Savor the Flavors of Port Aransas
Taste the flavors of Port Aransas—dining in these recommended and top 11 best listed restaurants and dining places will not be wasted. From fresh seafood right off the hook to sizzling BBQ or even authentic Italian dishes, there is undoubtedly something for every taste available in Port A. Dining varies from casual to upscale, offering authentic restaurants that range from favorite local haunts to upscale waterfront dining, each offering its ambiance that reflects the charming and coastal culture of this Texas gem.
Top 11 Recommended Restaurants and Dining Establishments in Port A
1. Black Marlin Bar & Grill
Situated at the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community is the Black Marlin Seaside Grill, a restaurant that feels like an institution when dining in Port A. “Offering a variety of dishes in the all-famous fresh seafood to the juicy, tender steaks, Chef Gail and her team humbly welcome you to the culinary adventures offered at her unique and cozy little gem tucked in the heart of Northeast Harbor.”.
One of their signature dishes is the renowned Shrimp and Grits, where the creole cream sauce and smoked habanero cheddar cheese are joined with corn and Andouille sausage in a bed of creamy stone ground grits. And then, there’s the Chef’s Cheeseburger Salad, which has all your classic cheeseburger trimmings: shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, grated cheese, bacon, and a charbroiled burger—all thrown together in the chef’s special dressing. Those who love seafood can try the signature tacos done with Mahi, shrimp, or tuna, served with cabbage, chipotle aioli, mango pico de gallo, pickled onions, and jicama slaw.
The landlubbers among guests may opt for juicy burgers or the Prime Texas Wagyu Strip Steak. And, for all those grand times shared there, Palmilla Beach Resort residents and their guests can partake in family-style dining together. Among some of the seductive Sunday Brunch offerings: Breakfast Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Fried Breakfast Steak, Huevos Rancheros, Croissant Beignets, Crab Eggs Benedict, and Cinnamon French Toast. The Black Marlin Seaside Grill offers patrons the ultimate dining experience in perfect dining for relaxed delights or beachy vacations.
2. Blue Water Cowboy Saloon & Mercantile
Experience an authentic taste of Port Aransas at Blue Water Cowboy Saloon & Mercantile. Situated at 229 Beach Street, Port Aransas, TX 78373, this establishment goes beyond traditional dining, offering a genuine immersion into the coastal town’s culture.
With breathtaking Gulf views from the third floor, guests can savor their meals while enjoying the scenic surroundings. Featuring three distinct dining levels, each with its own atmosphere, Blue Water Cowboy caters to various preferences, from casual open-air vibes on the first floor to a cozy “boat bar” atmosphere on the third.
During the busy season, live music adds to the lively atmosphere, providing entertainment for patrons. Embracing the local culture, the establishment’s design, atmosphere, and menu reflect the coastal charm of Port Aransas, enriching the overall dining experience.
Additionally, guests can indulge in boutique shopping at the BlueWater Cowboy Mercantile, offering trendy upscale clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs to take home. For a unique drinking and dining experience, Blue Water Cowboy is the perfect destination.
3. Coach’s Island Grill
Coach’s Island Grill is a beloved venue among locals and tourists alike, revered for its scrumptious fare and breezy island ambiance. Its diverse menu caters to all tastes, boasting traditional breakfast plates, savory sandwiches, succulent burgers, fresh seafood, and tantalizing tacos. Notably, Tuesdays are a hit with their all-you-can-eat fried chicken specials, priced at $8.00 for mixed/all-dark meat and $10.00 for all-white meat, drawing a lively crowd eager for the perfect crispy bite.
Adding a personal touch to the dining experience, Coach’s embraces a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy, allowing patrons to bring along their preferred craft beers or wines to complement their meal. For those opting to dine in the comfort of their vacation rentals, Coach’s offers a full delivery menu during operational hours, ensuring guests can relish the flavors from the coziness of their accommodations.
Coach’s Island Grill isn’t just about food; it’s a rendezvous for good food, good times, and the laid-back allure of island living, making it an essential stop in Port Aransas. With its enticing menu, daily specials, B.Y.O.B. policy, and delivery service, Coach’s promises an unforgettable dining experience.
4. Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
But during one’s visit to your Port Aransas beach vacation, nowhere else is it better than basking under the sun while at Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, a delicacy of New York-style pizza and Italian favorites. On 128 Market Street, Suite D, you have Dylan’s—giving Port A a taste of the Big Apple. They are available daily from 11 am to 9 pm, so you know they have your back whenever needed. Reach them directly at 361-416-184.
Embark on a gastronomic adventure that starts with some of the exciting and tempting appetizers and salads, such as lemon & herb chicken wings, garlic flatbread with marinara sauce, and world-renowned meatballs. Add extra protein to your plate with either the traditional Greek salad or a romaine Caesar that can come topped with chicken.
On the pizza front, Dylan’s offers everything from Margherita to Bianca classics, topped with ricotta, fresh moon, parmesan, and confit garlic. For all you meat lovers out there, go for the “tradizionale” that has pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, and red onions on it. They even have gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese in case you have any dietary restrictions.
Dylan’s offers hand-crafted sandwiches like the meatball sub, filled with house-made meatballs, marinara, and melted mozzarella, or the chicken Parmesan, made with breaded chicken breast, mozzarella, and marinara and served with kettle chips.
Oh, and let’s not forget the pasta offerings. Those include classic versions of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, shrimp scampi, spinach, and four-cheese lasagna—just in case you are carving up.
For dessert, no Italian meal is complete without dessert, and Dylan justly indulges with chocolate chip cannolis, Italian donuts, and an incredibly rich tiramisu.
Check out the menu Also, Check Out the Drink Menu
5. FINS Grill & Icehouse
FINS Grill was opened in 2005 by Captain Kelly and Beth Owens and resulted from a serendipitous meeting in 1987 between a Dallas girl and a charismatic boat captain during spring break. Their shared love for fresh seafood and family-friendly dining helped them decide to place FINS Grill next to the marina. With that, the guests partake in seafood of the day’s catch, fresh from the water, through a “You Hook ’em, we cook ’em” philosophy, along with a menu of seafood delights.
Why You Should Visit FINS Grill: With one, it ensures fresh goods for any seafood that may be sought from local markets or caught by oneself. In addition, FINS Grill proudly houses a family-friendly environment wherein each patron feels welcomed and at home.
Finally, the notion of “You Hook ’em, we cook ’em” calls to mind a genuinely unique experience for the mind and soul. Dining at FINS Grill isn’t simply an opportunity to enjoy a meal; it’s an opportunity to be part of the local legacy that makes an indelible impression on the fabric of Port Aransas, which is why we include it as one of the top seafood restaurants in Port A. So, don’t miss dining at FINS Grill on your must-visit list and feel Port Aransas to its fullest.
6. Irie’s Island Bakery
At Irie’s Island Bakery, patrons discover a haven for delectable baked goods and unique quick bites. From the signature “Cruffin” to homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, and custom cakes, our menu offers an array of delightful treats.
Founded in 2013 by Martin Frannea and Nicole, Irie’s Island Bakery was born from a shared love for baking and a longing for the island life. Drawing inspiration from Nicole’s fond memories of coastal living, the couple brought their culinary vision to life in Port Aransas. With Martin’s culinary expertise from the Culinary Institute of America, they established Irie’s, named after their daughter, to share their passion for baking with the community.
Click here to see some of their yummy creations!
7. Lelo’s Island Bar: Neighborhood Tiki Bar
Meet at the local favorite, Lelo’s Island Bar, home to specialty island drinks, island-inspired dishes, and island camaraderie. Enjoy a laid-back island atmosphere with a specialty signature burger in hand and a tiki cocktail to wash it down. From martinis to margaritas and all things in between, Lelo’s offers the perfect libation to soothe the soul and wash down that sizzling Jack & Coke Burger, garnished with grilled jalapenos for a little extra something.
