Best Restaurants in Corpus Christi 2024

The Local’s List 2024: Food & Drink

The Local's List 2024 readers' choice poll winners for Food & Drink include categories such as pizza, mixologist, seafood and much more.

One of the best restaurants near me, El Camino Comida & Bar.

Best New Restaurant and Best Margarita Winner: El Camino Comida & Bar | Photo by Matthew Meza

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

BUS is a local bar in Corpus Christi, Texas.
BUS | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

A spread of pizza, wings and beer from B&J's in Corpus Christi, Texas
B&J’s Pizza | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

A burger from Padre Island Burger Company in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Padre Island Burger Comapny | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

A latte from Coffee Waves in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Coffee Waves Alameda | Photo by Michael Diamante

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.

Cake-n-Bake | Photo by Lillian Reitz

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

Cocktails from The Post at Lamar Park in Corpus Christi, Texas.
 The Post at Lamar Park | Photo by Jason Page

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

Fruit tarts from Biene Merite in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Bien Mérité | Photo by Lillian Reitz

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

Coastal Bend Distilling | Photo provided by Coastal Bend Distilling

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

Marty McPies | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

Waterstreet Oyster Bar | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

Hummus and pita from Ginger Cafe in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Ginger Cafe | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

El Camino Comida & Bar | Photo by Matthew Meza

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

Harrison’s Landing | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

Spicy tonkatsu ramen from Ninja Ramen, ones of the best restaurants near me.
Ninja Ramen | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

Texas Wave sandwich, Swinney Switch salad, Carmen pasta and Laguna Club sandwich from Hester's Cafe, a restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Hester’s Cafe | Photo by Rachel Benavides

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

Georgia Peach Chicken & Waffles and Biscuits and Gravy from PKK Southern Cuisine, one of the best restaurants near me.
PKK Southern Cuisine | Photo by Matthew Meza

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 from Jefe's Street Tacos & More in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Jefe’s Street Tacos & More | Photo by Ben Zaragosa

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

Buffalo wings from Wings n' More in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Wings n’ More | Photo provided by Wings n’ More

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.

Now that you’ve seen the Food & Drink winners in The Local’s List 2024 readers’ choice poll, check out the Home, Shopping & Services categories.