Dining Out in Port Aransas
Where to Eat in Port Aransas
You shouldn’t have to wonder where to eat in Port Aransas, Texas when you’re on vacation. To make life easier – at least for this weekend, we’ve compiled this list of Port Aransas restaurant so you can satisfy your hunger needs. Most Port Aransas vacation rentals are within a reasonable distance of several restaurants in town, so plan to go out one night and get a taste of the local flavor.
Taqeria San Juan
While Tex-Mex may not mean much to the native born Texas who thinks a basket of salsa and chips is a pre-fixed appetizer to any meal, Taqueria San Juan is a delight to out-of-towners who have never considered the difference between a corn tortilla or a flour one. Locals rave about this place for their Mexican breakfasts. Think migas or huevos rancheros. But what you really should try is the seafood dishes. What better place than on South Padre Island?
Venetian Hot Plate
It’s not for the faint of heart or those with less than hearty appetites. Family favorite Venetian Hot Plate serves up big meals for big appetites. Since you’re vacationing on the Texas Gulf you may as well eat what nature intended. Dig into some of the seafood dishes here, like house specialty Gamberetti al Chardonnay a fine dish made with Gulf shrimp or sink your teeth into house-made fettuccine and lasagna. Venetian Hot Plate serves seafood favorites with an Italian flair. A must-visit in Port Aransas.
Lisabella’s Blue Room
Lisabella’s is almost as romantic as its polysyllabic name. Its website says it "celebrates its coastal cuisines" while locals say the Mermaid Soup is to die for. One thing's for sure: Lisabella's is a charming bistro in Port Aransas and offers a European palate for your Texas vacation.
Shell's Pasta and Seafood
Shell's Pasta and Seafood is an affordable family favorite. And like most restaurants in Port Aransas, Shell's is known for serving fresh seafood straight from the Texas Gulf Coast. One of those places where the specials change daily, you can read up on the daily dishes on the hand-written blackboard. The best part is you can try something different each time you visit Shell's, and always at a reasonable price.
Trout Street Bar and Grill
The name says it all and so does the website which promises to "strive to bring you the very best." In addition to offering fresher-than-fresh seafood, Trout Street Bear's steaks are some of the best - of a caliber you might not find at other restaurants in Port Aransas. Stop in for one of their lunch specials or dine at night on one of their Signature Steak and King Crab specials. Either way you order, you can't go wrong.
Port Aransas Brewing Company
Beer-lovers belly up to Port Aransas Brewing Company and order yourself a pint to escape the summer heat. Here you’ll find what your heart desires, whether it’s a pilsner, ale or lager. Don’t feel like drinking? They have water and sodas on hand, plus a full service menu (try the Stopher Burger) where you can eat some good old-fashioned bar food – which means bad-for-you food but it tastes oh-so-good. Bottoms up.
Castaways’ Seafood Bar and Grill
It’s nothing like the Tom Hanks movie – you won’t find any painted volley balls named Wilson here. It’s one of Port Aransas’ best places to dine and a favorite to locals and out-of towners alike. With favorites like coconut shrimp and oysters on the half shell –you better save room for dessert – you can’t go wrong. Local hint: Get here early because it gets crowded!
Crazy Cajun
The Crazy Cajun is where you eat in Port A when you’re looking for the best Cajun this side of Louisiana. Crawfish and ettoufee and fried alligator are done right at this chain restaurant that thrives in several Texas towns. Stop in when you’re feeling Arcadian and be warned: it might get crazy.