Treat your taste buds in Port Aransas, Texas
Of course! As your local Port Aransas guide, I'm thrilled to take you on a culinary tour of our island paradise. Port A isn't just a place; it's a feeling—a sun-kissed, salt-air state of mind where the food is as vibrant and laid-back as the people. Forget stiff, white-tablecloth formalities; here, the best meals are often enjoyed with sand between your toes or with the sound of live music floating on the breeze.
So, pull up a chair, order a cold drink, and let me walk you through the essential dining experiences that make Port Aransas a true foodie destination. We'll explore ten spots that capture the heart and soul of our island, from authentic Mexican fiestas to dockside seafood feasts and everything in between.
### **1. Cancun Mexican Restaurant: A Fiesta on the Island**
**Location:** 1023 State Hwy 361 Ste E
Let's start where many a great Port A story begins: with a hearty, flavorful meal at Cancun Mexican Restaurant. Tucked away in a strip mall, this place is a classic don't judge a book by its cover gem. The moment you step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the irresistible aroma of sizzling fajitas and fresh cilantro will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.
**The Vibe:** It’s family-friendly, bustling, and unpretentious. The walls are adorned with vibrant colors and sombreros, and the staff greets you like an old friend. This is the place for lively conversations, clinking margarita glasses, and sharing heaping plates of comfort food.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Queso Flameado**. This isn't your average melted cheese dip. It's a dramatic, sizzling skillet of melted Chihuahua cheese, often flambéed tableside, and mixed with spicy chorizo. Scoop it up with warm, freshly made flour tortillas—it's pure, unadulterated joy.
* **The Main Event:** You simply cannot go wrong with the **Cancun Special Fajitas**. A magnificent platter arrives, still audibly sizzling, with a generous pile of tender, marinated skirt steak and chicken, alongside sautéed onions and bell peppers. The accompanying guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and beans and rice complete the perfect, build-your-own bite.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** Their **Top Shelf Margarita on the Rocks** is legendary. Made with premium tequila and fresh lime juice, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong—the ideal companion to the spicy, rich flavors of your meal.
---
### **2. The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar: Upscale Coastal Elegance**
**Location:** 337 N Alister
Now, let's shift gears to something more refined. The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar is Port A's answer to upscale dining, offering a sophisticated escape without losing that coastal charm. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, The Phoenix feels both timeless and contemporary.
**The Vibe:** Think polished wood, soft lighting, and an air of relaxed elegance. It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night, a special celebration, or when you just want to treat yourself to an exceptionally well-crafted meal. The bar is a destination in itself, often featuring live piano or jazz.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Tuna Poke Nachos**. This dish is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Crispy wonton chips are topped with fresh, sesame-marinated ahi tuna, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of spicy sriracha aioli. It’s a brilliant fusion of coastal favorites.
* **The Main Event:** For a true taste of the Gulf, order the **Pecan-Crusted Redfish**. A flaky, local redfish filet is encrusted in crushed pecans, pan-seared to a golden brown, and served with a bourbon-brown butter sauce. It’s sweet, nutty, rich, and utterly divine. Pair it with their roasted asparagus for a perfect plate.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** Explore their extensive wine list or opt for a classic **Old Fashioned**, which the bartenders here execute with precision and flair.
---
### **3. Port A Beer Hut: The Ultimate Laid-Back Hangout**
**Location:** 905 TX-361
Welcome to the heart of Port A's casual vibe. The Port A Beer Hut is less of a restaurant and more of an institution. This open-air, no-frills beer garden is the epicenter of island life, where locals and tourists mingle over cold brews and simple, satisfying food.
**The Vibe:** Pure, unadulterated fun. Picnic tables, string lights, live music almost every night, and a sprawling yard with games like cornhole. You order at a window, grab a seat, and soak in the quintessential Port A atmosphere. It's loud, it's lively, and it's absolutely infectious.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Hut Chips**. These are house-made potato chips, fried to a perfect crisp and smothered in queso, jalapeños, and your choice of ground beef or pulled pork. They are the ultimate shareable, messy, delicious appetizer.
