The Local’s List 2025 readers’ choice poll winners for Food & Drink include categories such as pizza, mixologist, seafood and much more. These results showcase the best bars and restaurants in the area, according to our readers!
Bakery
Winner: Hester’s Cafe
Hester’s Cafe brings in the win, with victories in two categories under its belt this year. With Hester Rodriguez at the helm of its baked goods empire, every item in the pastry case is thoughtfully prepared and exceptionally baked. After all these years of learning, growing and tasting every dessert, Rodriguez has solidified her place in Corpus Christi as a master of her craft—baking delicious, innovative and distinctive treats that bring comfort when eaten.
- Second Place: Bien Mérité
- Third Place: Fika
Bar
Winner: BUS
This trendy and spacious patio serves a perfect mix of beer, wine, frozen drinks and classic and signature cocktails; it’s also pet- and family-friendly.
- Second Place: The Post at Lamar Park
- Third Place: The Annex
Barbecue
Winner: Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing
Nothing is more South Texas than great beer and great barbecue. Nueces combines both to be enjoyed in the A/C taproom or pet-friendly patio.
- Second Place: Full Send Barbecue
- Third Place: Butter’s BBQ
Beer List
Winner: Executive Surf Club
With over 25 beers on tap to choose from (and even more in the cooler), Executive Surf Club’s brew selection covers all the bases. Local selections from Nueces Brewing and Rebel Toad are always available, and options from lagers to stouts are ready to be poured into a chilled pint glass for your drinking pleasure.
- Second Place: B&Js Pizza
- Third Place: Tapology Texas Pub
Breakfast Taco
Winner: Hi-Ho Restaurant
Voted the best breakfast taco in Corpus Christi for nine years running.
- Second Place: Nano’s Taco Run
- Third Place: Julio’s Easy Stop
Brunch Menu
Winner: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
From the theatrical dining area adorned with a floral-covered ceiling to the shaded waterfront patio with bay views from every seat, the atmosphere at Gallery 41 sets the stage for a brunch experience that exemplifies the culinary arts. Sundays 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., you’ll find a build-your-own-omelet station, fresh pastries, a bacon bar, flaming donuts, a carving station and more.
- Second Place: Bien Mérité
- Third Place: The Post at Lamar Park
Burger
Winner: Padre Island Burger Company
An island original, Padre Island Burger Company is serving up the best of the best burgers with sourdough buns, half a pound of certified angus beef and inventive ingredients alongside a casual cool atmosphere.
- Second Place: Wallbangers
- Third Place: Executive Surf Club
Cafe/Deli
Winner: Hester’s Cafe
This local mainstay’s healthy, delicious selections of breakfast, brunch and lunch menu items keep the Coastal Bend community coming back for more. Owners Jason and Hester Rodriguez’s passion for food, family and service is reflected in the delicious food. With a wide range of soups, salads and sandwiches to choose from, Hester’s menu satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
- Second Place: Sugarbakers
- Third Place: Surfside Sandwich Shop
Cajun Cuisine
Winner: Surfing Crab
The Surfing Crab knows Cajun food and presents it at its finest with South Carolina traditions and South Texas vibes. Enjoy the signature Cajun seafood boils with your selection of shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, crab and lobster, covered in the sauce of your choice. If you get thirsty, it has signature cocktails that are paired with the sauces for a combination that will make your taste buds dance.
- Second Place: Mudbugs Cajun Icehouse
- Third Place: The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant
Central/South American Cuisine
Winner: YOLA cocina mexicana
Owner Ryan Rios, also behind BKK thai kitchen + bar, drew inspiration for this local eatery from his global travels and cultural palate. A focus on seasonal dining and high-quality ingredients guides the menu at YOLA, rooted in the same values that his grandmothers, Yolanda and Rosa, always championed. Their traditional approach to food continues to shape Rios’ vision for every dish served.
