We loved this place so much we went 3 times during our trip. First of all - inside they are super welcoming and it's decorated cute and is super clean. You can order ahead and pickup or sit inside and they always have a movie playing. Today's was venom which entertained my son. My husband and i got the breakfast burrito every time and it was stuffed full on a homemade tortilla. I tried charro beans one day and they were solid. Next time i tried the rice - also solid. Last visit got the chips and salsa. Now i like it hot so for me it was perfect but note if you don't like spicy to either skip it or see if they have something milder. My son got eggs and bacon each time and it was also really good. It's cash or cash app only so be prepared in advance. We had the same server each time and she was very nice. Wish we were closer as we would absolutely be regulars. read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Coffee - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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First time here after seeing an article the owner's daughter wrote about celebrating 30 years. It was fantastic! Great prices and delicious food. Service was great, although table cleaning was a bit slow as we came during a busy time (they don't have very many tables for as popular as they are). The food took a bit long, but homemade food is never fast! Plus they were busy with both dine in and takeout orders! So bring your patience and expect to be rewarded with great food. :) PS. Check their hours because they do close early! read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Carne guisada plate - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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Hidden gem! Good breakfast burritos that are very affordable. Great place to stop in and get your burrito fix

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day... and gee golly Ms. Molly... El Rey Mexican Restaurant in Galveston is doing it RIGHT!!! First of all... I'm gonna need a big favor from you all... If anybody that reads this review decides to try it out... here is what I need from you... If you go in there, ask for Jessica... you'll know her... pretty hazel brown eyes... big white pearly smile... if she's there... tell her that tree guy said... "how you dooooin..." But not like in a creepy type way... more like your best impression of Joey from Friends type way... And if you could thrown in that wink ... that would be amazing. I really appreciate it. Hahaha I've always said... in life, "you're 100% guaranteed to miss every shot you don't take..." RIGHT?!?! Just sayin... ‍ But okay now that, thats out of the way... let's get to the important stuff... Like food!!!! So a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon a list of "Best Breakfast Burritos in Galveston County"!!! Now you all know... my eyes lit up like a puppy dog getting a new chew toy to rip apart. Lol So I get to looking at that list... and I have to say... I have been to several of the top picks for best breakfast burrito but I'm not even gonna lie... you all didn't see a review from me... so that should tell you what I thought of them. But... I decided I wanted to re-try some of the spots on the list that I have had in the past and maybe my opinion on them would change. So I tried one... nope... same thing. I tried another... nope... nothing changed... BUT... On my third try... I had a true SURPRISE waiting for me!!! And I mean that literally because the burrito is called THE SURPRISE burrito from El Rey!!! Oh guys... before anybody gets all butt hurt over ANOTHER Galveston restaurant... let me just say this... if you haven't come to Galveston to try the different foods and restaurants down here... you truly are doing yourself a disservice. But to be fair... I can promise you all that I will start actively looking for a place outside the island that knocks my socks off... And speaking of knocking off socks... The SURPRISE burrito did just that for me. Ya'll... I have always said this and I will never change my mind about it... What makes a good or decent burrito into an AMAZING burrito... is the TORTILLA!!! If you fight me and tell me that a place that uses store bought tortillas are better than home made... your opinion will cease to matter to me and please have a wonderful rest of your day. The tortilla on this burrito... yummmm... was fluffy... just reminded me of my younger days... when my best friends mom would make fresh handmade tortillas and straight from the comal, we would just put butter on them and devour them... they wouldn't have to be put in the basket because they were gone in seconds. Guys... the chorizo... the eggs cooked perfectly... but if you know my reviews by now... it's THE BACON that does it for me... I add extra bacon to everything. lol Well this was no exception... thick cut... crunchy... I swear I can it by itself and be happy. Oh but let me not forget the GREEN SALSA!!! OMG... DEEEEELICIOUS!!! It has a perfect spicey kick to it... hot enough to feel it... but not too too hot, to where it's uncomfortable when you go to the rest room... KNOW WHAT I MEAN?!?! It was simply amazing. I could have put a straw in that cup and sipped on it like water. It was just that good. But... OKAY!!! This one has really turned into another book... like ALWAYS!!! I just hope that you all catch my drift as to how excited I get about these places. Oh... and I need to clear something up... no I do not get paid for these reviews... no I don't ask for any type of compensation for these reviews... I have no idea why so many people think that. I simply do it for the love of food and writing about food. Here is their info in case somebody wants to try them... El Rey 1519 Mike Gaido Blvd Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 457-3472 And remember... ask for Jessica... hahahaha Thank you and God Bless... - THAT TREE GUY'S REVIEWS read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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LOVE coming here when I want something quick and cheap to eat while keeping it authentic, though I can't say the same about the agua frescas. read more

Food economical not like tourist prices. Service is very good. I am a local and recommend it. A plate of food i can split it with my hubby no problem. Place is charming very nice murals. Thank you girls!! read more

We had Huevos rancheros and Migas a la Mexicana. Both were good but not outstanding, taste wise. Big portions. Prices very reasonable and staff (owners daughters that day) super pleasant. Lots of regulars coming in. I'll go back to try the chilaquiles and carne guisada! Take cash and watch out where you park if it's raining heavy. A humongous breakfast burrito is only $3! read more

Great portions and value! Ordered the Beef Surprise Breakfast burrito and it was an amazing size for only 6.50. Will definitely be coming back again. read more

Got here at 1:45pm hours say they close at 2pm!! Shouldn't take more than 15mins to make 2 burritos, EXTREMELY disappointed, may be my first and last time even TRYING to eat here . Hours say 2pm make it 1:40 if your not going to abide by the POSTED hours read more

Great authentic food! You can definitely tell this is a place the "locals" eat. Cash or Cashapp payment only! Great value and very friendly service. The chilaqueles were amazing, and can't beat the refried beans and freshly made tortillas!!! read more

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I love their breakfast burritos!! They are cheap and huge!!! Make sure you have cash though.

