Home cooking in a gas station? Absolutely. Today’s gas stations and mini marts have transformed into culinary destinations, revolutionizing their food game.
Modern convenience stores, or "C-stores," have evolved from simple gas-and-grabs to mini kitchens serving classic comfort foods without the fuss of fine dining.
With lower overhead costs than traditional restaurants, these savings are passed on to customers, contributing to the rise in activity. Galveston Island, like the rest of the country, has seen a surge in innovative C-stores offering great food in a casual atmosphere with friendly staff.
According to Placer.ai, foot traffic in convenience stores has grown 58.6% since January 2021, with year-over-year visits increasing monthly since February 2024. Experts attribute this rise to the quality of food offered inside.
So, have we entered the golden age of gas station cuisine? To find out, Galveston Monthly has sampled menu options from C-stores across the island. We encourage readers to try them and share their thoughts online.
Coastal Curry & Grill
The reviews are fabulous for this restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine. It is located at 1817 61st Street, inside the Ocean 13 gas station on the incoming side of island traffic, across from the old Hooters restaurant.
This eatery offers authentic Indian dishes. The menu features curries, tandoori dishes, and biryanis.
Some of its most popular dishes include butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, naan breads, and various vindaloos, although the latter is for the more adventurous regarding spice.
It is family friendly as it has a kids’ menu and offers various vegetarian options. Most meals are made to go, but there are multiple outdoor picnic tables with a waterfront view for dining al fresco in the warmer months.
Diners also mention the mango lassi as one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Some say it’s the best they’ve ever eaten.
Coastal Curry & Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner. Its operation hours are from 11am to 9pm. For more information, please call 409.572.6463 or visit www.coastalcurryandgrill.com.
Mel’s Blueplate & Seafood Express
Mel’s is located at 7428 Stewart Road, inside the Valero Gas Station. Long-time residents will recognize this location as the old Noah’s Service Station.
Comfort foods such as burgers, po’ boys, and chicken fried steak are some of the most popular items at this diner, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mel’s burgers are hand-pressed and made fresh daily. They use a unique blend of house seasonings and are grilled on a cooktop, like most of their dishes.
All burgers are made to order with your choice of the usual toppings. The double meat monster is enough to fill the belly of any burger enthusiast, and the onion rings and French fries are made from scratch.
There are half a dozen tables for eating inside, but they fill up quickly during busy lunch and dinner hours.
Mel’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 11am to 2pm and 4:30pm to 7pm. They are closed on Sundays. For more information, follow them on Facebook.
Mi Abuelos
Mi Abuelos Mexican Restaurant, formerly named Mi Abuelitas that was located on 45th Street, has reopened at 2902 Seawall Boulevard inside the Dolphin World Valero. While not a gas station currently, this part souvenir, part convenience mart fits the bill as a hidden gem.
Diners will be happy to note that Sara Asocar, the owner and original chef, is back in charge of the kitchen. And, yes, their tortilla chef has rejoined the kitchen crew, making fresh tortillas daily.
This no-nonsense restaurant offers homestyle Mexican breakfast and lunch dishes inside the gift shop area. Choose from their large selection of burritos, plates, quesadillas, tacos, chalupas and enchiladas. And on the weekends look for special barbacoa and menudo options.
Diners can pick up orders to go or grab a table inside. There is ample indoor family-style seating and a few outdoor tables with Gulf-front views.
The restaurant is open from 6am to 3pm daily. You can order in person or by phone at 409.526.8732.
Harrison’s Seven Seas Grocery
Located at 17523 Termini-San Luis Pass Road just west of Jamaica Beach, this west-end grocery store and gas station has been operating for more than 60 years.
Cara Napoli is part of a third-generation management team that has run the grocery since its inception in 1963. The store is owned by Tommy Harrison and Peggy McDonald, the children of Woodrow Wilson “Red” Harrison, who originally opened the store. Many will remember Red for his infamous pet monkey.
Most west-end residents shop regularly at the grocery, but many may be unaware they have been selling home-smoked barbeque brisket sandwiches since they opened.
Over the years, breakfast tacos and kolaches were added to the menu, and lunch offerings increased to include a variety of Boar’s Head deli meat/cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and BBQ sandwiches.
Deli worker Doyle Pounders said they sell about 30 breakfasts daily on the weekends and approximately 200 lunches a week.
Seven Seas is open daily from 7am to 10pm. The deli is now open from 8am to 6pm. You can order in person or call 409.737.1152.
The Spice Harbor
The Spice Harbor in Galveston offers a rich selection of authentic Mediterranean halal cuisine. Their diverse menu includes kebabs, gyros, shawarma, fresh salads, mezze, and seafood.
You can dine in or order to go. There are two tables inside for customers to eat at and another two outside for dining al fresco when the weather is warmer.
The most popular dishes are the gyro wrap and beef koobideh plate, which is served with two sides. There is a kids’ menu available, and they also cater events.
The Spice Harbor is open Sunday from 11am to 4pm and Monday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm. It is located at 112A, 19th Street, inside the Cruise Plaza convenience mart.
To order online, please visit www.thespiceharbor.com. For more information, please call 409.497.4182.