Shykatz

"Shykatz, a breakfast and lunch restaurant near East Beach in Galveston, might be where the Buc-ee’s folks go to source home decor ideas. The tiny cafe is covered floor-to-ceiling in quippy and often menacingly cheerful signs (“Live like someone left the barn gate open.”) and serves a long, somewhat eclectic menu. You can order a breakfast sandwich consisting of eggs, ham, and cheddar cheese on cinnamon french toast bread, or, you know, just get a chicken club sandwich. Make sure to say hello to the cats meowing outside and grab a slice of strawberry cake for the road." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

ShyKatz Review - Galveston - Houston - The Infatuation

ShyKatz Review - East Beach - Galveston - The Infatuation

Luis Morales

Google

We recently had the pleasure of having breakfast at Shykatz, and it was a truly fantastic experience. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was inviting, and the food? Absolutely superb. The kitchen clearly prioritizes serving hot, fresh dishes, and the portions were incredibly generous – definitely worth every penny. My wife, who was initially hesitant about the French Club Sandwich, was completely won over by the addition of a touch of syrup, transforming it into a delightful surprise. The Berries-N-Cream Cinnamon French Toast was another highlight, perfectly coated in cinnamon and bursting with flavor. As for my Rigo's Breakfast Burrito, it was a classic, hearty Mexican-American burrito that instantly brought back comforting memories of home. Overall, Shykatz delivers on both quality and quantity. We left feeling completely satisfied and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and fulfilling meal.

Sherry Wingate

Google

Visited for brunch and it was wonderful, just as we expected. Our daughter got the biscuits and gravy..... said they were wonderful (and I agree as I've had them before). Hubby got the Reuben Omelet and love it. I got the Katastrophic. Oh my goodness...... that was a huge plate of food and it was amazing!!! We checked out the online menu before we went and still changed our minds when we ordered! It is hard to decide what to choose..... everything we've had is wonderful!

Matt Brown

Google

We are not locals but always try to find the local favorites when in a touristy area. This did not disappoint as it was a genuine restaurant with great food... and not a tourist trap, although it had its own flair. The staff take extreme pride in their level of service, are friendly, and provided an experience more enjoyable than a white table cloth establishment. We had a variety of food and it was all delicious. The French toast was good, pecan pancakes uniquely done, and what I would call a chimichanga breakfast style was amazing. The katatonic was a flavorful layered platter. Highly recommend... if you can find parking!

Clarissa Woodward

Google

We ordered my son’s 15th birthday cake from ShyKatz and it was absolutely perfect! 🎂🍓 He loves strawberry, and not only was it stunning—it tasted amazing. Moist, flavorful, and beautifully decorated with fresh strawberries. Everyone loved it! Beyond their cakes, I’m also a huge fan of their breakfast and lunch specials. From the warm service to the comfort food, it’s always a great experience. ShyKatz is a quaint gem on a great corner on the East End of Galveston—the kind of place where you can meet friendly locals or strike up a conversation with someone visiting from out of town. If you’re in Galveston and looking for a local favorite with delicious food, friendly vibes, and memorable desserts—ShyKatz is a must-try.

Kirstyn Jacks

Google

This place is a hidden gem!! The service is so warm and welcoming. Very cozy and cute setup. The food though is AMAZING!!! 👏👏👏 You get a huge plate full and tons of flavor. We will be back.

Andre Carter

Google

100/10 I didn’t have breakfast & we live about 1 hour away…I was on the verge of being hangry but the food was great & satisfying for myself & my whole family. I probably could type more but the food & reviews truly speak for themselves. Service is also top tier, I’m glad we came here for breakfast.

Reagan

Google

Visiting from out of town and my husband and I stopped here for breakfast. Food was fantastic and was ready and on the table 5-10 mins after order. Staff was lovely as well. Highly recommended the French Club Breakfast Sandwich, the Berries and Cream Cinnamon French Toast, and the Biscuits and Gravy.

