What’s New in the Coastal Bend Food and Drink World this Month

Table Talk: What’s New in the Coastal Bend Food & Drink World this August

From a new karaoke bar with curated cocktails to several local restaurant openings, here's what we've got our eyes on in the Coastal Bend food and drink scene this month.

A cocktail on the bar at Old Kress Live, a new bar in Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas.

Old Kress Live is a new bar located in Downtown Corpus Christi | Photo via Old Kress Live

In our monthly Table Talk series, we gather a few food-and-drink-related headlines into one place for your convenience. From a new karaoke bar with curated cocktails to several local restaurant openings, here’s what we’ve got our eye on this month.

A New Bar in Downtown Corpus Christi Opens Inside Historic Building

Old Kress Live, a new bar in Downtown Corpus Christi, held its grand opening event on Aug. 4 – 5 to a packed crowd. Located inside a building originally built in the early 1900s, the bar’s design includes a combination of original character and modern updates. With a curated cocktail menu sure to impress and a patio perfect for cool-weather hanging, this just might become your new favorite spot. For those looking to have a little extra fun or flex their singing talents, the bar also hosts nightly karaoke sessions! Old Kress Live is officially open for business seven days a week from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. at 619 N. Chaparral.

Local Favorite, 8TE, Permanently Closes its Doors

In an announcement posted to its social media pages on Jul. 19, 8TE–a longtime favorite local eatery owned by Megan Lee–shared the news of its permanent closing. After eight years of feeding the Coastal Bend community with innovative, fusion-filled takes on American classics, the restaurant closed its doors. 8TE was a trendsetter in the local food scene and continuously raised the bar with its overall vision and flavors. “I wanted to open something different in Corpus Christi, and I think I was able to accomplish that.” Lee wrote in the post’s caption. “People always told me it reminded them of places in Austin— and that’s what I wanted CC to see…that we can bring a little big city HERE and continue to grow our city into a place we love. These past few years, I’ve SEEN that with all of the local businesses opening. Y’all continue to support LOCAL, please!”

Comments on the social media post flooded with fond memories and heartfelt messages from the restaurant’s supporters. Always a shining example of how wonderful it can be to eat and support local, 8TE will be remembered for its fantastic menu, comforting yet stylish atmosphere and top-notch service.

An order of loaded mac 'n cheese from Fullsend BBQ in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Brisket Mac Bowl from Fullsend BBQ | Photo by Levi Guzman

Fullsend BBQ is Officially Open for Business

Though the popular food truck has been serving up its delicious cuisine pop-up style for well over a year, its new, permanent home is officially open for business. Stationed next door to The Gold Fish in Downtown Corpus Christi (look for the bus!), Fullsend BBQ hosted its first soft opening event on Aug. 5 with a line of hungry and excited patrons wrapped around the block. Ran by Andrew Peña and Desirae Hill, the local business’ menu features true South Texas mesquite-smoked craft BBQ, brisket birria tacos, its famous brisket mac n cheese and a slate of delicious, scratch-made sides. If you missed the first soft opening celebration, don’t stress. The Fullsend team is hosting another event with the same menu on Aug. 12 from 7 p.m. to sell out. The special menu includes brisket, turkey, ribs, potato salad, fresh snapped bacon green beans, housemade pickle fixings and more. The local businesses’ grand opening will take place in October.

ODI’s Pizzeria Opens its Brick and Mortar

Fans of the mobile brick oven pizzeria Odi’s Pizzeria Napoletana will be happy to know the food truck’s new brick-and-mortar location is now open. The only option in Corpus Christi for Naples-style pizza, the restaurant is located at 6313 Wooldridge Rd. and serves both lunch and dinner. The menu features authentic dishes such as panuozzo, traditional Italian salads, soups, fine wines and, of course, pizza. The star of the menu comes in a plethora of variations, including margarita, campania, capriccisoa, veneto and lazio … just to name a few.

A coffee drink from Hemispheres Cafe in Corpus Christi, Texas
Hemispheres Cafe’s new flagship will have a stronger emphasis on coffee beverages. | Photo by Rachel Benavides

Hemispheres Cafe’s New Flagship Location Focuses on Coffee

With two already existing locations–one inside Corpus Christi Athletic Club and another on Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s campus–Hemispheres Cafe is excited to welcome the community to its first stand-alone location. The new spot has more of a coffee focus than its prior establishments and has partnered with Merit Coffee Company out of San Antonio. Hemispheres will feature Merit’s blends on a rotating basis for different coffee-drinking experiences. Roasts include a richer blend of espresso with nuttier, chocolate notes and the South Presa blend, which is more suited for a lighter, everyday coffee drinker. The cafe will also serve similar food and drink offerings found at its other locations, such as pastries, smoothies and shakes.

Looking for more local food and drink content? Read about Ninja Mochi Donut and its delicious treats.