There’s a reason why surf and turf is so popular when vacationing along the Coastal Bend. The seafood is as fresh as it gets and the steaks don’t get much juicier than in South Texas! Check out these fantastic local establishments that offer the most mouth-watering steak dinners.

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Katz 21 Steak & Spirits

This fabulous restaurant is Corpus Christi’s only prime steakhouse and will leave you feeling full and satisfied every time you visit. Located in Southside, Katz 21 Steak & Spirits specializes in dry-aged prime beef as well as fresh seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico. The award-winning wine list will ensure you always have a perfect pairing while dining inside or outside on the patio.

Start or end your evening with some tasty bar food or a signature cocktail at the CLUB 21 bar and enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday nights for some added ambiance. If you’re looking to host a large party with great food, Katz 21 is the place to go. There are three private dining rooms that can each hold up to 150 people for any occasion!

Docs Seafood Must See

Doc’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant

When the sun goes down over the Gulf, there’s no place better to relax and take it all in than at Doc’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant. Nestled right under the J.F.K. on Padre Island, there is plenty of outdoor seating that overlooks the Intercoastal Waterway. You can stop by anytime to try their mouth-watering steaks and fresh waterfront seafood as they are open for lunch and dinner.

With a full service bar, you’re sure to find a cold beer or tasty cocktail to quench your thirst in the hot Texas sun. Kick back and enjoy live music from local artists and be sure to snap a photo or two of the most-photographed sunset in Corpus Christi. Additionally, the attached special event venue, “The Waterline at Doc’s” is a great place to rent out for any large gathering or party such as a family reunion or wedding reception.

Nikko’s Steakhouse

There’s a good chance you’ll smell the amazing food long before you enter Nikko’s Steakhouse, also located in Southside, because of one thing: the mesquite wood grill. Their motto of “Great Food, Great Times, Great Experience” absolutely rings true and their food will impress even the biggest steak connoisseurs. The famous mesquite wood grill is not only perfect for bringing out the flavor in a juicy steak, but all of the flavors in seafood, chicken and other wild game as well.

Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is quite extensive and they have several dining rooms for seating. The elegant atmosphere allows for a wonderful date night or gathering out on the town, but if you’re looking for a more casual setting, check out the Reflections Lounge which features a fully stocked bar and several widescreen TVs so you don’t have to miss the big game.

U&I Family Restaurant

When exploring the Bayfront/Downtown area of Corpus Christi, you will definitely want to venture into U&I Family Restaurant for what is sure to be one of the best steak dinners you may have in your life. There’s a steak dinner for everyone at this classic family-style restaurant from 6 oz. sirloins to hearty ribeyes all charbroiled on a mesquite grill. Other menu options include Mexican and Italian entrees as well as surf & turf and shish-kabobs.

Owned by the same Greek family that opened the restaurant in 1971, the name “U&I”  symbolizes the relationship between the customer and owner. All of their food is made with the utmost care and love, especially their homemade sauces and dressings that are all made from scratch. Add a cocktail or glass of wine to your meal from their full bar or large wine list to round out your meal for a picture-perfect night out during your Corpus Christi vacation.

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Vernon's Steak Night

There's nothing like heading into a neighborhood dive bar for some amazing food. Every Thursday Vernon's has some of the juiciest and largest steaks around. Steak Night is only $13 with all the fixins for your steak cooked to order on the mesquite wood fired grill. You'll find locals of all ages in this hole-in-the-wall bar. Drink specials with bar games, a big covered patio and peanut shells on the floor have kept this place going as one of the oldest bars in the city.

Republic of Texas Bar & Grill

Republic of Texas

The renowned Repubic of Texas Bar & Grill is one of Corpus Christi's top dining destinations! Located on the 20th floor of the Omni, this multi-level steakhouse offers diners beautiful panoramic views of the Corpus Christi Bay. Republic of Texas has all the ingredients for the perfect celebration or eventing out! An award winning wine list, a tempting menu with prime beef, wild game and seafood and endless captivating views await you. Reservations recommended.


Part of the fun of any vacation is experiencing the local culture through food. Corpus Christi is the perfect place to treat yourself to a delicious and unique steak dinner after a day on the water or exploring the sights of the Coastal Bend.