Looking for a local spot to grub at? Whether it’s brunch with the girls, lunch with coworkers, a date night with your significant other or somewhere in between, this dining guide has you covered. Updated by our editorial team on a quarterly basis, this list includes a variety of options to eat at in the Coastal Bend.
KEY
$ Most Entrees Under $10 | $$ Most Entrees Under $10-$25 | $$$ Most Entrees Above $26 | ✪ 2023 Local’s List Winner
BREAKFAST | BRUNCH
Andy’s Country Kitchen
You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, 361-993-0251 $ ✪
Central Kitchen
Freshly baked bread, delicious sandwiches, sauces made from scratch and a variety of baked goods—all prepared daily and with the highest quality ingredients. 320 C Lomax St, 361-887-6833 $
Hester’s Cafe
This legendary local cafe and coffee bar serves up inventive breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Don’t forget to grab some baked goods before you leave. 3812 S Alameda St, 361-855-1892 $ ✪
Southside Barbacoa
There’s no denying it: Corpus Christi has the best breakfast tacos in Texas. Southside Barbacoa is a local favorite for its hearty breakfast tacos with a myriad of ingredient combinations to choose from. 5894 Everhart Rd A, 361- 334-0888 $
Rockport Daily Grind
If you’re starting the day in Rockport, stop into this local coffee shop for an excellent cup of joe, pastries, quiche, breakfast sandwiches and other cafe delights. 302 S. Austin St, 361-230-1895, $
Sugarbakers
A neighborhood cafe packed with flavor, Sugarbakers is a charming European-inspired restaurant serving up indulgent breakfast and brunch items and inventive salads and sandwiches. 2766 Santa Fe St, 361-884-9541 $
TANNINS Wine Bar & Tapas
Comfortable and welcoming with a delicious selection of wines and tapas, TANNINS also features a great brunch menu with items like french toast, Florentine benedict and waffle pulled pork tacos. 3855 S Alameda St, 361-334-3893 $$ ✪
The Post at Lamar Park
Enjoy this popular gastro-pub with delicious dishes that are meant to be shared, alongside a beer or cocktail of course! Biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles and other brunch favorites are offered. 411 Doddridge St #102, 361-452-0907 $$ ✪
LUNCH
Butter’s BBQ
Standing in line on a Saturday morning is well worth it when said line is outside of Butter’s. Perfectly seasoned brisket, barbacoa and homemade sides await at this renowned BBQ joint. 713 E Sinton St, 361-255-6108 $$ ✪
Celsita’s
Featuring Tex-Mex staples such as chicken fajitas and Carne Guisada, as well as more traditional dishes like mole, Puerco Verde and fideo, Celsita’s menu is packed with flavor. 15401 S Padre Island Dr #105, 361-589-4045 $$
Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Tucked away overlooking the harbor, guests can escape to an all-but-mundane mix of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, cocktails and environment within the walls of the iconic Art Museum of South Texas. 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, 361-882-8785 $$
El Taino Puerto Rican Cuisine & Desserts
Don’t let the small footprint fool you: El Taino delivers big on flavor and hospitality. From customer favorites such as chuleta frita and Mofongo to a Caribbean-inspired carne guisada this menu will leave you craving for more. 5425 SPID, Ste. 101A, 361-500-4091 $$
Hanaya Poke
This local poke spot packs a whole lot of flavor into one dish. With two locations to choose from, fresh poke bowls, burritos and various milk teas are just an order away. 6113 Saratoga Blvd Ste. A and 4938 S Staples St, Ste. E5, @hanapokecc $$ ✪
Roaming Ronin
Executive chef and Owner Eddie Warren Jr. is serving up top-notch cuisine at this local spot. With an Asian-inspired street food menu, dishes include sushi, Tokyo yakisoba and ramen bowls. 2306 Airline Rd, Ste 104, 361-462-4273 $$
Sufi Kabob
From Pakistani to Persian and even Halal, this menu offers casual eats and take-out options for every palate. 7150 S Padre Island Dr, Suite #104, 361-444-6023 $$
Zambra Fusion Cafe
