Café Canela

We went to Café Cancela in Galveston for breakfast, and it was pure Mexican goodness! My mom and I ordered the Huevos Divorciados, and they were absolutely delicious — I added sausage and avocado to mine, and it was chef’s kiss! My sister got the avocado toast with eggs and loved it, my dad had the Mexican eggs and couldn’t stop talking about them, and my brother devoured his French toast. The horchata was perfectly sweet and so refreshing, and my mom said her coffee was amazing — she absolutely loved it! The whole place has a cozy, homey vibe, and the service was good. Our server was a bit slow, but she seemed new or still learning, so no big deal. Overall, we loved it and will definitely be back! 🌮☕💛

Café Canela is an absolute gem! Everything I’ve tried has been delicious, but their birria tacos (served Friday–Sunday) are hands down my favorite. Perfectly tender, flavorful, and packed with rich, savory goodness—every bite is next-level. The consomé is incredible, the tortillas are spot on, and you can truly taste the care that goes into the food. If you’re even thinking about trying them, don’t hesitate—these birria tacos alone are worth planning your weekend around. Highly recommend! 🌮🔥

I went to this place for the first time today, and wow…, This Was the best Mexican meal I’ve had in a long time. I ordered the beef fajita Migas with the chili de arbol salsa, and I was completely blown away. I frequent Galveston, and this will be my new go to place.

First time here and it did not disappoint! We came during breakfast and the food was full of flavor and freshness! SO delicious! We will try it again for lunch/dinner when we’re back in the area!

The food was absolutely terrible. The only good thing was the Mexican hamburger. The agua de horchata was slimy and gross and the so-called mole was an absolute sin. It’s disgusting, like if someone made it with toilet water. The bathroom doesn’t even have a roof on, so basically, E. coli is flying around the restaurant. The tables are also very sticky. The employees don’t even know what they have in stock, but they are very helpful. Other than that, I don’t recommend this place at all because the food is just bad.

First time here and won’t be the last . Sebastián was really nice and kind, he took care of us .This place has very good breakfast and coffee. I totally recommend this. Food was delicious.

Cafe Canela was such a great experience! The atmosphere was bright and spacious, with lively Latin music that made the place feel warm and welcoming. Our waiter, Sebastian, was amazing! So friendly and very attentive throughout our meal. The food was absolutely delicious, and the portion sizes were generous. The prices felt right on point for the quality and amount of food we received. Definitely a spot I’d recommend and look forward to visiting again!

Definitely a MUST TRY! Authentic mexican flavors. We tried some "chilaquiles with a side of steak" and "Huevos Rancheros with a side of steak". Highly recommend this place!!! Thank you Gaby for your amazing service!!!

I'd give 10 stars if I could!! My family and I are full to the point of exploding...but IT WAS SO GOOD we couldn't stop eating!!! This is a showstopper breakfast, man!!! I had the Chilaquiles Toluca--green chilaquiles with eggs, Monterey Jack, and homemade chorizo on top, served with refried black beans. Spectacular!!! The cafe de olla is just pure delight. Taste it before you sweeten it!! It was a bit on the spicy side, but for those that like it hot hot, there's room to add some of their salsa to kick into the spontaneous combustion zone. This was such an unexpected stunner!! WELL worth a visit if you're passing through...or a spot on your regular rotation if you're in town!

This is a total hidden gem that you will be soo happy you came too! I'll be honest I was a little thrown off by the outside appearance, but never judge a book by its cover. It's really cos it looks kinda coveted but do yourself a favor + come in!!! So much flavor in evvvverything! We loved the cinnamon coffee! It was so bomb, our server highly recommended it + it did not disappoint. Try it without cream first! I got the huves divorciados, with over medium eggs, my husband got an egg enchiladas enfrijoladas! Both of ours were out of this world with so much goodness! Our server brought us a special hot sauce on the side, one was like a salsa, the other was a spicy chili peanut oil... AASKKK for this if you like spicy! It's not going to burn your face off but it kicks it up 1000x I can't say more good things. The service was awesome too, great recommendations for everything! When we are back in town this way you bet we are coming back'

