These results showcase the best bars and restaurants in the area, according to our readers!
Bakery
Winner: S&J Bakery
S&J Bakery has served homestyle pastries and fluffy kolaches to its loyal customers for the last 30 years. Owned and still hands-on operated by sibling duo Susan Wright and Jason Cox, the restaurant continues to wow newcomers and loyal guests alike with its shared family recipes.
- Second Place: Bien Mérité
- Third Place: Central Kitchen
Bar
Winner: BUS
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.
- Second Place: Executive Surf Club
- Third Place: The Annex
Barbecue
Winner: 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.
- Second Place: Full Send Barbecue
- Third Place: El Vago Burger & BBQ
Beer List
Winner: Executive Surf Club
With over 25 beers on tap to choose from (and even more in the cooler), Executive Surf Club’s brew selection covers all the bases. Local selections from Nueces Brewing and Rebel Toad are always available, and options from lagers to stouts are ready to be poured into a chilled pint glass for your drinking pleasure.
- Second Place: B&Js Pizza
- Third Place: Tapology Texas Pub
Birria
Winner: Dat Good Good
Birria fans don’t play about their consommé’s color and taste. Trust us when we say locals who are dead serious about this Mexican delicacy know the name Dat Good Good. Whether going with the classic quesabirria with the dipping sauce or getting the signature specialty Hot Cheeto ball version, this birria recipe is tried and true—just check out the word of mouth.
- Second Place: El Camino
- Third Place: Birrieria y Mariscos El Presidente
Boba/Milk Tea
Winner: Mamako Cafe
The all-encompassing milk tea list found inside Mamako Cafe, ranging from traditional Taro and Thai teas to ice chocolate and brown sugar flavors, has rightfully earned it its first Local’s List win. Recognized for its sweet drink options, Mamako shines beyond other cafes thanks to its cutesy space, its prime customer service and especially its options of sweet Japanese desserts.
- Second Place: Ninja Mochi Donut
- Third Place: Happy Tea
Breakfast Taco
Winner: Acapulco Bar and Grill
One of the most common signs around Corpus Christi reads “Acapulco Mexican Restaurant.” Any location is a safe bet—Acapulco #1 on Airline has earned years’ worth of Locals’ List trophies—but the newest restaurant on Saratoga has clearly already impressed audiences, taking home the win in two of our biggest Mexican food-focused categories. Come for the all-day breakfast tacos and stay for the extensive list of strong bar drinks.
- Second Place: Julio’s Easy Stop
- Third Place: Southside Barbacoa
Brunch Menu
Winner: Hester’s Cafe
The perfect brunch spot is defined by its food options; mimosa and coffee quality; and how natural it feels to sit back, relax and chat for hours on end. Hester’s Cafe hits the bullseye on all three. Whether your go-tos are an egg breakfast or a specialty sandwich, this space gives you room to breathe and take in not only the flavors, but the energy of the loved ones around you.
- Second Place: Bien Mérité
- Third Place: Ridley’s
Burger
Winner: 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.
- Second Place: Wallbangers
- Third Place: Boarri Craft Meats
Cafe/Deli
Winner: Hester’s Cafe
This local mainstay’s healthy, delicious selections of breakfast, brunch and lunch menu items keep the Coastal Bend community coming back for more. Owners Jason and Hester Rodriguez’s passion for food, family and service is reflected in the delicious food. With a wide range of soups, salads and sandwiches to choose from, Hester’s menu satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
- Second Place: Sugarbakers
- Third Place: Central Kitchen
Cajun Cuisine
Winner: The Crazy Cajun
Big, bold taste and sweet Southern hospitality define The Crazy Cajun. Located in a true hole-in-the-wall near the beach in Port Aransas, the seafood boils here are bound to satisfy empty stomachs and curious taste buds alike.
- Second Place: Black Monk Tavern
- Third Place: SR Boilhouse
Central/South American Cuisine
Winner: Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
When exploring the handful of Central and South American cuisines to choose from in the Coastal Bend, Costa Sur shines through year after year. Each dish meticulously crafted by owner and chef Nick Mackrizz emphasizes fresh fish, fine-tuned flavors and traditional Peruvian cooking methods. Known best for unique ceviche creations, the menu features four distinct versions.
