The 9 Best Restaurants in Port Aransas, Texas
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Though often overshadowed by more well-known Texas beach towns like Padre Island and Galveston, Port Aransas charms visitors with its tight-knit community and slower pace. Visitors and locals alike can take advantage of the Texas fishing capital's top-notch inshore and deep-sea fishing, its sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles, and its warm Gulf waters ideal for swimming.
Located on Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers six miles of beach within 12 square miles and is home to just over 3,000 residents. That small-town vibe only enhances the vacation experience. Instead of numerous fast food chains, diners will find an abundance of locally owned restaurants, bars, and coffee shops serving everything from fresh seafood to frozen cocktails. Things move a little slower here, so relax, take your time, and dig in. Here's where to eat and drink across Port A.
Looking for some other Texas cities to travel to this summer? Check out Eater's maps for dining in Kemah and Seabrook, Galveston, Sugar Land, Fredericksburg, and Hill Country. Check out our guide on San Leon.
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It's easy to work up an appetite after a day at the beach, and Butter Churn's all-you-can-eat buffet is more than satisfying. Even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy among the many buffet stations, with options ranging from layered of lasagna, crispy chicken-fried steak, and golden-fried catfish. Don't skip the buttery, soft dinner rolls or the multiple options of cobbler waiting to be paired with a scoop of ice cream. Tortuga's Saltwater Grill
This surf and turf destination delivers elevated fare in an approachable, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly atmosphere (there's a covered porch for those with pups). Order the seafood tower stacked with fresh sashimi or dig into boudin balls made with Cajun sausage and rice before proceeding to indulgent plates like crab-crusted fish of the day served over seasonal risotto. Swing by for Sunday brunch to enjoy French toast and carafes of mimosas mixed with your choice of orange, cranberry, pineapple, or ruby red grapefruit juice.
Why go to a restaurant when the restaurant can come to you? Rollin' Tide Boil Co. brings the full shrimp boil experience to your location, whether the beach or your backyard. The three-hour dinner includes a bonfire, Adirondack chairs, and a spread of jumbo Gulf shrimp, corn on the cob, red potatoes, smoked sausage, Vidalia onions, and a house-made Texas-Cajun boil seasoning, all prepared on-site by the crew. You can upgrade with snow crab legs or lawn games like cornhole. If the kids don't eat seafood, hot dogs are available. And to end the night, everyone gets sticky s'mores by the fire.
Eat like a local at the Gaff, a pirate-themed hole-in-the-wall that's anything but a tourist trap. Open daily starting at 11 a.m., this laid-back hangout slings customizable pizzas, including gluten-free cauliflower crusts, alongside cold beer, live music, and offbeat events like sand belt races (yes, the power tools). With a friendly crowd and a come-as-you-are attitude, the Gaff is a true Port A staple.
The colorful, striped exterior of Lelo's reflects the playful menu found inside. Starters like cheese curds and jalapeño cheddar bites set the tone, followed by hearty mains such as a Jack and Coke-glazed burger, a barbecue chicken bacon cheddar sandwich, and a classic patty melt. Be sure to check the specials board for off-menu surprises. Discover tiki-style sips like the Blue Hawaii, a jewel-toned blend of vodka, coconut rum, blue curaçao, sweet and sour, and pineapple juice. Or, cool down with a frozen Banana Colada, a creamy mix of Baileys, light rum, and dark cocoa liqueur.
MacDaddy's Family Kitchen
Diners know how tricky it is to find a fast, tasty spot that can accommodate a large group, but MacDaddy's makes it easy. The space is built for families and large parties, with oversized tables with rolls of paper towels and all the condiments you might need. You'll find family-style meat platters such as smoked pork ribs, sliced brisket, and sausage, along with entrees like grilled seafood, fried favorites, and Angus beef burgers. The signature MacDaddy Burger is a highlight, with a quarter-pound patty topped with coleslaw, sliced brisket, pepper jack cheese, fried onions, jalapeños, and housemade sauce.
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An island staple since 1978, this family-owned restaurant is easy to spot thanks to its blue, circular building with a wraparound porch. Inside, patrons gather under the peaked dome ceiling to dine on plates of seafood, pasta, and pizza. Kick off the meal with crab cakes before sharing the Works, a seafood feast for two with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams over linguine, smothered in your choice of marinara or Alfredo sauce.
After being destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Coffee Waves rebuilt its Port Aransas location. Now, it's stronger than ever and holds the title of the island's oldest coffee shop. Lines often snake out the door on weekends, but the wait is well worth it. The menu spans espresso-based drinks, 'Energy Waves' beverages, bagels with homemade cream cheese, paninis, wraps, and snacks like peanut butter protein bites. For something sweet, grab a scoop (or two) of gelato in flavors like Coke float, strawberry pineapple, or blackberry white mocha. For those needing a beach read, find a charming bookstore tucked into a corner of this spacious coffee shop.