I've never been more embarrassed. I decided to take my mother out for breakfast at our usual spot, Cafe Canela. We live on the island and eat there all the time. We walked in and there were two empty tables, both four tops. We were approached by the heavy set waiter and told to sit at a table next to the door. I approached the waiter and said, "We'd rather sit at the other table," which was in and away from the door. He literally responded, "If a bigger table comes in, I'm going to have to move you." Once again, both tables were four tops. We sat at the table by the door and another waiter approached. I said, "That guy's an asshole." He responded, "He's not an asshole, he just..." He looks over to the table we wanted, realizing both tables are four tops, and stopped mid sentence. We left. The heavy set waiter wanted to give us the table by the door just because there were two of us. the number of chairs at either table did not matter, our money was seen as less valuable to him. And that's a horrible assumption to make when the party of two you're speaking to eats at your restaurant all the time, including during off season. I will not return, as I've never been so insulted at a restaurant before.

Have lived on the island for a year and a half and finally tried this little restaurant. Ordered the Al Pastor quesadilla for myself and my husband ordered the Al Pastor street tacos. The meat was very tender and tasty. The helpings were very generous... Had leftovers to take home. We will definitely go back!

This authentic & cozy Mom & Pop Mexican restaurant is a gem. Everything we had was delicious, from the chips & salsa to the main dishes we had, Taco El Pastor , Taco de carnitas, & the daily special soup, Sopa de Fideo. We ordered a side of the refried black beans & it was delicious. It's tasty like the refried beans at Hugo's. We can't wait to try other dishes on the menu when we return. And the service was great, attentive, warm & kind L&M

My sister and I were in Galveston and needed some breakfast while waiting for our mother to get finished with a procedure. I pulled out my trusty Yelp as I'm not as familiar with the area as I am at home in H-Town, and of course Yelp did not disappoint! The interior is bright and welcoming and very, very comfortable. We were greeted immediately and seated. Once perusing the menu thoroughly, we selected the Chorizo omelette and the Chilaquiles Toluca. Our food came out lightening fast, and both were delicious! The charro beans that came with my meal were also excellent, as was the coffee. The service was top notch too. If you happen to be in Galveston for any reason and need a fantastic breakfast, please give Cafe Canela a try!

We found this spot courtesy of a navigation error andvmplanned U-Turn and boy were we glad. Comfy cozy spot with a fantastic breakfast menu featuring both Mexican favorites and traditional Southern breakfasts. The server was very friendly and helpful, the excellent cofres kent domingo and The food was terrific. Not The most elegante from the outside, next t a CBF store but very clean and pleasant inside. We will definitely be back to try their lunch//dinner offerings.

Food was delicious - I had avocado toast and it was perfect - crispy toast - smooth avocado with red onion and pico. Yum...

Incredibly good Mexican breakfast for Galveston or anywhere else. I had the migas with chorizo and my fiancé had the posole. Everything was excellent and the service was great. They even give you three different salsa to try if you ask. We also loved their café oh yo which is basically Mexican coffee that has cinnamon and sugar in it. It's excellent! Like others have said try it without cream first. You probably won't need it. This place is highly recommended and I know we'll be back.

Down to earth, cozy Mexican cafe with mighty delicious brunch. Service was friendly and willing to explain different items on the menu to our group. They served complimentary chips and salsa (I loved their spicy salsa). We got the chilaquiles, enfrijoladas, and chicken mole enchiladas. The food was hearty, flavorful, and memorable. Probably my top Mexican food experience in Galveston and I'm eager to go back!

I have eaten there 5 times. The food and service are great BUT. I'm a generous tipper but as I was clearing out my last years receipts I ran across one from last year. It doesn't match up with my bank account. The server decided to help them selves to my hard earned money. Check your reciepts if you charge your meal. Larry

A great spot for authentic TexMex breakfast. The place is decorated really nice, the service was on point! Glad we stopped by.

Hidden gem in Galveston. Food was excellent. You might have to wait a little while for a table on the weekends, but it is definitely worth it.

Great little place. Decor is nice. Food is excellent. Staff always friendly and nice.

The food was authentic! We loved it. We ordered the barbacoa breakfast and the classic breakfast. The salsa is fantastic. I preferred the spicy. Absolutely try this hidden gem on the island!

I had Birria tacos, and my wife had beef tostadas. Birria tacos were excellent. The tostadas with shredded beef is a big plate all veggies were fresh and they are generous with all portions.

Food was amazing specially the café de olla and the service was very fast, we found a new spot to break fast!!