I was disappointed after reading the reviews. The service was horrible. Not one time did the server (Emma) come to my table. And no chips or salsa? Everyone else got them, but I didn't. I won't be going back. read more

A hidden gem... THE cleanest Mexican restaurant on the island; great family atmosphere and super tasty food. My go-to!!

Food was good and the salsa was great! They were very busy with take out orders, but we still were serviced in a timely manner. Would have liked a check in for a drink refill, but wasn't too bad. Prices were awesome. Will definitely go again. read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Carne guisada plate. - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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Pretty good food. I might've pre-judged it too quick. I like the ambience and the people it's cool.

Burritos were great, the potato chips that come with it were awesome as well. My Pizzabirria lacked a bit of flavor, rice was overcooked and beans had a sweet taste. I most definitely would give them another chance. read more

Best kept secret. Very affordable, only breakfast, cash only, recommend calling in your order...I get the burrito with everything

I found a hair on my burrito!After I took a bite and there was a hair inside of my burrito

Great little "hole in the wall" Mexican restaurant. The salsa is HOT!!!! The cheese enchilada plate comes with chips & salsa, rice, & beans. Very tasty & the refried beans are some of the best I have ever had. Neat, clean, & friendly service. EXCELLENT VALUE! read more

moved to the island over 2 years ago...and a co-worker [and BOI] told me to try out el rey's today, i went in and got a to-go lunch. had the cheese enchilada plate w/refried beans & spanish rice...hot sauce and a side of pico total $7---it was the yummy cheap tex-mex that i so adore!! [and, im very picky about cheese and hot sauce...] they passed the test!! the young girls working the counter are really sweet too muy sabroso, ms Mendiola [owner] thanks for not having high prices for a quality meal. i shall try breakfast next time! buy local. eat local. support local CASH ONLY. limited hours daily picture submitted read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Cheese enchilada w/side of pico #yum #supportlocal $7 + tip - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

El Rey is the best! Better and fresher burrito than Broncos with the same ingredients for half the cost! Cash only but worth it for the value! Friendly staff and local feel! An island treasure. read more

Cash only place! But they are great!! Food is delicious, fresh, authentic! The staff are all friendly and helpful. read more

El Rey Mexican Restaurant - Migas al la Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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I've driven by El Rey Mexican Restaurant on 39th Street dozens of times, wondering what their food was like. So when a friend suggested we meet there for lunch I saw it as an opportunity to branch out from my usual routine. Plus it was Cinco de Mayo. The place is unassuming from the outside. Once inside, we found the dining room to be large with colorful hand-painted murals on all walls. Furniture is basic chrome dinette type, perfect for this casual and family-friendly venue. The menu is breakfast and lunch only, with a reasonable amount of variety. I decided to go for the El Rey Special, which includes a taco, enchilada, and tostada, along with guacamole. All lunches come with rice and beans as well, along with chips and salsa. I enjoyed my watery ice tea along with tortilla chips and fresh and spicy salsa while waiting. The small enchilada was ground beef and just the right amount of cheese, with a tasty sauce. My tostada was piled high with lettuce and tomato over the beef layer, and the crispy taco was similar to the tostada, just folded up. The fresh guacamole had chunks of avocado and was well-flavored. Refried beans were runny but good, and rice was flavorful but a bit oversalted for my taste. My friend assured me she wasn't very hungry, but nevertheless ordered the Beef Fajita Plate. She enjoyed the nice chunks of well-seasoned beef with glazed onions and peppers. Despite her alleged small appetite, she made a large dent in the generous serving. We both judged our lunch to be good old basic Tex-Mex, in a pleasant atmosphere. The menu features a wide range of traditional choices, all inexpensive. Dessert option was snow cones, which we passed up this trip. Next time you drive down 39th Street at breakfast or lunch time, consider stopping in at El Rey. El Rey is located at 1519 39th Street in Galveston, and can be phoned at (409)457-3472. Hours are Monday thru Saturday 7am to 2pm; and Sunday 8am to 1pm. read more

Good Food. Cash Only. Cheapest Breakfast Burrito on the Island. Been eating there for years it is a nice non-chain place to eat. Family owned and operated. read more

I love the carne guisada with nopales. Great lunch dish. They also have cheap BLTs. Decent menu, decent serving sizes, and reasonable prices make this a great place for breakfast or lunch. Unfortunately, like so many places in Galveston, they close early. read more

I love this place!!! Breakfast and lunch is great. Everything is family run and everyone is super friendly. Can't go wrong with them! They get 5 stars on food, cleanliness, and ease of in and out for to go orders. Dining in service is great and they aim to please! read more

Wanting to try another Mexican restaurant in the local area for burritos i placed an order at El Rey's for pick up. When i arrived at the designated time of pick up the workers, who were very rude, informed me that they forgot to process my order so i had to wait some additional time to get my food. When i got home i was even more disappointed in the food quality. It tasted like iron dead cat shit and the eggs were under-cooked. Rumor also has it that their food is processed and maintained in the back for weeks. I will not return! read more