The Original Mexican Cafe 1401 Market St. Galveston, TX77550 Phone: (409)762-6001 Fax: (409)762-9036

The Original prides itself on beginning each morning with the freshest of quality ingredients which includes 90% lean meat and real Wisconsin cheese.

The Original's staff chops top quality fresh vegetables every morning which simmer with a special blend of spices to create their sauces.

The Original is not a fast-food restaurant and your entree is prepared at the time it is ordered to ensure freshness.

They take no shortcuts in providing a healthier approach to eating by cooking with skinless chicken, olive oil and 100% cholesterol free Nutrifry for frying our chips.

And their ranchero beans, refried beans and tamales are cooked without fat.

You'll notice the difference at The Original.

Galveston.com Review
We’ve enjoyed this venerable Galveston icon for many years, but I usually order the same dish, my favorite chicken fajita salad, served without the taco shell. That’s a great dish for the weight-conscious. However, for reviewing purposes I branched out.

By the way, because it is a Mexican restaurant we had to test the margaritas. I had the “Original”, on the rocks. They make great margaritas and have a fine happy hour Monday through Thursday evenings. Soon appeared the bottomless basket of tortilla chips, with homemade spicy-and-roasty salsa. The accompanying bean dip was new to me; I found it rather bland.

For starters we ordered seafood empanadas, which are fried pastries filled with shrimp, veggies and rice. They came in a generous portion, had a nice medley of flavors and weren’t too spicy for this faint-hearted eater. The accompanying jalapeño pepper sauce provided a kick for those who like something more picante. Although fried they were not greasy.This made a delicious appetizer.

As an entree I selected Tacos al Carbon, house-made tender tortillas filled with chicken and beef fajita meat and grilled onions, with guacamole, Mexican rice and ranchero beans on the side. The meat was a little on the dry side. Rice was flavorful. Guacamole was fresh and well-seasoned. Guacamole is my personal favorite food; I could make a meal of it (and sometimes I do).

My dining companion ordered the Carne Asada, marinated with roasted jalapeños and served with Mexican rice, ranchero beans, pico de gallo and guacamole. The meat was well marinated and tasty but a bit chewy. I think he was jealous of my tacos.

For dessert we chose the flan, which was creamy and rich but a bit firmer than we’re used to.

We had our “usual” waiter, a friendly fellow who seems always to be in a good mood. We had no wait and service was quick. The Original has three dining rooms plus a bar so they can handle small gatherings as well. This is a Galveston tradition so if you haven’t tried it you must. Friendly service, reasonable prices, and some good Tex-Mex. Oh, and great margaritas.

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) approximately 1.4 miles to Seawall Boulevard. Bear right onto Seawall Boulevard. Soon Seawall Boulevard merges into Broadway. Continue straight (west) on Broadway to 14th St. Turn right onto 14th (Christopher Columbus) and travel north approximately .4 miles to Market St. The Original will be on your left at 1401 Market.