- Second Place: Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
- Third Place: Ora’s Kitchen
Chef
Winner: Tony Posada, The Blue Clove
A second-generation chef whipping up fresh seafood dishes with delectable sauce pairings.
- Second Place: Phoebe Trotter, Bellino Ristorante Italiano
- Third Place: Meesha Graham, Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Chinese Cuisine
Winner: JaJa Cafe
Take-out or dine-in, this Chinese food hot spot has all your favorites with portions big enough to share.
- Second Place: Dao Authentic Asian Cuisine
- Third Place: Bamboo Garden
Coffee Shop
Winner: Coffee Waves-Alameda
Serving specialty coffee drinks, gelato and tea since 2008.
- Second Place: The Coffee MUGG
- Third Place: Island Joes Coffee & Gallery
Cottage Baker
Winner: Cake n’ Bake
Cakes so good you won’t even know they’re dairy- and egg-free.
- Second Place: Sweets N Treats by Des
- Third Place: Sugar Garden Sweets
Craft Cocktails
Winner: BUS
What was once Corpus Christi’s iconic Greyhound Bus Station is now the locals’ favorite spot for craft cocktails. With experienced mixologists behind the bar, go-to signatures include the Ghost of the Greyhound, Gin Daisy and the Gum Hollow Ranch Water. Plus, the bar even offers daily specials on signature drinks. What’s not to love?
- Second Place: The Post at Lamar Park
- Third Place: Nueces Whiskey Library
Date Night
Winner: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Nothing says date night like an intimate dinner at Bellino Ristorante Italiano. Sitting at a cozy, candlelit table, you and your date can converse over a glass of imported Italian wine, share a few Sicilian-influenced dishes and indulge in the delectable dessert menu. Just don’t forget to make a reservation!
- Second Place: El Camino Comida & Bar
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Dessert
Winner: Bien Mérité
Mini cakes, cream puffs, croissants and more, Bien Mérité is your French dessert destination of the Coastal Bend.
- Second Place: Hester’s Cafe
- Third Place: Cookie + Crumb Bakeshop
Diner
Winner: Andy’s Kitchen
Go for the complimentary blueberry muffins, stay for the surprisingly delicious breakfast tacos and vintage diner atmosphere.
- Second Place: Town & Country Cafe
- Third Place: Price’s Chef
Distillery/Local Spirits
Winner: Coastal Bend Distilling Company
A distillery that captures the spirit and lifestyle of South Texas with locally made Lucky Star Gin, Live Oak Vodka and Colonel Fannin’s Whiskey.
- Second Place: Aerodrome Distilling
- Third Place: South Texas Distillery
Dive Bar/Pub
Winner: Vernon’s
Landmark bar featuring pool, shuffleboard and live music, plus a spacious patio and American eats.
- Second Place: Cassidy’s Irish Pub
- Third Place: Tapology Texas Pub
Donuts
Winner: Gates Donut Shop
Undefeated and undisputed donut champs seven years in a row.
- Second Place: CC Donuts
- Third Place: Donut Palace
Food Truck
Winner: Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
Though you can now find Jefe’s Street Tacos & More at its permanent location, the food truck still makes its way around town to spread the love. Owner Sammy Silva first opened the truck in 2017, and it quickly became a local favorite. You can never go wrong with an order of its titular item, which also happens to be a Local’s List winner this year—but more on that later.
- Second Place: TacoBar Street
- Third Place: The Most Comida
French Fries
Winner: Executive Surf Club
Homestyle, sweet potato or battered—you can’t go wrong with any of the fries from Executive Surf Club.
- Second Place: Padre Island Burger Company
- Third Place: The Post at Lamar Park
Frozen Treats
Winner: Coffee Waves
What pairs perfectly with an artisanal coffee beverage? Handcrafted gelato, but of course! Coffee Waves knows this fact to be true and whips up fun flavors. Using traditional recipes from the Alps of Italy, each bite is smooth, creamy bliss. Pro tip: Looking for an extra kick? Order an affogato, which comes with 6 ounces of your choice of gelato with an espresso shot poured on top, served with whipped cream and cinnamon.
