Places to Eat on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas

Padre Island is perfect for a day of sand, sun, surfing, and sightseeing, but at some point, you’ll need to break for food. With the variety of locally owned and loved restaurants, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Read on and find your new favorite dining spot on Padre Island.

Breakfast & Brunch

For a refined yet relaxed experience, Ridley's brings coastal vibes and clean eating together with a menu full of made-from-scratch favorites. Think Lobster Bennie on sourdough, Brisket Hash with Hatch green chile potatoes and smoked gouda, and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes topped with toasted coconut and glazed fruit. If you’re craving something quicker but equally memorable, swing by Island Joe's. Housed in a colorful stack of shipping containers, this laid-back café is a local gem serving up coffee with house-made syrups, hearty biscuits, energy bars, and breezy vibes to match the Gulf breeze.

Pizza

Nothing hits the spot like a good slice, and Padre Island brings the flavor with a variety of pizza joints that know how to deliver. At Padre Pizzeria, dough is made from scratch and hand-tossed daily, then topped with locally sourced ingredients for pies, calzones, pepperoni rolls, and more. Craving that classic foldable slice? Head to New York Pizza for authentic New York–style pizza, served hot with all your favorite toppings.

Seafood

Padre Island is a seafood lover’s paradise, and nowhere is that more true than on Sunset Island, home to some of the best coastal eats around, all with unbeatable waterfront views. Start at Snoopy’s Pier, a longtime favorite known for its crispy fried shrimp, flaky fish sandwiches, and golden hush puppies. Just next door, Scoopy’s Veranda sweetens the deal with handcrafted desserts and Blue Bell ice cream. For bold Cajun flavor, The Pearl ft. The Cajun dishes out spicy crawfish boils, Tuna Tartare, and Rae Gulf Oysters, all perfect for pairing with a cold beer and a sunset backdrop.

For hearty portions and a true local vibe, Paul's Seafood Market delivers with fried and steamed platters, po’boys, and tacos bursting with coastal flavor. Over at Merida’s Tapas and Cantina, you’ll find shrimp baskets, seafood mac and cheese, and sizzling Spanish-style paella served up with waterfront views. Doc’s Seafood & Steaks is your go-to for upscale classics like blackened fish, buttery crab cakes, and stuffed flounder, which is best enjoyed with a margarita on the deck.

Looking for something different? Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar puts a Peruvian spin on island seafood with zesty ceviches, wok-fried rice, and seafood stir-fry that packs a flavorful punch. And don’t miss Hometown Seafood Co., where fresh-caught, never-frozen dishes shine. From all-you-can-eat fried shrimp to weekly crab leg specials and unbeatable happy hour deals, it’s a can’t-miss spot for laid-back island dining.

Sushi

Indulge in delicate rolls of edible artwork on your trip to Padre Island. At Island Time Sushi Bar & Grill, you’ll find a variety of delicious sushi options, and you can enjoy a traditional dining environment in the front room, or head to the back for a casual hang out vibe on one of their lounging couches. If you’re extra hungry, try one of their sizzling steaks served on salt blocks and delicious homemade cheesecakes. Get ready to rock your tastebuds with some delicious music themed sushi rolls at Rock & Rolls Sushi. Let the cucumber, carrot, mango, and avocado mixture riff with miso vinaigrette, sweet chili, and fried garlic in Welcome to the Jungle, while Led Zeppelin sings a krab, cream cheese, spicy baked tuna, and white fish tune.

Mexican & Cuban

Guajillo’s on the Island brings bold, authentic Mexican street food to the Texas Gulf Coast. Enjoy handmade tortillas, fresh seafood tacos, and signature guajillo-infused dishes in a relaxed island setting. Whether you're grabbing tacos after a beach day or indulging in their fresh Mexican seafood specialties, Guajillo’s is a hidden gem for Mexican food on North Padre Island. The Cuban, located on Sunset Island, is a vibrant waterfront restaurant that offers a menu full of traditional Cuban favorites, including the Plato Fuerte with pulled pork marinated in Cuban Mojo, crispy fried yuca, and savory stuffed potato balls. For a little bit of everything, the Cuban Combo features fried pork dough, stuffed potato balls, steamed cassava, fried sweet plantains, and fried green plantains. For authentic Mexican and Cuban food on Padre Island, these are your must-visit spots that bring bold flavors and cultural roots to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Sports Bar & Grill

Fun atmospheres with delicious food and full bars are a must, especially for ending your day. Swing by Hard Knocks and enjoy wings, chicken strips, burgers, and more with your favorite drink, while watching a game on one of their 83 HD televisions. Boathouse Bar and Grill is the place to be for the best beach party. With 4 full bars equipped with HDTV’s, waterfront patio dining, and a mouthwatering menu, you’re in for a relaxing and fun experience.

Burgers and Sandwiches

Prepare to indulge in a medley of stacked wonders with burger and sandwich options in family friendly, relaxing environments. Satisfy that burger craving at Padre Island Burger Co. with “The Famous” Dr. Padre or The LuLu, two unique burger combinations, or build your own with your choice of patty, bread, toppings, and sides. If you’re craving a quick and casual bite, head to Surfside Sandwich Shoppe. Whether you’re looking for a meatball sub or a roasted turkey sandwich on warm sourdough bread, you can dine in or take your lunch on the go.