* **The Main Event:** The **Brisket Grilled Cheese** is a game-changer. This isn't a sad, flat sandwich. It's thick Texas toast stuffed with molten cheese and incredibly tender, smoky brisket. It’s a hearty, comforting masterpiece that soaks up the beer perfectly.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** With over 50 taps, this is beer heaven. You have to try a local favorite like **Port A Pale Ale** from the nearby Port Aransas Brewing Company. Or, go for a classic **Shiner Bock**. The options are endless and always rotating.
---
### **4. Virginias On The Bay: A Dockside Seafood Dream**
**Location:** 815 Trout St
For a true on the water experience, you can't beat Virginias On The Bay. Perched on the edge of the Lydia Ann Channel, this restaurant offers breathtaking sunset views over the water, with pelicans and dolphins often providing the dinner entertainment.
**The Vibe:** Rustic, nautical, and utterly relaxing. The dining room is spacious with huge windows, but the real magic is on the massive outdoor deck. It's the perfect place to kick back, listen to the water lap against the docks, and feast on the freshest seafood.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Oysters Virginia**. These are baked oysters topped with a rich, savory blend of spinach, bacon, and parmesan cheese. They are rich, briny, and a phenomenal start to your meal.
* **The Main Event:** The **Stuffed Flounder** is their signature dish for a reason. A whole flounder is stuffed with a generous amount of jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp, and a delicate seasoning, then baked to perfection. Every forkful is a taste of the sea. For a more hands-on feast, the **Steamed Snow Crab Cluster** served with drawn butter and corn on the cob is a must.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** A crisp, cold **Pinot Grigio** or a **Corona with a lime** is the ideal pairing for this waterfront feast.
---
### **5. Salty Dog Club: Coastal Cool and Craft Cocktails**
**Location:** 203 N Alister St
The Salty Dog Club brings a dose of modern, beach-club cool to Port A. With its sleek design, palm frond decor, and inviting patio, it’s a place that feels both trendy and completely at home on the island.
**The Vibe:** Upscale casual with a lively bar scene. It's a great spot for a long lunch after a morning on the beach or for evening cocktails with friends. The energy is upbeat and stylish without being pretentious.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Ahi Tuna Tacos**. These are not your ordinary tacos. They feature rare-seared ahi tuna, a spicy sriracha slaw, and a creamy avocado crema, all served in crispy wonton shells. They're light, fresh, and packed with flavor.
* **The Main Event:** The **Blackened Fish Tacos** on the lunch menu are a local legend, but for dinner, you can't go wrong with the **Gulf Shrimp & Grits**. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a Creole-inspired sauce and served over creamy, stone-ground grits. It's a Southern classic executed beautifully.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is a cocktail bar at its core. You must try their **Salty Dog Cocktail**—a grapefruit-forward, gin-based classic that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
---
### **6. Coachs Island Grill: A Sports Bar with a Chef's Touch**
**Location:** 717 Tarpon St
Don't let the sports bar label fool you. Coachs Island Grill is where you go to watch the big game, but you'll be eating food that far surpasses typical bar fare. It's a family-owned spot where the quality of the food is as important as the score on the TV.
**The Vibe:** Lively, friendly, and covered in TVs. It's a community hub where everyone knows each other. The walls are lined with local sports memorabilia, and the service is always with a smile.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Island Eggrolls**. These are a unique and delicious twist on the classic. Stuffed with blackened chicken, shrimp, rice, beans, and cheese, then fried and served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce, they are a flavor explosion.
* **The Main Event:** The **Blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich** is a star. A perfectly seasoned and grilled mahi-mahi filet is served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade sauce. It's a fresh, healthy, and incredibly satisfying choice.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** They have a great selection of local drafts. Grab a **Real Ale Firemans #4** or a frozen **Bahama Mama** for the full island experience.
---
### **7. Stingrays Taphouse and Grill: Burgers, Beer, and Beach Vibes**
**Location:** 401 Beach St
Just a stone's throw from the sand, Stingrays is the quintessential beachside burger and beer joint. It’s casual, quick, and consistently delicious—the perfect pit stop after a long day of sun and surf.
**The Vibe:** Bright, open, and uncomplicated. You order at the counter, grab a number, and find a seat on the patio to people-watch. It's a no-fuss, high-reward kind of place.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Fried Pickles**. They are thinly sliced, coated in a seasoned batter, and fried to a delicate crisp. Served with ranch, they are the ultimate salty, tangy, crunchy appetizer.
