By Evelyn Martinez, Kayla Butts and Justin Butts | Photos by Rachel Benavides and Jason Page
From seasonal ingredients and beach picnic provisions to chilled plates, frozen drinks and sunset dining, consider this your comprehensive guide to the flavors of summer in the Coastal Bend.
Beach Eats
From the tip of Port Aransas to our very own national seashore, within our sand dunes sit embedded the serenity and solace of the coast. Around here, sandy bathing suits inside our seaside restaurants and bars feel as woven into our daily lives as the city skyline. Local store owners greet old friends with warm welcomes and kind words, offering that same easy invitation to outsiders. It opens the door to the question on the tongue of every tourist—and curious local—eyes fixed on the beach, with just one more barrier to cross:
“Where can I find something good to eat around here?”
Luckily for you, we’ve got the right answers >>
Chilled Seafood Dishes
From oysters to daily catches, when it comes to coastal flavors served cold, trust these places to find your next favorite.
Discover our list of dishes served cold >>
Seasonal Recipes
Focusing on peak-season produce, these two recipes highlight irresistible summer flavors. Star ingredients—corn, bell peppers, green onions, watermelon and tomatoes—take the spotlight in a shrimp-topped corn fritter dish and a trusty Bloody Mary recipe.
Discover our selection of summer recipes >>
Frozen Drinks
From soft serve margaritas to frozen cherry limeades, here’s our roundup of the best frozen drinks to keep you cool this summer.
Discover our list of frozen drinks >>
Sunset Dining Spots
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.
Discover the best local sunset meals and views >>
