Your family came to Padre Island in Corpus Christi for the sand, sun, surfing, and sightseeing. All those waves and wind really work up an appetite, so you also have to eat, right? Here is your insider’s guide to eating out on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. These locally owned and locally loved restaurants will surely make you want to come back and visit the Island again and again and again.
Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
Costa Sur is a hidden gem of a restaurant with Peruvian style food! Some people love the Lomo Soltado (a steak and vegetable stir fry over french fries which can and should come with an egg on top), but you will dream of swimming in the Ceviche Fusion. If you like avocado, mango, or fresh fish, this is certainly the place for you.
Texas Mesquite BBQ & Grill
This place has mouthwatering BBQ and hand-ground burgers (even exotic ones like bison, elk, and antelope), but the insider tip is to order from chef Orlando's scribbled specials on ripped butcher paper inside the door. You might get to try seafood paella, a long, slow, strong marriage of rice, spice, Spanish olive oil and bursts of flavor from mountains of fish, calamari, shrimp, and mussels.
A la Mode Gelateria
The Gelato is incredible. Flavors change all the time, based on the creative whims of the award-winning, hand-churning gelato goddess owner. Find a new love every day from banana pudding (a customer favorite) to lemon lavender, from Texas Bourbon Pecan to Biscoff Cookies & Coffee. There are also sugar-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.
Surfside Sandwich Shoppe
Just want a quick and casual bite or something to take TO the beach? Pick up lunch or early dinner at Surfside. The Daily Deal varies from meatball sub to mac n cheese sandwich (was that BACON on there??) or roasted turkey sandwich on a perfect, warm sourdough bun with a cup of cheesy, creamy broccoli soup. The banana pudding is a must-try!
Padre Pizzeria
Fried ravioli, pepperoni rolls, pizza, AND you don't have to do the cooking!? Sign us up! Enjoy a feast on the beach or a night without cooking/cleaning at the condo and order from Padre Pizzeria, an eatery loved by visitors and locals alike.
Doc's Seafood & Steaks Restaurant
As the sun sets, there is no better place to relax and enjoy dinner than on the deck under the J.F.K. overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway! Whether you're craving chef-made seafood or want Doc's to cook your catch, this is the place to be to enjoy a scrumptious meal and scenic views!
Snoopy's Pier
Open-air and right on the water with both indoor and outdoor seating options, Snoopy’s Pier is one of the only unobstructed views of the sunset over the water in all of Corpus Christi. There’s even an onsite fish house and shrimp breading facility to ensure the freshest quality! Don’t miss the companion dessert veranda, Scoopy’s next door!
Island Time Sushi Bar & Grill
Island Time is a local go-to dinner choice with conventional tables in the front room and lounging couches in the back for that casual just-hanging-out vibe. Island Time is always full of friendly faces and tasty sushi, but don't overlook the sizzling steaks served on salt blocks. Start with those tuna nachos and finish with the homemade cheesecakes (stake your dessert claim before dinner just in case) like light and creamy peanut butter or freshly ground cinnamon.
Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery
Made of colorful. stacked shipping containers and serving up some of the best coffee in town, Island Joe's whips up homemade flavor syrups, and also makes smoothies, energy balls, bars, biscuits, and more. And add a hot, frothy, spicy dirty chai (they make their own chai, too) as the perfect afternoon pick me up. Need to do a little work while you are on vacation? The Wifi here is fast and free, even on the outdoor patio.
