Galveston Bar Tour Introduces Solo Traveler Waitlist System
Pubs N’ Grubs Tours Galveston has launched an innovative waitlist system designed to help solo travelers book group bar tours, solving a problem that has long frustrated individual visitors to the island.
The Problem
Tour operators typically require minimum party sizes to stay profitable, but solo travelers who make up about 60% of Pubs N’ Grubs’ customers have been forced to either purchase multiple tickets or skip the experience entirely. This “party of two or nothing” barrier has been especially frustrating for cruise passengers and mature adults seeking authentic local nightlife.
How the Waitlist Works
Unlike traditional systems requiring upfront payment, Pubs N’ Grubs’ approach is commitment-free:
- Solo travelers register at pubsngrubs.com/schedule with just contact information, no credit card needed
- When enough participants sign up to meet the 3-4 person minimum, everyone on the waitlist gets notified
- Notified guests can then choose to book and pay, with no obligation if plans change
The system applies to select time slots throughout the week, while high-demand weekend evening tours remain immediately bookable.
What the Tour Offers
The 21+ adults-only walking tour covers 1.6 miles through Galveston’s Historic Strand District, visiting up to seven local bars. The $145 ticket includes:
- Craft cocktails, local spirits, or beer at every stop
- Food at up to four locations (sliders, tacos, seafood)
- Live island music most evenings
- Small groups (typically 25-30 guests, sometimes 15-20)
- All food, drinks, and 20% gratuity included
Unlike party-focused bar crawls, Pubs N’ Grubs emphasizes a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere where guests can experience authentic island culture.
The Owner’s Vision
Robert Alexander, owner and guide, created the system based on his own experiences as a solo traveler. “I’ve been in these shoes myself many times on activities I wanted to participate in,” he said, noting he wants everyone—whether quiet, mature, married, or single—to feel comfortable experiencing Galveston’s nightlife.
Alexander’s long-term goal is even more ambitious: operating at a scale where even single-guest tours become viable, ensuring no solo traveler misses out simply due to timing or availability.
Industry Context
The launch responds to post-pandemic travel trends showing significant growth in solo travel, particularly among adults aged 30-66 seeking authentic local experiences. Cruise passengers, who represent roughly 50% of Galveston tour bookings, have been especially vocal about frustrations with rigid booking requirements.
Pubs N’ Grubs evolved from Galveston’s original Taste of the Strand food tour (established 2017), shifting to an adults-only, drinks-forward format in 2021 before Alexander took ownership in 2025.