Healthy, fresh and flavorful food served in a cafe-style atmosphere, Zambra Fusion Cafe’s menu includes delicious food with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and other lifestyles in mind. 6062 Holly Rd, Ste. B6, (361) 991-1115 $$ ✪
Wallbangers
This local spot is famous for its variety of burgers and delicious curly fires. Pay a visit to the newly opened Southside location and choose between stuffed, classic or or craft burgers. 6542 S Staples St, (361) 855-8007 $$
DINNER
B&J’s Pizza – The Original
A local staple, each slice of pie is made with fresh-rolled dough and homemade sauce and topped with a selection of meats and a variety of fresh ingredients. 6335 S Padre Island Dr, 361-992-6671 $$ ✪
Bella Luna Downtown
An excellent Italian option in the heart of Downtown Corpus Christi, Bella Luna shines with its weekly features menu. Staple dinner items include Funghi Trifolati, Amatriciana and Cavatelli Bolognese. 429 Schatzell St, 361-887-4777 $$
Bluewater Cowboy
As its name suggests, Bluewater Cowboy is a convergence of land and sea. Overlooking the coastal town of Port Aransas, this spot offers a casual dining experience with divine lobster bisque, extravagant sushi and more. 229 Beach St, 361-749-0106 $$
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
With unbeatable waterfront views and seasonal fish front eh Gulf, this local seafood spot is one of the best in Corpus Christi. From yellowfin tuna tacos to crab stuffed drum and an always delicious catch of the day, Doc’s makes an excellent dinner choice. 13309 S. Padre Island Dr, 361-949-6744 $$ ✪
Dokyo Dauntaun
One of the Coastal Bend’s highly regarded restaurants, Dokyo Dauntaun takes an innovative and artistic approach to fine dining. From mouthwatering dishes to creative cocktails, Dokyo never disappoints. 424 N. Chaparral St, 361-462-2620 $$
Drunken Noodlez
Serving up delicious favorites such as Pahd Kra Prow, Japanese Teriyaki steak and Larb Gai, Drunken Noodlez has something for everyone. 4214 Alameda St, 361-992-1400 $$
Katz 21 Steak & Spirits
Katz sets the standard for a premier fine dining experience. This steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, 361-884-1221 $$$
Ol’ Steakhouse Co.
If you’re craving mesquite grilled hand-cut steaks cooked over an open flame and made to perfection, ‘Ol Steakhouse is the place to go. Prepared fresh daily, each menu item is made with ultimate taste in mind. 4307 Avalon St, 361-992-7731 $$ ✪
Lisabella’s
Located within the Cinnamon Shore property, Lisabella’s makes for an excellent date night spot. The menu includes a variety of excellent starters, mouthwatering seafood entrees, pasta and more. 5009 TX-361, (361) 749-4222 $$$
Nueces Whiskey Library
From the minds that created Bellino Ristorante Italiano comes a new fine dining experience. With Whiskey Chicken, Ravioli al Cinghiale and Bistecca di Tonno, this is perfect for your next date night! 3815 S 3827 S Alameda St, 361-334-0270 $$$
Persis Indian Grill
Owners and best friends Ankit “Andy” Patel and Vishel “Vish” Patel have brought an authentic taste of India to the Coastal Bend. Start your meal with traditional samosas and then order family style with biryani, curry, tikka masala, vindaloo or korma. 4650 Corona Dr, 361-334-1001 $$
Prime Steakhouse & Whiskey Bar
Offering high-quality steaks and seafood, this is a newer restaurant you don’t want to miss. Sourcing from the best available ingredients from local and regional partners, dishes are both fresh and delicious. 6326 Yorktown Blvd Ste 2, 361-799-5151 $$$ ✪
Roosevelt’s
Located in the Historic Tarpon Inn, Roosevelt’s is gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana-style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. 200 E Cotter Ave, 361-749-1540 $$$
Water Street Oyster Bar
Long-standing and beloved Corpus Christi landmark serving up oysters, sushi rolls and fresh Gulf seafood in a historic brick building in the heart of downtown. 309 N Water St, 361-881-9448 $$ ✪
Wild Prawn
The restaurant brings a unique twist in flavor with dishes ranging from delicious seafood plates such as a mouthwatering Chilean sea bass to savory steaks and a rotation of homemade soups of the day. 1941 HWY 35, 361-450-1150 $$$