Mix with the local culture in the vibrant environment of the neighborhood tiki bar at Lelo’s, offering seating inside and out. From the second you walk inside their doors or even take a seat on their pet-friendly outdoor seating and join them for some fun outdoor games, don’t miss the opportunity to take a seat at their pet-friendly outdoor seating and join them. Located smack in the middle of the city, experience authentic island living at Lelo’s Island Bar.
8. MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen: Damn Good Barbeque
And now there’s a MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen that bides with the irresistible aroma and look of Southern comfort food. Borne from the culinary travels of the couple owners across the country in search of the best barbecue and Southern cuisine, the menu at MacDaddy’s proclaims a meal to be remembered.
Appease your craving for smoked, flavored pulled pork with ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken, or even turkey. Or nibble at their crispy fried chicken and shrimp if you are a seafood enthusiast. And for those great fans of burgers, you need to try out their big Angus beef patties. Classic southern sides like jalapeno cream corn, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and mac n cheese round out the meal.
Treat your sweet tooth to a Mexi-cola float or a slice of our homemade pecan pie topped with a gigantic scoop of ice cream. The full bar features a large selection of draft beers and a variety of specialty frozen drinks. It caters to kids who have a menu of their own. MacDaddy’s even specializes in serving large parties, offering numerous family-style dishes and individual portions for small, medium, and enormous appetites. For the best in Southern hospitality and cuisine, MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen is the place in Port Aransas.
9. Port A Pizzeria
Have a mouthful of authentic Italian taste at Port A Pizzeria, your access to some of the tastiest pizza in Port Aransas. Grab a slice on the run from the beach, or order a whole family dinner—all of your pizza needs will be well taken care of at Port A Pizzeria.
Try their Signature Supreme Pizza, loaded high with lots of fresh toppings like pepperoni, Italian sausage, pork sausage, beef, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, green pepper, onions, and olives—all smothered in gooey cheese. Other than pizzas, the menu carries very savory appetizers, soups, pasta, hot sub sandwiches, wings, homemade meatballs, and calzones.
The cherry dessert pizza features cherries over almond cream cheese. The apple dessert pizza highlights sliced apples and streusel topping. The chocolate dessert pizza is topped with milk chocolate and served over a hot, oozy crust. The cinnamon dessert pizza has a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar. All these come with added value in that there is an all-you-can-eat dine-in buffet comprising a salad bar, assorted pastas, specialty pizzas, and sumptuous dessert pizzas.
10 Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill
Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill represents the upscale seafood dining experience in Port A; only the best in entreés are offered with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This local favorite offers visitors seafood, including favorites and local catch, along with turf dishes such as steaks cut from prime rib. A stylish modern décor with light-toned laminate adds to a welcoming ambiance; the global creative seafood menu provides an innovative presentation of the freshest local and organic seafood. Notable at Tortuga’s is the wine cellar, various choices and making any selection most agreeable for the palate.
11. Virginia’s on the Bay
Virginia on the Bay tempts with pier-side dining at its best and all your favorite coastal cuisine. A favorite haunt of boaters and anglers, Virginia’s proudly uses some of the freshest seafood obtained through local sources to prepare its culinary delights. A whole lot of saltwater sea taste in every bite served. Enjoy our lively and eclectic menu, celebrating the flavors of the Gulf Coast with a waterside setting that only adds to the serene ambiance of your dining experience. You wouldn’t pass an opportunity up, would you? Guests can also bring their catch and have it expertly prepared by our chefs for a deliciously intimate dining excursion at Virginia’s on the Bay.
Come Get It! Great Food and Even Better Times in Port Aransas!
Outro: And, as you do, experience the warm hospitality and great tastes of these unique places that make up this diverse restaurant scene here in Port Aransas. These food outlets capture the heart and soul of Port A’s coastal living, from seafood feasts on the pier to nights filled with tiki bar vibes. Go ahead; give your friends a ring, and make those family texts happen. Come on down all at once and lay it out to sample a culinary playground that, left to us, would have you in for seconds and thirds of Port Aransas’ addictive flavors.
Plan Your Stay In Port Aransas, TX
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