Nelson said he wanted to bring something fun and relaxed to the Pearland community, so he founded Good Vibes Burgers and Brews in January 2020.
He renamed it Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen shortly after he realized the name could lead people to believe it served mainly burgers, Nelson said.
“Our coastal kitchen caters to a lot more people. People think we are just a burger joint, but we have a lot more to offer,” said Nelson, who is also the restaurant’s head chef.
The goal was to create a location where patrons feel like they are on a vacation but are still in Pearland, Nelson said. A large mural of a beach scene, island music, palm trees and fish swimming on the TV screens can be found in the restaurant.
During December 2019, the Good Vibes staff and their families transformed the former King’s Biergarten & Restaurant, which had a castle exterior, into a tropical, beach house restaurant. Good Vibes has grown even during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, Nelson said.
Good Vibes offers themed nights and spaces for private events. It has a full bar indoors and outdoors, patio seating for more than 100 people, and a garden where kids can run or a band can play. Event and corporate catering are also available.
Throughout the week, Good Vibes’ customers can find Nelson leading in the kitchen as the main chef alongside Leslie Mejia, his sous chef and pastry chef.
Both Nelson and Mejia said they enjoy crafting unique dishes. The menu offers made-from-scratch options, such as deviled eggs with capers, oysters or salmon; a smoked salmon salad sandwich; an oyster bar; tacos and gourmet burgers; as well as s’mores toasted table side, which is the most popular dessert dish.
“It’s a fun community,” Nelson said. “I grew up in a small town, and it’s cool seeing that environment in a city.”
