The Texas Gulf Coast is a truly beautiful place. Along the entire stretch, you’ll find blue water, white sand, quaint fishing towns, and absolutely amazing places to eat. From hole-in-the-wall, unassuming eateries to waterfront cafes with breathtaking views, here are 11 of the best restaurants along the Texas coast.

  1. Ceviche Ceviche (South Padre Island)

Flickr/Marcy C.

Yelp/Taraneh A. If you’ve never had ceviche, it’s a delicious salad-type meal of seafood, mango, onions, lime juice, avocado, and other fresh fruits and vegetables - oh, and a heaping serving of chips to scoop it all up, of course. The seafood is fresh as can be, and the prices are reasonable. Ceviche Ceviche definitely deserves its ranking as the #1 restaurant on the island. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

  1. Snoopy’s Pier (Corpus Christi)

Yelp/Dan B.

Yelp/Summer H. Snoopy’s has been serving up freshly-caught seafood for almost 40 years. Just hours before making it to your plate, it’s fished out of the Gulf and cooked to your liking. There’s everything from oysters to catfish to shrimp, and you won’t be disappointed with whatever you decide on. To learn more, visit their website here.

  1. The Spot (Galveston)

Yelp/Rebecca H.

Yelp/Gabriel M. If you like big, juicy burgers, The Spot is the place for you. The portions are huge, and there’s even a topping bar where you can load up on all your favorite veggies and condiments. The atmosphere is just what you’d expect from a beach town - laid back with tons of outdoor seating to watch the waves and feel the wind in your hair. Oh, and don’t forget the waffle fries. Click here to learn more.

  1. Boiling Pot (Rockport)

Yelp/Mistine T.

Yelp/Joyce K. It doesn’t get much more Cajun than this, y’all. Crab, red potatoes, corn, sausage, and crawfish boiled to perfection and dumped in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. It’s delicious and authentic. Click here to learn more.

  1. Moby Dick’s (Port Aransas)

Yelp/Brian L.

Yelp/Cheri Y. Moby Dick’s is a fun restaurant in Port Aransas with great seafood and an atmosphere that’ll instantly raise your spirits. Pirate ships, parrots, and palm trees are all around as you dine on oysters, shrimp, crab, or whatever you prefer. They even serve breakfast! How does a shrimp omelet sound? Click here to learn more.

  1. Joe’s Oyster Bar (Port Isabel)

Yelp/Kace S.

Yelp/Ai Vy N. Not only are the oysters at Joe’s fresh and delicious, but they’re also cheap. Good luck finding a deal like this anywhere else! To learn more, visit their website here.

  1. Tookie’s (Kemah)

Yelp/Jenna L.

Yelp/Carl H. Kemah might not be the first place that comes to mind when you want a good burger, but Tookie’s will change your mind for sure. To learn more, visit their website here.

  1. Louie’s Backyard (South Padre)

Yelp/Brian T.

Yelp/Brian T. Louie’s is a laid-back, island-vibe restaurant with a breathtaking view of the water. The food is buffet-style, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t high quality - everything is fresh and replaced in a timely manner. It’s a great place to hang out, have a drink or two, and enjoy the weather with friends and family. To learn more, visit their website here.

  1. Doc’s Seafood and Steaks (Corpus Christi)

Yelp/Katherine X.

Yelp/Ms L. N. Doc’s is a waterfront seafood restaurant with impeccable service, amazing food, and even a pet-friendly area! They use interesting sauces and seasonings, like this poblano sauce over blackened catfish, and you’ll think you’re eating at a gourmet restaurant. Click here to learn more.

  1. Gaido’s (Galveston)

Yelp/Paul D.

Yelp/Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant Of course Gaido’s had to go on the list. It’s been around for over a century serving up some of the freshest, most flavorful seafood around. It’s an obligatory stop when in Galveston. Click here to learn more.

