When you’re visiting Port Aransas, there’s a lot of great, local dining to be had! While you’re out here enjoying your unique, beach vacation in Port Aransas, you’ll have plenty of options for one-of-a-kind dining. The local restaurants in Port Aransas provide a wide variety of eating experiences, and of course, you can’t afford to miss the opportunity to sample the Port Aransas seafood. With all that in mind, here are some recommendations for restaurants exclusive to the area that you should try.
The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant
A tried-and-true Port Aransas staple for over 28 years, The Crazy Cajun is the go-to spot if you’re looking to enjoy the distinctive taste of Cajun cuisine served with an island style. All different kinds of shellfish and traditional Cajun dishes are offered here. You can get your hands on shrimp, crawfish, snow crab, smoked sausage, and stone crab claws by the half-pound or pound at maret price- perfect for serving groups after a long day on the beach.
Even if seafood isn’t your preference, The Crazy Cajun has plenty of meaty dishes to round out their menu. Ribs, gumbo, jambalaya, and more are all wonderful meals to quench your appetite. Beer and wine are also available for purchase during your visit, along with desserts and even their own special blend of Cajun spice to take along. Come see why they’ve been in business for nearly 30 years!
Seafood and Spaghetti Works
With a unique fusion of Italian and seafood dishes, Seafood and Spaghetti Works is one of the most exceptional dining experiences you’ll be able to find in Port Aransas. It’s a restaurant with a long history in the town, having been in multiple buildings since its original opening in 1979 under the name of “Spaghetti Works.” A few years later, the restaurant expanded its menu and received the name it has today. This is a great, local business to support while in town.
These days, the menu has reached a massive size with a variety of options. There’s something for everyone here, with a great selection of appetizers, especially seafood, to get your meal started off. From there, your choice of entree is wide-open. There are tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, steak, chicken, pasta, and of course all kinds of seafood accompanied by a fully stocked bar and dessert menu to complete your experience. Whatever your choice, you’re sure to be impressed.
Irie’s Island Food
Founded by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Irie’s Island Food offers a combination of local fare and fusion dishes that is sure to impress. Martin, formerly the head chef of several restaurants over the course of 20 years, put together the concept and created an impressive menu that locals and visitors alike can’t miss.
Rice bowls, tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more are all available for purchase here. There’s also a decent amount of Asian, Hawaiian, Mexican, and Cajun influence on the styling of the dishes. Because of this, you can expect to get a different experience every time if you decide to visit on multiple occasions to try some different dishes. This is a great place for curious palettes to visit, and they also have wine and beer offerings.
MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen
If delicious comfort food and BBQ are some of your favorites, consider visiting MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen while you’re visiting Port Aransas. They pride themselves on their ability to quickly and professionally serve larger parties without sacrificing the quality of their food. Bring the whole group with you and have them serve it all up family style. For those in smaller groups, do not worry! There are smaller portions to take advantage of as well.
Their menu has plenty of BBQ mainstays like chili, BBQ loaded nachos, and as many smoked meats you could imagine. Mix and match your meats of choice with the variety of platters they have available, or if BBQ platters aren’t your preference, indulge in an Angus Beef burger or fried fish platter. Finish off your meal with some pecan pie or peach cobbler and enjoy their full bar with sixteen beers on tap at any given moment.
Venetian Hot Plate
Get some authentic Italian cuisine from Venetian Hot Plate, opened in 1995 after founders Linda Maurice relocated to Texas from Venice. Enjoy fine, Italian dining in a casual atmosphere with the added flair of a well decorated interior and an abundance of eye-catching wine storage.
There’s no better way to get a sampling of Southern Italian cuisine in all of Port Aransas. You’ll find plenty of pasta dishes with shrimp, clams, and scallops that are all wonderfully paired with homemade sauces made to match the seafood’s flavor profiles. The same goes for all their other dishes, whether they’re prepared with beef, chicken, or no meat at all. They also offer a selection of salads, and plenty of hearty entrees like pan-seared duck, veal scaloppine, and more. Don’t forget to sample some of their handpicked wines while you’re there.
Book a stay and Enjoy our local restaurants in Port Aransas
Wherever you decide to dine during your stay in Port Aransas, Sandcastle Condominiums has the perfect rental to complement your stay. Book with us now and dine in style while you enjoy your Port Aransas vacation.
