Corpus Christi
Dig into a burger or a chicken fried steak at your surfboard table and sip a craft brew from locally sourced Lazy Beach Brewing at this longtime Corpus…
Must-see restaurants in Gulf Coast & South Texas
Rio Grande Valley
It's sit-down simple at this family-run classic that got its start across the border in Nuevo Laredo. It's flautas or tostadas and maybe a couple of sides…
Galveston
Simply good fried shrimp – and catfish, and oysters – served casually. Order at the counter and then head out to eat with the locals at the covered…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
If you're looking for a sit-down Vietnamese meal, and doubly so if it's pho you're after, this is the best place in town. Cheap prices and super-friendly…
Rio Grande Valley
For a sit-down meal of authentic Mexican food in an upscale sidewalk-cafe-meets-date-night setting, or just for the sake of the popular sizzling fajitas,…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
On a pier jutting far into the water near SPI's southern end, this rambling restaurant has a huge menu of fried seafood, burgers, ceviche, fish tacos, po…
Corpus Christi
This rollicking North Beach place serves up tasty Mexican and American cuisine, with a strong focus on seafood, from fish tacos to seared tuna. Wash it…
Rio Grande Valley
Though a restaurant has operated on this very spot since the Vermillion family relocated here in 1934, things have gone a bit upscale from the original…
Coastal Plains
This local favorite is an old-time soft-serve-ice-cream joint with fresh cooked burgers and hand-dipped onion rings. It’s pure Americana hanging out here…
Galveston
A longtime institution on the Bolivar Peninsula, Mama Teresa's was pushed over to Galveston by the destruction of Hurricane Ike. It serves authentic…
Suga's Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar
Gulf Coast & South Texas
Set in a sleek, historic 1914 building, Suga's gives off a sexy speakeasy vibe. Southern dishes like blackened shrimp with remoulade and grits definitely…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
Don't let the rec-hall exterior deter you from this locally loved deli and cafe in downtown Rockport. The homemade ice cream is creamy and dreamy and the…
Rio Grande Valley
This is the original store of the Rio Grande Valley chain that has taken the valley by storm. Order tacos at the counter and then start drooling over the…
Galveston
Art-lined walls and a shaded patio make for a friendly atmosphere, and the well-executed range of cafe favorites plus daily specials speaks for themselves…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
All the Cajun classics, plus lots of lively fun, are available at this beloved southeast Texas chain. Expect a wait weekends, especially during spring…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
A little classier than the beach-bum norm on SPI, this dinner-only option offers an impressive menu of wild-caught seafood and Angus steaks. It overlooks…
Galveston
The famous fried seafood chain has expanded, and now you can gobble up fresh seafood a short stroll from the historic Strand without trekking out all the…
Grapevine Cafe and Coffeehouse
Gulf Coast & South Texas
Tasty fresh coffee ($2-$5) is backed up by a reliable menu of American and Tex-Mex breakfast and lunch dishes, ranging from eggs Benedict to huevos…
Daddy's Seafood & Cajun Kitchen
Gulf Coast & South Texas
It's not exactly Cajun spicy, but it certainly has Cajun flavor. Order big with the Cajun mixup: a mess of shrimp, crawfish, sausage, potatoes and corn…
Corpus Christi
The menu jumps from American breakfast and Tex-Mex lunch to Mexican-style sandwiches and tacos, but it's all good and it's all inexpensive, and if you're…
Galveston
Everything is made from scratch, as it should be: site-baked breads, daily made desserts and piled-high sandwiches are staples. That it also serves…
Rio Grande Valley
With a menu that straddles the border between Mexican and Tex-Mex, this slightly formal place is a great option to test the waters of the Rio Grande's…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
The portions are huge, the prices are small and the staff are friendly. It might take a poco of Spanish to get an order placed, but once it comes it's…
Gulf Coast & South Texas
The retro diner appeal here comes complete with a silver Airstream trailer and an 'eat-here' neon arrow sign. The burgers and shakes are as good as you'd…
Rio Grande Valley
Fresh salads, tons of wraps and sandwiches, and creative pizzas make this a local favorite. Plus, it brews its own beer. No wonder it has expanded into a…
Rio Grande Valley
The menu may run the range of BBQ and Tex-Mex, but the 'House Favorites' are all Mexican for a reason. It's a particularly popular breakfast choice for…
Rio Grande Valley
Housed on the 1st floor of the old Villa de Cortez, the Mexican fare in this friendly little cafe is a good refueling choice before heading to the nature…
Rio Grande Valley
This place has a casual upscale atmosphere to go with the mixed menu of innovative Tex-Mex and more laid-back burgers and pizza. The bar is popular, as is…
Coastal Plains
Housed in a historic commercial building on the south side of the old town, Huvar's has a farm-to-market vibe and a hip ambience to complement the tasty…
Galveston
South and Central American tastes flavor the steak and seafood here, at one of Galveston's classiest secrets. There's a dress code, so no shorts during…
Coastal Plains
The neighborhood vibe and counter service here fit well with the slow-cooked meats and filling sandwiches – it's almost like having dinner at a friend's…
Rio Grande Valley
Handmade cupcakes in a delightful tea room setting just off the historic Main St. There's even a functional record player, to make the ambience properly…
Rio Grande Valley
This outlet of the phenomenally fast-growing Rio Grande Valley chain is ready to please around the clock. The vast salsa bar awaits, and it serves beer.
Galveston
Chow down on seafood at this casual grill across from the Opera House. It stays fairly popular as a bar after dinner service.
Gulf Coast & South Texas
For self-catering, this is the best choice on the island and prices are similar to the mainland.
Gulf Coast & South Texas
It may not look like much from outside, but we dare you to walk around Port Isabel's museums and not be drawn in by the tantalizing smells coming out of…
Corpus Christi
Perched over the water, Harrison's Landing serves up blackened red snapper tacos, fish and chips, and blue-cheese burgers in a casual open-sided setting…
Corpus Christi Area
Next to the docks at Deep Sea Headquarters, you can overhear charter captains talk about the fish – or maybe it was the tourist – they lost overboard…
Rio Grande Valley
A hard day of birdwatching demands a hearty breakfast, and the namesake omelettes are made more delicious by the irony of starting the day with eggs. Take…
Rio Grande Valley
The long bar and stools are all repurposed from a now-defunct soda fountain in Raymondsville, but the vibe is authentic 1950s if you don't look too close…