Brian Clifton

Google

This little gem is AWESOME... You walk in and immediately it feels like home. The staff is amazing, parking is ample, and the food... OMG. I had the Katastrophic which the best way to describe it is... biscuits and gravy covered with two eggs and a loaded baked potatoe. My wife had the migas and they were great, fluffy eggs, tasty hot sauce... if you are in Galveston you have to check this place out!

Zahrah E.

Yelp

When you want an indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug, this is the place! It's my go-to when I have a pancake craving or want a delicious bowl of oatmeal. With so many options, I am always happy with my meal and the portions are so big that I usually have something to take home for later. The staff is super friendly, service is prompt, and food is consistently delicious. They do have a limited amount of their daily lunch special during the week. It rotates each day, so check out their social media. I have also used them for teacher appreciation meals, birthday cakes, and about 6yrs ago we started buying their thanksgiving meal (that sage stuffing is AH-MAZING). When you walk in, you feel like you're at someone's home...and I mean that in the best way.

Desiree A.

Yelp

Super sweet staff! Home cooked breakfast was made with love. Our kids loved the hot chocolate! It was HUGE and very sweet! The restaurant was decorated very cute. They had cute coloring sheets for the kiddos. Lots of locals and out of towners were there to eat. Plenty of tables to choose from.

Sarah R.

Yelp

This has been one of our favorite restaurants (and our favorite restaurants on Galveston Island) since we lived there 10 years ago. This is a must-stop whenever we visit. The staff there are friendly. Greeting you at the door even though there is a long line. We haven't tried one thing that we didn't enjoyed but our favorites are: The French Toast w/ Berries-- We never eat here without ordering this for the table. I am a proud, self-proclaimed French Toast Connoisseur and this is one of the best. So special. It is thick cut bread they make from scratch and has a perfect cinnamon crust that absorbs the syrup. The inside is soft and the custard soaked bread is delicious and creamy. The house made fluffy whipped cream and berries are the "cherry on top." Chicken Salad Sandwich-- served on a house made croissant. Super flavorful and, thankfully, doesn't include grapes or raisins. Some people are into that. Not me. Order this with the crinkle cut fries and enjoy using the fries to scrape up the chicken salad that falls out of the sandwich. Egg Salad Sandwich-- this is the. best. egg salad sandwich. Like, it literally tastes like a deviled egg. Served with thick sliced Boar's Head bacon on perfectly buttered and toasted Texas Toast. Served with season fries which also make perfect vessels for cleaning up fallen egg salad. Other Worthwhile Mentions: Breakfast Burrito Juevos Ranchero Reuben Sandwich Pecan Sticky Bun Every Other Baked good (if you visit and there's German Chocolate Cake, you better get you a slice) Inside is eclectic. Lots of fun sayings on signs. Locals vibe.

Lori P.

Yelp

Very good breakfast . I enjoy my visits every time I'm in Galveston. Great experience

Aruni G.

Yelp

Ate here for breakfast today based on recommendations from friends. It's located in a neighborhood and felt very local. I had the breakfast tostadas w/o bell peppers and they were yummy. So much food! The folks were really nice and friendly. Getting your hot tea was a bit of a logistical challenge as it the drink area was self serve and not very big so people had to wait for people to get their stuff and leave the area. They had a lot of interesting local favorite items on their menu that I'd love to try in the future! I sat outside at one of their shaded picnic benches and got to look at the nice old houses in the area.

Joscelyn B.

Yelp

We visited for breakfast. The staff welcomes you as you enter. Grab a menu and a seat but order at the counter. Eclectic interior decor with a heavy cat theme (thus the name). The menu had some creative items which is always a bonus. Unfortunately, the food was underwhelming. Nothing was bad, but there was nothing to keep you coming back either. Also, the coffee tasted like water and the little creamers were leaving floaties in it. Bad coffee is a big miss if you're serving breakfast.

N Jean T.

