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 Dining:
Hester’s Cafe: A local favorite brunch and lunch spot with heavenly cloud cakes and two locations. Various locations
Hi Ho Restaurant: The local’s (including Selena’s) favorite breakfast taco. 3703 Morgan Ave
Price’s Chef: Long-running breakfast & lunch diner serving eggs, burgers & Texas-shaped waffles in a retro environment. 1800 S. Alameda
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
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
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 Drive
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
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.
Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar: 15+ oyster varieties and a mouthwatering seafood tower are among the crowd favorites as this Padre Island, waterfront spot. 13313 SPID
Attractions & Shopping:
Art Museum: 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.
Texas State Aquarium: A lineup of 17 engaging and exotic exhibits awaiting your discovery. 210 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Antique Row: Peruse a handful of treasures from hundreds of vintage and antique dealers. 4325 S. Alameda
Brewster Street: Catch a concert by night and a kid-friendly lunch spot by day at two locations.
