Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie” or just someone who’s hungry and in need of a break and a refueling after a fun and exciting Port Aransas day, there are plenty of places to get a delicious meal. There is an array of options, from seafood to traditional Italian and Mexican fare, check them all out in this epicurean journey to Port Aransas.
Shells Pasta & Seafood
The restaurant combines fresh local seafood and the tastes of Italy. Start your meal with peppered ahi, bacon candy, or explore a new flavor with seaweed or squid salad. Choose from soups like chicken or tortilla and order by the cup or bowl. For the main course, try the mixed seafood Alfredo, or a surf & turf combo featuring fresh fish from our Port Aransas docks. Finish up the meal with something for your sweet tooth. Desserts include choices like banana cheesecake, key lime pie, or chocolate pecan cake. The restaurant is located at 522 E Avenue G in Port Aransas. Call them at 361-749-7621 or visit them Thursday-Monday 4-9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill
As an island off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise the area is dotted with seafood restaurants. Begin your saltwater taste journey with starters like crab cakes, poke nachos, or Boudin balls. Go for something lighter with any of their “handhelds,” including a seafood po’boy featuring shrimp, fish, or oysters, a cheeseburger, or a salad of blackened shrimp or grilled chicken. You can also choose from a variety of poke bowls. There are too many seafood choices to name them all! Some examples of the best are shrimp & grits, redfish ponchartrain, and the charbroiled catch of the day – caught by local anglers fishing local waters. They know that not everyone loves seafood, so they have a menu that reaches all tastes. Land lovers will enjoy steaks, chicken, beef tenderloin, and a variety of pastas. The brunch menu includes breakfast favorites like French toast, biscuits and gravy, a breakfast BLT, and many others. Lunch options include burgers, shrimp & grits, and more. Visit 429 N. Alister Street for lunch or dinner 2-9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday brunch is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tortuga’s is closed Wednesdays.
San Juan Restaurant
Being close to Mexico means more authentic Mexican dishes. Start your day with breakfast selections including a variety of egg dishes including ranchero-style, Mexican-style, or even cactus – no thorns – and eggs! Keep it simple with oatmeal and toast, fill up for the day with pancakes, eggs, and meat, or try a Mexican omelette. Come in for lunch or dinner and taste a variety of gorditas, tortas, and soft tacos, or try a “plate” featuring taco salad, chicken fried steak, fajitas, and other Tex-Mex favorites. Wrap up the meal with the sweet taste of fried ice cream or a sopapilla bread! Stop by and see them at 410 South Cut Off Road or call 361-749-6521 from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily for delicious food any meal of the day.
Irie’s Island Foods
You won’t miss the eye-catching blue building only moments from the Gulf! Step into island charm with brightly colored walls at 503 N. Alister Street in Port Aransas. Give them a call at 361-749-2310. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and they’re closed on Sundays. Start your meal off with chicken sate, handmade spring rolls, or tropical fire-grilled BBQ-glazed chicken served on bamboo skewers, or a seafood basket. Special “plates” include jumbo Gulf shrimp, fire-grilled wahoo, or lighter choices like a fried avocado plate. Devour a three-taco plate or go all-out for a “Big Taco” made from house-made flour or corn tortillas, then stuffed with your choice of protein. Featured salads include mixed greens, BBQ fire-grilled chicken breast, spring roll salad, and more. Choose a rice bowl or satisfy your smaller hunger with sandwiches like chicken fried steak, grilled cheese, Po’ Boys, and others. Finish any of these delicious dishes off with something sweet, like vanilla bean or chocolate crème brulee or Kokoleka pie.
Taste-Filled Journey of Port Aransas
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port Aransas provided by The Dunes, you won’t be far from the fantastic dining options that call the island home. We have condos from one to three bedrooms, to fit any vacation style. Once you’ve found your favorite meal from your new favorite restaurant, you can try to duplicate it in the fully equipped kitchen of your rental, many featuring stainless steel appliances. After all that food, relax in an open living area where you can sit back on comfortable and stylish furnishings for your favorite TV show or movie. Turn in for the night in a private bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
Contact us now to get started with planning your epicurean journey to Port Aransas!