As the holiday season approaches, Galveston is gearing up for festive crowds and fresh experiences. This month, we spotlight a wave of new ventures that continue to shape the character and charm of downtown. 

 Among the latest arrivals: a family-run eatery serving up comfort and community, a specialty bar with sweeping Gulf views, a holistic boutique offering wellness-forward finds, and a new tour from a longtime Pier 21 favorite. 

 Each is locally owned and thoughtfully curated - reflecting the island’s evolving tastes and timeless appeal. Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong resident, there’s always something new to discover. And as always, Galveston Monthly is your go-to guide for what’s fresh, festive, and worth exploring. 

 Claudia’s Mexican Cuisine 

 Authentic flavors and family tradition have found a new home in downtown Galveston. Claudia’s Mexican Cuisine, located at 408 25th Street in the former Eatcetera space, is the latest venture from longtime island resident Claudia Calvillo, with day-to-day operations managed by her daughter, Claudia Romo.

The menu features beloved Mexican staples developed over decades by Calvillo, including menudo, barbacoa, lengua en salsa ranchera (beef tongue), homemade tortillas and pozole - red with pork, green with chicken. 

 “Everyone says my mother’s cooking is just like their grandmothers’ homemade cooking,” Romo said. Known affectionately as Mami Wela, Calvillo names many dishes after family members, especially her grandchildren. 

 

 Claudia’s is open daily from 6am to 9pm, with breakfast served all day and rotating lunch specials for $12. First responders, UTMB students and staff, college students, and educators receive a ten percent discount. 

 Guests can dine indoors, grab a café table outside, or take their meal to go. DoorDash service will be available soon. For more information or to place an order, call 409.539.5649. 

 Galveston Historical Harbor Tours 

 For more than two decades, Baywatch Dolphin Tours has been a fixture of Galveston’s waterfront experience. Known for its award-winning dolphin cruises, Haunted Harbor Ghost Tours, adult-only Sunset Tour, and Galveston Burial at Sea, the company now introduces its newest offering: the Galveston Historical Harbor Tour, departing daily from Pier 21. 

 This 45-minute journey invites guests to rediscover the stories that shaped one of America’s most storied coastal cities. 

 As the boat glides past iconic landmarks - including the Battleship Texas, the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, the Galveston Naval Museum (home to the WWII submarine USS Cavala and destroyer escort USS Stewart), the SS Selma, the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Museum, Pier 19, and Pelican Island - passengers are immersed in a rich blend of history, storytelling, and sightseeing. 

 The tour explores Galveston’s transformation before and after the 1900 Storm, its heyday as the “Wall Street of the South” when it was ranked as the second-richest city per capita in the United States, and its early role as the nation’s second-largest immigration port. 

 “Each tour captures the essence of Galveston - its triumphs, trials, and enduring legacy as a cornerstone of American maritime history,” said owner Craig Corbell. 

 With a fleet of Coast Guard-inspected vessels and a seasoned crew, Baywatch continues to set the standard for quality and authenticity on the water. The company was recently named Galveston’s Best Attraction and Best Guided Tour. 

 

 The Galveston Historical Harbor Tour departs daily from Pier 21, just steps from The Strand Historic District. To book your historical, dolphin, haunted, or sunset cruise, visit galvestonhistoricharbortours.com. 

 Sin Cruda Michelada Bar 

 A fresh breeze of coastal flavor has arrived on the Seawall. Sin Cruda Michelada Bar, located at 4118 Seawall Blvd next to Mr. Taco, blends laid-back island vibes with bold Mexican flair. 

 The name - Spanish for “no hangover” - sets the tone for a playful, easygoing space designed for “good times by the beach,” says co-owner Ray Fuentes, aka Mr. Taco. 

 Specializing in handcrafted cocktails, creative micheladas, mojitos, and shareable bites with a Mexican twist, Sin Cruda offers a music-filled atmosphere that flows effortlessly from sunny afternoons to lively sunset nights. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s a spot to unwind, laugh, and enjoy the Galveston breeze with a drink in hand. 

 Fuentes, a longtime Galveston restaurateur, is joined by Juan Carcaño, Jesse Alvarado, and Jesus Medina - each with deep roots in the Gulf Coast’s culinary scene. 

 “We wanted to create a place that celebrates island life - good drinks, ocean views, and great people,” Fuentes said. “Galveston has an unmatched energy, and we saw an opportunity to bring something new to the Seawall.” 

 Sin Cruda is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 2am, and Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. Follow on social media for drink specials, live music updates, and weekend events. For more information, call 409.599.8107. 

 Whole Body Health Sea Moss & Wellness Store 

 A personal health journey has blossomed into a mission of healing and advocacy. After facing life-altering chronic conditions, island residents Homer and Roslyn Allen opened Whole Body Health Sea Moss & Wellness Store at 2217 Strand Street to share the holistic power of sea moss with the Galveston community. 

 “I’m not a salesperson but a survivor,” Roslyn said. Diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and diabetes, she credits sea moss with helping reverse her condition and restore her quality of life. 

 “No one should face those challenges without knowing there’s a natural option that can offer real hope. My survival is the foundation for our business.” 

 

 The Allens describe their store as more than a retail space - it’s a wellness advocacy center built on the “Whole Body” concept. Their sea moss products are formulated to work synergistically for total wellness, supporting gut health, energy, skin, and immune function. All recipes are developed and manufactured in-house using sea moss sourced from Saint Lucia. 

 Whole Body Health offers a wide range of holistic merchandise for mind and body, including therapeutic teas, bitters and oils, body butters, vitamins, herbs, sea moss gels, drinks and gummies, soaps, creams, all-natural toothpaste, and candles - with dedicated sections for men and women. They’ve also carved out a niche with organic, locally made dog treats and toys. 

 “We’ve crafted our store to be a true escape for your senses,” Roslyn said. “We invite everyone to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy time with us.” 

 Whole Body Health Sea Moss & Wellness is located on the second floor in Suite 207A. Hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 6pm; Monday through Wednesday by appointment only. For more information, call 281.748.5103 or visit wbhseamoss.com. 

 Business Briefs Galveston’s business landscape continues to evolve, and Galveston Monthly has gathered a quick roundup of recent updates and additions across the island. 

 Mac-ies on Broadway is now serving breakfast daily starting at 6am. New menu items include loaded Beachin’ Biscuits, Breakfast Mac, a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, and the Smashed Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich. Ask about the $8 early-bird special. 

 Texas Tail Distillery products are now available at Landry’s establishments throughout Galveston County. Ask your server for a list of featured vodkas. 

 Maceo Spice and Import Company has expanded its reach through Sysco Houston. New offerings at the Maceo Market include sample-size spice packs and pizza-making kits. Visit their Market Street location or shop online at maceospice.com.