* **The Main Event:** You're here for the burger. The **Stingray Burger** is a half-pound of juicy beef topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and their signature Stingray sauce (a tangy, slightly spicy secret recipe). It's a massive, messy, and magnificent creation. For a taste of the sea, the **Grilled Shrimp Po' Boy** is also fantastic.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** With Taphouse in the name, you know the beer is serious. They have a wide selection of craft beers on tap. Pair your burger with a cold **512 IPA** or a **Saint Arnold Lawnmower**.
---
### **8. BierHaus Port Aransas: A Taste of Germany by the Gulf**
**Location:** 522 East Avenue G
For something completely different, step into the BierHaus. This authentic German biergarten and restaurant is a delightful surprise on the island, offering robust flavors and a fantastic selection of imported beers.
**The Vibe:** Cozy, rustic, and authentically German. With dark wood, communal tables, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, it feels like a little piece of Bavaria was dropped right in the middle of Port A.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Bavarian Pretzel**. It's a giant, warm, soft pretzel served with both spicy beer mustard and a delicious beer cheese sauce. It’s the perfect way to begin your German feast.
* **The Main Event:** The **Wiener Schnitzel** is the gold standard. A tender, thin veal cutlet is breaded and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown, served with a lemon wedge, and traditionally accompanied by spätzle (a soft egg noodle) and red cabbage. It's hearty, classic, and incredibly satisfying.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is non-negotiable: you must have a German beer. A towering, one-liter mug of **Spaten Oktoberfest** or a crisp **Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier** is the only proper accompaniment to this meal.
---
### **9. Port A Poke & Sake: A Fresh, Healthy Oasis**
**Location:** 345 N Alister St
Sometimes, after days of fried seafood and heavy meals, your body craves something light, fresh, and clean. Port A Poke & Sake is your answer. This bright, modern spot brings the Hawaiian poke bowl trend to the island with exceptional quality and style.
**The Vibe:** Clean, minimalist, and fast-casual. You walk down the line and build your own beautiful, colorful bowl of fresh ingredients. It's a refreshingly healthy and quick option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event (Build Your Own):**
1. **Base:** Start with a base of sushi rice, spring mix, or zucchini noodles.
2. **Protein:** The **Ahi Tuna** and **Salmon** are both incredibly fresh and buttery. Get both!
3. **Sauce:** The **Spicy Mayo** and **Shoyu (soy sauce)** are a classic combination.
4. **Mix-ins & Toppings:** Go wild! Edamame, cucumber, seaweed salad, avocado, mango, and crispy onions create a wonderful symphony of textures and flavors.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is the place to try **sake**. They offer a nice selection, but a crisp, dry **Junmai Ginjo** would be a perfect pairing. If sake isn't your thing, a Japanese beer like **Sapporo** or **Asahi** is a great alternative.
---
### **10. The Gaff: The Iconic Watering Hole**
**Location:** 323 Beach St
We couldn't possibly finish this tour without a stop at The Gaff. This is Port A's most legendary bar, a no-frills, sawdust-on-the-floor, dive-bar institution that has been the heart of the island's nightlife for decades.
**The Vibe:** Authentic, gritty, and full of character. The walls are covered in decades of graffiti, business cards, and memories left by visitors from all over the world. The music is loud (often live), the drinks are strong, and the crowd is always a mix of salty fishermen, sunburned tourists, and local characters.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event:** The food is simple, satisfying bar grub, but the real star is the atmosphere. However, you can't go wrong with a **Gaff Burger**—a no-nonsense, juicy burger that hits the spot after a night of dancing.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** You come to The Gaff for the experience and the drinks. Order a **Lone Star Beer** (the National Beer of Texas) in a can, or a **Whiskey and Coke**. Don't expect a craft cocktail; expect a strong, honest drink in a plastic cup. Before you leave, grab a sharpie and leave your mark on the wall—it's a rite of passage.
### **A Final Bite of Advice**
From the sizzling fajitas at Cancun to the salty air and cold beer at The Gaff, Port Aransas offers a culinary journey as diverse and welcoming as the island itself. Each of these ten spots tells a different part of the Port A story. So come with an appetite, a sense of adventure, and don't be afraid to get a little sand in your shrimp. You're on island time now.