The food was OK. My cousin and I went for lunch three months ago . They're a little overpriced. No homemade tortillas.

Great service and food! The cinnamon coffee is a must. Real cute place with cool decor.

Ambiance is pleasant, great breakfast with friendly and efficient service. Chilaquiles with eggs was excellent.

Everything was delicious!! I got chicken enchiladas and everything was fresh with flavor and i loved it!! Service was great too!! Definitely coming back!! Plus they serve breakfast all day!!!

Lots of burnt veggies that did not add any flavor to the meats. Very plain flavors, not tasty at all. Really disappointed about the food.

Quaint restaurant with amazing service and the food! The food was so delicious . My family is from Mexico and this is the most authentic I've had in Texas besides my mom's cooking. I highly recommend if you want quality AUTHENTIC Mexican food. I will be back again, again, and again!!

Absolutely LOVED this place. We had to go back the very next day. Their chilaquiles were so delicious and the most authentic ones I've had...ever to be honest. Crunchy, tomato based sauce and topped with onion and queso fresco. Their cafe de olla was amazing too but their service was wonderful too. It is a small restaurant so there aren't many places to sit for big parties but service is fast so you're in and out in a jiffy

This is my first review for Cafe Canela, after at least 6 visits and let me tell you!!!!!! You are doing yourself a disservice if you haven't been here for at least breakfast yet. The carnitas omelette 10/10. There is a black bean and egg dish that is 10/10. Plantains 10/10. Pozole 10/10.Anything with their birria 10/10. Needless to say we have not had a bad meal yet. The restaurant is cute and small, but service is fast. There is not enough words to explain how much we absolutely love this place. They say "thank you for coming", and I say "see you next weekend".

This place is amazing! This is not TexMex, the menu is full of great authentic Mexican dishes. The Cafe Canela is a must try after dinner coffee or to enjoy for a relaxing morning. An absolute must try!

This place is small, about 12 tables and in a strip mall location. I was staying at Moody Gardens and desperate for some decent food. I bicycled here which I don't recommend because it's on a very busy street but you could door dash if you don't have a car. The neighborhood isn't the best for walking either. The food, ambiance (cheerful colors and I sat at a booth) and service were all excellent! The best meal I had my entire week in Galveston. And they don't use lard in most items including their beans and chips - thank you!

I went here with a small group and it was fantastic! Service was spot on! Every dish that came out was beautiful, steaming hot, and smelled so good. I personally had tacos al pastor and they were delicious. I tried to guacamole, and it seem like it was hacked right there. It was so fresh! And a couple of my neighbors had enchiladas with Molé and I think I'm gonna try that next time. They looked and smelled so good. The only thing lacking was a margarita. This restaurant does not seem to serve any alcohol.

I can't rate them yet, because when we drove up, they had a line outside the door! So, I'm thinking the food must be good! I will definitely try again one day soon!

Delicious food! Great service! We ordered pastor tacos and Birria tacos and shared them. Both were delicious! Next time, I think we will order the Birria tacos again and try another plate. We had an order of churros, too. Yum! Don't let the strip center location deter you from trying this place!

This place is SO YUMMY!! Decided to opt for this over the bigger, more expensive places and I'm so glad we did. I had the birria tacos and my boyfriend had the enchilada plate- both were delicious. The portion sizes are big and for a great price! Our waitress was super kind and the inside was charming. We'll definitely be coming back next time we're in Galveston!

Decided to give this place a try on our way to Our cruise. They were not welcoming when entering it was very awkward bc we have not been there before and no one said anything we were standing there for bit and the tables were dirty So we had To Wait Till One was clean. Food was decent but portions seemed Small For Price.

friend recommended me this place and so glad!! the food is tasty and the service is nice!

I'm so happy I stopped in at Cafe Canela for breakfast before heading back to Houston. It was amazzzzzing! I ordered the barbacoa plate, with ranchero style eggs over medium. Every single thing was perfection. The staff were so genuinely friendly! The refried black beans, potatoes, the huge serving of barbacoa, the homemade flour tortillas, and the coffee: perfection. I can't wait for my next trip to Galveston in a couple weeks so I can return to this restaurant and try other things!

Try their house coffee with cinnamon + spices... amazing!!! Hope to come back soon! Service and food were great!

