Venados Cantina

Delicious!Great food, prices and service. Real margaritas and local ambience. Must try: chicken quesadilla, queso, tacos. Poppers were spicy but tasty.

My only regret is that we didn't try this place sooner. This is our third winter on the island and only the first time trying Venados. This place is off the charts fresh and delicious. I never expected this from driving by.First off, the stuffed Jalapenos are house-made, large, crisp, and the best we've ever had. The dipping sauce has a citrus flavor that works wonderfully with them.The chips are on the light side, nicely salted, and served hot and fresh. They are definitely on top of their game here. My wife preferred the green salsa, and I preferred the orange-looking cup. Both had a nice flavor profile with a heat that was complimentary, not trying to show off. For the enchiladas, I went with the green chili chicken, which was tasty and had a nice browning to the cheese topping. I got mine with the refried beans, which were nothing special but nice and creamy. The rice they served with these was some of the best I've had at a Mexican restaurant, though. My wife chose the boudin enchiladas, which were packed with flavor. I will try that one next time. She also went with whole beans instead of refried ones, which were packed full of flavor and will be my preference next time. We enjoyed being able to turn this lunch into a dinner with our ample leftovers. This place is highly recommended. Check it out. As a bonus, if you're staying at the KOA, you get the queso for free with a wristband.

I drove by this place many times and never went in. Had some friends that came to visit so tried it out. The food was good and I would go back. I was surprised that I would find good Mexican food in Galveston. I typically seek pizza or seafood. The waitress was very nice and attentive. Typically when I sit outside I always feel forgotten. Not here. Plus itself the beach, who wouldn't want to eat outdoors with a view and good weather. Recommendations:- The red fish special was good but not personally my fav. Was indeed a larger portion so worth the cost.- I tasted my friend's fajitas and ended up trading! The beef and chicken all delicious with perfect grilled veggies. Highly recommend as seasoned perfectly.- appetizer must have the chicharrones and queso! My fav and must try!

We stopped for margaritas and appetizers. We were not disappointed. Server was excellent and the margaritas magnificent. Soggy chips cost a star. The bacon wrapped shrimp are delicious. Cool place.

We went here while staying at Sea Isle and were so surprised at just how good it was! The waitstaff was very friendly. The margaritas are really good, as is the queso and enchiladas. Our teen son ate our leftovers and took the effort to come seek us out and tell us how good it was. We'll be back!

Camping at the State Park? Venados makes it easy! We arrived with enough food to last a week of our two week vacation but there was no need. We could have eaten at Venados every day and not packed a thing. The restaurant is on the highway, a lovely beach walk from our camp. We were here to walk on the beach so getting there was a pleasure. But if you had to drive, you'd probably pull into their parking lot in under 5 minutes. Great Happy Hour! Beers for $3! And the food is sensational - much better than we expected because the prices are so fair. The quality of the food is what you'd expect at an upscale Mexican restaurant and the portions are generous. From the warm salsa and chips to the hand-made guacamole and the extraordinary and delicious Boudin Enchiladas (a chef speciality you can only try at Venados, The Official Home Of The Boudin Enchilada!).We always dined with our dog on the outdoor patio, but we went inside to wash up. There were never smudges on the doors and windows, the bathrooms were always spotless - the toilets and basins freshly scrubbed - and the table condiments had no fingerprints or residue from the previous customer. All signs of cleaning being constantly in progress. Finally, the servers were always cheerful, knowledgable and respectful - they made us feel welcome. Venados employees also host community events which patrons are invited to attend.With Venados the State Park feels like an RV resort.

Venados Cantina is located on the westside of Galveston rrrrright before you get to Jamaica Beach. We dropped in on a very chilly holiday night and the place was lit up and the parking lot rather busy. That's always a good sign.It's a Tex-Mex eatery with some Cajun options. It's a casual, family-friendly establishment with waiter service (more tween/teen friendly with their arcade games)... or belly up to their bar to watch a game on one of their many TVs.They have frozen margs, beer, wine, and full bar.My girlfriend and I split the fish taco dinner plate; my beau had the boudain enchiladas. You heard that right - boudain enchies. For me, the food was average; fries came out cold and chips were a bit stale. But the fish tacos and sauce were good.

We took a large group (13) here and I think we threw them a bit of a curve as they had two other large groups come in just before us. They worked hard to assemble tables and, although a little tight, fit us in with only a small wait.Our waiter was amazing - he kept everyone's order straight, kept our drinks and the chip baskets filled and generally treated us right even though they were really busy.The food was Good. Not amazing but good. Pretty typical Mexican fare.If you're on the lower part of Galveston island, no need to drive all the way into town for Mexican fare.

We go every time at the beach which is often. I get the kids quesadillas since a senior and can't eat much and it is very good with the guacamole and salsa. Hubby gets the chicken tacos every time! We go during the week about 5:30 and it gets crowded after that

I would really like to give this restaurant 10 stars. We walked in on the night after Thanksgiving and they were packed, but we were seated within 5 minutes. 2 more minutes and we had a basket of warm, tasty chips with 2 types of salsa, also served warm. Drinks came 5 minutes later and then the server took our order. The server was super friendly and made us feel so welcome. She made suggestions and interacted with everyone at the table. I had the Boudin Enchiladas (mild) and my husband had the Shrimp Enchiladas. They both were so tasty with a creamy, cheesy green chile sauce and very nice beans and rice on the side.The server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed including a 2nd round of drinks and more chips and salsa. The owner, Carlos, came out of the kitchen and made the rounds making everyone feel like family. Incredible service, excellent food, welcoming atmosphere and the prices are really reasonable. Highly recommend.