Happy eating
So, pull up a chair, order a cold drink, and let me walk you through the essential dining experiences that make Port Aransas a true foodie destination. We'll explore ten spots that capture the heart and soul of our island, from authentic Mexican fiestas to dockside seafood feasts and everything in between.
### **1. Cancun Mexican Restaurant: A Fiesta on the Island**
**Location:** 1023 State Hwy 361 Ste E
Let's start where many a great Port A story begins: with a hearty, flavorful meal at Cancun Mexican Restaurant. Tucked away in a strip mall, this place is a classic don't judge a book by its cover gem. The moment you step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the irresistible aroma of sizzling fajitas and fresh cilantro will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.
**The Vibe:** It’s family-friendly, bustling, and unpretentious. The walls are adorned with vibrant colors and sombreros, and the staff greets you like an old friend. This is the place for lively conversations, clinking margarita glasses, and sharing heaping plates of comfort food.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Queso Flameado**. This isn't your average melted cheese dip. It's a dramatic, sizzling skillet of melted Chihuahua cheese, often flambéed tableside, and mixed with spicy chorizo. Scoop it up with warm, freshly made flour tortillas—it's pure, unadulterated joy.
* **The Main Event:** You simply cannot go wrong with the **Cancun Special Fajitas**. A magnificent platter arrives, still audibly sizzling, with a generous pile of tender, marinated skirt steak and chicken, alongside sautéed onions and bell peppers. The accompanying guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and beans and rice complete the perfect, build-your-own bite.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** Their **Top Shelf Margarita on the Rocks** is legendary. Made with premium tequila and fresh lime juice, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong—the ideal companion to the spicy, rich flavors of your meal.
---
### **2. The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar: Upscale Coastal Elegance**
**Location:** 337 N Alister
Now, let's shift gears to something more refined. The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar is Port A's answer to upscale dining, offering a sophisticated escape without losing that coastal charm. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, The Phoenix feels both timeless and contemporary.
**The Vibe:** Think polished wood, soft lighting, and an air of relaxed elegance. It's the perfect spot for a romantic date night, a special celebration, or when you just want to treat yourself to an exceptionally well-crafted meal. The bar is a destination in itself, often featuring live piano or jazz.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Tuna Poke Nachos**. This dish is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. Crispy wonton chips are topped with fresh, sesame-marinated ahi tuna, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of spicy sriracha aioli. It’s a brilliant fusion of coastal favorites.
* **The Main Event:** For a true taste of the Gulf, order the **Pecan-Crusted Redfish**. A flaky, local redfish filet is encrusted in crushed pecans, pan-seared to a golden brown, and served with a bourbon-brown butter sauce. It’s sweet, nutty, rich, and utterly divine. Pair it with their roasted asparagus for a perfect plate.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** Explore their extensive wine list or opt for a classic **Old Fashioned**, which the bartenders here execute with precision and flair.
---
### **3. Port A Beer Hut: The Ultimate Laid-Back Hangout**
**Location:** 905 TX-361
Welcome to the heart of Port A's casual vibe. The Port A Beer Hut is less of a restaurant and more of an institution. This open-air, no-frills beer garden is the epicenter of island life, where locals and tourists mingle over cold brews and simple, satisfying food.
**The Vibe:** Pure, unadulterated fun. Picnic tables, string lights, live music almost every night, and a sprawling yard with games like cornhole. You order at a window, grab a seat, and soak in the quintessential Port A atmosphere. It's loud, it's lively, and it's absolutely infectious.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Hut Chips**. These are house-made potato chips, fried to a perfect crisp and smothered in queso, jalapeños, and your choice of ground beef or pulled pork. They are the ultimate shareable, messy, delicious appetizer.
* **The Main Event:** The **Brisket Grilled Cheese** is a game-changer. This isn't a sad, flat sandwich. It's thick Texas toast stuffed with molten cheese and incredibly tender, smoky brisket. It’s a hearty, comforting masterpiece that soaks up the beer perfectly.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** With over 50 taps, this is beer heaven. You have to try a local favorite like **Port A Pale Ale** from the nearby Port Aransas Brewing Company. Or, go for a classic **Shiner Bock**. The options are endless and always rotating.