- Second Place: La Fresa Homemade Ice Cream & More
- Third Place: Mamako Cafe
Gourmet Dining
Winner: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
Five-star food, outstanding service and the best views in Corpus Christi.
- Second Place: Prime Steakhouse Whiskey Bar
- Third Place: Katz 21 Steak & Spirits
Happy Hour
Winner: BUS
Did you know BUS offers daily specials on its signature cocktails? Plan your week accordingly with two margaritas for $22 on Tuesdays; $6 wine on Wednesdays; $6 Gum Hollow Ranch Waters on Thursdays; a $6 Gin Daisy on Fridays; and a $6 Ghost of the Greyhound every Saturday.
- Second Place: The Post at Lamar Park
- Third Place: The Annex
Italian Cuisine
Winner: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Sicilian Chef Francesco Inguaggiato serves up fresh pasta, pinsa dough imported from Rome and more authentic Italian fare.
- Second Place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant
- Third Place: Cafe Italia
Kid-friendly Restaurant
Winner: Brewster Street Icehouse
With its playground, mini corndogs and plenty of outdoor seating, the kids won’t want to leave.
- Second Place: B&J’s Pizza
- Third Place: Marty McPies
Margarita
Winner: El Camino Comida & Bar
$20 house pitchers, frozen flights and on-the rocks varieties like prickly pear and pineapple cucumber—you can’t go wrong with a margarita from El Camino.
- Second Place: Kiko’s Mexican Food Restaurant & Cantina
- Third Place: YOLA cocina mexicana
Meat Market
Winner: Moody’s Quality Meats
Moody’s Quality Meats provides an “old fashioned” butcher shop experience through in-house manufacturing, friendly service and fresh quality meats.
- Second Place: Staples Street Meat Market
- Third Place: Boarri Craft Meats & Goods
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: Ginger Cafe
Ginger Cafe is creating authentic Mediterranean cuisine with the freshest ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, while providing each guest with exceptional service.
- Second Place: Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
- Third Place: Persis Indian Grill
Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Kiko’s Mexican Food Restaurant & Cantina
KiKo’s has been bringing delicious Tex-Mex food and margaritas to the Coastal Bend for more than 40 years, and its delicious recipes, using fresh ingredients and made from scratch, have been handed down from multiple generations. Now with two locations to choose from, KiKo’s remains a local favorite.
- Second Place: El Camino Comida & Bar
- Third Place: Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
Microbrewery
Winner: Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing
A spacious taproom, pet-friendly patio and ample varieties of beer make this microbrewery a local favorite.
- Second Place: Lazy Beach Brewing
- Third Place: Rebel Toad Brewing Co.
Mixologist
Winner: Michael Green, The Post at Lamar Park
The “Mad Scientist” (in a good way) of the local craft cocktail scene.
- Second Place: TJ Salazar, Republic of Texas
- Third Place: Noah M. Hall, Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
New Restaurant/Bar
Winner: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
From the team that brought you Diamond Point Catering, Courtyard at Gaslight Square and Rockit’s Whiskey Bar & Saloon comes its newest venture, Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill. Located inside the Art Center of Corpus Christi, the restaurant opened just last summer and offers a dining experience designed to delight. Utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu ranges from seared duck to blackened Gulf drum.
- Second Place: Mia Mia’s Pizzeria
- Third Place: Ridley’s
Nutritional Drinks/Shakes
Winner: Smoothie King Corpus Christi
At Smoothie King Corpus Christi, “starting your day the healthy way” is priority number one. With smoothie categories such as “Get Fit,” “Feel Energized” and “Be Well,” navigating the menu to find something that not only tastes good, but fits your nutritional needs is easy. Plus, go the extra mile and choose from a variety of “enhancers” like a fiber blend, protein and collagen.
