It shouldn’t surprise you that your tastes change with the seasons, and whether it is the temperatures outside or simply the traditions of your youth, fall is known for its heartier foods, and of course, everything pumpkin! Even in Port Aransas, where the weather doesn’t offer that much of a change from summer to fall, we still find ourselves seeking the traditional autumnal delights. If your journey is bringing you to our Texas coastal community, you too will probably be searching for certain fall foods. We at The Dunes are a full-service rental company, and so we have created this guide to must-try Port Aransas restaurants for fall dining, ensuring that your vacation will be everything you dreamed it could be and more.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Coffee Waves, 1007 TX-361
There may not be much change in the weather in the fall, but as soon as the calendar page turns to September, it is a pumpkin free for all, so of course we are starting with the all-important pumpkin spice coffee. Coffee Waves is our local shop, offering all types of coffee and tea, as well as sandwiches, pastries, and yes, pumpkin spice everything. You could grab a box of pumpkin spice Keurig cups at the grocery store (and maybe you will), adding pumpkin creamer into the cart next to it (and you probably will), but there is a special joy that comes from visiting a new coffee shop and letting the professionals brew the java that you love!
Mermaid Soup at Lisabella’s Bistro & Bar, 5009 TX-361
Cooler nights and rainy evenings often have us thinking about how wonderful a bowl of soup would be, and the Mermaid Soup at Lisabella’s Bistro & Bar is going to be our next stop on our fall food tour. Their entire menu will not let you down, and we have to urge you to save room for their homemade carrot ginger cake, but first, there is soup. Mermaid Soup, to be more exact, a savory dish made with lobster coconut broth, lobster tail meat, and curry spices. But its most important ingredient? Secrets! If you don’t believe us, read the menu; it’s right there in black and white!
Chili at MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen, 118 Beach Street
Rainy days, football nights, lazy afternoons with the family. We can’t think of one time in the fall that wouldn’t be enhanced by a spicy cup of chili, and MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen is the place to go! Their menu is a casual one, featuring a little bit of everything, but their chili owns a piece of our hearts, especially when it is topping their tater tots or fries. Unfortunately, their recipe is a secret one, but we can assure you that it is no secret how delicious every bite will be!
A Thanksgiving Feast at Trout Street Bar & Grill, 104 W Cotter Avenue
You still have a few weeks to decide where you may want to eat for your Thanksgiving meal, but if you are planning a visit here over the holiday, Trout Street Bar & Grill is known for offering their traditional turkey feast on the big day. Offering all the trimmings, every bite will taste like the season.
Pumpkin Pie at Island Bakery, 200 W Avenue G
While the yule log might be considered the traditional dessert at Christmas, for Thanksgiving, or any time in the fall, it is pumpkin pie all the way and the Island Bakery is our recommendation for this traditional autumn treat. Apple pie runs a close second to pumpkin, however, and of course, this sweet shop offers both as well as a mouth watering selection of homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and their shop specialty, the cruffin, which is a blend of croissant and muffin.
Painkillers at Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill, 429 N Alister Street
No, we’re not suggesting you take some ibuprofen while dining at Tortuga’s; we are suggesting that their Painkiller cocktail may become your new favorite fall drink! Made with a variety of rums, juices, and cream of coconut, it is the nutmeg sprinkled on the drink after it is mixed that gives a fall flavor to a typical summer drink.
What’s in Your Kitchen?
Your favorite fall dining may take place at home in our fully equipped kitchens! The Port Aransas Farmers Market, a once-a-year event, takes place on October 26th, and visitors can stock up on harvest veggies and homemade baked goods to create a fall feast that you will never forget. This is also one way to be able to dine and watch all the football games without heading to a sports bar, ensuring that the sports fan in your family will love you forever for the suggestion. Reserve your favorite Port Aransas vacation rental with The Dunes today!