Dining Out: Galveston Island, Texas - La Mixteca

While exploring the Historic Strand District of Galveston Island, we followed the first rule of dining out in unfamiliar surroundings:  Ask a local!  In this instance, I stopped a mail carrier and inquired where we could get some authentic Mexican food for lunch.  She hesitated a second and started telling us about a spot close to where the cruise ships disembark and that is popular with the tourists.  I stopped her and said, "No, we want to go where the people who live and work around here would go to lunch."  She smiled and happily gave us directions to La Mixteca located at 1818 Mechanic Street, Galveston, TX  77550.

We arrived at almost high noon, and the cheerful, brightly decorated dining room was full of diners.  Diners of every age and description: families with young children, businessmen and women, couples, landscapers, and a few (smart!) tourists such as ourselves.  You get the idea.  This truly is a neighborhood restaurant.

We were immediately served chips and salsa along with our menus. The chips were fresh, hot and had just the right amount of salt. The salsa would be considered medium to medium-hot with a nice amount of cilantro.

Note that if you order a soft drink, it won't be a fountain drink in a glass.  You will receive a canned beverage of your choice along with a glass of ice for $1.65.  There are no refills.

There's a wide variety of appetizers including guacamole, shrimp cocktail, and chile con queso.

The menu is full of the usual subjects of nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, etc. There were several daily specials listed on a board in the dining room. The menu has fresh seafood options as well.

Sweet Harold chose the Enchiladas Gravy with Chicken served with rice and beans.  The chicken was tender, the sauce was well seasoned with a distinct chili flavor, and as you can see, there was an ample amount of cheese.  The rice was the average Mexican rice, as were the beans.

I chose the Beef Enchiladas Verde. Anytime, I can enjoy some authentic Chile Verde, I do. I loved their version.  Once again, huge servings and served sizzling hot which is always a plus. I really dislike when food is served lukewarm.

The menu also lists an extensive breakfast menu. No matter if you're hungry for breakfast or lunch, a visit to La Mixteca will leave you full and happy.