  1. Irie’s Island Food (Port Aransas)

Yelp/Michelle M.

Yelp/Ryan N. This unassuming eatery has some of the most delicious island food you’ll ever eat - and a wide variety of it, too. From fried rice to tacos to hamburgers (they make their own buns and tortillas!), there’s something delicious for everyone. They even have homemade beignets for dessert. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have you been to any of these gorgeous eateries? What are your favorite waterfront restaurants in Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Flickr/Marcy C.

Yelp/Taraneh A.

If you’ve never had ceviche, it’s a delicious salad-type meal of seafood, mango, onions, lime juice, avocado, and other fresh fruits and vegetables - oh, and a heaping serving of chips to scoop it all up, of course. The seafood is fresh as can be, and the prices are reasonable. Ceviche Ceviche definitely deserves its ranking as the #1 restaurant on the island. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.

Yelp/Dan B.

Yelp/Summer H.

Snoopy’s has been serving up freshly-caught seafood for almost 40 years. Just hours before making it to your plate, it’s fished out of the Gulf and cooked to your liking. There’s everything from oysters to catfish to shrimp, and you won’t be disappointed with whatever you decide on. To learn more, visit their website here.

Yelp/Rebecca H.

Yelp/Gabriel M.

If you like big, juicy burgers, The Spot is the place for you. The portions are huge, and there’s even a topping bar where you can load up on all your favorite veggies and condiments. The atmosphere is just what you’d expect from a beach town - laid back with tons of outdoor seating to watch the waves and feel the wind in your hair. Oh, and don’t forget the waffle fries. Click here to learn more.

Yelp/Mistine T.

Yelp/Joyce K.

It doesn’t get much more Cajun than this, y’all. Crab, red potatoes, corn, sausage, and crawfish boiled to perfection and dumped in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. It’s delicious and authentic. Click here to learn more.

Yelp/Brian L.

Yelp/Cheri Y.

Moby Dick’s is a fun restaurant in Port Aransas with great seafood and an atmosphere that’ll instantly raise your spirits. Pirate ships, parrots, and palm trees are all around as you dine on oysters, shrimp, crab, or whatever you prefer. They even serve breakfast! How does a shrimp omelet sound? Click here to learn more.

Yelp/Kace S.

Yelp/Ai Vy N.

Not only are the oysters at Joe’s fresh and delicious, but they’re also cheap. Good luck finding a deal like this anywhere else! To learn more, visit their website here.

Yelp/Jenna L.

Yelp/Carl H.

Kemah might not be the first place that comes to mind when you want a good burger, but Tookie’s will change your mind for sure. To learn more, visit their website here.

Yelp/Brian T.

Louie’s is a laid-back, island-vibe restaurant with a breathtaking view of the water. The food is buffet-style, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t high quality - everything is fresh and replaced in a timely manner. It’s a great place to hang out, have a drink or two, and enjoy the weather with friends and family. To learn more, visit their website here.

Yelp/Katherine X.

Yelp/Ms L. N.

Doc’s is a waterfront seafood restaurant with impeccable service, amazing food, and even a pet-friendly area! They use interesting sauces and seasonings, like this poblano sauce over blackened catfish, and you’ll think you’re eating at a gourmet restaurant. Click here to learn more.

Yelp/Paul D.

Yelp/Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant

Of course Gaido’s had to go on the list. It’s been around for over a century serving up some of the freshest, most flavorful seafood around. It’s an obligatory stop when in Galveston. Click here to learn more.

Yelp/Michelle M.

Yelp/Ryan N.

This unassuming eatery has some of the most delicious island food you’ll ever eat - and a wide variety of it, too. From fried rice to tacos to hamburgers (they make their own buns and tortillas!), there’s something delicious for everyone. They even have homemade beignets for dessert. To learn more, visit their website here.

If you take this beautiful road trip down the Texas coast, you can stop and enjoy some truly spectacular sights.

