Where to Eat at South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island features some of the best restuarants in the state, and in some cases, the country. There is something for all kinds of diets and palate. Again, here are the most popular:

Blackbeards – the most popular restaurant on the Island with great prices and large atmosphere. Be sure to ask for the onion rings and chicken fried steak. Got a big group? Bring them here. Winter Texan Specials! Price: Moderate

Sea Ranch – upscale and a bit on the expensive side, but rated by national magazines as one of the best seafood restaurants in the nation. You also get water front dining. Live entertainment. A local landmark. Price: High [Website]

Scampis – Premier island restaurant with Bayside dining, seafoods, fine wines, pastas, and prime meats. They usually win local shrimp festivals. Also has one of the best water views on the Island. Price: High

The Lost Galleon Seafood Restaurant – this is a very small restaurant, sort of what you’d find in New England with its slanted roof and thin walls. However, the main attraction is the all-you-can-eat seafood at very low prices. Very popular with the senior citizens and tourists who are looking for great food and great prices. Located in Port Isabel across from the Lighthouse.
Price: Cheap

Beef Eaters Smokehouse – an excellent BBQ restaurant that compares with the best of Central Texas/Austin BBQs. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet with a large variety of meats, side items, and salads. Located in Port Isabel next to the Lighthouse. Price: Moderate

Louie's Back Yard - Decent dining and situated with a Bay side view. Great bar. Price: Moderate

Pirate's Landing - located next to Beef Eater's Smokehouse, this restaurant is a great family place. Situated with a great view of the bridge. Price: Cheap

The Palmetto Inn - Looking for Mexican food? This place is the oldest restaurant on the island for a reason. Reasonably priced. Price: Cheap

Rovan's - The best place for breakfast on the island! Also includes a bakery. Yum! Price: Cheap

Naturally's - Vegetarian? This place is an oasis for both vegetarians and the seafood impaired. Price: ?

Padre Island Brewing Company - Good beer for a tourist town the size of South Padre Island. Not the best, but very good for the area. The Pale and Stout were the best.

Avoid: If you are going to eat at AmberJacks or Tom and Jerrys, be sure to think of a good reason to do so (maybe you already tried all the other restaurants). Their food is sub-par, although AmberJacks has a nice bay view where you can watch boats come in and dock...

Many other fantastic restaurants are available on SPI or nearby. View a list here.

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