The Original

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My son, Matt, was in Galveston recently to help me with a few minor projects around The Bungalow and to join me in seeking out places not yet seen, including restaurants.

I had long heard about the Original Mexican Cafe and, after telling Matt a bit about it, he too was eager to go there for lunch and check it out.

The Original was founded in 1916 by Raymond Guzman in his two-story home in the East End. Quickly, Guzman earned an enviable reputation for serving up the best beef and chicken enchiladas. Today’s owner, John Bannon, Jr. still serves up great enchiladas, but he also offers up tasty grilled pork tacos, fajitas and spinach quesadillas.

The Original has the distinction of being the longest continually operating restaurant on Galveston Island. It is situated on its original site at 1401 Market Street.

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Matt and I arrived at the restaurant in the middle of the lunch hour. Though there was a nice size crowd there, we waited only a few minutes to be taken to a table in the first-floor dining room. And, minutes later, the waiter was at our side, ready to take our orders.

We started by ordering two of The Original’s prize-winning margaritas. My was frozen; Matt’s was on the rocks. Both were probably larger than we needed, but both were very good!

The menu at The Original is extensive (lots of unique and interesting combos), but we both opted to try The Original’s classic cheese enchiladas with rice, beans, etc. Again, we both enjoyed our meals and commented that we’d definitely come back!