Pennies Tex Mex Take Out — Restaurant in Galveston

I hadn't tried all the BBQ places on the island, but I know a good thing when I see it. This place is small and in the middle of the neighborhood. They only have outside seating, so its takeout only. It has limited space inside, so don't be surprised if you find a line of people waiting outside. Don't be discouraged and just assume that you're better off going somewhere else, if you haven't been here do yourself a favor and be patient just wait and think about what it is you want to order it's very much worth your time and in your best interest if you wait. My favorite things are the ribs and the chicken, but I almost always order the 3 meat plate so I can get some of their brisket as well. Their tamales are the softest I've ever had and had great flavor. I haven't tried the barbacoa yet, but the brisket tacos were incredible, tons of brisket and a homemade flour tortilla that was on par with the best tortillas I've ever had. They are very confident in their food, you'll notice that they don't have anything precut and sitting in a steam table waiting on the next order. If you order brisket, you can watch as they bring out the entire piece and slice yours to order and weigh it out before plating it. Also, they don't sauce their meats. They give you sauce, but I often don't even use it. The flavor of the smoke and juicyness of the meat is enough, and covering it up seems like an injustice. A nicer staff you couldn't ask for. These guys are patient and helpful. I'm happy to stop by whenever I can, but they close at 3 pm or sooner if they sell out and they are closed Monday thru Wednesday to make tamales. Their menu is limited, but that's also a strong point. They just focus on the things they do well, and it makes them better for not offering everything...

What I can say about Pennies Tex Mex Take Out is that if they sell it, whatever it is, it's among the best you can get. I've tried nearly everything they have to sell and nothing is lacking. The ribs and brisket are the among best that I've had anywhere; and I've judged competitions for many years as well as conducted BBQ tours in Missouri, Oklahoma, & Texas. From the bark to the ring, the cut, the tenderness, and flavor; the brisket are ribs achieve perfection on every level. No sauce needed but that's good too.

Pennies tamales and barbacoa are top notch as well. The pork/beef tamales are seasoned with just the right hint of heat--the same goes for the salsa which accompanies them. The perfectly prepared barbacoa has a hearty roast beef flavor and is not greasy as others often can be.

I can't find a fault in the potato salad, beans, or chocolate pecan cake either.

The deal with Pennies is that they do just a few things but they do those few things consistently right. They specialize in the labor or time intensive foods such as tamales and slow smoked/cooked meats. So let them do the work. Stop in and buy a couple pounds of EVERYTHING and don't worry about *breakfast, lunch, or dinner for several days.

*Barbacoa or brisket on a tortilla makes a great breakfast--add and...

The food at pennies is always excellent. This was one of the strangest visits I’ve ever had there. I was behind a couple of fellows while they made their whole order and were directed by the server that they could get a better deal, so they started all over again. That I have no problem with at no time did she look up and think can I help you while I redirect them. I was just doing a pick up of a call-in that I already made.

Even the guys working in the back looked at me like we should get him out of that line. When I finally got up to her and the other guys were stepping aside saying you go on. She found out I had a take-out order and all I had to do was pay for it. And after all of that she had the nerve to ask me had I been there before. When asked her why, she replied, to see if I knew how things worked around there. When all she had to say was sorry for the wait. A simple sorry for the wait!!!

The easiest thing would’ve been to ask me do you have a take-out order or something I can get right away for you sir. But her option was only one just let him stand there while I go back-and-forth...