The Local’s List 2024 readers’ choice poll winners for Food & Drink include categories such as pizza, mixologist, seafood and much more. These results showcase the best bars and restaurants in the area, according to our readers!
Bakery
S&J Bakery
An old-school, daytime eatery serving American comfort eats and desserts since 1995. 9618 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Second place: Bien Merite
Third place: Central Kitchen
Bar
Bar Under the Sun
This trendy and spacious patio serves a perfect mix of beer, wine, frozen drinks and classic and signature cocktails; it’s also pet- and family-friendly. 702 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Nueces Whiskey Library
Third place: The Annex
Barbecue
Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing
Nothing is more South Texas than great beer and great barbecue. Nueces combines both to be enjoyed in the A/C taproom or pet-friendly patio. 401 S Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Butters BBQ
Third place: Full Send BBQ
Beer List
B&J’s Pizza, The Original
The beer list full of local brews, well-known imports and a fine selection of Texas craft beers will almost make your pizza and wings afterthoughts. 6335 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Tapology Texas Pub
Third place: B&J’s Pizza – Brewpub
Breakfast Taco
Nano’s Taco Run
Voted the best breakfast taco in Corpus Christi for eight years running. 4722 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Southside Barbacoa
Third place: Chacho’s Tacos
Brunch Menu
Hester’s Cafe
This local favorite cafe prides itself on making good food from scratch, as is evident by the ricotta cloud cakes, quiche, turkey hash and more from the brunch-all-day menu. 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Bien Merite
Third place: The Post at Lamar Park
Burger
Padre Island Burger Company
An island original, Padre Island Burger Company is serving up the best of the best burgers with sourdough buns, half a pound of certified angus beef and inventive ingredients alongside a casual cool atmosphere. 11878 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Second place: Wallbangers
Third place: Boarri Craft Butchery
Cajun Cuisine
The Boiling Pot – Rockport
The Boiling Pot serves up fresh local shrimp, crab, oysters and more homestyle, boiled in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend. Just peel and enjoy! 201 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382
Second place: Catfish Charlie’s
Third place: Mudbugs Cajun Icehouse
Central/South American Cuisine
Brizuela’s
This Honduran restaurant in Robstown serves tajadas, pastelitos and a selection of breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, barbacoa and more. 16301 FM624, Robstown, TX 78380
Second place: Yola Cocina Mexicana
Third place: Costa Sur
Charcuterie
Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant
Build Your Own Board with Tannins’ impressive selection of smoked and cured meats and cheeses to pair perfectly with its 70+ wine varieties. 3855 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Olive Bleu Charcuterie Chic
Third place: Bien Merite
Chef
Tony Posada – The Blue Clove Seafood Bar & Grill
A second-generation chef whipping up fresh seafood dishes with delectable sauce pairings. 5884 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Second place: Phoebe Trotter- Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third place: Meesha Graham- Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Chinese Cuisine
JaJa Cafe
Take-out or dine-in, this Chinese food hot spot has all your favorites with portions big enough to share. 5714 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Lei’s Kitchen
Coffee
Coffee Waves-Alameda
Serving specialty coffee drinks, gelato and tea since 2008. 5738 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Island Joe’s Coffee and Gallery
Third place: Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
Cottage Baker
Cake-n-Bake
Cakes so good you won’t even know they’re dairy- and egg-free. 4225 Lake Apache Drive Corpus Christi, TX
Second place: Twining Tree Farms
Third place: Le Boujiee Bruja Bakery
Craft Cocktails
The Post at Lamar Park
Expertly curated craft cocktails, sure to satisfy any craving. 411 Doddridge St #102, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Dokyo Dauntaun
