Don’t Miss out on these Port Aransas Restaurants – 2024
Roll up your sleeves and loosen your belts, folks! We are going to visit one of my favorite Texan gems, Port Aransas. I’m thrilled to share my handpicked list of must-visit Port Aransas restaurants.
Situated on the picturesque Mustang Island, off the Texas Gulf Coast, Port Aransas is home to various eateries that cater to everyone: from fishing enthusiasts to beach vacationers to the pickiest of eaters. So, if you are ready, let’s dive right in!
There are so many things to do in Port Aransas, from dining out to sightseeing to fishing. Whether you want a burger and fries or gourmet seafood with a view of the water, a restaurant in Port Aransas can serve it up.
Here’s a roundup of some of Port Aransas’s best places to eat.
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Port Aransas Breakfast Restaurants
Port Aransas is a small town with a lot to offer, but there aren’t many options when it comes to breakfast.
Because most Port Aransas vacation rentals have full kitchens and many hotels offer breakfast, few restaurants are open for breakfast.
That said, there are still several places where you can get your fill of bacon and eggs.
Island Cafe
The first place to get breakfast in Port Aransas is at Island Cafe.
Island Cafe is a mom-and-pop establishment in Port Aransas. It offers one of the best-priced breakfasts on the island.
Choose from typical breakfast fare like bacon and eggs, pancakes, waffles, omelets, and tacos.
It’s both small and popular, so expect a short wait. It isn’t fancy, but it is delicious!
Island Cafe – 301 S Alister St
Coach’s Island Grill
Coach’s Island Grill is another small family-owned breakfast option in Port Aransas. If you’re looking for awesome pancakes, give them a try!
You won’t want to miss their breakfast tacos. They are the size of a plate, so plan accordingly when you order.
Coach’s Island Grill – 717 Tarpon
San Juan Restaurant
For another affordable breakfast option, try San Juan Restaurant. They serve oatmeal, pancakes, biscuits, eggs, and traditional Mexican breakfasts like huevos rancheros and barbacoa.
Get breakfast tacos to go if you’re headed to the beach.
San Juan Restaurant – 410 S Cut-Off Road
Island Market Smoothie & Juice Bar
If you’re in the mood for something different than traditional breakfast fare, check out Island Market Smoothie & Juice Bar.
They open at 10 a.m. and serve healthy eats like my favorite, the Loaded Avo Toast, toasted multi-grain bread with pesto, avocado, fresh tomato, lemon arugula, and red onions.
You can also pick up fresh smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Island Market Smoothie & Juice Bar – 614 Gulf St
Photos courtesy of Island Market Smoothie Facebook
Coffee Waves
Finally, if coffee (or tea) gets your day going, stop by Coffee Waves for a cup before exploring Port Aransas’s beautiful beaches.
Port Aransas is this coffee house’s third location, the others being Corpus Christi and Flour Buff.
It offers a variety of coffees and teas and a selection of baked goods. You can find in-house-made gelato in up to 18 flavors in the afternoons.
Coffee Waves – 1007 Hwy 361
Port Aransas Restaurants on the Water
There are a few restaurants in Port Aransas that have waterfront dining. If you’re looking for Port Aransas restaurants on the water to enjoy some seafood with a view, here are the best places to eat.
For the best restaurants in Port Aransas on the water, head towards the ferry landing, where most sit just a short drive away.
Fins Grill & Icehouse
If you’re looking for casual eats with a view of the water, I recommend Fins Grill & Icehouse. They have fantastic burgers and fries and also great seafood options. And if you’re not into seafood, they’ve got a killer chicken fried steak!
The back patio overlooks Port Aransas Harbor, where you can watch boats come in with their daily catch.
The pleasant breeze, the serene water, and the harbor activity create an appealing backdrop for a fabulous meal.
Fins serves individual entrees but can also accommodate your large party with its Family-Style menu, which offers items served per pound.
You can’t go wrong with any food choices, but I highly recommend starting with the island nachos or the thin fried onion rings.
Try the shrimp tacos, the crispy fish and shrimp combo, or the bacon cheddar burger for your main meal. Everything was delicious!
Prices at Fins range from $10-$35. The meal portions are enormous and worth the costs.
Fins Grill & Icehouse – 420 W Cotter Ave
Trout Street Bar & Grill
Trout Street Bar & Grill has an equally impressive veranda porch overlooking the waterway.
Inside, the owners have included many Port Aransas memorabilia in their interior design and have shared the background stories of these items on their menu.
Menu items include fresh-caught seafood, steaks, burgers, salads, and pasta.
