In Search of Galveston's Best Cocktails
Galveston restaurants and bars offer some of the most delicious and creatively-concocted adult beverages anywhere. Here are some of the prime watering holes that consistently serve the best cocktails.
Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood
Set along the banks of picturesque Offats Bay and the Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 takes its name from the alias of the renowned/infamous Galveston-based brother pirate duo of Jean and Pierre Lafitte. While you can guzzle a drink virtually anywhere, the mixologists at Number 13 obsess over making memorable cocktails from fresh ingredient, house-made syrups and a vast menu of premium liquors. The Pineapple Infusion Martini, for example, is an out-of-this-world favorite that begins by soaking pineapple in vodka for up to two weeks! The Bloody Mary Bar on Saturdays and Sundays lets your imagination run wild as you create your own bloody mary. Request a seat on the two-story outdoor Terrace to enjoy your favorite beverage with an unobstructed view of the marina.
Tremont House Roof Top Bar
The open-air rooftop bar combines spectacular views, an upscale vibe and outstanding cocktails to create a perfect ambience to enjoy a perfect cocktail. Situated atop the regal Tremont House Hotel, the Roof Top Bar has become a go-to date night destination. The drink menu is heavily populated with well executed specialty drinks, such as the Red Lightning Martini—a powerful mixture of blood orange sorbet, moonshine (yes, moonshine!) and house-made rosemary simple syrup—and the Belmont Blue, which uses Pinnacle vodka, blue curacao and pineapple juice topped with Sprite, to blow your taste buds away. You’ll come for the views, but the libations will make you an instant regular.
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RumShack
It’s difficult to get any more laid back than this Seawall favorite that’s part of the Island Famous compound of five nightspots under one roof. You can search high and low and won’t find a better mojito. The Mango Mojito is an established favorite for many, while the Mile Zero, which uses Blue Chair Bay Key Lime Cream Rum, coconut rum and orange liqueur, creates a truly unique drink that will trigger an immediate Instagram post. Do yourself a favor and try the Capirinha—the national drink of Brazil—that brings Cachaça 51, sugar, lime, ice and soda together to create a drink that’s so good you’ll think you’ve been transported to a Sao Paulo bistro.
Daiquiri Time Out (DTO)
Daiquiris are what put this this gem of a bar on the map. Located at the corner of 27th and Market Streets, DTO is staffed by true mixologists who take creating unique drinks to a whole new level. Whether you opt for one of their signature daiquiris, a traditional cocktail like the mai tai or whiskey sour, or one of the choice beers on tap, you won’t be disappointed. Designer drinks like the Suffering Bastard—a blend of bourbon, gin and bitters—and the Zombie, with its careful blend of rums, are what put DTO at the head of the class in the growing genre of craft cocktail bars.
Yaga's Cafe and Bar
Located in the heart of The Strand District, Yaga’s has perfected the art of combining great cocktails, delicious bites and live music to become an iconic spot. The specialty drink menu is as deep as the gulf, with crowd pleasers such as the Dirty Monkey—a bolt of liquid lightning made with Cruzan coconut rum, white rum, coffee liqueur, pineapple juice and banana. Their take on the classic Hurricane, with Flor de Cana rum, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine topped with a 151 floater, is simply remarkable!
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Rod Evans
Rod Evans is a Houston freelance writer who enjoys getting down to the island as often as he possibly can. He has focused primarily on sports, music, fitness, cars and food during his career in print, broadcast and online media. He's the co-author with Houston blues legend Grady Gaines on the book, "I've Been Out There: On the Road with Legends of Rock 'n Roll."