---
### **4. Virginias On The Bay: A Dockside Seafood Dream**
**Location:** 815 Trout St
For a true on the water experience, you can't beat Virginias On The Bay. Perched on the edge of the Lydia Ann Channel, this restaurant offers breathtaking sunset views over the water, with pelicans and dolphins often providing the dinner entertainment.
**The Vibe:** Rustic, nautical, and utterly relaxing. The dining room is spacious with huge windows, but the real magic is on the massive outdoor deck. It's the perfect place to kick back, listen to the water lap against the docks, and feast on the freshest seafood.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Oysters Virginia**. These are baked oysters topped with a rich, savory blend of spinach, bacon, and parmesan cheese. They are rich, briny, and a phenomenal start to your meal.
* **The Main Event:** The **Stuffed Flounder** is their signature dish for a reason. A whole flounder is stuffed with a generous amount of jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp, and a delicate seasoning, then baked to perfection. Every forkful is a taste of the sea. For a more hands-on feast, the **Steamed Snow Crab Cluster** served with drawn butter and corn on the cob is a must.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** A crisp, cold **Pinot Grigio** or a **Corona with a lime** is the ideal pairing for this waterfront feast.
---
### **5. Salty Dog Club: Coastal Cool and Craft Cocktails**
**Location:** 203 N Alister St
The Salty Dog Club brings a dose of modern, beach-club cool to Port A. With its sleek design, palm frond decor, and inviting patio, it’s a place that feels both trendy and completely at home on the island.
**The Vibe:** Upscale casual with a lively bar scene. It's a great spot for a long lunch after a morning on the beach or for evening cocktails with friends. The energy is upbeat and stylish without being pretentious.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Ahi Tuna Tacos**. These are not your ordinary tacos. They feature rare-seared ahi tuna, a spicy sriracha slaw, and a creamy avocado crema, all served in crispy wonton shells. They're light, fresh, and packed with flavor.
* **The Main Event:** The **Blackened Fish Tacos** on the lunch menu are a local legend, but for dinner, you can't go wrong with the **Gulf Shrimp & Grits**. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a Creole-inspired sauce and served over creamy, stone-ground grits. It's a Southern classic executed beautifully.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is a cocktail bar at its core. You must try their **Salty Dog Cocktail**—a grapefruit-forward, gin-based classic that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
---
### **6. Coachs Island Grill: A Sports Bar with a Chef's Touch**
**Location:** 717 Tarpon St
Don't let the sports bar label fool you. Coachs Island Grill is where you go to watch the big game, but you'll be eating food that far surpasses typical bar fare. It's a family-owned spot where the quality of the food is as important as the score on the TV.
**The Vibe:** Lively, friendly, and covered in TVs. It's a community hub where everyone knows each other. The walls are lined with local sports memorabilia, and the service is always with a smile.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Island Eggrolls**. These are a unique and delicious twist on the classic. Stuffed with blackened chicken, shrimp, rice, beans, and cheese, then fried and served with a spicy ranch dipping sauce, they are a flavor explosion.
* **The Main Event:** The **Blackened Mahi-Mahi Sandwich** is a star. A perfectly seasoned and grilled mahi-mahi filet is served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy remoulade sauce. It's a fresh, healthy, and incredibly satisfying choice.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** They have a great selection of local drafts. Grab a **Real Ale Firemans #4** or a frozen **Bahama Mama** for the full island experience.
---
### **7. Stingrays Taphouse and Grill: Burgers, Beer, and Beach Vibes**
**Location:** 401 Beach St
Just a stone's throw from the sand, Stingrays is the quintessential beachside burger and beer joint. It’s casual, quick, and consistently delicious—the perfect pit stop after a long day of sun and surf.
**The Vibe:** Bright, open, and uncomplicated. You order at the counter, grab a number, and find a seat on the patio to people-watch. It's a no-fuss, high-reward kind of place.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Fried Pickles**. They are thinly sliced, coated in a seasoned batter, and fried to a delicate crisp. Served with ranch, they are the ultimate salty, tangy, crunchy appetizer.
