Meet The Owner
“Did you know Galveston is a true island—surrounded completely by water and full of stories most visitors never hear?”
Our Story: A New Chapter
Pubs N’ Grubs is all about bringing good grub, good drinks, and real island stories to life in Galveston’s historic Strand District. As of May 26, 2025, I’m Robert Alexander and I’m honored to welcome you to this next chapter—now leading these 3-hour food & drink pairing tours with all the flavors and good vibes that make this island unique.
My guests tonight, all recent islanders, helped me feel the true island vibe. They are a mother, her daughter and husband, and a close friend they call the “spirit sister.” I’m happy they got to hear a great singer at an open mic night, which was the icing on the cake. 🍹
This isn’t a faceless tour company: it’s just me (hi, that’s Robert) — working every day to blend my local roots, a deep love for Galveston’s food scene, and the kind of personalized hospitality that turns guests into regulars and friends.
I’ll keep sharing more behind-the-scenes moments, what drives the mission, and what makes the real flavor of the Strand so memorable, right here, as the journey continues.
Welcome to Pubs N’ Grubs, originally part of Galveston’s premier adult walking food & drink tour! Our journey began in 2017 with Taste of the Strand, founded by my sister Karen. She asked me, Robert Alexander, to help launch it, but I was tied down at the time. Still, I supported her through the early days, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, by assisting with web pages, social media, photography, tasting pairings, and boosting her global reach for search visibility.
When COVID hit, lockdown policies forced Karen to either close or reorganize her expanding tour. To comply, she broke it into smaller, themed tours, which stuck even after restrictions eased.
Karen—”Special-K,” as known by many on our island time—continues leading two of the original tours: “Tapas on the Strand”, an adult-focused island food and drink pairing, and “Taste of the Strand”, a casual, family-friendly island eats tour. I’m Robert Alexander, and I helm something altogether different: Pubs N’ Grubs—an independent Galveston food crawl celebrating our laid-back vibe and all those spots where locals go, owned by locals, and independent establishments.
We dive into the heart of the Strand District for a relaxed, immersive experience—think 7 to 9 total stops, casual bar and pub food at four, always drink-forward and music-friendly. Most nights, we aim for two or more stops with live music—whether it’s a rooftop groove, a patio set, or a dive bar anthem. This is where locals unwind and swap stories over sliders, spirits, and a real-deal island soundtrack you feel in your chest. Pubs N’ Grubs isn’t just a tasting—it’s your ticket to immersing yourself in the pulse and vibe of Galveston’s nights.
Perfect Island Vibes—For All Types
What We Offer
Our streamlined tour is now a 3-hour experience packed with flavor and fun. Guests enjoy:
- Multiple Stops: Savor bites and drinks at premier Strand District venues.
- Drink & Food Pairings: Think sliders paired with cocktails, beers, or spirits.
- Local Stories: Learn about Galveston’s history and food culture as you stroll.
Tours run daily with flexible group sizes, offering exclusive access to participating venues in a relaxed, social format. It’s the perfect outing for couples, parties, or cruise passengers seeking “island time” vibes.
Why Choose Pubs N’ Grubs?
We’re all about giving you the best of Galveston’s authentic local scene:
- Local Expertise: We know Galveston’s food and drink scene inside out, from fresh seafood to craft cocktails.
- Perfect for Drink & Food Lovers: Ideal for visitors and locals searching for unique walking tours in Galveston.
- Cruise Passenger Friendly: Just steps from the new Galveston port, we’re a top activity for cruise guests.
- Adults 21+ Experience: Featuring small plates, sliders, and signature drinks at hotspots like Yaga’s Cafe and Stuttgarden Tavern.
I’ve been coming to Galveston since I was an infant, visiting almost daily in warmer months and whenever I was sick. My grandparents loved swimming and fishing here, and I swam in the clear waters of my childhood, exploring places—some still here, some long gone.
We’d make sandwiches or enjoy local foods, go on offshore excursions, deep-sea fishing, flounder gigging, and pier fishing. Over the years, I watched the island’s waters change, but during the lockdowns, they cleared up, reminding me of the Galveston I knew as a kid.
As a child, I rarely ventured downtown, but as an adult, I made countless trips to cigar lounges, food trucks, restaurants, and beer pubs, art spots, slowly discovering the true essence of ‘Island Time’ only recently. I hope to share this newfound presence—this letting go of worries—with those of you who, like me, may have never fully experienced it, creating a shared moment of connection.