- Second Place: Corpus Christi Nutrition
- Third Place: Step Up Nutrition
Outdoor Seating
Winner: Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks is quintessential island dining. This picturesque location provides diners with unobstructed water views and top-notch food. You can travel to this local favorite by boat and dock just steps away from dinner. Fresh, waterfront seafood and some of the best sunset views our area has to offer? Yes, please.
- Second Place: Brewster Street Icehouse
- Third Place: Harrison’s Landing
Pastry Chef
Winner: Marjorie Pettigrove, Bien Mérité
The patisserie behind the local’s favorite dessert spot.
- Second Place: Hester Rodriguez, Hester’s Cafe
- Third Place: Stephanie Miranda, Sugarbakers
Pho
Winner: Hu Dat Noodle House
The best in town, pho real.
- Second Place: Drunkn’ NoodleZ
- Third Place: Pho Life
Pizza
Winner: B&J’s Pizza
A Coastal Bend staple, B&J’s has been serving pizza with classic, hand-tossed dough and dozens of fresh ingredients since the 1970s.
- Second Place: Marty McPies
- Third Place: Panjo’s Pizza
Poke
Winner: Hawaii Poke
Build your own poke bowl with a variety of protein options, dozens of fresh ingredients and flavorful house-made sauces.
- Second Place: Hanaya Poke
- Third Place: Water Street Oyster Bar
Ramen
Winner: Ninja Ramen and Thai
Curry, spicy pork, miso and more … the ramen at Ninja Ramen & Thai is top-notch.
- Second Place: Ramen Legend
- Third Place: Mikoto Ramen Bar
Seafood
Winner: Water Street Oyster Bar
The freshest Gulf seafood and finest coastal ambiance.
- Second Place: The Blue Clove
- Third Place: Saltwater Grill
Seafood Market
Winner: Paul’s Seafood Market
Fresh locally caught seafood, frozen specialty varieties, seasoning blends and more.
- Second Place: Morgan Street Seafood
- Third Place: Flower’s Shrimp Market
Soul Food
Winner: PKK Southern Cuisine
Georgia Peach Chicken & Waffles, jazz brunch and daily homestyle specials.
- Second Place: Smack Eats
- Third Place: Southern Charm Home Cookin’
Steakhouse
Winner: Ol’ Steakhouse Co.
The best bone-in ribeye in town. Period.
- Second Place: Niko’s Steakhouse
- Third Place: Republic of Texas Bar and Grill
Street Tacos
Winner: Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
This popular street taco food truck just leveled up to a brick-and-mortar.
- Second Place: TacoBar Street
- Third Place: Tacos El Tri
Sushi
Winner: Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
A longtime local favorite, Rock & Rolls offers Asian fusion flavor with a South Texas flair through an assortment of rock and roll-themed sushi. All fresh fish is flown from Hawaii and combined with fresh ingredients to create each roll. Enjoy the ultimate rock experience with the Led Zeppelin and Stevie Ray rolls, or do the Wango Tango, before letting your tastebuds travel to the Dark Side of the Moon.
- Second Place: Dokyo Dauntaun
- Third Place: Aka Sushi Downtown
Thai Cuisine
Winner: Thai Cottage
A taste of Thailand without leaving the 361.
- Second Place: BKK thai kitchen + bar
- Third Place: Thai Spice
Waterfront Dining
Winner: Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Outdoor seating for you and your boat.
- Second Place: Harrison’s Landing
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Wine List
Winner: Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas
This Lamar Park-adjacent wine bar has 70+ wine varieties from all around the world.
- Second Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
- Third Place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Wings
Winner: B&J’s Pizza
We aren’t quite sure why the best wings in town are typically synonymous with the best pizza in town, but in this case, it’s entirely true. Fans of B&J’s Pizza will know this establishment whips up finger-licking-good wings, and most will recommend an order of the famous Jack’s Wings. If you’re a lover of garlic, trust us, this is your new favorite.
- Second Place: Birdie’s Wings & Bar
- Third Place: Bluffalo Wings Co.
