Whether you’re heading out of town, rushing to work or just simply wanting to grab a bite to take back home, on-the-go breakfast options are sometimes necessary. From Mexican food restaurants serving the best breakfast tacos in town to local donuts and coffee shops serving pastries of every kind, here is a list of local restaurants to grab a drive-thru breakfast in Corpus Christi.
Gates Donuts
The quintessential donut shop in Corpus Christi, Gates Donuts is a local institution and the winner of the best donut in The Local’s List readers’ choice awards for the last nine years.
Must Order: You can’t go wrong with any pastry from Gates, but the cake donuts keep locals returning. Get there early before they sell out! They open every day except Monday at 6 a.m.
Located at: 4417 S. Alameda St
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Hacienda Vieja
Known for its $3 margarita happy hour deal, don’t forget Hacienda has a drive-thru, making it an extremely convenient option for breakfast on the go. Hacienda opens daily at 6 a.m.
Must Order: Any breakfast taco with plenty of spicy green salsa.
Located at: 4301 S. Staples St
The Vine Juice
A drive-thru juice shop serving smoothie bowls, juice cleanses, chia pudding, smoothies and snacks, The Vine Juice Company makes for a great healthy on-the-go option. The local business opens Tuesday through Friday at 8 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
Must Order: Acai Sunrise bowl with banana, acai, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and almond milk served with two toppings.
Located at: 5702 Staples St.
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Sonny’s Barbacoa
Home of the world-famous chicharrones and, of course, its namesake dish, head to Sonny’s drive-thru starting at 5:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday and 6 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Must Order: Chicharron and an egg taco or a barbacoa plate to share. Ask about the daily taco specials!
Located at: 4066 S. Port Ave.
Saigon’s Civet Cafe
Saigon’s opened as a coffee roastery, but has expanded its offerings to include an all-day brunch menu with some on-the-go options. The coffee shop opens daily at 6 a.m.
Must Order: Musubi, Steam Bun or classic Bahn Mi with an espresso drink of choice.
Located at: 2222 Airline Rd.
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S&Js Bakery
Even though S&J Bakery is closed on Saturdays, we would be remiss to exclude them from this list. Winner in the Bakery category in The Local’s List 2024, S&J has been serving sweet and savory kolaches, iced cookies and more since 1995. Stop by Monday through Friday starting at 5 a.m.
Must Order: Ham & cheese kolache, cinnamon Roll and a sweet tea.
Located at: 9618 Leopard St
CC Donuts Everhart
With two locations across the Coastal Bend, this local donut shop has been gaining popularity since its opening in 2022. The Everhart location has a drive-thru and plenty of options besides donuts. Open Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m., Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m.
Must Order: Apple fritter, turkey, egg and cheese croissant or a classic glazed donut.
Located at: 5346 Everhart Rd
Taqueria Almeida #1
Dubbed “The Taco Stand” by Flour Bluff residents, Taqueria Almeida #1 is the favorite local taqueria by far. Bonus points for having a drive-thru and walk-up window for ease of ordering. Open daily at 4:30 a.m.
Must Order: With 21 different breakfast taco combinations to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. However, the brisket bits and egg is a no-brainer.
Located at: 2650 Waldron Rd.
