Dark history behind the Sweet Dreams Cafe in Galveston, Texas explained and explored.

Sweet Dreams Cafe was located in Galveston's former notorious "Red Light" district in the downtown area which encompassed Market Street and its many all-night area bars. The Sweet Dreams Cafe was notorious for shootings and stabbings. These were some of the frequent disturbances that were common amongst this cafe. Sweet Dreams Cafe is one of Galveston’s most infamous cafes. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/17090136/)

“Galveston's then-notorious "Red Light" district, which encompassed Market Street and its many all-night area bars. The downtown area was "alive and well" back then. The Sweet Dreams Cafe was notorious for shootings and stabbings, the Edge of Night Club was known for frequent disturbances, and Herb's Ghetto Inn was the subject of many a gambling raid.”

Sweet Dreams Cafe had been selling liquor without a permit during the mid-1970s. The establishment was licensed to sell beer and wine but was also selling liquor. The owners, Shirly Mae Harden and George Dallas Harden, were charged with possession and sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit in 1975. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/16907178/)

“Detective Paul DeLaRosa said Shirly Mae Harden, 21, and George Dallas Harden, 54, were charged with possession and sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit Tuesday. DeLaRosa, officer Pete Martorell. Charles Roe and Jim Thompson said they went to the Sweet Dreams Cafe at 512 28th Street after they received information that liquor was being sold without a permit. The establishment was licensed to sell beer and wine but was also selling liquor, DeLaRosa said. According to police, some capsules were found at the Sweet Dreams and George Harden was also charged with possession of a controlled substance in addition to the permit violations.”

Don Robey owned Sweet Dreams Cafe with Shirly Mae Harden and George Dallas Harden. He owned a series of restaurants and nightclubs in Houston in the 1930s, including the Sweet Dreams Cafe, Lenox Club and Harlem Grill. (Ref: https://rickkeenemusicscene.com/2014/02/17/joe-louis-walker-hornets-nest-a-feel-good-record/)

Sweet Dreams Cafe was located at 512 28th Street, Galveston, Texas, US 77551.