* **The Main Event:** You're here for the burger. The **Stingray Burger** is a half-pound of juicy beef topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and their signature Stingray sauce (a tangy, slightly spicy secret recipe). It's a massive, messy, and magnificent creation. For a taste of the sea, the **Grilled Shrimp Po' Boy** is also fantastic.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** With Taphouse in the name, you know the beer is serious. They have a wide selection of craft beers on tap. Pair your burger with a cold **512 IPA** or a **Saint Arnold Lawnmower**.
---
### **8. BierHaus Port Aransas: A Taste of Germany by the Gulf**
**Location:** 522 East Avenue G
For something completely different, step into the BierHaus. This authentic German biergarten and restaurant is a delightful surprise on the island, offering robust flavors and a fantastic selection of imported beers.
**The Vibe:** Cozy, rustic, and authentically German. With dark wood, communal tables, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, it feels like a little piece of Bavaria was dropped right in the middle of Port A.
**What to Order:**
* **Must-Start With:** The **Bavarian Pretzel**. It's a giant, warm, soft pretzel served with both spicy beer mustard and a delicious beer cheese sauce. It’s the perfect way to begin your German feast.
* **The Main Event:** The **Wiener Schnitzel** is the gold standard. A tender, thin veal cutlet is breaded and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown, served with a lemon wedge, and traditionally accompanied by spätzle (a soft egg noodle) and red cabbage. It's hearty, classic, and incredibly satisfying.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is non-negotiable: you must have a German beer. A towering, one-liter mug of **Spaten Oktoberfest** or a crisp **Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier** is the only proper accompaniment to this meal.
---
### **9. Port A Poke & Sake: A Fresh, Healthy Oasis**
**Location:** 345 N Alister St
Sometimes, after days of fried seafood and heavy meals, your body craves something light, fresh, and clean. Port A Poke & Sake is your answer. This bright, modern spot brings the Hawaiian poke bowl trend to the island with exceptional quality and style.
**The Vibe:** Clean, minimalist, and fast-casual. You walk down the line and build your own beautiful, colorful bowl of fresh ingredients. It's a refreshingly healthy and quick option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event (Build Your Own):**
1. **Base:** Start with a base of sushi rice, spring mix, or zucchini noodles.
2. **Protein:** The **Ahi Tuna** and **Salmon** are both incredibly fresh and buttery. Get both!
3. **Sauce:** The **Spicy Mayo** and **Shoyu (soy sauce)** are a classic combination.
4. **Mix-ins & Toppings:** Go wild! Edamame, cucumber, seaweed salad, avocado, mango, and crispy onions create a wonderful symphony of textures and flavors.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** This is the place to try **sake**. They offer a nice selection, but a crisp, dry **Junmai Ginjo** would be a perfect pairing. If sake isn't your thing, a Japanese beer like **Sapporo** or **Asahi** is a great alternative.
---
### **10. The Gaff: The Iconic Watering Hole**
**Location:** 323 Beach St
We couldn't possibly finish this tour without a stop at The Gaff. This is Port A's most legendary bar, a no-frills, sawdust-on-the-floor, dive-bar institution that has been the heart of the island's nightlife for decades.
**The Vibe:** Authentic, gritty, and full of character. The walls are covered in decades of graffiti, business cards, and memories left by visitors from all over the world. The music is loud (often live), the drinks are strong, and the crowd is always a mix of salty fishermen, sunburned tourists, and local characters.
**What to Order:**
* **The Main Event:** The food is simple, satisfying bar grub, but the real star is the atmosphere. However, you can't go wrong with a **Gaff Burger**—a no-nonsense, juicy burger that hits the spot after a night of dancing.
* **Liquid Sunshine:** You come to The Gaff for the experience and the drinks. Order a **Lone Star Beer** (the National Beer of Texas) in a can, or a **Whiskey and Coke**. Don't expect a craft cocktail; expect a strong, honest drink in a plastic cup. Before you leave, grab a sharpie and leave your mark on the wall—it's a rite of passage.
### **A Final Bite of Advice**
From the sizzling fajitas at Cancun to the salty air and cold beer at The Gaff, Port Aransas offers a culinary journey as diverse and welcoming as the island itself. Each of these ten spots tells a different part of the Port A story. So come with an appetite, a sense of adventure, and don't be afraid to get a little sand in your shrimp. You're on island time now.
Happy eating
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