Island Life

So, now that I know I am definitely leaving this island, I have been getting a little nostalgic. Galveston will always have a place in my heart. When I was in elementary school I would come down to my friend's beach houses on the weekends and see the signs for UTMB and I knew I wanted to come here for medical school. Seriously, I am not kidding. I think I had my friend's mom drive me by the school when I was in 5th grade. I was such a nerd.

I am always getting asked to recommend restaurants, bars and things to do when people come here on mini-vacations, bachelorette parties and spring break. I am pretty picky when it comes to these things but I feel like with my 4 years here, I have finally decided on my favorite places.

Bars

21 -This is a martini bar that has good music on the weekends you can dance to. It's my favorite because it's the only place that doesn't allow smoking inside. It's also a little fancier so if you're dressed up you won't feel that out of place.

Buckshots - This place is relatively new. It looks super shady on the outside but just trust me. If you want to dance, this is the place for you. There's always two-steppers on the floor but really anything goes. I am the ultimate worst dancer ever but at this place, I could care less! 

Tremont rooftop bar - Just like you would think, this place is on top of the Tremont hotel. You can see all of Galveston while sitting on comfy couches. I love the sangria here. This place closes around 10 or 11 but its worth it to grab your first drink of the night here.

Brunch Places

Sunflower - In my opinion, this is my favorite brunch place on the island. I had heard M&M was good but I tried it and I will always choose Sunflower over everywhere else. Unless you're hungover and then go to...

La Estacion - and order the "Surprise" burrito. This is the definition of a hole in the wall if the definition entails literally having holes in the walls. Someone told me that they use french fries in the burrito when they run out of breakfast potatoes but I have been there a lot and I think french fries are a staple ingredient in this massive burrito. I also love the coffee there for some reason. There's nothing special to it but it is always just so good.Look for the astronaut painted on the door and you'll know you're here.

Dinner Places

Olympia - There are 2 of these. You have to go to the one on Harborside. I was kind of annoyed when I saw a restaurant being built after Ike and then found out it was just another Olympia. But this one is soooo much better than the one on the seawall. This place has the best happy hour hands down. They have different specials every day. For about $10 you can leave with dinner and 2 or 3 drinks down. That's pretty good considering an entree here is around $15.

Awesome patio at Olympia

West End - omg this place is awesome. One of my friends in Houston told me her mom goes here with her local friends. This is a great place to go on a date or go with your family for a nice dinner. You can tell they like to keep this place a secret for the locals on the west end. Get the snapper or grouper. I can't remember which one I got but either way, it will be awesome!

Lunch Places

Mosquito Cafe -For those who have been to Galveston, you know about this place. It is a classic and we go here about once a week. Try their salads and their shrimp tacos!

Tremont Hotel - If anything, just go here to see the hotel. It is beautiful with really high ceiling and glass elevators. I loved that 2 of my very good friends got engaged here. You might think eating in hotels is overrated but it is very casual dining. They have awesome paninis and soups for good prices. 

Cafe Michael Burger - If you feel like getting out of downtown, drive a little further down the seawall to go here. But bring cash. I get the Jamaican turkey burger. Go here on a nice day and sit outside with a drink.

Smooth Tony's - This place will never get old. I love their wraps and will definitely miss them next year. They recently opened a bar on Thursday and Friday nights and it is surprisingly awesome! It's not in the best location for going out but it was just nice to chill and drink some wine. Tony made it look kind of rainforesty and I love that.

islandlove,

Germ