Savor the Seafood: 7 Favorite Picks for Dining Out in Port Aransas
Where to eat at the beach? The wrong choice can disappoint when you’ve been looking forward to the perfect vacation. At Cinnamon Shore, our rentals come with fabulous, state-of-the-art kitchens designed for easily whipping up something wonderful for friends and families. But it’s fun to dine out at the beach – to sample seafood or other dishes that someone else prepares. Even if you’re not a guest at Cinnamon Shore, this list can help you plan your beach trip to Port Aransas. Here are our picks for where to dine on Mustang Island.
Lisabella's Bistro & Bar. Put our own community’s signature restaurant at the top of your list. This eclectic, Mediterranean-style restaurant in the Town Center at Cinnamon Shore offers indoor and outdoor seating and an impressive array of seafood and spirits. With favorites such as Mermaid Soup – lobster coconut broth with shrimp and curry – and main dishes including seafood enchiladas, grilled fish and filets, Lisabella’s provides fine dining in a casual, relaxed space where you’ll want to return again and again. lisabellas.com; 5009 Hwy. 361 78373; 361-749-4222; see the full menu.
Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. This addition to Cinnamon Shore quickly became a town favorite, with its special oven crisping crusts the perfect texture and offering classic and creative combinations on its pies. It also offers pastas, salads, and sandwiches, along with a full bar and TV where you can keep up with the big game. It's a family-friendly spot, but also great fordate night. Sit indoors or on the outdoor patio or courtyard under bistro lighting. See the full menu.
Shell’s Pasta and Seafood. Now this place is a classic don’t-judge-the-book-by-its-cover type of establishment. With a humble exterior and away from the main drag in downtown Port A, it’s easy to drive right past. But locals and longtime Port A vacationers know this spot is worth the wait for a table. eatatshells.com, 522 E Avenue G 78373, at the intersection of E Avenue G and S. 11th St.; 361-749-7621
Irie’s Island Food. Locals and vacationers alike rave about this spot, known for creative taco combos served in house-made flour tortillas (corn upon request) and with a whole menu of sauces paired with certain selections. Try the Grilled Wahoo Taco, with the restaurant’s red dragon sauce; the Crawfish Charlie Taco, with crawfish sautéed in garlic/ginger butter; or the Crazy Taco, with its fun blend of pork and shrimp, avocado, pineapple jam, corn tortillas strips and green dragon sauce on the side. Plus, Irie’s offer delightful beignets. iriesilandfood.com; 503 N. Alister St. 78373; 361-749-2310.
Seafood and Spaghetti Works. A traditional place to dine for many who have been coming to Port A for decades, this reliable favorite offers seafood and pasta under an octagonal-shaped roof that’s become an area landmark. The new building, constructed in 2013, nods to the original eatery -- a dome-shaped arcade-turned-restaurant established in the late 1970s, a remnant of a closed-down waterpark. Family-owned and operated, this spot is fun for dine-in or carry-out meals back at your condo or beach house. seafoodandspaghettiworks.com; 910 Hwy 361 78373; 361-749-5666
La Playa Mexican Grille. What’s a beach vacay in Texas without a good margarita? Get your fix for frozen cocktails and mocktails – plus the best Tex Mex on Mustang Island – at this locals’ favorite. In addition to various types of seafood enchiladas, you can sample from more than 70 types of tequila. 222 Beach Ave. 78373; 361-749-0022
Venetian Hot Plate. Run by a couple from Italy, this spot serves authentic pasta dishes alongside steaks, veal, seafood, and more. From traditional veal scaloppini, duck dishes, and penne with Bolognese sauce to creative seafood pasta combinations, the menu has one of the city’s more refined selections, but the restaurant still has a casual, comfortable vibe. Its pink-shingled roof and pink-and-white awning fits right into the fun and funky part of the Port A aesthetic. venetianhotplate.com; 232 Beach Ave.; 361-749-7617
Book Your Stay at Cinnamon Shore
Come stay with us and enjoy all this delicious food – and, most important, savor your time on the beach. See your vacation rental options, or call 844-281-3682 to learn more about how we can put together a great vacation for you and your family.
Published by Jennifer Chappell Smith
Wednesday, June 29, 2022