In Corpus Christi, the best fresh seafood comes from the Gulf of Mexico and includes red snapper, red fish, shrimp, and oysters.
A culinary journey for the best seafood in Corpus Christi will take you to docks in the bay, piers on the beach, destinations downtown, and shopping centers off the beaten path. Seafood lovers will find an incredible variety of fish caught daily and prepared fresh in a number of Corpus Christi’s seafood restaurants.
If you love fresh fruit de mer, then check out these three tips for finding the best seafood in Corpus Christi.
1. Patronize restaurants that advertise fresh Gulf seafood. They buy from local suppliers.
2. Go with the chef’s special. Chefs who buy from local fish markets generally feature that day’s catch as a special on the menu.
3. You can’t go wrong with red. This area of the Gulf of Mexico is known for its great red fish and red snapper fishing. It's always a good menu pick, offering flaky and tender white meat.
Whether you dress up or dress down, bring your appetite when you visit Corpus Christi. You can start your tasty trek for the best in Corpus Christi seafood with this list of local favorites.
Water Street Oyster Bar
Water Street Sushi Room
Executive Surf Club
North Water Street between William and Lawrence streets
(361) 882-8683
waterstmarketcc.com
The secluded, well-lit, and landscaped Water Street Market also includes plenty of places to browse, shop, and sit. Three restaurant styles from surfboard tables and live music to fresh Gulf seafood in a variety of creative preparations.
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
13309 South Padre Island Drive
(361) 949-6744, (361) 949-6755
docsseafoodandsteaks.com
Doc’s Seafood and Steaks is tucked under the JFK Causeway overlooking the Laguna Madre. Ring the bell on your way out after a great seafood and/or steak dinner. The restaurant, which has been locally owned by the Blankenship family since 2004, was founded by Bill “Doc” Blankenship, the highest-decorated living doctor in the U.S. Navy until his death in 2010. Market fish available daily with a wide selection of homemade sauces. Menu includes fried platters, sandwiches, burgers, and fish tacos.
Salt Water Grill
2401 Cimarron Blvd.
(361) 993-7258
saltwatergrillcc.com
South of South Padre Island Drive off of Airline Boulevard, the grill serves po' boys, crab cake burgers, fried fish platters, pasta, and steak dinners. Featured fish of the day is a market-fresh chef’s choice. Shrimp, salmon, or tuna come chargrilled, blackened, or pan-seared. Plenty of landlubber choices as well!
Yardarm Restaurant
Summer Place Motels and Apartments
4310 Ocean Drive
(361) 855-8157
yardarmrestaurantcorpuschristi.com
A simple and elegant menu that includes oysters Rockefeller, escargot, bouillabaisse, lobster thermidor, shrimp newborn, broiled market fish, and market fish papillote. Also features beef, chicken, fried shrimp, and an array of tempting desserts to go along with its exquisite appetizers and entrees. Closed Sundays and Mondays, Yardarm is open for dinner only Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30-10 p.m.
Railroad Seafood Station
1214 N. Chaparral St.
(361) 883-6200
railroadseafood.com
A downtown destination big enough to accommodate large parties. Offers a full bar with holiday specials throughout the year. Beers brewed on site join a collection of favorites to perfectly complement lunch and dinner choices. Menu includes burgers, a wide variety of seafood dishes, and the option to order family-style.
Snoopy’s Pier
13313 South Padre Island Drive
(361) 949-8815
snoopyspier.com
Famous for its authentic fresh-off-the-boat, dockside atmosphere, the vibe is relaxed and casual. Provides locally harvested, quality seafood at affordable prices. Features an on-site fish house and shrimp-breading facility. Dine outdoors or in, then take a stroll next door to Scoopy’s for a variety of dessert selections and ice cream.
Blackbeard’s on the Beach
3117 Surfside Blvd.
(361) 884-1030
blackbeards.restaurant
Celebrating 25 years of pirates, ghosts, and rock ’n’ roll, this longtime local favorite takes its drinks as seriously as its extensive menu. You’ll find everything from seafood and steaks to comfort food. The bar brags of its selection of top-notch bourbons along with anything you wish to wet your whistle. And when you close the tap, the bartender pours a drink to leave for the resident ghost. Located on North Beach, it’s hard to miss the bright purple building.