Yelp

In a neighborhood setting, so no view of the water. But, the food is so delicious, you will forgive that. Highly recommend for service, food and atmosphere. Go, you wont be disappointed.

Cheri B.

Yelp

A menu only has to have biscuits and gravy for my hubby to wanna try it so we decided to try this place on our way home after spending the weekend in Galveston. You pick up a menu and order at the counter. Service was kind and helpful. The decor is busy but lots of the signs are cute. Hubby ordered the Katastrophic. He said his gravy tasted floury like it hadn't been browned enough before adding milk to the roux. It was a nice serving size and filled him up. I ordered the migas, minus the jalapeños. Loved all the crispy corn tortillas under the eggs with fresh veggies cooked into the eggs. My refried beans and potatoes were not even warm. As you can tell from the first picture to the half eaten picture, the cheese never even slightly melted on my refried beans. Not sure if we'd try it again since there are so many other breakfast options.

Adriane M.

Yelp

The restaurant is so cute with home feeling decor all around. We loved the variety of food, desserts, and pastries. We loved the Nancy's 1-2-3 with the Cinnamon bun pancake and the Rueben omelet was ther perfect amount of meat and cheese - yum! We can't wait to go back, all of the staff was super friendly!

Jasmine L.

Yelp

Visited for brunch on a weekend morning after hearing a lot of positive things. It was pretty busy around 11:30am, but we were able to secure a table! You order and pay at the register, and the workers are super nice! The egg white omelette was big! It was a little too oily for my tastec but very filling and came with toast. The breakfast plate was filling and nice; bacon was crispy and eggs were cooked nicely! Only things to note is that it can get very loud. It is family friendly, but there was a baby constantly yelling and crying the entire time. It was hard to block it out, but the food was still good!

Gretel Y.

Yelp

What a gem! While staying on Seawall Boulevard, I Yelped breakfast spots and landed on ShyKatZ. So glad I did! We arrived around 11am and found parking on the street. The staff was very warm and welcoming. The space was bright and cozy. The pastries immediately caught my eye, but decided not to indulge. I ordered the breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese, $7 and my son ordered the grilled chicken wrap combo, $15 to go. I found the prices to be reasonable especially for the decent portions. The sandwich was tasty and filling. My son also liked his wrap. Wish we had more time to stay, eat, and enjoy the space!

Robert C.

Yelp

Always recommend! Can't once say I've ever gotten anything bad. Washing people go above and beyond for you. Order a meal but don't forget to go back and order dessert. Classic with their own twist or something you might have never had. Don't see exactly what you want?, ask and they might make it for you.

Veronica C.

Yelp

The cinnamon bun pancake was delicious while the egg and sausage were good. The coffee was okay. I liked the ambiance and style of restaurant. The service was not bad. If you're not a regular (which I wasn't) you won't know that there isn't a wait staff. We waited a while until we realized you had to order at the counter. Other than that, everyone was nice, just a bit of a heads up would've been helpful

Chels B.

Yelp

This my second and last visit. Ordered chicken tenders and fries just to be safe because last time I ate here I got sick, could have been unrelated....but it is what it is. The 3 chicken tenders would equal 1 tender anywhere else. It has absolutely not a single drop of seasoning. The crinkle fries were underdone and the gravy I got on the side had thick layer on top like it had been sitting in the kitchen for a few hours just like that in its ramekin. My husbands eggs looked like they came out of a bag and the sausage was completely dry. The only having grace on his plate was the pancake. There are way too many top notch restaurants on the island to waste money here. How this place won an award is baffling to me.

Kendra L.

Yelp

I love this place. Employees are always friendly and super helpful, the interior is fun and interesting, and the food is unique and tasty! A Galveston must go to.

Sarah S.

