A Local’s Guide
If there’s one thing Port Aransas does right, it’s seafood. With fresh catches brought in daily from the Gulf, this charming coastal town is home to some of the best seafood spots in Texas. Whether you’re craving shrimp, oysters, redfish, or a classic seafood boil, Port Aransas has a restaurant to satisfy every seafood lover’s palate.
Here’s a local’s guide to the best seafood restaurants in Port Aransas that you won’t want to miss.
1. Fins Grill & Icehouse
Located right on the waterfront, Fins Grill & Icehouse offers a casual, laid-back atmosphere with unbeatable views of the harbor. Known for its fresh, Gulf-caught seafood, Fins is a local favorite for dishes like fried shrimp platters, fish tacos, and their signature stuffed flounder.
What sets Fins apart is the fresh flavor of their seafood and the option to dine on the outdoor patio, where your meal comes with a side of sea breeze. Don’t forget to try their Texas Gulf Shrimp—it’s some of the best in town!
Local Favorite: Texas Gulf Shrimp, stuffed flounder
Vibe: Casual, waterfront dining with a pet-friendly patio.
2. Castaways Seafood & Grill
For a cozy, laid-back seafood dining experience, Castaways Seafood & Grill is the place to go. This restaurant serves up hearty portions of fried, grilled, and blackened seafood, with some of the best oysters and fish tacos around. It’s a perfect spot for families, with a friendly atmosphere and a menu that has something for everyone.
Locals rave about their seafood platters, which come with a mix of shrimp, fish, and crab cakes. Castaways also offers a fantastic selection of daily fresh catch specials, so there’s always something new to try.
Local Favorite: Fresh oysters, seafood platters
Vibe: Casual, family-friendly with generous portions.
3. The Crazy Cajun
Looking for a little Cajun flair with your seafood? Head over to The Crazy Cajun, a local institution known for its seafood boils and spicy, Southern-style dishes. This is the go-to spot for crawfish, shrimp, and crab legs, all served up steaming hot with potatoes, corn, and sausage.
The Crazy Cajun is all about fun, and their “dump style” service makes it a social dining experience, perfect for big groups. If you’re ready to dig in and get your hands messy, you can’t go wrong with the Crazy Cajun Boil.
Local Favorite: Crazy Cajun Boil, crawfish
Vibe: Lively, Southern-style seafood boil with a fun, casual setting.
4. Trout Street Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for fresh seafood with a slightly more upscale feel, Trout Street Bar & Grill is a must-visit. Located right on the harbor, Trout Street offers beautiful views paired with Gulf Coast favorites like grilled red snapper, shrimp scampi, and their famous seafood pasta.
Trout Street is known for using the freshest ingredients and creative flavor combinations, making it a great choice for a special dinner or a romantic evening. The ambiance is elevated, but still relaxed enough to enjoy with friends and family.
Local Favorite: Grilled red snapper, seafood pasta
Vibe: Upscale casual with waterfront views.
5. Virginia’s On The Bay
For fresh seafood served with a side of stunning harbor views, Virginia’s On The Bay is hard to beat. This open-air restaurant sits right on the water, making it the perfect spot to enjoy your meal while watching the boats come and go. Virginia’s menu focuses on simple, fresh seafood, with highlights like their peel-and-eat shrimp, fried oysters, and grilled fish sandwiches.
Locals love Virginia’s for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and generous portions. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach or settling in for a leisurely dinner, Virginia’s offers a true taste of Port Aransas’ coastal charm.
Local Favorite: Peel-and-eat shrimp, fried oysters
Vibe: Casual, open-air dining with unbeatable harbor views.
6. Roosevelt’s
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience with a focus on fresh, local seafood, Roosevelt’s is the place to be. Tucked inside the historic Tarpon Inn, Roosevelt’s offers a charming and intimate setting paired with an exquisite seafood menu. Known for their seared scallops, lobster risotto, and blackened Gulf red snapper, this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
The chef at Roosevelt’s is known for crafting seasonal dishes that highlight the best seafood the Gulf has to offer, combining traditional flavors with modern twists. With its cozy ambiance and impeccable service, dining at Roosevelt’s is a must for anyone looking to experience the finer side of Port Aransas cuisine.
Local Favorite: Seared scallops, blackened Gulf red snapper
Vibe: Upscale, intimate dining in a historic setting.
7. Moby Dick’s
For a fun, family-friendly dining experience, look no further than Moby Dick’s, a whimsical seafood restaurant that’s been a Port Aransas staple for years. The décor is all about pirates and the high seas, making it a hit with kids, while the menu offers a wide variety of fried, grilled, and blackened seafood options.
Locals and visitors alike love Moby Dick’s for its fried shrimp, crab cakes, and fish and chips. It’s the perfect spot to grab a casual meal after a day at the beach, and the seafood combo platters are great for sharing.
Local Favorite: Fried shrimp, fish and chips
Vibe: Fun, family-friendly with a pirate-themed twist.
8. Black Marlin Bar & Grill
For a seafood experience with stunning views and a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere, Black Marlin Bar & Grill is a standout choice. Located at the Palmilla Beach Resort, this coastal grill offers a diverse menu that includes everything from grilled Gulf fish tacos to jumbo shrimp and ahi tuna steaks. The spacious outdoor patio offers sweeping views of the Gulf and the golf course, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Locals rave about their signature seafood boil, which features a generous mix of shrimp, crab, and sausage. Pair your meal with one of their specialty cocktails for the perfect beachside dining experience. Black Marlin’s upscale-casual vibe, combined with its top-notch seafood, makes it a must-visit in Port Aransas.
Local Favorite: Seafood boil, ahi tuna steak
Vibe: Upscale-casual with beautiful Gulf and golf course views.
Ready to Dive In?
Port Aransas is a seafood lover’s dream, with each restaurant offering its own take on fresh Gulf catches. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal by the beach, a lively seafood boil, or an upscale dining experience, these local favorites have you covered.
No matter where you choose to dine, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with a satisfied appetite and a deeper appreciation for the incredible seafood that Port Aransas has to offer.
