variety of jewelry, baubles, antiques, you name it.

This visit was for a breakfast treat. We sauntered in around 9:30 on a weekday morning and selected a table by the window. The laid-back atmosphere in the place can’t be beat and I would have been content to sip coffee and watch passers-by. So of course we had a cup of coffee brought to us right away. This coffee was great, had been recently brewed, and was just strong enough—none of that weak sissy stuff. Too bad they had liquid creamer but no half & half.

I wanted everything on the menu. Finally I settled on the “Islander” omelette, a veggie treat with a fresh mélange of green and red peppers, onions, fresh tomatoes, and cheese. It was perfectly done, light, and not at all greasy. Oh, I also “settled” on a pancake on the side. This big pancake could have been a meal in itself (my companion ate half). They offered often-hard-to-find real butter along with the fake kind. The pancake was scrumptiousl! Not overy fluffy, and wonderful creamy in texture. Next time I might get two of those. It’s so hard to choose.

My companion chose two eggs, sausage and cottage fries. The eggs were “over medium” to his exacting taste, and sausage was good and spicy. Potatoes were so-so, a little dry. Serving sizes were just right for the average eater.

All in all we had a wonderful breakfast, excellent service, and enjoyed a piece of Galveston history.

From Bolivar Peninsula:
Starting from Crystal Beach, travel approximately 10.7 miles to the Bolivar Ferry. Upon exiting the Ferry, take Ferry Road (SR-87) and head southeast approximately .9 miles. Turn right (west) onto Harborside Drive. Travel approximately 1.4 miles along Harborside Dr. Turn left (south) onto 23rd Street (Tremont St.) and travel approximately .3 miles to Postoffice St. (Ave. E). Star Drug Store will be just past Postoffice St. on your left at 510 23rd.