With the holiday season in full swing, we polled our readers about where to take out-of-town guests during their stay in the Coastal Bend. From casual dining spots to late-night bars and family-friendly attractions, here’s where our readers are taking their visiting friends and family.
Casual Fare:
Hester’s Cafe: A local favorite brunch and lunch spot with heavenly cloud cakes and two locations. 1714 S. Alameda St. & 3812 S. Alameda St.
Hi Ho Restaurant: The locals’ (including Selena’s) favorite breakfast taco. 3703 Morgan Ave
Price’s Chef: Long-running breakfast & lunch diner serving eggs, burgers and Texas-shaped waffles in a retro environment. 1800 S. Alameda
The Galley Bistro: A seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, palate-pleasing daily specials and thoughtfully curated coffee and desserts. 924 S. Staples
Boarri Craft: Hailed by our readers as “the burger of the gods.” This craft butcher shop has taken over the lunch scene with housemade bratwursts and an infamous burger. 817 S. Staples St.
B&J’s Pizza: A casual pizza spot that prides itself on fresh ingredients, an impressive beer list and the Jack’s Special. 6335 SPID
Hu-Dat Noodle House: Incomparable selection of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. 6418 S Staples St. #102
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.
Panjo’s: Between the vintage glass light fixtures and the original Bakers Pride oven still operating after over 50 years, Panjo’s is a local pizza institution, whether patrons prefer thin and crispy pizza or the Chicago-style Deep Dish. 1320 Airline Rd.
Sip Yard Port Aransas: Port Aransas’s newest bar offers stunning views, coastal charm, a variety of dining options and three levels of seating. 123 W. Cotter Ave.
Creatures Coffee: A coffee truck offering themed signature drinks with unique flavor, a hint of nostalgia and a sprinkle of spookiness. Think cereal milk and black sugar-infused coffee drinks and teas.
Dinner & Drinks:
Dokyo Dauntaun: A “neo-tokyo inspired paradise” with alluring cocktails, cuisine and atmosphere. 424 N Chaparral St.
Island Time Sushi Bar: This late-night Padre Island sushi spot is part restaurant and part lounge. 14225 N. Padre Island Dr
Yardarm: A Coastal Bend fine-dining mainstay with waterfront views. 4310 Ocean Dr.
The Annex: Curated cocktails, inviting indoor/outdoor atmosphere with food trucks on rotation. 312 S. Chaparral St.
The Post: An impressive food menu and a selection of craft cocktails from a mixologist hailed as the “mad scientist.” 411 Doddridge St.
The Mariner: A waterfront speakeasy featuring inventive cocktails from veteran mixologists. 108 Peoples St. T-Head
Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria: Whether you’re a guest at Cinnamon Shore or just in town for the day, Dylan’s is the ultimate destination for savoring delicious pizza and traditional Italian classics. 128 Market St.
Blue Clove: Locally sourced seafood dishes from a father/son duo. 5884 Everhart Rd.
The Pearl Oyster Bar: 15+ oyster varieties and a mouthwatering seafood tower are among the crowd favorites at this Padre Island, waterfront spot. 13313 SPID
Lisabella’s Bistro and Bar: Cinnamon Shore’s fine dining option has a menu filled with fresh seafood as the star with an upscale coastal ambiance. 500 TX-361
Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum: With a regional Mediterranean flair, and the desire to invoke a shared eating experience, Elizabeth’s menu is full of tapas-style nosh rooted in high-quality, fresh ingredients. 1902 N Shoreline
Attractions & Shopping:
Art Museum of South Texas: Serving as the fine arts institution in the Coastal Bend region for 50 years running with free admission through December. 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.
20/20 Vintage: Downtown’s favorite vintage shop gets a 10 out of 10 for housing unique, beautiful fashion and decor. 423 Lomax St.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve: A vibrant nature center with walking trails, kid-friendly educational activities, unique wildlife and a stellar playground with a giant slide. 2446 N. Oso Pkwy
Texas State Aquarium: A lineup of 17 engaging and exotic exhibits awaiting your discovery. 210 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Antique Row: Peruse treasures from hundreds of vintage and antique dealers. 4325 S. Alameda St.
Brewster Street: Catch a concert by night and a kid-friendly lunch spot by day at two locations. 1724 N Tancahua St. & 5550 Holly Rd