Yelp

We came in twice two days in a row- 10:00 AM on a Thursday and Friday morning. We enjoyed it so much we had to come back the day after. We were charmed by the adorable and eclectic art on the walls, as well as the mug wall where you could personalize your coffee experience. They had a large menu with plenty of variety. I ordered a Hurricane Sandwich with a side of potatoes for something simple and delicious the first day. The rye bread was wonderful and I love how they seasoned the mushrooms and onions. On Friday I ordered the Benni's Breakfast Tostadas-I can see why these are a local favorite! The avocado was so fresh and the serving size was generous without being too much. This dish was crispy, cheesy, chewy and savory all in one. This was satisfying. Their service both days was excellent-we didn't wait long for our food, and we liked the comfortable atmosphere. I ended up buying a shirt before I left, which features adorable marti gras kitties and is very comfortable. I would come back in a heartbeat-this was such a sweet and fun stop in Galveston. They are worth the visit!

Melissa C.

Yelp

June 28, 2023 came for breakfast because it's been a long time since I last visited. and, I dunno...it just wasn't as good this time I had very little too eat yesterday so I was huuuungry, with that said, I got the french club breakfast sandwich which had EVERYTHING on it---ham, egg bacon, sausage and cheese in between french toast... The bottom of the French toast was soggy and the cheese wasn't melted so everything was falling out; the ingredients didn't marry together, needed to be pressed in a panini machine Half of my friends biscuit and gravy wasnt eaten because she said it didn't taste like true sausage gravy I dunno what's going on in the kitchen but today's breakfast was disappointing

Anna Grace M.

Yelp

I just need to tell everyone that they have the best blueberry scone I have EVER had. I ordered some scones and a burrito to go and then when I ate the blueberry scone in my car I immediately went back inside to buy more. I got the Rigo's burrito and it was phenomenal!! Pretty packed but I also went on a Sunday around 10 on Mardi Gras weekend so totally fair. Everyone working was very nice! It's a cozy cafe atmosphere and I already can't wait to go back next time I'm in town!

Samah K.

Yelp

I came here with some of my fellow classmates for breakfast and I'm so glad I got to try this place out! Ambiance was cute, had a nice little southern charm to the place. The service was also great! I had ordered the cinnamon bun pancakes, but opted for whipped cream and fruit instead of the glaze and pecans that it originally came with. They were able to accommodate my request with no issues. The pancakes tasted great, the cinnamon was not too overpowering! Also, they have a Yelp check in offer, so if you want a free drink make sure you do that as well. Skip IHOP and support this small business the next time you're on the island!

Joshua H.

Yelp

Not a bad spot to stop for a decent breakfast or lunch. Came in at 930am on a Saturday before our cruise. Cute little spot. Not busy. Fast service. My Dagwood was a bit small and they left the cheese in when asked to have it without. Small detail so no biggy. Wife likes her eggs and bacon and cinnamon bun pancake. Good coffee. Kind staff. Cool little spot.

Tianna H.

Yelp

Great solid breakfast at this local beloved haunt. Counter service but prompt delivery of fresh tasty food. Quirky super casual decor but not a dive. we own a vacation home nearby so we can literally walk there.

Barbara C.

Yelp

Plates were beautiful. Wish I had specified I want the whites done on my grandma's special. Otherwise okay.

Nancy D.

Yelp

Walked in on a Tuesday for lunch and the place was pretty full! It was open seating, but we were still able to grab a spot by the window easily. We lined up to order and both got the same thing: the Reuben sandwich and with sweet potato fries. It was all very very delicious! Loved the ratio of pastrami to sauerkraut! Super friendly service! 10/10 would recommend to others

Marilyn B.

Yelp

Great migas and I'm Picky. It was so big I couldn't finish. Potatoes were also very good. And I had a small pancake which was delicious. I did not enjoy the scone we brought home. To mushy. Place is busy and small but worth the wait. You order from the counter and they bring you your food. They are very friendly.

Ashley G.

Yelp

Delicious breakfast. The breakfast burrito and biscuits and gravy are what dreams are made of. Stack it up, but save room for a slice of cake from that cold case - they are delicious!!

L H.

