You could travel all over Texas and you wouldn't find eats quite like the ones Corpus Christi has to offer! Here are five Corpus Christi fixtures—think funky, authentic, award-winning and all around delicious—to jump right into your exploration of the Corpus Christi food scene.
1. Island Joe’s Coffee & Gallery
Need a cup of morning joe and bright colors to get you moving? This funky fresh Padre Island fixture has you covered for coffee, smoothies and breakfast bites. What’s unique about it? First of all: Island Joe’s cold brew espresso is so popular, they literally have it on tap! Original art by owner, artist and photographer Joe Tumlinson lines the walls, and scrumptious baked goods and energy bites, coconut syrup and Mexican vanilla whipped cream are all made in-house. Out and about? Catch the Joe-To-Go truck at the Island Farmers’ Market on Thursdays.
2. Ginger Cafe & Grill
For authentic Mediterranean, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s no better place than Ginger’s. This is the place to enjoy succulent dishes and Eastern hospitality, whether your spice level is a 1 or a 10! Best yet, the cafe is an unmatched choice for entertaining a group with veggie, vegan, Halal and/or gluten-free diets. Ginger’s is highly-rated by locals, and a great choice if you’re looking for something delicious outside the American norm.
3. Andy’s Country Kitchen
Complimentary blueberry muffins? Yes, please! Located in Corpus Christi’s Southside, Andy’s treats everyone like family and is home to some of the best comfort food and homemade country cooking in town. If you’re in the market for a big menu, daily specials, authentic Mexican dishes, delectable seafood and breakfast served all day (including a $4.00 two-egg meal!) Andy’s is your place.
4. Boardwalk Cafe
You’re on the water, so have some incredible seafood at a certified mom and pop establishment! Locally owned and operated in Flour Bluff, Boardwalk Cafe specializes in local seafood, with over 10 types of fish and shrimp prepared whichever way you please. If seafood isn’t for you, have your fill of Mama's Meatloaf, King Ranch Chicken, Chicken and Dumplings or a big bowl of chili. Community, local lore and your favorite catch are all just steps away from the sea! Check out Boardwalk Cafe for early bird and lunch specials. They happily accommodate gluten-free / veggie / MSG allergy diets, too.
5. A La Mode Gelateria
Time for sweet stuff! If your sweet tooth demands perfection, what could be better than the bold, tastebud-tempting inventions of two Le Cordon Bleu-trained and Food Network-featured chefs? For small-batch gelato, crepes, waffles, and whatever you imagine a “Brownie Bomb” to be, A La Mode can’t be beat. Try candy-inspired flavors like Pay Day, Take 5, Ferrero Rocher, Nutty Buddy, Andes and SweetTarts. Looking for more elegant options? Your choices include Blueberry Buttermilk, Texas Fredericksburg Peach, Fig Almond, Blood Orange Sorbet, Churro or Karbach Chocolate BBH Imperial Porter (Yep. Beer gelato). A Padre Island favorite—and it isn’t hard to see why.
Do we have your mouth watering? Check out more unique eats and start building your dream Corpus Christi vacation at visitcorpuschristitx.org/eat!