Know another local business in Texas we should feature? Nominate your favorites in our online form here!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 1004 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USAAddress: 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USAAddress: 3204 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USAAddress: 201 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382, USAAddress: 517 S Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USAAddress: 207 E Maxan St, Port Isabel, TX 78578, USAAddress: Tookie’s, 406 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, USAAddress: 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USAAddress: 13309 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USAAddress: Gaidos Seafood Restaurant, 3828 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USAAddress: 503 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best restaurants along the Texas coast April 29, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best beaches in Texas? Looking for a getaway? South Padre Island is the most gorgeous beach in Texas. This picturesque place is known for its clear sand, clean waters, and exciting attractions. For more vacation inspiration, check out these 10 amazing Texas beaches. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas? There is no shortage of amazing waterfront restaurants in Texas. After spending an entire day relaxing in the waves, you’ll want a delicious meal. Thankfully, there are so many incredible beach restaurants in Texas that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. While you’re on Padre Island, be sure to visit Clayton’s Beach Bar. This lively eatery has it all: refreshing drinks, tasty American fare, live music, and sand volleyball. What are the best seafood restaurants in Texas? Crawdaddy’s, located in Corpus Christi, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. This eatery is known for its tasty Cajun creations. Their down-home atmosphere will make you feel relaxed and happy. For another delicious seafood meal, visit Charlotte Plummer’s in Rockport. This restaurant specializes in gigantic seafood platters full of shrimp, crawfish and more. You absolutely must try their wonderful gumbo. Each bite is full of scrumptious flavor. To learn more about the best seafood restaurants in Texas, read our article here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best restaurants along the Texas coast

April 29, 2020

Elisa Regulski

What are the best beaches in Texas? Looking for a getaway? South Padre Island is the most gorgeous beach in Texas. This picturesque place is known for its clear sand, clean waters, and exciting attractions. For more vacation inspiration, check out these 10 amazing Texas beaches. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas? There is no shortage of amazing waterfront restaurants in Texas. After spending an entire day relaxing in the waves, you’ll want a delicious meal. Thankfully, there are so many incredible beach restaurants in Texas that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. While you’re on Padre Island, be sure to visit Clayton’s Beach Bar. This lively eatery has it all: refreshing drinks, tasty American fare, live music, and sand volleyball. What are the best seafood restaurants in Texas? Crawdaddy’s, located in Corpus Christi, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. This eatery is known for its tasty Cajun creations. Their down-home atmosphere will make you feel relaxed and happy. For another delicious seafood meal, visit Charlotte Plummer’s in Rockport. This restaurant specializes in gigantic seafood platters full of shrimp, crawfish and more. You absolutely must try their wonderful gumbo. Each bite is full of scrumptious flavor. To learn more about the best seafood restaurants in Texas, read our article here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Looking for a getaway? South Padre Island is the most gorgeous beach in Texas. This picturesque place is known for its clear sand, clean waters, and exciting attractions. For more vacation inspiration, check out these 10 amazing Texas beaches.

What are the best waterfront restaurants in Texas?

There is no shortage of amazing waterfront restaurants in Texas. After spending an entire day relaxing in the waves, you’ll want a delicious meal. Thankfully, there are so many incredible beach restaurants in Texas that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. While you’re on Padre Island, be sure to visit Clayton’s Beach Bar. This lively eatery has it all: refreshing drinks, tasty American fare, live music, and sand volleyball.

What are the best seafood restaurants in Texas?

Crawdaddy’s, located in Corpus Christi, is one of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. This eatery is known for its tasty Cajun creations. Their down-home atmosphere will make you feel relaxed and happy. For another delicious seafood meal, visit Charlotte Plummer’s in Rockport. This restaurant specializes in gigantic seafood platters full of shrimp, crawfish and more. You absolutely must try their wonderful gumbo. Each bite is full of scrumptious flavor. To learn more about the best seafood restaurants in Texas, read our article here.