Yelp

Had breakfast here. Atmosphere is quaint-cool. Service is good for walk up counter orders, but I prefer table service. Food tasted fine. Nothing to write home about. Lots of items to choose from.

Lisa P.

Yelp

So every time my husband and I visit the island we go to Shy Katz for breakfast. I have been coming here for years. Well, I can't say we moved to Galveston permanently to eat at Shy Katz but it's definitely one of the reasons we just moved here full-time! The food here is always spot on, and always delicious! Today we had a variety... I had the breakfast burrito, my husband had another Mexican breakfast dish that I honestly don't remember what it was called but it was excellent. And for our breakfast "dessert" we shared the cinnamon bun pancakes. Way too much food , but we couldn't resist! We ate every glorious bite and didn't have to eat again until dinner. You cannot go wrong going to Shy Katz! And if you need to take something home with you, be sure and get one of their wonderful baked items - a piece of cake, scones, brownies, cookies. We will be back soon!

J C.

Yelp

The food is good ...just know there is no wait staff. So, when you walk in grab a menu and get to ordering... I had the Reuben omelette, eggs and sauerkraut with chopped meat! Yum!! Hey it's Galveston... ....it's of the beaten path but worth the place to explore. And there you go!

Diana S.

Yelp

Food was delicious Served warm Granny's breakfast and paw paw breakfast was overall delicious The service was amazing they let us know what was good and that everything is homemade (baked goods) sweet service. The feel was very welcoming and as if you are a part of the family I love the feel when you come right in. Get here early because a line does happen but it goes by fast! If you are here for the day or weekend I would definitely recommend coming in The coffee is delicious as well !!!

Lauryn H.

Yelp

Such a cute little restaurant. The seating inside was very comfortable & the food was amazinggg! The staff was very friendly & accommodating. I will be back for sure :)

Ryan A.

Yelp

One of the best breakfast I have ever had in my life. Very unique environment, self serve style. Cannot wait to come back from Ohio for this!

Michelle S.

Yelp

Here for a cruise and the of course had to stop for breakfast. Will definitely come back. Great food! Great ambience. Very clean. Amazing staff. Did I say food was amazingly awesome.

Maddie M.

Yelp

Oh. My. Gosh. I'm usually not a breakfast person but this place knocks my socks off everytime. The people behind the counter are so kind and literally pour their heart into every meal they make. I love the long community style tables and oversized picnic tables make it feel cozy and like a delicious hometown place.

Julie M.

Yelp

Delicious food, very cool, homey atmosphere. They have long, Community tables where everyone can sit and break bread. Had a chicken sandwich that was quite tasty with sweet potato fries. Both were tasty. Cool vibe...like Cracker Barrel meets Austin & Galveston. Friendly service. Only open for breakfast and lunch though.

Wally W.

Yelp

Highly recommend this place. It felt right when I found it on Yelp, then it ended up being packed on a non-Holiday weekday--always promising. Tried several items from the menu and enjoyed a mixture of outdoor as well as indoor seating environments. The community table is a nice addition to its varied seating arrangements, and the depth of menu offerings lends an option to virtually everyone.

Geri D.

Yelp

Nice little in town Restaurant, super fast service, great bacon. We were hoping they would have mimosas but they didn't.

Cindy D.

Yelp

My husband loves ice cream, so I've been on the lookout for restaurants in town that offer ice cream on the menu. Todays new adventure was ShyKatz Cafe. When we arrived, I was worried about how to get in (husband is in a walker). I managed to get him up the four steps, but was worried how I was going to get him down. Well, no problem! There is a ramp in the back of the restaurant for wheelchairs and walkers! The staff made sure we knew how to get there and where to park for next time we visit. I was very impressed at how concerned they were. This is an order at the counter, sit at a table, and wait to be served type restaurant. If you want to be waited on at the table from the get-go, you'll need to go somewhere else. Now, for the meal. We ordered the cheese steak and a special (meatloaf, mashed tasters, fried cabbage, roll, and drink) for our main courses. The cheese steak was gooey in all the right places! The roll was crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you like cheesy cheese steaks, you'll love this one. The special was HUGE! I ate 1/3 of it and brought 2/3 home for two more meals. The meatloaf was very good and I LOVED the gravy for the mashed potatoes - it was kind of sweet and sour - have no idea what it was but it was good! The cabbage and roll were also delicious. We ended up not getting the ice cream because I spotted banana pudding cake. My husband loved this. If you like banana pudding, you'll love this. I will definitely be back to try more dishes from this restaurant. It has delicious food and excellent service.

