The Origins of Galveston’s Food Tours

In 2017, my sister Karen launched the first-ever food tour on Galveston Island, inspired by a trip to New Orleans. She recognized a gap in the local market—an opportunity to showcase Galveston’s rich cultural heritage through a walking food tour. Together, we worked on portions while she handled the vast majority of the effort to expand and create “Taste of the Strand,” as it’s known today—a tour that quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike from the very start.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Innovation

The pandemic brought challenges but also opportunities for innovation. As restrictions hit, Karen adapted by splitting the original tour into three distinct legs, catering to different interests. This is also where I spent much of a year with Karen, out in the field on many tours, helping with tastings and selections—though the ultimate decisions were hers. I had so much fun with her on the tours she embarked upon. This evolution eventually included the drink-focused experience that I now own & manage: Pubs N’ Grubs.

Why Pubs N’ Grubs Stands Out

Local Vibe

Our tours prioritize local establishments, taking guests to bars and eateries that embody the true spirit of Galveston. You won’t find corporate chains here; we focus on places where locals hang out.

Drink-Forward Experience

While food is part of the journey, our emphasis is on local beers, craft cocktails, and signature drinks that complement the local culture. Each stop is curated to provide a delightful taste of Galveston’s beverage offerings with four stops for local bar casual-type food.

Community Engagement

Many of our guests are professionals—teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, business owners—who seek a genuine experience. Their stories and interactions enrich our tours, making each one unique.

Memorable Stories and Testimonials

We’ve heard countless stories from guests who fell in love with Galveston during our tours. Some have even moved to the island after experiencing the warmth and charm of our local scene. One couple shared that they felt like they were part of a community by the end of the evening, thanks to the connections made during the tour.

Future Aspirations

As we look ahead, we aim to expand our offerings with more tours, including potential cigar pairings, both walking and sit-down experiences. Our vision includes training multiple guides to handle increased demand, allowing us to offer simultaneous tours and reach even more guests.