Third place: The Goldfish
Dessert
Bien Mérité
Mini cakes, cream puffs, croissants and more, Bien Mérité is your French dessert destination of the Coastal Bend. 1336 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Second place: Hester’s cafe
Third place: Desserted Island Ice Cream
Diner
Andy’s Kitchen
Go for the complimentary blueberry muffins, stay for the surprisingly delicious breakfast tacos and vintage diner atmosphere. 5802 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Second place: Town & Country
Third place: Price’s Chef
Distillery
Coastal Bend Distilling
A distillery that captures the spirit and lifestyle of South Texas with locally made Lucky Star Gin, Live Oak Vodka and Colonel Fannin’s Whiskey. 201 N Madison A, Beeville, TX 78102
Second place: South Texas Distillery
Third place: Aerodrome Distilling
Dive Bar/Pub
Vernon’s
Landmark bar featuring pool, shuffleboard and live music, plus a spacious patio and American eats. 1030 3rd St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Second place: Cassidy’s Irish Pub
Third place: Tapology Texas Pub
Donuts
Gates Donuts
Undefeated and undisputed donut champs six years in a row. 4417 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Donut Palace
Third place: Ninja Mochi donut
Food Truck
Marty McPies
Fresh-baked and out-of-this-world pizza. 300 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: TacoBar Street
Third place: The Most Comida
French Fries
Executive Surf Club
Homestyle, sweet potato or battered—you can’t go wrong with any of the fries from Executive Surf Club. 306 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: The Post at Lamar Park
Third place: Loli’s Streatery
Frozen Treats
Sno Ball Too
Serving the Coastal Bend with 40 flavors of snow cones since 1972. 7114 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Second place: Scoopz Frozen Yogurt
Third place: Rock and Rollin
Gluten-Free Options
Hester’s Cafe
Gluten-free bread, quinoa-based pasta and more. 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third place: Odi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Gourmet Dining (most entrees over $25)
Republic of Texas
Five-star food, outstanding service and the best views in Corpus Christi. 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third place: Prime Steakhouse
Happy Hour
Water Street Oyster Bar
Dollar-off drink specials, half-priced Gulf oysters, sushi and you peel ’em shrimp 3-6 p.m. every day. 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: BUS – Bar Under the Sun
Third place: The Post at Lamar Park
Italian Cuisine
Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Sicilian Chef Francesco Inguaggiato serves up fresh pasta, pinsa dough imported from Rome and more authentic Italian fare. 3815 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant
Third place: Marco’s Lunch Club
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Brewster Street South Side
With its playground, mini corndogs and plenty of outdoor seating, the kids won’t want to leave. 5550 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: House of Burgers
Third place: Odi’s Pizzeria and Restaurant
Margarita
El Camino Comida & Bar
$20 house pitchers, frozen flights and on-the rocks varieties like prickly pear and pineapple cucumber—you can’t go wrong with a margarita from El Camino. 314 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
Third place: BUS – Bar Under the Sun
Meat Market
Moody’s Quality Meats
Moody’s Quality Meats provides an “old fashioned” butcher shop experience through in-house manufacturing, friendly service and fresh quality meats. 6486 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Staples Street Meat Market
Third place: Boarri Craft Meats & Goods
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Cuisine
Ginger Cafe
Ginger Cafe is creating authentic Mediterranean cuisine with the freshest ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, while providing each guest with exceptional service. 7009 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Second place: Persis Indian Grill
Third place: Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Mexican Cuisine
Taqueria Acapulco #1
The best place for late-night chips and salsa, street tacos and margaritas. 1133 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
Third place: El Camino
Microbrewery
Nueces Brewing Co.