The food was delicious and the service was excellent! Highly recommended! The server was very attentive and courteous.

Stopped here for brunch based on previous reviews. Have to say it's one of the best brunches I've ever had overall. Service was as exceptional as the food. Everything was made from scratch including their specialty Mexican coffee. This will be our go to place every time we're in Galveston. Make sure to go early. We came late morning and it stayed packed the whole time.

Man, oh man! Cafe Canela is all the rave! Food is absolutely fantastic! We've been a few times and tried lots of options and it's all delicious! You get 3 salsas that are equally tasty. Chips are the thick, authentic, homemade kind - not from a bag. When they have it, choco flan is *chefs kiss! Today they only had tres leches and I didn't try it. Birria tacos and hands down the best on the island. Fabulous flavor & what a bargain - 4 for $12! I couldn't eat them all. The service is always wonderful. Super polite & friendly employees. They were super busy at 11am on a Thursday and our waitress was very slammed, but she was super nice. I helped myself to a to-go box and that didn't bother her. We also walked to the register to pay in attempt to help elevate some of her work, but they have a fancy handheld device to pay on the go. Super cool! Anyway, fabulous experience. If you haven't been, check it out! Location is hard to find. It's Next to ATT & the smoke shop. There's a banner in the window, not a big sign where the other businesses are. A wonderful hidden gem.

The service is way above its class. It is beautifully decorated and all the staff is extremely friendly. We spilled some water and all of the waitstaff converged to clean the spill. The food is over the top. This is a "must-go" when in Galveston!

Food was delicious. It's a small restaurant so space is limited inside. Staff was friendly.

Fantastic authentic Mexican food. Everything we had was fabulous! The Cafe de olla is fantastic Seated quickly. Great, friendly service! The atmosphere was comfortable, the air conditioning was not too cold! We will come back!

imagine sunday morning 10am leaving the airbnb & stopping for brunch here. slight 30 min wait easy. super sweet service and great food. satisfied all of my breakfast craving needs! both savory and sweet! why not both! the inside is more private but more the merrier everyone fits comfortably! & beautifully decorated!

Wasn't able to eat there as they have posted "Dogs Allowed". Well, there isn't any outdoor seating at this location. So, No! No dogs allowed.

Enjoyed this spot a LOT. It's wedged in an old strip mall so it doesn't look like anything special. When you come in the place is full of people and a bit tired so you know this place has been around for a while and is beloved. The menu isn't terribly big, but what they had carried a powerful punch. I went with the Enmoladas. There were three chicken enchilladas with a very, very good mole sauce. I could have this as my last meal. I was in a hurry and they were quick so it was a match made in heaven. Can't wait to come back to Galveston so I can sample more of the menu.

This is, by far, the BEST REAL mexican spot I have ever had in my life! I'm not from Galveston but I've had my fair share of food experiences! My sister and I were wanting a yummy mexican breakfast and specifically barbacoa. We found everything we were looking for plus more! Chilaquiles , barbacoa breakfast platter , flour tortillas , the salsas , the cafe de olla was out if this world! The service was exceptional! We left out of there extremely full and happy! I will be back every time I visit Galveston! This place is a must! Oh and extremely clean! Loved it all!

Cafe canala is always amazing! I love their new location it's so cute I love the decor. We have a picky nine year old that LOVES the food and that's now you know it's good!! Our server was really sweet and on point with her service. We can't wait to come back :-)

Decided to try this new place today & glad I did! This is REAL, authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price. Everything was so flavorful and the establishment was very clean. Service was average, but not bad. I recommend giving it a shot and supporting a local small business on the island.

Great service!!! Authentic and delicious Birria and street tacos. Save room for fresh Churros!!

Wow, wow, wow. While the service was a bit slow, they were packed...as they should be. A true local gem. Chips AND both sauces were warm when brought to the table! I had the mole chicken enchiladas, and the symphony of flavors in the sauce was unbelievable. Just awesome. I got a "side" guacamole and a cool carved stone bowl with maybe a cup of the tasty and slightly spicy stuff was brought out! For $3.75! I found them on Yelp, and damn I'm glad. Took four others attending a conference and we had somewhat limited time. Got back in plenty of time. I'll be back next time I'm in town!!! Oh...and the breakfast menu was given to us accidentally at first, and it also looked great.