- Second Place: The Cuban
- Third Place: Ora’s Kitchen
Chef
Winner: Tony Posada, The Blue Clove
A second-generation chef whipping up fresh seafood dishes with delectable sauce pairings.
- Second Place: Phoebe Trotter, Bellino Ristorante Italiano
- Third Place: Meesha Graham, Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
Chinese Cuisine
Winner: JaJa Cafe
Take-out or dine-in, this Chinese food hot spot has all your favorites with portions big enough to share.
- Second Place: Drunkn’ NoodleZ
- Third Place: Lei Kitchen
Coffee Shop
Winner: Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
During its food truck days, Creatures Coffee built up a dedicated fan base for both its spooky aesthetic and unorthodox drinks. Mixing matcha with candy corn during Halloween and naming drinks after new wave love songs for Valentine’s Day, Creatures charms through its taste—in both senses of the word. Only a few months into a brick-and-mortar, this is only one of two first-time wins for the shop this year.
- Second Place: Coffee Waves
- Third Place: Driftwood Coffee Company
Cottage Baker
Winner: Cake n’ Bake
Cakes so good you won’t even know they’re dairy- and egg-free.
- Second Place: Baked Bites by Bella
- Third Place: Jordies Goodies
Craft Cocktails
Winner: Nueces Whiskey Library
Through its moody lighting, dark wood furnishings and smooth bartenders, cozy meets elevated at Nueces Whiskey Library. Whether you lean Old Fashioned or closer to the Cosmos, bookshelves lined with upscale bottles welcome you all the same into “a new kind of library”—one with masterful craftsmen at the helm.
- Second Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
- Third Place: The Mariner
Date Night
Winner: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Nothing says date night like an intimate dinner at Bellino Ristorante Italiano. Sitting at a cozy, candlelit table, you and your date can converse over a glass of imported Italian wine, share a few Sicilian-influenced dishes and indulge in the delectable dessert menu. Just don’t forget to make a reservation!
- Second Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Dessert
Winner: Bien Mérité
Mini cakes, cream puffs, croissants and more, Bien Mérité is your French dessert destination of the Coastal Bend.
- Second Place: Hester’s Cafe
- Third Place: Cookie + Crumb Bakeshop
Diner
Winner: Andy’s Kitchen
Go for the complimentary blueberry muffins, stay for the surprisingly delicious breakfast tacos and vintage diner atmosphere.
- Second Place: Town & Country Cafe
- Third Place: Price’s Chef
Distillery/Local Spirits
Winner: Coastal Bend Distilling Company
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.
- Second Place: Vida Caña Rum
- Third Place: Aerodrome Distillery
Dive Bar/Pub
Winner: Vernon’s
Landmark bar featuring pool, shuffleboard and live music, plus a spacious patio and American eats.
- Second Place: Tapology Texas Pub
- Third Place: The Honey Hole
Donuts
Winner: Gates Donut Shop
Undefeated and undisputed donut champs. Period.
- Second Place: CC Donuts
- Third Place: Donut Palace
Fine Dining
Winner: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
Five-star food, outstanding service and the best views in Corpus Christi.
- Second Place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
- Third Place: Prime Steakhouse Whiskey Bar
Food Truck
Winner: Tacobar Street
The founding father of the modern food truck scene here in the Coastal Bend, Tacobar Street is back to reclaim its “Best Food Truck” title, having once reached a seven-year streak before Marty McPies and Jefe’s Street Tacos broke it. A lifetime of consistent greatness in flavor, freshness and customer service makes this truck a household name. Serving up mini tacos, asada nachos, loaded fries and arroz y frijoles tasting straight out of grandma’s kitchen, taco ‘bout a local favorite.
- Second Place: Masshole Lobster Truck – Corpus Christi
- Third Place: The Most Comida
French Fries
Winner: Executive Surf Club
Homestyle, sweet potato or battered—you can’t go wrong with any of the fries from Executive Surf Club.
- Second Place: Nueces Whiskey Library
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Frozen Treats
Winner: Coco Cabana
Building bowls using superfoods, organic açaí, sorbets, fresh fruit and drizzle toppings, Coco Cabana’s tropical themes show up in its burst of flavors, not just in the name. Now operating as a truck and within the Water Street Market, its sweet smoothie bowls and frozen smoothies combine perfectly with hot summer days.