A spacious taproom, pet-friendly patio and ample varieties of beer make this microbrewery a local favorite. 401 S Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Lazy Beach Brewing
Third place: Rebel Toad
Mixologist
Michael Green – The Post at Lamar Park
The “Mad Scientist” (in a good way) of the local craft cocktail scene. 411 Doddridge St #102, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Jacob McClain The Mariner
Third place: Tiffany- Ole’ Swayback
New Restaurant/Bar
El Camino Comida & Bar
Self-declared as the “best dang Tex-Mex this side of the Rio Grande.” 314 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: The Mariner
Third place: Odi’s Pizzeria and Restaurant
Outdoor Seating
Harrison’s Landing
Feel the sea breeze as you watch the sailboats go by at this downtown waterfront restaurant that’s actually a boat. 108 Peoples St T-Head, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Executive Surf Club
Third place: Bar Under the Sun (BUS)
Pastry Chef
Marjorie Pettigrove – Bien Mérité
The patisserie behind the local’s favorite dessert spot. 1336 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Second place: Mary Yon – Hester’s Cafe
Third place: Amy Netek – Cookie & Crumb
Pho
Hu-Dat Noodle House
The best in town, pho real. 6418 S Staples St #102, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Second place: Drunkn’Noodlez
Third place: Pho Life
Pizza
B&J’s Pizza
A Coastal Bend staple, B&J’s has been serving pizza with classic, hand-tossed dough and dozens of fresh ingredients since the 1970s. 6335 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Panjo’s Pizza
Third place: Marty McPies
Poke
Hawaii Poke
Build your own poke bowl with a variety of protein options, dozens of fresh ingredients and flavorful house-made sauces. 5521 Saratoga Blvd #110, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Second place: Hanaya Poke
Third place: Water Street Sushi Room
Ramen
Ninja Ramen & Thai
Curry, spicy pork, miso and more … the ramen at Ninja Ramen & Thai is top notch. 2033 Airline Rd STE: E5, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Mikoto Ramen Bar
Third place: Ramen Legend
Salad
Hester’s Cafe
From the classics like Caesar and Cobb to inventive options like the popular Swinney Switch, there is a salad for everyone at Hester’s. 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Water Street Oyster Bar
Third place: Bien Merite
Sandwich
Hester’s Cafe
Texas Wave, anyone? 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Surfside Sandwich Shoppe
Third place: Taylor Center Deli
Seafood
Waterstreet Oyster Bar
The freshest Gulf seafood and finest coastal ambiance. 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: The Blue Clove Seafood Bar and Grill
Third place: Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Seafood Market
Paul’s Seafood Market
Fresh locally caught seafood, frozen specialty varieties, seasoning blends and more. 9810 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Second place: Morgan Street Seafood Market
Third place: Flower’s Shrimp Market
Soul Food
PKK Southern Cuisine
Georgia Peach Chicken & Waffles, jazz brunch and daily homestyle specials. 213 S Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Butter Churn Restaurant
Third place: Southern Charm Home Cookin’
Soup
Hester’s Cafe
Check out the sandwich and soup combos at lunch. The chicken tortilla, tomato basil and wild mushroom don’t disappoint. 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third place: Bien Merite
Steak
Ol’ Steakhouse Co.
The best bone-in ribeye in town. Period. 4307 Avalon St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Niko’s Steakhouse
Third place: Republic of Texas
Street Tacos
Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
This popular street taco food truck just leveled up to a brick and mortar. 4301 S Alameda St Unit B, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: TacoBar Street
Third place: Loli’s Streatery
Sushi
Umiya
Amazingly delicious all-you-can-eat sushi. 4101 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Rock and Rolls Sushi Lounge
Third place: Dokyo Dauntaun
Thai Cuisine
Thai Cottage
A taste of Thailand without leaving the 361. Crossroads Shopping Village, 5830 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: BKK
Third place: Thai Spice
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Hester’s Cafe
It’s won the soup, sandwich, salad, brunch and gluten-free honors, so it’s no surprise that the vegan/vegetarian options take the cake, too. 3812 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Ginger Cafe
Third place: BKK
Waterfront Dining
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Outdoor seating for you and your boat. 13309 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Second place: Snoopy’s Pier
Third place: Harrison’s Landing
Wine List
Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant
This Lamar Park-adjacent wine bar has 70+ wine varieties from all around the world. 3855 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Third place: Winery on The Bay
Wings
Wings N More Restaurant & Bar
This place is packed 24/7 for a reason. 6022 Sarazen Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Second place: B&J’s Pizza
Third place: Bluffalo Wings Co.