A good beach bar is like a mini-vacation, sans TSA lines and flight delays. That special mix of seaside ambience, craft cocktails or ice-cold beer, good food, and a “don’t worry, be happy” atmosphere gives you temporary respite from the outside world. 
Here are some beach bars to visit in the Coastal Bend. 

CORPUS CHRISTI

Blackbeard’s

3117 Surfside Blvd., 361-884-1030
Combine a dive bar, a highly touted seafood restaurant, and a ghost or two, and you’ve got Blackbeard’s, a longtime North Beach favorite. Mixologist creations include a margarita served in a souvenir mug. Live music nightly. 

Executive Surf Club

306 N. Chaparral St., 361-884-7873
This downtown restaurant/bar lies a few hundred feet west of Corpus Christi Bay, and the surfboard décor sets the tone for a casual coastal atmosphere. Full bar with several beers on tap. Shrimp and fish tacos get high marks from reviewers. Check its Facebook page for live music and special events.

The Angry Marlin 

15605 South Padre Island Drive, 210-272-9973
Catch a sea breeze on the Marlin’s colorful patio while sipping a housemade sangria, a cold brew, or a signature cocktail. Eclectic food menu runs the gamut from New Mexico fusion to Gulf seafood. Check the above link for happy hour specials.

PORT ARANSAS

Fins Grill & Icehouse 

420 W. Cotter Ave., 361-749-8646
This place checks all the beach bar boxes: a large outdoor palapa, a waterfront location, and a host of island potions (try the piña colada served in a frozen pineapple). “Excellent fresh seafood, burgers, etc.,” reports one reviewer.

REDS at Palmilla Beach

258 Snapdragon, 361-749-4653 ext. 5
Set your watch to island time, order a tropical libation, and savor your escape from the ordinary at this new patio bar. Food available from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For information on live music and special events, check the REDS Facebook page.

Port A Beachlodge

2016 On the Beach Drive, 361-749-5714
This longtime lodge’s food and drinks really put the beach in beach bar. Here, you sit just a couple hundred feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Order a beer, glass of wine, wine-a-rita, or burger. Then, let the view and sea breeze envelope you. 

ROCKPORT

Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill

165 Cove Harbor North, 361-790-6104
Great views of the water from the outdoor deck or the dining room and bar inside. Extensive drink and craft beer selection. Food menu features Gulf seafood and bar snacks. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Yarbarita's

1329 Broadway St., 361-450-8077
Pick a seat or hammock swing on this two-level, bayside, outdoor deck and chill out with a Yarbarita, Hurricane Harvey, or craft beer. Full kitchen with a something-for-everyone menu. Check the above link for lunch and happy hour specials.
Don’t see your favorite Coastal Bend beach bar? Leave us a comment below. 
chuck@thepicayune.com