While you’re staying in one of our South Padre Island condos, you’ll probably be wondering about the best places to eat in town.
You’ll have your pick of any cuisine you could imagine! There’s a little something for everyone to dine on here in SPI, so your entire family is sure to be satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for the freshest seafood on the island or want to chow down on a juicy burger, you can find it here. Let’s discuss a few great restaurants in South Padre Island, starting with Dirty Al’s.
Dirty Al’s
For things to do in South Padre Island, at least food-related, this place is worth its mention in full. Dirty Al’s offers Cajun-like, waterfront-style eating that anyone can afford without sacrificing quality. The best part is that they’re open daily (11-9 Sun-Thurs, 11-10 Fri-Sat). They even feature some of their own, made in-house New Orleans seasoning, which you can also order in bulk (perfect for enjoying even once you return home!).
Their specials on margaritas go on every single day of the week, even outside of happy hour times, ideal for enjoying a refreshing drink at any time. For those who love to sink their teeth into real, quality-cooked, jumbo-made shrimp, this is the best place to get it! Plus, anyone with an irking for some genuine, classic seafood botanas will not be disappointed to try theirs; the Classic Botana plate comes with shrimp, chicken, oysters, and fish. It’s an instant hit! Try it blackened. Dirty Al’s does dine-in, plus curbside, so get your food how you want it. Ask about their deals on “oysters on the half shell” (served by the dozen or half-dozen).
Chilitto Pikin
This eatery makes the top of the list for South Padre Island restaurants. Why? Well, it’s the only one in the area where you can get a deal on all-you-can-eat tacos for just a few bucks! You can also order to go anytime they’re open if you want to stay in your rental to dine. Open Tues-Thurs (11-5) and Fri-Sat (11-6), this spot specializes in unique, oversized Mexican sandwiches (or ‘tortas’ in Spanish). You can get them with everything that comes on a typical American-style sandwich, like cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and more.
But for the meat itself, this torta is packed. It comes with your choice of whatever kind of steak, shredded beef, chicken, pork, fish patty, or cutlet you like. Then, the meat is piled right in the center of the sandwich. It feels like a burger mixed with a more traditional sandwich; it’s an incredible feeling and experience you will only have here. If enchiladas are your thing, try their chicken (which you can request to swap out for fish, based on their local catch of the day when they offer it) or Enchiladas Verdes (with mild, medium, or spicy green chile sauce poured on the top).
Painted Marlin Grille
A top choice for South Padre Island seafood restaurants, the Painted Marlin Grille makes it a point to be the best of the best on any list. First, their happy hour alone runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Not many other happy hours do you know that practically run all day long! They’re open all day Fri-Sat (11-10) and get quite packed with customers, so make plans ahead of time. This is a trendy venue for its beach shack vibes, chefs, waterfront food, and much more. Sunday is a great day to come in if you want to relax and have some privacy (open 11-9 hours). Or, if you prefer to go in Mon-Thurs from 12-9 (open hours, free self-seating based on what’s available), it gets even more calm and cozy, perfect for a solo guy or gal (or a quiet couple) looking for some privacy in a chill setting.
Painted Marlin Grille offers “light bites” during happy hours (tiny cheeseburgers and other appetizers) and their more extensive entrée options. Try their tilapia fish plates if you’re craving a bite of the ocean’s best. What’s also unique about the Painted Marlin Grille is that you can (much like its name) see marlin statues and paintings in their natural habitats throughout the restaurant. It’s decorated super nicely and certainly doesn’t lack color; its festive look, overall, inspires.
Blackbeards’
Open from 11:30-9, Wed-Sun, Blackbeards’ has been around since 1978, specializing in fried, festive seafood arrays of many kinds. Mon-Fri (3-6 p.m., but closed Tuesdays) is when happy hour runs here. During such time, be sure to not miss out on any of their 32+ drinks, including wines, IPAs, imported and domestic beers, and some of their best SPI-exclusive margaritas.
You’ve never had fresh tuna until you’ve tasted their one-of-a-kind Ginger Teriyaki Ahu Tuna, which comes served medium-rare. This tuna is perfectly char-crusted and sliced, promising that you will fall in love with tuna in a new way! If you like crab cakes, then Blackbeards’ has got what you need as well – you can pick up a single blue crab cake or get a pair for a bigger meal. These come with a slight jalapeno aroma, as the chef includes some in making this dish. The quantities for this sell-out treat are limited, so hopefully, there will be enough for your crew (but make sure to call in advance and order some for when you arrive!). They make these fresh, in-house, with an original Southwest recipe that’s not shared with anyone outside their kitchen. One bite in, and you’ll be hooked!
Plan Your Stay
The team at Padre Getaways is proud to help thousands of guests every year, and many of our rentals are return destinations for families planning their annual getaways. Are you ready to make South Padre Island your own home away from home? Then contact Padre Getaways today to book your stay!
Book Your South Padre Rental
Now it’s high time to talk about why you should stay with Padre Getaways while in SPI. We offer rentals near every one of the restaurants on this list, and we ensure that your vacation goes from “good” to “spectacular”!
Our South Padre Island beachfront rentals offer something for every group, whether you’re traveling by yourself or bringing the entire family along for the adventure. Enjoy amenities like complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and much more. Our many properties are close to the downtown area and its astounding attractions for kids, adults, and pets! If you like having something to do for the whole family, stay where the action’s at and pick one of our South Padre Island rentals. Our listings are just a click away, but if you have any questions while browsing, we’re happy to help.