Charles R.

Yelp

Locals frequent here. Food is delicious. Service is very friendly. Ordered french toast, oatmeal, chili cheese fries and grilled cheese. The bread is wonderful!

Melissa M.

Yelp

Our food was outstanding! The service was great. The ambiance was chill & and relaxed.

Nancy B.

Yelp

This is a gem in Galveston in a little local neighborhood. Definitely worth going to. I love mom and pop places. I got the burger and fries which were good. I did order my burger medium and got it well but the burger was still good. My husband got that special of the day which included roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy. I tasted it and it was really, really good. I saw the watermelon cake and I felt like I just had to try it. It was amazing. The cake had a subtle watermelon flavor to it and the texture of the cake is what I call. perfect. Having said all of that, I wish I was there for breakfast because they have an extensive breakfast menu with lots of good items on it but we're only here for a short while visiting.

Raymond W.

Yelp

The atmosphere is very island vibe, comfortable, and the people were great. Self serve drinks and silverware. Sit at long tables with other folks. Had a great breakfast. Ate it all & I'm stuffed. We will be back!

Stacey P.

Yelp

Yummy breakfast, sandwiches, and baked goods in local Galveston neighborhood house. Friendly people. Several tables and some outside or you can get delivery too.

Robin C.

Yelp

Always great to visit this place for breakfast when we are in Galveston. Good breakfast and good people. The place is decorated very cute!

Yvonne H.

Yelp

This was one of my favorite places in Galveston. It's a bid odd ordering at the counter and getting your own drinks, but friendly staff greets you right away and is there to assist. The food and coffee were both great. We had the Saddlebag and Smuggler. My husband really enjoyed his stuffed pancake, and my burrito was great! I opted for the sausage gravy and it was a delight. The burrito was fried to perfection. The jalapeños all hid in the back if the burrito though so that got spicy! Sadly, I saw no cats but I did take a free sticker home.

Wendy S.

Yelp

We always stop here for breakfast to go. One day we will stay and dine it. It is always great food and service. Cute little place.

Treeva W.

Yelp

Everything was delicious. Every time I travel, I opt in to try the local places, and ShyKatz did not disappoint!!! Homemade taste with a lil razzle dazzle.

Sherri H.

Yelp

I LOVE ShyKatz!! Every visit to Galveston isn't complete without at least one meal (usually breakfast) here. My favorite breakfast entree is the egg white veggie omelet. It is chock full of veggies and so big I usually split it with hubby. It comes with toast or a biscuit. You stand in line when you come in the door and order and pay at the register. Then they call your name or number and voilà, it's time to enjoy a delicious meal! If you order coffee, you help yourself to a mug from a collection of mismatched mugs over by the coffee/drink station. It's kinda fun to choose one to use that speaks to you!

Marcella V.

Yelp

My husband and I moved to the island some months back and we decided to try this place. The food was amazing! I got Paw Paws breakfast plate and everything was cooked to perfection! My husband had the smuggler with chili on top and he loved it! My only regret was that I didn't want to wait in line to buy dessert but I will definitely be back. The place was small but so cute! The food was so good we didn't get to take a picture. Lol

Juliette M.

Yelp

Food was excellent even though I ordered one thing and got something different. The atmosphere is cute and beachy. Service was excellent as well. I will be going back on my next trip.

ShyKatz Review - Galveston - Houston - The Infatuation

ShyKatz Review - East Beach - Galveston - The Infatuation