Coming down to the Island soon? Looking to get away from the usual brand names stores and experience something that is old-fashioned and vintage and full of history?
Well why not stop by Texas’ oldest drug store: The Star Drug Store. Here you can eat breakfast, lunch, brunch; have a cooling beverage from the soda fountain; and even purchase collectibles and unique gifts. Today we will discuss some of the food options as well as some background history of Star Drug Store.
Breakfast
For breakfast, I would recommend getting the Egg Sandwich, which consists of a fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, sausage, and lastly a creamy croissant. You should also try the egg plate, which is served with bacon or sausage, potatoes, and white wheat toast. You may also substitute a pancake for the toast if you please. May I add that the breakfast here is amazing!
Lunch
For lunch, I would endorse trying the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. This classic entre includes fresh cut Romaine lettuce, croutons tossed in ceasar vinaigrette dressing, and finally a grilled chicken breast. You should also try the Old-Fashioned Patty Melt which is a half-pound of angus beef with grilled onions and melted swiss cheese.
Soda Fountain Menu
You absolutely must try the Banana Split! It is served with three different flavors of ice cream and covered with chocolate, nuts, strawberries, pineapples, and whipped cream. It is absolutely to die for! You should also have a taste of the Have A Cow! Shake, which is a blend of chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, and your very own choice of coke, root beer, or sprite.
These are just some of my favorite items from the very large menu. To see the whole menu and decide what food best suits you, please visit their site here:
History
The Star Drug Store was purchased in 1886, by a wealthy local family known as the Scanlons. In 1906, druggist Charles J. Michaelis, purchased the building and converted the wooden structure into a more modern brick building.
In 1917, the soda fountain was added to the pharmacy. George Clampitt and Grady Dickinson purchased the building in the 1920s and altered the interior by adding a lunch counter. This became the first drugstore in Galveston to serve lunch.
They operated the store until 1982. After that, ownership changed hands several times until 1998, when it was destroyed by a devastating fire.
The store was purchased in 1998 by the Tilts family. They began restoration almost immediately. This project took nearly five years, but it was well worth the wait. Updated to the outdated drug store included:
- a facade restoring
- restoration of the upstairs apartments
- and the restoration of the Coca-Cola neon porcelain sign
The last restoration made was the original horseshoe counter, which is the emblem of the Star Drug Store.
Address: 510 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
