re: Any recommendations for cool bars and good Mexican food in Galveston?

The Mexican food in Galveston is pretty substandard compared to Houston and surrounding areas. Avoid Salsa's, The Original, and Tortuga (to a lesser extent, food is ok but drinks suck). Gordita's is a little shack on the East end seawall that is pretty good. L'Estacion is also good. It's on 24th or 25th. Both are hole in the wall real Mexican taquerias, not tex mex restaurants.

You can bar hop just by hanging out on the Strand at night. There are several places within a 5-10 minute walk of one another. Yaga's, O'Malleys, Tsunami, 21, etc... All within walking distance of one another. Not sure what's really popular at the moment. It's been several years since the wife and I have visited those place.

Please eat something else besides Mexican. Go Peruvian/Venezuelan at Rudy & Paco's (best place on the island, IMO). It would be 200% better than any Mexican you will find. Farley girls, Mosquito cafe, or Millers for easy casual lunch. Olympia grill has great greek food. Dibella's, Sonny's, and Shrimp N Stuff are three "harder to find" local favorites. M&M's, Clary's, and Saltwater grill would all be great options for nice dining.