The Gumbo Diner — Restaurant in Galveston

Our go to breakfast place on the island, even though it means a drive for us vs a walk.

They have an all day breakfast menu for those who aren’t there before noon.

Husband gets the pancakes, which are the size of a dinner plate and fluffy. Plus there are 3 in an order! Add crispy bacon and he’s a happy camper.

I get the Texas Diner Melt which is avocado, an egg your way, bacon and cheese on toast. I don’t eat the bread. Comes with fries and I ask for them crispy. I can only eat half the fries and always save room for one bite of Husband’s pancakes. He never finishes them.

I’ve also had the shrimp and grits, which are amazing and I don’t usually like grits.

Their beignets are straight outta NOLA.

Ask for Charlene, she’s a first class waitress. We try to sit st the bar in her section. Sam, Yvonne, Ro are equally awesome.

I believe this building, right next to the aging but active Commodore Hotel, used to be a Waffle House.

Huge portions, enough to share.

Update 2/27/22. Juan, the new kitchen manager for GRG, decided to change the pancake batter and the process/griddle on which they’re made, thus resulting in much smaller, sweeter pancakes. The menu needs to be changed to read “small” fluffy pancakes instead of “large” and the $12 price should be adjusted as well. Here’s what they look like now in photo below. The griddle is a small round one, placed next to the waffle iron and because of its size, doesn’t allow for the making of the delicious large pancakes any longer. We’re regular customers and aren’t happy with this cost and efficiency change.

4/4/22

Oh no! No more skinny fries! They’ve gone to fat crinkle fries. Darnitt.

7/12/22 Shrimp & grits are as good as ever!

7/12/23 Charlene rocks! So do Sam & Yvonne! They’ve added a fruit cup and it’s fresh cut daily. Pineapple, mango, cantaloupe, strawberries- it was delicious and a great start!

12/29/23. I had the grilled catfish tacos for the first time. Amazing. But the pinto beans stole the show. They tasted like what my Mom used to cook for hours on the stove. Man, they were awesome!

We’re still regulars! 5/16/25 pancakes & bacon for Husband and 2,eggs, crispy bacon & wheat toast for me. Plus a bit of pancakes with bacon, butter and syrup. And a mimosa. Charlene & Yvonne...

The Gumbo Diner in Galveston is an absolute treasure, seamlessly blending comfort food with a touch of Southern charm. I found this diner to be a standout for both breakfast and dinner, making it a versatile gem worth visiting at any time of the day.

For breakfast, the Gumbo Diner truly shines. I started my morning with their Chicken and Waffles, a dish that epitomizes comfort and indulgence. The chicken was crispy and perfectly seasoned, while the waffles were light, fluffy, and had just the right amount of sweetness. This harmonious combination was nothing short of spectacular. Their omelets are another breakfast highlight—fluffy, generously filled with fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavor. The variety and quality of their breakfast menu set the perfect tone for the day.

When it comes to dinner, the Gumbo Diner continues to impress. I began my evening meal with the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, and it was a revelation. The shrimp were plump and juicy, encased in crispy, smoky bacon, and served with a delectable dipping sauce that elevated the dish to gourmet levels. This appetizer alone was worth the visit.

For the main course, I opted for one of their legendary burgers, and I was not disappointed. The burger was perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor, complemented by fresh toppings and a soft, toasted bun. Each bite was a testament to the diner’s commitment to quality and flavor.

The service at the Gumbo Diner is impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff who make you feel right at home. They are knowledgeable about the menu and quick to offer recommendations, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. The ambiance, with its cozy and inviting decor, makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal with family or friends.

The Gumbo Diner in Galveston is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy an amazing meal at any time of the day. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast of Chicken and Waffles and Omelets, or a delicious dinner featuring Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and mouthwatering Burgers, this diner delivers excellence in every dish. Five stars hardly do justice to this culinary haven – the Gumbo Diner is truly a standout in the world of...

Myself and and a large party of about 16 people were in town and decided to patronize this restaurant for dinner. Knowing our party was big, I called ahead and made sure to tell them how many people we had and made sure they could accommodate us since I couldn’t tell how big the restaurant was from the online photos. They assured they would be able to.

When we arrived the parking was pretty tight and we ended up parking behind the random sketchy apartments next door. Once we went inside it was very clear that they could in fact not accommodate us all easily though they weren’t too busy. I completely understand the difficultly in trying to make sure there was space for us, (we were trying to help make it work too) but what I will not understand is why the wait staff was so rude our entire visit there. The waiter was short with more than one of us at the table and seemed so inconvenienced to be serving us. It felt awful and infuriating since we were paying and we’re trying to be polite and accommodating still.

I would have just talked to the manager if the worst attitude didn’t come from her. It was extremely frustrating to feel like we were patronizing this establishment and still being treated like an huge inconvenience. We tipped 20% and no one was nasty to the staff.

The food was okay, but I could not encourage anyone to go here with that kind of service and management.

My suggestion is to find another spot nearby since there are plenty of eateries in this vicinity. This is not the place for large parties.

The only highlight for me was the waitress with the locs who first greeted us when we came in. She was doing everything to accommodate us and was kind to us even though the manager and other wait staff clearly would have preferred we leave. I made it a point to let her know I appreciated that...