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SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. There's nothing overly fancy about this lively, bayou-style seafood shack, whose plank wood floors and vinyl tablecloths anticipate such down-home delights as crispy hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans, country-fried potatoes, and the obligatory bucket o' beer. Of course, these go down better when paired with one of Charlie's tasty "ontrays." Fried Mississippi catfish, of course, is the signature, but you'll also find great satisfaction in other Cajun-inspired items, which include fried shrimp, fried frog legs, classic red beans and rice with ham, and the aptly-named S.O.B. (shrimp stuffed with oysters and wrapped in bacon).
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Jezebelles Restaurant
100 N Shoreline Blvd, Art Center of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 · 361-887-7403
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DOWNTOWN. If you're looking to impress a client or that somebody special with your excellent taste in brunch or lunch venues, this warm cafe in the Art Center complex is a good place to begin. Indeed, Jezebelles offers a distinctly sophisticated setting, its walls hung with fascinating, original artwork and its large windows boasting spectacular views of the nearby marina. Lunch specialties range from gourmet sandwiches to artistically put-together salads. Sundays, their popular jazz brunches combine terrific music with creative cuisine.
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Katz 21
317 Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 · 361-884-1815
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DOWNTOWN. Reservations are strongly encouraged at this downtown steakhouse, receipient of numerous accolades from local and regional travel and dining publications. With its smartly clad waitstaff and elegant, linen-dressed tables, Katz 21 exudes class and excellence. Start off your fine dining experience with an appetizer of baked formaggio and olive relish before moving on to rack of lamb or NY strip pepper steak flambé, the latter, of course, prepared tableside. Afterwards, enjoy your favorite cocktails in the posh 21 Spirits Club, where live music is a frequent feature.
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Mac's BBQ
Click here to show all locations.
219 Hwy 35, Gregory, TX 78359 · 361-643-5589
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GREGORY. If you're looking for old-fashioned, Texas-style BBQ, it's worth the drive across the Nueces Bay Causeway to the small town of Gregory, where delicious eats are served at this roadside stopping point. Beef brisket, of course, is the specialty, and they do it by mesquite smoking each serving to perfection. Beef ribs and down-home fixings like baked beans and fried potatoes are also available. Other locations are in Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass, but the original in Gregory is widely regarded as the best of the bunch.
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PORT ARANSAS. Located on Mustang Island, Pelican's Landing ranks as one of the region's most celebrated seafooders. Their "you catch, we cook it your way" policy makes it a favorite with anglers who want to properly savor the spoils of a day spent trolling South Texas's coastal waters. Of course, Pelican's also serves their own fresh-caught fish and seafood, and signature dishes range from crab-stuffed shimp with jalapeno tartar sauce to their famous breaded whitefish served with garlic butter sauce and wild rice. Fabulous island-inspired drinks also make Pelican's Landing a popular place to gather with friends at the close of the day.
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DOWNTOWN. A popular special-occasion place, Republic enchants patrons with contemporary decor and fabulous panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay. First-rate service sets an impressive tone; from there, impeccable fare does the rest. The menu is headlined by 18-ounce bone-in chops with caramelized Granny Smith apples, Axis venison with Nopalito sauce, and an 8-ounce filet mignon and 20-ounce New Zealand lobster tail surf and turf. For post-prandial entertainment, check out the piano lounge, where live music, expertly mixed drinks, and delish appetizers are nightly standards. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
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Snoopy's Pier
13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 · 361-949-8815
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PADRE ISLAND. Salty dog aesthetics like old fishing rods, nets, and life preservers suit a rustic waterside eatery like Snoopy's, whose rep is based on delicious breaded shrimp, grilled burgers, and stuffed jalapenos (Hey, this is Texas after all!). Located on Laguna Madre, Snoopy's is one of the area's best places to catch a good look at the sunset – of course, such a setting is likely to draw big crowds, and, boy, does it ever. Open-air dining is available most of the year, but on the rare chance that a cool breeze blows, the party doesn't stop, thanks to a large, wood-burning fireplace in the main dining room.
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PORT ARANSAS. Boasting terrific views of activity in the marina and in the distant Corpus Christi Channel, Trout Street is one of Port Aransas's more exceptional dining experiences. Indeed, the casual restaurant boasts the look and feel of a cozy island homestead, and the friendly staff and superb cooking only enhance the atmosphere. Menu highlights include yellow fin tuna filet with Southwestern spices served over tequila pico sauce and linguini, along with more terrine dishes like grilled quail, blackened chicken breast, and aged Angus steaks.
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DOWNTOWN. Poll a random sampling of locals, and you'll discover that this downtown establishment is widely regarded as Corpus Christi's signature restaurant. Indeed, Water Street has constructed a nice niche for itself since opening in the early '80s, and it never fails to deliver a memorable dining experience. Creative, nautical-inspired décor accompanies superbly presented fare, like sweet, delicate fish and shellfish presented to diners in style. Folks also can't seem to get enough of the embrochette platter, which features breaded Gulf oysters, Southern-fried catfish, or chicken stuffed with crawfish tails, shrimp, and cheese, then topped with a chipotle drizzle. Reservations for groups only.
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DOWNTOWN. One of the city's more well-thought-of dining establishments, Yardarm gets high marks for its intimate (some may say "snug") setting, friendly service, and excellent food. Indeed, once you add in terrific views of Corpus Christi Bay, it doesn't take a NASA scientist to figure out why this Ocean Drive charmer is so popular. Menu highlights range from the terrine (premium cuts of steak) to the marine (fresh Gulf lobster and other well-prepared fruits of the sea). Superb desserts and a wine list that rivals any in town round out this unique dining experience. Reservations are encouraged.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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