Getting on Island Time: Great Places to Just Hang Out

A friend came to the island this weekend for an afternoon getaway. After a tasty lunch downtown, we went in search of a place to just sit and visit and enjoy a frosty beverage. I realized Galveston has quite a few places to just “hang out.”

Sometimes that’s just what you need, too.  A place to just be. Some of the best of course are found waterside, because after all, we are an island and what better place to relax, laugh and unwind than at the water’s edge with the sound of the waves to immediately lower your blood pressure (waves are not approved by the FDA to lower your blood pressure, but I believe there is anecdotal evidence to prove that statement.)

New to town is The Beach Hut. From the seawall, you might mistake it for just another souvenir shop on the beach. But take a walk down the boardwalk toward the door and you see the signs pointing one way for the souvenirs and another for the palapa-covered deck where you’ll find quaint seating, an amazing breeze, great views and a bar serving beer, wine and a sampling of food items you might expect to receive through a window.

I did not have a thermometer with me, but I would swear there was a 10-15 degree difference between the sunny seawall and the shady patio. Definitely enjoyable at 3 p.m. on a very hot Sunday afternoon. Be sure to walk on the sand beneath the deck to discover a bowling lane to help pass your time.

Down a ways you come to a hidden hangout of sorts – the back deck of Murdoch’s Bathhouse. Between its two souvenir stores is a deck that features Adirondack-style chairs, pay-per-view telescopes, and Gulf views. Inside the stores you can purchase beer, wine and frozen drinks from those swirly machines. There also is an assortment of waters and sodas, snacks and recently added sandwiches. It is easy to lose an hour or so of time just sitting and watching the gulls and pelicans fly by.

You cannot mention hangouts without thinking of that “island famous” complex of establishments known as The Spot. There’s the original Spot serving its burgers and sandwiches. But a host of other themed places have been added including Drip, Squeeze, the Tiki Bar and Rum Shack, all offering spectacular views of the Gulf. This has long been one of my two favorite places to watch the Harvest Moon Regatta take off in fall.

It might not look like much from the outside, but The Poop Deck is a great place to people and surf watch. From its deck above Seawall Blvd., I’ve watched skaters sing and dance along the sidewalk, have sat next to members of ZZ Top at the bar and even watched fire dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Its sign proclaims to be where the elite meet in their bare feet. I don’t know about the bare feet part, but it’s always a fun crowd sitting in those boat chairs along the deck railing.

While the beach is probably the most popular place to hang out and relax the day away, downtown has its share of places to just chill, too. The views from atop the Tremont House Hotel at its new Rooftop Bar can barely be compared to any other public views downtown. Simply take the elevators to the roof where you can enjoy light food samplings and a full bar. A perfect place to escape the bustle of the world below.

For the coffee drinking set, no other hangout compares to Mod Coffee House where the delightful crew behind the counter can mix the best coffee, tea and specialty drinks around. Go ahead and order the Caramel Dream Freeze – it’s an icy cold caramel coffee creation that is as pretty as it is tasty. And with that shot of espresso in it, you’re sure to be alert for whatever your day brings. Don’t forget to get a fresh-made Rice Krispie treat or other baked item to go alongside it. You’ll be glad you did. Watch their calendars for bands on the patio and open mic nights. You never know who or what you’ll hear.

Olympia Grill at Pier 21 offers happy hour specials that combined with the harbor view from the patio make for a great ending to any day you might have at work. My favorite drink is never on the happy hour menu, but the Pink Ting is definitely worth the splurge from time to time, especially in the heat we’ve been having. The back patio overlooks the waterfront where you can watch ships come in and out, tugs maneuver rigs into place at drydock and on cruise days, you can wave bon voyage to those thousands of passengers aboard Galveston’s fleet of cruise ships.

So whether your taste is Gulf view, harbor view or downtown characters, there is always a place to sit and relax. After all, the world moves along fast enough already, why not slow down and get yourself on island time as soon as possible. As my friend reminded me at the end of the day Sunday, it was just what she needed.