About Pennie’s

Serving Galveston for over 40 years

In 1978 Israel “Pennie” and Connie Ochoa purchased Anderson’s Meat Market and reopened as Pennie’s Meat Market. Soon afterwards Connie started selling her amazing tamales. During the same period of time Pennie was perfecting his barbacoa recipe. Their reputation became stellar on the island and spread throughout, as people from other states would bring ice chests and fill them with tamales to take home with them. Pennie’s was a true island staple. People loved coming to Pennie’s for the great food, but also the friendly down home service.

Then in 2008 hurricane IKE hit Galveston. Although Ike didn’t cause any structural damage to Pennie’s it decimated the population of Galveston island. Business was practically dead and so Connie decided to retire and the meat market closed.

In 2017 after an extensive remodel we reopened Pennie’s, not as a meat market but as a take out restaurant. We have the exact same great tamales and barbacoa as before but we added a Texas side to the food we offer. I started BBQing in the mid 80’s. I really enjoyed it and did my best to perfect my technique. All rubs and sauces we use are my own original recipes. My son and partner Cameron and I strive to serve top quality smoked meats every day we open. Our sides are made in house and we still have the same friendly down home service that Pennie’s has always been known for. So whether you live in Galveston or you are visiting our island, please make time in your schedule to eat at Pennie’s Tex Mex Take Out, we think you will love everything about the experience.

Louis Moreno
Owner of Pennie’s Tex Mex Takeout