Before you head out on the fishing boat, fuel up on this casual Mexican spot's breakfast tacos filled with eggs, chicharrón, barbacoa, beans, or potatoes. If you don't manage to reel in your next meal, return to the Cancun Grill and Cantina to dig into Tex-Mex staples like tortas, quesadillas, gorditas, and sizzling fajitas. The staff is warm and welcoming, whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout to keep the adventure going.
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It's easy to work up an appetite after a day at the beach, and Butter Churn's all-you-can-eat buffet is more than satisfying. Even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy among the many buffet stations, with options ranging from layered of lasagna, crispy chicken-fried steak, and golden-fried catfish. Don't skip the buttery, soft dinner rolls or the multiple options of cobbler waiting to be paired with a scoop of ice cream. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
This surf and turf destination delivers elevated fare in an approachable, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly atmosphere (there's a covered porch for those with pups). Order the seafood tower stacked with fresh sashimi or dig into boudin balls made with Cajun sausage and rice before proceeding to indulgent plates like crab-crusted fish of the day served over seasonal risotto. Swing by for Sunday brunch to enjoy French toast and carafes of mimosas mixed with your choice of orange, cranberry, pineapple, or ruby red grapefruit juice. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Why go to a restaurant when the restaurant can come to you? Rollin' Tide Boil Co. brings the full shrimp boil experience to your location, whether the beach or your backyard. The three-hour dinner includes a bonfire, Adirondack chairs, and a spread of jumbo Gulf shrimp, corn on the cob, red potatoes, smoked sausage, Vidalia onions, and a house-made Texas-Cajun boil seasoning, all prepared on-site by the crew. You can upgrade with snow crab legs or lawn games like cornhole. If the kids don't eat seafood, hot dogs are available. And to end the night, everyone gets sticky s'mores by the fire. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Eat like a local at the Gaff, a pirate-themed hole-in-the-wall that's anything but a tourist trap. Open daily starting at 11 a.m., this laid-back hangout slings customizable pizzas, including gluten-free cauliflower crusts, alongside cold beer, live music, and offbeat events like sand belt races (yes, the power tools). With a friendly crowd and a come-as-you-are attitude, the Gaff is a true Port A staple. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
The colorful, striped exterior of Lelo's reflects the playful menu found inside. Starters like cheese curds and jalapeño cheddar bites set the tone, followed by hearty mains such as a Jack and Coke-glazed burger, a barbecue chicken bacon cheddar sandwich, and a classic patty melt. Be sure to check the specials board for off-menu surprises. Discover tiki-style sips like the Blue Hawaii, a jewel-toned blend of vodka, coconut rum, blue curaçao, sweet and sour, and pineapple juice. Or, cool down with a frozen Banana Colada, a creamy mix of Baileys, light rum, and dark cocoa liqueur. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
Diners know how tricky it is to find a fast, tasty spot that can accommodate a large group, but MacDaddy's makes it easy. The space is built for families and large parties, with oversized tables with rolls of paper towels and all the condiments you might need. You'll find family-style meat platters such as smoked pork ribs, sliced brisket, and sausage, along with entrees like grilled seafood, fried favorites, and Angus beef burgers. The signature MacDaddy Burger is a highlight, with a quarter-pound patty topped with coleslaw, sliced brisket, pepper jack cheese, fried onions, jalapeños, and housemade sauce. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
An island staple since 1978, this family-owned restaurant is easy to spot thanks to its blue, circular building with a wraparound porch. Inside, patrons gather under the peaked dome ceiling to dine on plates of seafood, pasta, and pizza. Kick off the meal with crab cakes before sharing the Works, a seafood feast for two with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams over linguine, smothered in your choice of marinara or Alfredo sauce. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
After being destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Coffee Waves rebuilt its Port Aransas location. Now, it's stronger than ever and holds the title of the island's oldest coffee shop. Lines often snake out the door on weekends, but the wait is well worth it. The menu spans espresso-based drinks, 'Energy Waves' beverages, bagels with homemade cream cheese, paninis, wraps, and snacks like peanut butter protein bites. For something sweet, grab a scoop (or two) of gelato in flavors like Coke float, strawberry pineapple, or blackberry white mocha. For those needing a beach read, find a charming bookstore tucked into a corner of this spacious coffee shop.
Before you head out on the fishing boat, fuel up on this casual Mexican spot's breakfast tacos filled with eggs, chicharrón, barbacoa, beans, or potatoes. If you don't manage to reel in your next meal, return to the Cancun Grill and Cantina to dig into Tex-Mex staples like tortas, quesadillas, gorditas, and sizzling fajitas. The staff is warm and welcoming, whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout to keep the adventure going. Open in Google Maps
Foursquare
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