Saddle up to the bar for a cold beer or their award-winning famous hibiscus basil margarita.
The Trout Street Bar & Grill frequently offers specials on their social media, so give them a follow.
Trout Street Bar & Grill – 104 W Cotter
Grumbles Seafood Co.
Grumbles Seafood Co. is a relatively new Port Aransas restaurant, celebrating its first year this past March.
It has a large, covered outdoor patio area with great harbor views. During lunch, you can watch the large freighters slowly pass by.
You can also see the fresh catch from the Port Aransas fishing boats unloading at Fisherman’s Wharf next door.
Like the other restaurants, the island-fare menu focuses on fresh seafood, burgers, and salad. The food is super fresh. All seafood comes straight from the Gulf of Mexico and is served in large portions.
Grumbles has a come-as-you-are vibe, welcoming visitors straight from the boat or beach. This also includes Fido, as dogs are welcome on the patio.
Their bar menu is outstanding. The Pina Coladas and Bloody Marys are fantastic.
I recommend starting with the famous hushpuppies or the very fresh ceviche.
Grumbles Seafood Co. – 850 Tarpon St.
Port Aransas Family Friendly & Casual Restaurants
It’s easy to keep the kids entertained in Port Aransas. Plenty of family-friendly restaurants offer casual dining options, which is a great way to ensure everyone sticks around for the meal.
The Crazy Cajun
Located just off the main street is The Crazy Cajun. This restaurant in Port Aransas has been welcoming large parties since 1987.
The Crazy Cajun is famous for their “Hungry Cajun,” where shrimp, crab, sausage, potatoes, and corn are boiled in their Cajun seasonings and turned out onto butcher paper directly on the table.
It is a dining experience the whole family will love.
In addition to the Hungry Cajun, they serve other Cajun classics, such as gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya.
Knowing that children may not like the spicy nature of the dishes, a kid’s boil can also be ordered. It includes sausage, potatoes, and corn without the spices.
The Crazy Cajun – 303 East Beach St.
Castaways Seafood & Grill
When you’re in Port Aransas, stopping by Castaways Seafood & Grill is always a good idea.
This restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining options to enjoy the weather regardless of the season. The kid’s menu is an excellent option for families with young children who want to enjoy delicious seafood without breaking the bank.
The small plates and apps are also some of our favorites!
Castaways Seafood & Grill – 337 North Allister St.
Pizzeria Port “A”
The Pizzeria in Port A is located in town, blocks away from the beach. It offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for hungry beachgoers who have spent all day in the sun.
The friendly employees will ensure the pizza you like is served on the buffet.
This is the perfect solution for large families who don’t want to wait.
Do you not want to dine in? You can order pizza for pick up or delivery. In addition to pizza, they serve wings, appetizers, salad, and subs.
Pizzeria Port “A” – 407 E Ave G
La Playa Mexican Grille
This small family-run business serves some of the island’s best Mexican food and margaritas. In addition to the delicious food, the staff delivers outstanding service.
La Playa Mexican Grille is popular, so expect to wait for a table. Leave those credit cards at home. This is a cash or check-only restaurant.
La Playa Mexican Grille – 222 Beach Ave.
MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen
If you want some good ole Texas barbecue, head to MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen.
This is the place to go with your large party. Although you can order individual meals, MacDaddy’s understands large groups. Family-style menu choices can be served in the restaurant or packaged to take to the beach.
Besides BBQ, you can also order seafood and burgers.
If you are having trouble deciding what to order, consider The Dagwood. It’s brisket, sausage, and pulled pork all on one sandwich. Make sure to check out the frozen flight as well.
The owners of MacDaddy also own Fins and Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill. You can purchase a souvenir reusable groovy sili-pint full of your adult beverage and then re-use it at happy hour at all three locations.
MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen – 118 Beach St.
Irie’s Island Food
Port Aransas restaurants tend to have similar island fare menus with seafood, burgers, etc. If you want something unique and different, try Irie’s Island Food.
Owned by a Culinary Institute of America graduate, Irie’s Island Food in Port Aransas offers rice bowls, handmade spring rolls, chicken banh mi, and delicious tacos, among many other choices.
Irie’s Island Food – 200 W Ave G
Port Aransas Upscale Restaurants
Port Aransas is a great place to visit with your significant other. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or an afternoon of pampering, we’ve got you covered.
While on vacation, the following restaurants are excellent choices for a nice date night restaurant. Port Aransas is a casual destination where you need not dress fancy to go out but still can have an enjoyable evening.
Here are our top picks for the most upscale restaurants in Port Aransas.
Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill
Owned by the same family who runs Fins and MacDaddy’s, Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill is a recent addition to the Port Aransas restaurant scene.
Although they serve lunch and Sunday brunch, I like their seafood and steak dinner menu and wine choices for a date night.
Self-touted as a casual but upscale dining experience, dinner here without the kids is a good choice.
I could not eat here on my most recent visit to Port Aransas; however, Tortuga’s makes my list of don’t-miss Port Aransas restaurants because of how often it was mentioned as a favorite by the visitors I spoke to.
Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill – 429 N Alister St
Seafood and Spaghetti Works
I have been visiting Port Aransas for over forty years and can’t remember when the Spaghetti Works wasn’t here. If you are familiar with the area, it is the octagonal-shaped building just off Highway 361 as you head outside town towards Padre Island.
It’s been updated since the original Spaghetti Works and is now known as Seafood and Spaghetti Works.
The restaurant is charming inside. It has a large bar and a beautiful light fixture that fills the dining room.
Don’t let the name fool you. There is much more to the menu than just seafood and Italian food, although both are equally good, especially the chicken parmigiana.
The bar menu is extensive and has something for everyone, including a variety of beer, specialty cocktails, and an excellent wine menu.
If you choose not to dine in, consider picking up a pizza to go. Their dough is made fresh daily.
Seafood and Spaghetti Works – 910 Highway 361
Black Marlin Bar and Grill – Located at Palmilla Beach Resort
Whether you are in the mood for delicious steaks or fresh fish, Black Marlin Bar and Grill has a mouth-watering menu selection.
The Black Marlin is a smaller establishment located at the Palmilla Beach Resort. While you wait for a table, grab a drink at the outdoor bar and enjoy the live music.
The Black Marlin can’t be beaten for some of the best-cooked redfish.
On-the-Beach Options
Port Aransas offers unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else!
You can enjoy Port Aransas beach experiences, such as beach boils and bonfires at night with your family or friends, while enjoying the fantastic ocean views.
I’m also a big fan of letting someone else cook, especially on vacation. Additionally, when I am at the beach, I don’t want to get dressed and go out to eat.
Miss K’s Bistro is a company that offers home-cooked meals without the mess at home.
Miss K’s Bistro & Catering
My family loves renting a house in Port Aransas, but that usually means we stay in for most meals. Is it a vacation if you have to cook?
Think ahead and have Miss K’s Bistro & Catering cook for you. They offer family to-go meals like lasagna, king ranch chicken, and cheesy meatloaf.
Ask about their Beach Snack Pack, which includes cheese, meat, fruit, and crackers.
Miss K’s Bistro & Catering – 1726 Hwy 361
Rollin Tide Boil Co. – Beach Boils and Bonfires
Are you having a special event or just looking for someone to set up a bonfire on the beach and bring all you need for a good time? Then the Rollin Tide Boil Co. is for you.
The company has different packages to choose from based on your wants.
For all the fun and none of the fuss, check them out.
Port Aransas Snacks and Treats
One of the best things to do on vacation is to find a place to get some sweets. Port Aransas has so many options it’s hard to choose just one.
Here are our top picks for places to get candy and snacks in Port Aransas:
Winton’s Island Candy
Visit Winton’s Island Candy, an island staple for over twenty years, to satisfy your sweet tooth.
They offer bulk candy, like gummy bears and sour chews, as well as a counter full of chocolates and homemade fudge.
If you are looking for candy from your childhood, you will likely find it here.
Winton’s Island Candy – 601 S Alister St
Desserted Island Ice Cream
This ice cream shop serves delicious Texas-made Bluebell Ice Cream. You can get shakes and more decadent desserts like brownie sundaes.
Make sure to bring cash, as that is all that is accepted.
Desserted Island Ice Cream – 100 E White Ave
Bron’s Shaved Ice
Bron’s Shaved Ice offers shaved ice, frozen yogurt, and adult beverages in a family-friendly, fun environment.
Kids can choose fun shaved ice flavors such as Frog in a Blender (watermelon and lime) and Pretty Princess (pink bubble gum with sprinkles).
While adults will enjoy the frozen margaritas, Pina Coladas, and strawberry daiquiris.
Check out the party packs for the whole group if heading to the beach.
Bron’s Shaved Ice – 314 E Ave G
Plan your visit to Port Aransas, Texas
Plan your next visit to Port Aransas using my guides for places to stay, places to fish, and other exciting things to do in Port Aransas.
Whether you visit for a quick trip or a week-long stay, check out these recommended ideas and excellent places to eat in Port Aransas for your meals on the island.
No matter what you are looking for, there are perfect Port Aransas restaurants for you.
