Harborside Mercantile

Came in last night for the Mardi Gras parades and was surprised to find this place easy to get to, and with no crowd. The staff had explained that this place had just opened so we were eager to try it out.
The service was a bit confusing as we were seated and brought water, but had to place our order at the bar even though it wasn’t crowded.
Overall though the staff were friendly and the owner even came out to greet our table.
I ordered the duck gumbo and was a little underwhelmed-​the texture was good but it was missing some of those nawlins seasonings so unfortunately it was bland.
My friend however got the muffaleta and even the half order was as big as his head. He raved about it all night-​said it was one of the best he’s had. Guess I know what I’m getting next time.

I was looking for something different from the corn dogs, funnel cakes, chicken on a stick, etc. being offered at Mardi Gras, and this restaurant did not disappoint! Fantastic laid back atmosphere, friendly wait staff, and of course, my main reason for my visit was the food: Duck and Andouille sausage gumbo: out of this world! I was chatting with the owner and he said they smoke the duck and make the sausage in house. Perfect blend of rich flavor from the smoked duck to compliment the roux and spices to create a rich gumbo that made me feel like I was in New Orleans. I can’t wait to go back and try another item once they expand the menu (if I can tear myself away from that gumbo, that is) and a cocktail (liquor license hasn’t come in yet according to the owner)! Thanks Ricky/​team for enhancing a great Saturday of celebration!

Just sampled some amazing food here! If you haven’t tried it you need to make it in! From the décor to the service, over the top. True southern flavor! A great addition to the island!

They had a soft opening the first weekend of the Mardis Gras festivities. These guys are going to do well here. I had their duck and sausage gumbo in a smoky dark roux which was delectable and filled that up with a fried shrimp po’boy that was the real thing. And by real, I mean Louisiana real: perfectly fried, obviously fresh shrimp, dressed Louisiana style. Simple. Delicious.
This week for my return visit, I decided to try the fried shrimp platter, just to see if those shrimp really were that good. They are. And the remoulade and tartar sauces were excellent, although when the shrimp is that good, it seems a shame to dip ‘em in a sauce. I should mention that I got the dirty rice side and that was awesome as well. Heavy on the «dirty»! Just a great meal.
I can hardly wait to see what the full menu offers next week!

New opening in Galveston, enjoyed the historic building, mufallato, and gumbo were tasty, good location on the strand, would like to see some other menu items that are not found in every restaurant in Galveston.

All I can say is WOW! We went to Mardi Gras yesterday and we were in balcony party, so we decided to try this new place and I’m so glad we did. We tried the shrimp po-​boy, the gumbo, shrimp and grits and catfish. Absolutely fresh and fantastic! You get so much food, you won’t be disappointed. The best part of the meal are their garlic fries. Just amazing! You won’t stop eating them once you get started. Yummy yum yum!
Next, the wait stuff was beyond wonderful. They were so nice and went above and beyond the call of duty. I would suggest you try this and see what good food is all about.
We can’t stop talking about our A++ experience at this new restaurant! Go run there!

Stopped by today to try the fried seafood platter. The cornmeal batter was perfect and was a heck of a lot better than what most people call the «best» fried Shrimp place on the island. Look forward to the full menu. Wish I tried the gumbo as well.
Cool building as. I hope it is a success