- Second Place: Coffee Waves
- Third Place: Mamako Cafe
Happy Hour
Winner: Brewster Street Icehouse
It’s summer vacay, and we all need a good happy hour. Where one spot boasts single-dollar discounts, Brewster Street sticks with its tried-and-true special: $3 beers, wells, seltzers, and margaritas every weekday, from 3 to 7 p.m. Pair it with some classic Corpus eats, live music and a playground for the kids.
- Second Place: Water Street Oyster Bar
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Italian Cuisine
Winner: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Sicilian Chef Francesco Inguaggiato serves up fresh pasta, pinsa dough imported from Rome and more authentic Italian fare.
- Second Place: Luciano’s Italian Restaurant
- Third Place: Mozzafiato
Kid-friendly Restaurant
Winner: Brewster Street Icehouse
With its playground, mini corndogs and plenty of outdoor seating, the kids won’t want to leave.
- Second Place: The Grove at Fifth & Elm
- Third Place: Executive Surf Club
Margarita
Winner: 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.
- Second Place: Kiko’s Mexican Food Restaurant & Cantina
- Third Place: The BWB Restaurant
Matcha
Winner: Creatures Coffee & Tea Co.
Back again. Available with your choice of milk and additional syrups, toppings and mix-ins, Creatures’ matcha is so versatile the options available practically beg you to come visit again. Pro tip for all the fanatics out there: You’re welcome to sub the espresso for matcha in any of the specialty lattes.
- Second Place: Bien Mérité
- Third Place: Mamako Cafe
Meat Market
Winner: Boarri Craft Meats & Goods
With a cut like the “361” on the menu, Boarri Craft Meats wins best meat market for its experts loving where they live, investing in their community and offering only the best to their esteemed customers. Stop by for unique cuts, locally sourced food market offerings and even one of the best burgers in the city.
- Second Place: Moody’s Quality Meats
- Third Place: Staples Street Meat Market
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Cuisine
Winner: Ginger Cafe
Ginger Cafe is creating authentic Mediterranean cuisine with the freshest ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, while providing each guest with exceptional service.
- Second Place: Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum
- Third Place: Middle East Market & Deli
Mexican Cuisine
Winner: Acapulco Bar and Grill
Another win for the newest in the local franchise. Acapulco on Saratoga, with its lengthy list of lunch specials, mini taco fillings and all-day breakfast options, is well worth your time if you haven’t made your way there yet.
- Second Place: El Camino Comida & Bar
- Third Place: Kiko’s Mexican Restaurant
Microbrewery
Winner: Nueces Brewing & Barbecuing
A spacious taproom, pet-friendly patio and ample varieties of beer make this microbrewery a local favorite.
- Second Place: Lazy Beach Brewing
- Third Place: Rebel Toad Brewing Co.
Mixologist
Winner: TJ Salazar, Republic of Texas
Working with a deep love for the mixology art form, Thomas Salazar crafts cocktails like a master at work. Pay a visit to the people’s choice for best mixologist inside the Republic of Texas, the restaurant on the gorgeous top floor of the Omni Hotel.
- Second Place: Melody Vasquez, The Annex
- Third Place: Tiffany McDevitt, Fork & Vines
New Restaurant/Bar
Winner: The Grove at Fifth & Elm
Opening last summer, The Grove at Fifth & Elm brings a much-needed new addition to Portland’s food and drink scene. It’s now settled into a steady rhythm of great service, ambrosial cocktails and scratch kitchen plates to die for, so let this be a sign to pay a visit to the Coastal Bend’s choice for best new restaurant.
- Second Place: Mozzafiato
- Third Place: Streat Corner Kitchen
Nutritional Drinks/Shakes
Winner: Smoothie King Corpus Christi
At Smoothie King Corpus Christi, “starting your day the healthy way” is priority number one. With smoothie categories such as “Get Fit,” “Feel Energized” and “Be Well,” navigating the menu to find something that not only tastes good, but fits your nutritional needs is easy. Plus, go the extra mile and choose from a variety of “enhancers” like a fiber blend, protein and collagen.
- Second Place: Corpus Christi Nutrition
- Third Place: Step Up Nutrition
Outdoor Seating
Winner: Fifth & Elm
Marking a second win, Fifth & Elm’s outdoor areas round out the experience, making it a hot new family-friendly dining option to add to future weekend plans. Guests can expect play places for the kids, an upstairs open-air patio bar for the grown-ups and a large stage featuring weekly performances with plenty of lawn seating for the whole family.
