2. THE POOP DECK The Poop Deck is Galveston's ultimate dive bar and you can bet there will be some hardcore partying going on there during Mardi Gras; then again, it is always pretty much like that every time we have visited. Some rowdy bikers and friendly regulars are usually hanging out and playing pool while listening to classic rock on the jukebox; you will doubtless meet some colorful characters who are all in it to have a good time. The second-story deck, with its Statue of Liberty replica up above, gives patrons relaxing in authentic boat seats a nice view of the Gulf of Mexico and the scene down below on Seawall Blvd.

2928 Seawall Blvd., facebook.com/ThePoopDeckClub

1. O'MALLEY'S STAGE DOOR PUB This friendly and lively historic Galveston pub is located next door to the Grand 1894 Opera House in what was part of a red-light district known as The Line from the 1890s into the 1960s. One side of the bar, in fact, used to be part of a brothel itself.

More than 100 craft beers are sold at O'Malley's in addition to the pub food, which includes old-fashioned hot dogs, Frito pie and what the staff claims is the best Reuben sandwich in Southeast Texas. The gregarious customers and bartenders here will make you feel welcome when you visit, but along with the colorful regulars, check out all the colorful items on display above the bar as well as the Hurricane Ike high-water-line mark.

2022 Post Office, facebook.com/OMalleys-Stage-Door

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