Although drum fish and Gulf Coast oysters define our seafood dining experiences, one can’t forget to add seaside views to the list. With a large variety of bars and restaurants vying for the crown of “best place to watch the sunset,” we’ve got quite the selection of contenders. Whether out on the Island, in Port Aransas or in the heart of downtown Corpus, here are our choices for five of the best places to watch the sunset—and what dishes and drinks to pair with the view.
Lisabella’s
Red Snapper Belle Meunière & The Sophia
5009 TX-361, Port Aransas • 361-749-4222
The Amundsen family poured their heart and soul into their French fine dining restaurant, Lisabella’s, nestled inside Cinnamon Shores in Port Aransas. The signature Red Snapper Belle Meunière and The Sophia wine cocktail pairing took the whole ménage to design: Owners Kris and Lisa Amundsen crafted the drink, while their son Luke created the dish. “Our family loves everything French and Italian,” said Kris. “The delicate Prosecco with Italy’s fabulous lemon liqueur perfectly complements the exotic mushroom butter served with the sautéed fillet of Gulf Snapper.” Family- and date-night-friendly, featuring an elegant yet casual sunroom-style interior alongside outdoor seating for cool evenings, Lisabella’s reflects the Amundsens’ invitation for locals and tourists alike to settle in for “a romantic pairing at a romantic restaurant during a romantic sunset.”
Trout Street
Lobster & Penne Pasta & Hibiscus Basil Margarita
104 W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas • 361-749-7800
A Port Aransas marina staple since 1996, Trout Street has dedicated decades of business to fine-tuning both its drink and food menu. Newest in its ever-changing offerings is the Lobster & Penne Pasta, recommended to pair with award-winning staple, the Hibiscus Basil Margarita. General Manager and Executive Chef Albino Garcia Jr. created both the drink and the dish as part of his mission to fuse traditional Mediterranean flavors with a modern South Texas twist. Described by Chef Garcia as “bright, floral and lightly herbaceous,” the tartness of the margarita lifts “the sweetness of the cold-water lobster tail and claw meat” while simultaneously complementing the richness of the white wine and herb sauce. Enjoy it over a picturesque seaside view on the veranda porch.
Snoopy’s Pier
Blackened Shrimp Tacos & Coconut Breeze
13313 SPID • 361-949-8815
Home to one of the most iconic sunset views in our region, Snoopy’s Pier offers “the ultimate coastal bite-and-sip experience” with its Blackened Shrimp tacos and classic Coconut Breeze cocktail. This pairing came together in a collaborative effort between the marketing and kitchen team to bring guests a taste of Snoopy’s desired feel: laid-back, easygoing and refreshingly coastal. Described by Snoopy’s team as a selection of dish and drink that’s “balanced, refreshing and made for waterfront dining,” the cool sweetness of the tropical rum-based cocktail balances out the smoky, light spice of the signature blackened seasoning.
Gabriela’s
Scallops a la Plancha & Vinho Verde
1815 Broadway St, Rockport, TX 78382 • 361-727-2644
A newer name in the game, Gabriela’s upscale dining room and terrace opened in 2023 on the edge of Rockport’s Little Bay. Proud to be a part of the seafood and sunset landscape in the Coastal Bend, owner Sara Humpal described her passion project as “an experience rooted in culture, flavor and connection.” For Gab’s perfect pairing, Humpal teamed up with Executive Chef Adam Gonzalez to recommend his specialty Scallops a la Plancha and a crisp, classic Vinho Verde sourced from Portuguese vineyards. The herbal freshness of the scallops, “delicately seared” in cilantro butter and topped with pickled radishes and microgreens, complements the fruity layers in the wine and creates what Humpal described as a “natural harmony” of flavors. They were designed with summer sunsets in mind, so Humpal invites visitors to enjoy the two on cool, purple-skied evenings.
Gallery 41
Bulleit Bourbon Cherry Octopus & Paper Plane
100 N Shoreline Blvd. • 361-445-4141
Taking full advantage of its location inside the Art Center, the staff and management team at Gallery 41 work diligently to turn even the most casual visit into an elevated dining experience. “It’s the kind of setting that doesn’t just complement the pairing, it brings it to life,” they explained. For their summertime special, Gallery 41 suggests the Bulleit Bourbon Cherry Octopus and its “ideal match,” their Paper Plane, a Bulleit-based cocktail. Created in close collaboration between Managing Partner Volkan Koc and Executive Chef Franco Piza, the sweet citrus of the drink delicately balances the rich, smoky depth of the dish, “creating a seamless rhythm between bite and sip [to] keep it from ever feeling heavy.” Settle in for a light dinner and an evening sunset, all to the tune of live music and waterfront sounds.
