These are some of our favorite seafood restaurants in Corpus Christi
If you're craving the flavors of the sea, you've come to the right place.
Living in the Coastal Bend means you don't have to cast a wide net to find plenty of places with shrimp, fish, oysters, crab, and more.
Whether it's for the fast food, fried seafood, fresh seafood or simply the restaurant's atmosphere, the Caller-Times newsroom staff picked some of its favorite seafood spots in the area.
And you'll find some of us have more than one favorite!
In no specific order, these are some seafood places we love:
You don't have to be a staffer to pitch in! Don't see your favorite restaurant on this list? Email me at natalia.contreras@caller.com and tell me why you love it.
Boat-N-Net
Yes we did. Because Boat-N-Net is a local institution. So much so, that actress Eva Longoria took a photo in front of one location during her visit to Corpus Christi in 2015.
"It's cheap, it's good and the tartar sauce is good. And I was raised on it. It was right by my elementary school on Kostoryz." — Alexandria Rodriguez, reporter
4808 Kostoryz Road and 3808 S. Staples St.
The Blue Clove
Tony Posada Sr., his brother Isidro and his son, Tony Jr., teamed up to open The Blue Clove two years ago in the heart of the city's Westside.
After years of cooking at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club, the trio decided to do their own thing and serve ceviche, shrimp cocktail, fried tilapia and salmon.
1945 Horne Road
Doc's Seafood and Steaks
When friends and family are in town for a visit, this is the place with the best photo ops.
"Nice views and the food is good. Good for out-of-town guests who want to spend some time near the water." — Tim Archuleta, editor
13309 S. Padre Island Drive
The Angry Marlin Restaurant & CoolWater Bar
The Angry Marlin on the island offers a friendly dining experience. And the best part? They will cook your catch.
"Usually I simply tell the chef what kind of fish fillets I have and ask him to be creative. It is a favorite neighborhood eatery, so often guests at several tables know each other and might chat with nearby diners. I have never been disappointed. Neither have my guests." — Outdoors reporter David Sikes
15605 S. Padre Island Drive
La Ribera
This hidden gem in the city's Westside can become a favorite for lunch with coworkers duing the week — especially if you're randomly craving ceviche.
It's cheap and if you don't like seafood, you can always order enchiladas.
Oh, and did we mention there's a fish market right next door?
1602 Morgan Avenue
King Seafood
Some of the best comfort food out there.
"Because it’s greasy and delicious and they have some green tartar sauce that’s (addictive)." — Beatriz Alvarado, reporter
3315 Baldwin Road.
Saltwater Grill
This restaurant in the city's Southside has been around for seven years and it's becoming a locals' favorite.
"They really know how to cook fish. The fish and shrimp are always fresh, cooked perfectly, and the sauces are wonderful. I’ve been told that if you catch your own and bring it in, they’ll cook it for you. This place is a gem." — Clay Carpenter, planner
"Good grilled and fried seafood. Family-friendly. A place where you could become a 'regular customer.' " — Tim Archuleta, editor
2401 Ciimarron, Suite 101.
Water Street Oyster Bar
The Water Street market restaurants, including the Executive Surf Club and the Oyster Bar have been a popular spot in Corpus Christi since the '90s.
"If I’m not mistaken, it actually introduced blackened fish to Corpus Christi, it’s committed to serving fresh catch, and because its seafood gumbo may actually be better than the gumbo in New Orleans." — Tom Whitehurst, opinion editor
309 N Water St.
Banda's Seafood
If you like Boat-N-Net, give this place a chance, too.
"I’ve always been a sucker for Banda’s Seafood on Port. It’s like Boat N Net, but so much better. They have a menu the size of a wall with a ton of options, potato logs (not fries) and different types of fish. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it." — Tim Acosta, reporter
2751 S Port Ave.
Railroad Seafood Station and Brewing Co.
This place offers everything from fresh seafood, to burgers, steaks and chicken strips with some good gravy.
And because sweet potato fries!
Oh, and they brew their own beer.
1214 N. Chaparral St.
Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar
Head out to the island and try some of these creative dishes.
"I’ve never had a dish here that I’d tasted before or did not enjoy. Be adventurous. Talk to the chef if possible. Don’t go for fried fish!" — David Sikes, outdoors reporter
15113 S Padre Island Drive, Suite 101
Black Marlin Bar & Grill
Black Marlin took a hit from Hurricane Harvey but it's open again and better than ever.
The shrimp dishes here are always a favorite, their specials are always inventive and the service and cocktails are always on point.
And make sure you give a shout out to chef Gail Huesmann when you're there!
258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas
Yardarm Restaurant
Another local favorite on Ocean Drive, which regularly features a vegetarian-friendly entree on its menu.
"I worked there for more than 10 years, so I got to eat a lot of delicious, fresh seafood. They do interesting and tasty sauces for people who are tired of only having the option of fried or blackened fish on a menu." — Allison Ehrlich, archivist
"Yardarm is the place to go for really special ocassions. It's very exclusive, really small and intimate. It's really a hidden treasure in Corpus Christi." — Rachel Denny Clow, photographer
4310 Ocean Drive
La Playa Mexican Grill in Port Aransas
Not to be confused with La Playa Mexican Restaurants in Corpus Christi, La Playa in Port Aransas is another one recommended by reporter David Sikes.
And because the guacamole is made fresh at your table.
"The grilled fish of your choice is full of flavor and spiced just right, with a side of grilled veggies. The crawfish enchiladas (when in season) are topped with a rich sauce and lump crab if you ask for it." — David Sikes
222 Beach Ave., Port Aransas
Cheryl's By the Bay in Fulton
A Fulton and Rockport locals' favorite. Cheryl's offers breakfast, brunch and dinner.
112 S. Fulton Beach Road, Fulton
Shempy's Grill in Rockport
According to locals, Shempy's Grill has some of the best seafood on the coast. And they update their Facebook page frequently so you'll always know what's for lunch.
3913 Highway 35 S., Rockport.
Catfish Charlie's
A locals' favorite, Catfish Charlie's serves some of the best gumbo in town.
"Locals know they have the best catfish, shrimp, frog legs and gumbo in Corpus Christi. A favorite since 1977 that should not be missed!" — Caller-Times reader Reagan Brown
5830 McArdle Road Suire 12
Snoopy's Pier
Are you really from Corpus Christi if you haven't been to Snoopy's Pier?
"Go for the views, and stay for the excellent fried entrees," — Allison Ehrlich, archivist
13313 S. Padre Island Drive.
Black Diamond Oyster Bar
This restaurant is now located in Flour Bluff and some locals say they won't eat seafood anywhere else.
"Their feature dishes vary by day. The sauces over fish are never overwhelming. The oysters Rockefeller are the best I’ve ever had. Also, their french fries are house cut and not frozen." — Caller-Times reader, Monica Quiroga Rowlings
418 NAS Drive
La Costeñita
Another hidden gem on the city's Westside.
"I recommend the Diabolitos Rancheros, which are bacon-wrapped shrimp with a jalapeño and white cheese inside, served with corn tortillas and Ranchero sauce. It’s unbelievably good!" — Caller-Times reader, Keith Rawlings
4217 Leopard St.
Laguna Reef Restaurant
This restaurant in Flour Bluff is reasonably priced, we enjoy its casual atmosphere, nice view — think Snoopy's, but from the other side of the Laguna Madre — and the food is good, too.
Oh, and they'll cook your catch if you bring it in.
4242 Laguna Shores Road
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