- Second Place: Executive Surf Club
- Third Place: Brewster Street Icehouse – On The Island
Pastry Chef
Winner: Marjorie Pettigrove, Bien Mérité
The patisserie behind the local’s favorite dessert spot.
- Second Place: Jeannette Del Angel, Fika
- Third Place: Amy Netek, Cookie & Crumb
Pho
Winner: Drunkn’ NoodleZ
Pho was only added to our list of categories in 2024, but Drunkn’ Noodlez is a longtime classic worth rooting for when it comes to the best. Order the nutrient-rich dish in one of its many savory broth options, and maybe add an egg roll or two.
- Second Place: Pho 88
- Third Place: Lei Kitchen
Pizza
Winner: Marty McPies
Winning Best Food Truck back in 2024, Marty McPies’ first Best Pizza win is five years in the making. With a fittingly space-themed name, the scratch kitchen pizzeria serves out-of-this-world pies and is already an iconic fixture in the local food scene. Browse the menu to find reimagined classics, brave originals and even calzones–all cooked using fine-tuned techniques and fresh ingredients.
- Second Place: Mozzafiato
- Third Place: Odi’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Poke
Winner: Hawaii Poke
Build your own poke bowl with a variety of protein options, dozens of fresh ingredients and flavorful house-made sauces.
- Second Place: Hanaya Poke
- Third Place: Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
Ramen
Winner: Ninja Ramen and Thai
Curry, spicy pork, miso and more … the ramen at Ninja Ramen & Thai is top-notch.
- Second Place: Ramen Legend
- Third Place: Z Counter
Seafood
Winner: Water Street Oyster Bar
The freshest Gulf seafood and finest coastal ambiance.
- Second Place: The Blue Clove
- Third Place: Snoopy’s Pier
Seafood Market
Winner: Paul’s Seafood Market
Fresh locally caught seafood, frozen specialty varieties, seasoning blends and more.
- Second Place: V-Mart
- Third Place: Morgan St, Seafood Market
Soul Food
Winner: PKK Southern Cuisine
Georgia Peach Chicken & Waffles, jazz brunch and daily homestyle specials.
- Second Place: Smack Eats
- Third Place: Southern Charm Home Cookin’
Steakhouse
Winner: Ol’ Steakhouse Co.
The best bone-in ribeye in town. Period.
- Second Place: Niko’s Steakhouse
- Third Place: Republic of Texas Bar and Grill
Street Tacos
Winner: Jefe’s Street Tacos & More
This popular street taco food truck was so good it leveled up to a brick-and-mortar.
- Second Place: Tacos El Tri
- Third Place: Streat Corner Kitchen
Sushi
Winner: Dokyo Dauntaun
Its first win since welcoming seasoned sushi artist Chef Miller Xu proves Dokyo Dauntaun’s yearly glow-ups have not gone unnoticed. Perfecting techniques, ideas and concepts Chef Miller picked up during his time at Nobu Malibu, Dokyo’s unique vision won it this year’s Best Sushi. Serving traditional Japanese rolls, plus a mix of French-fusions and Chef Miller originals, the specialty sushi carries a particular freshness and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.
- Second Place: Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
- Third Place: Aka Sushi Downtown
Thai Cuisine
Winner: Thai Cottage
A taste of Thailand without leaving the 361.
- Second Place: Drunkn’ NoodleZ
- Third Place: BKK thai kitchen + bar
Waterfront Dining
Winner: Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
Outdoor seating for you and your boat.
- Second Place: Snoopy’s Pier
- Third Place: Gallery 41 Water’s Edge Grill
Wine List
Winner: Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas
This Lamar Park-adjacent wine bar has 70+ wine varieties from all around the world.
- Second Place: Bellino Ristorante Italiano
- Third Place: Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
Wings
Winner: Birdie’s Wings & Bar
Birdie’s Wings and Bar is dedicated to its chicken niche, winning Best Wings only a year into business. Whether you’re a buffalo boneless tender-type or you like to get messy with all flats, Birdie’s juicy chicken and lengthy list of flavors and dips make first-timers into regulars.
- Second Place: The BWB Restaurant
- Third Place: Wingbar & Grill
